Learning Together as Friends

The first gathering of Guatemala Friends was attended by many long-time supporters of the joint companionship between the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG). Happily, there were also several people new to the group, looking to learn more about the programs and projects (and their mysterious acronyms!) and the people of the ILAG churches.

The group was formed when the synod changed the long-standing Guatemala Task Force into an official synod committee this spring. While the Guatemala Committee will continue to meet regularly in the afternoon at the synod office, this new Guatemala Friends group will have a lot of flexibility in choosing days, times, and locations for the bi-monthly gatherings.

Highlights of our first gathering included worship and a Q&A about the next health initiative - the safe and environmentally-friendly ONIL stove. This was followed by a fun Powerpoint of Augustana's visit to La Esmeralda in the Petén, shared by teens Sara and Erin Borchard, and a blessing of letters written to partner churches in Guatemala.

The next Guatemalan Friends event will be at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Roseville, on Sunday, January 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Details are to come, but Deborah McDermott hinted that making Guatemalan food is already a planned part of the event!

All are welcome to these events! They are a great place to continue or begin making connections with your faith partners in Guatemala. See you in January!

Nancy Ericson
Augustana Lutheran, West St. Paul