We Are Church for the Sake of the World

by Vernita Kennen

Working to end hunger in God’s world is certainly one way to be church for the sake of the world. Our Saint Paul Area Synod’s representatives at the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Chicago in July, Cathy Carter and Donna Yates, learned more about how we can live into this through ending hunger. They reported the goals for the gathering were:

1. Equip attendees to share the story, encourage giving and engagement with ELCA World Hunger in support of the 2016 focus-year within “Always Being Made New” – The Campaign for the ELCA;
2. Re-root in the global and local perspectives of being church for the sake of the world; and
3. Commit to one personal, one synodical and one regional action item to compliment or guide our ELCA World Hunger-related ministry in 2016-2017.

Donna and Cathy recommend the video and the book “Forgotten Luther” in this time of Reformation 500th anniversary celebration. It will help us to relearn and remember what Luther thought and said about those who are hungry.

Speakers at the event included Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, missionaries from around the world, and advocacy leaders. Meetings by Region helped formulate goals; be watching for further work on a possible regional fund-raiser 500 mile bike ride in 2017. And, they learned about successful ways to promote and fundraise for the ELCA World Hunger program.

How can you - and your congregation - be “church for the sake of the world” today?