Guest Post - Loving Your Neighbor

Loving Your Neighborby Pastor John Lund

 

Kudos to the Darby library for going forward with the March 9 talk on Islam by UM scholar Samir Bitar. The rampant rhetoric of fear regarding Muslims immigrants is out of line with our core American value of granting life and liberty to all people. What has made us great is our willingness to give everyone a chance regardless of race, ethnicity, social class, or beliefs. Certainly, we need to denounce and fight ISIS, and we need protection from their attacks. It is reasonable to be concerned about screening immigrants from a war-torn nation. But to judge all Muslims because of ISIS is unfair. The claim that Islam is at war with Christianity or with the US and that all Muslims are out to get us is plain wrong.

For those of us who are Christian, we would do well to look first at the log in our own eye. We have to acknowledge that many Christians justified the killing of native peoples by calling them "heathens" and "savages." Later, Christians sent Native children to boarding schools so they could be "Christianized" and re-cultured. Christians also justified slavery, and many later fought against civil rights for Blacks and all people of color. European Christians perpetuated stereotypes and discrimination against Jews, which allowed the rise of Nazi hatred and the Holocaust. Many Christians fought against the right of women to vote, and some still believe that women should be subject to men and silent outside their homes. Even today, Christians fight the hardest against civil rights for people in the LGBTQ community. If the atrocities of some Christians were used to judge all of us, we'd be lucky to have any neighbors at all.

The truth is that there are an estimated 3.3 million Muslims in this country, and many have been here for decades. Most work hard as teachers, business owners, laborers, doctors, and in other professions, and are integrated into American culture and life. They wage peace through daily prayer, compassion, care for their neighbor, and devotion to the same God that Christians and Jews worship. They honor Moses and Jesus as Major Prophets and have great respect for the Bible. I have known many Muslims in my lifetime and feel fortunate to have some as friends. They are among the most genuine, gracious, giving and humorous people I know. In all of our major cities, Imams and Muslim leaders work with Christian, Jewish and other faith leaders to foster relationships, peace and unity among the world religions. Time after time, when Christians actually meet Muslims and get to know them and share a meal and conversation, relationships are formed, attitudes and perceptions are changed, and the whole community is enriched for the better. Thank God we have different languages, music, food, skin colors, traditions and beliefs! Because of that we learn and grow and become fuller human beings when we are together.

Yes, there are horrible things being done by some Muslims who manipulate Islam and the Quran to justify their own ideology of terror and control. Yes, some Muslims believe that women should obey their husbands and have fewer rights than men. Yes, some Muslims are fundamentalist and practice horrific forms of violent retribution. And this is true for some Christians as well. We see evidence of this today in KKK rallies, mass shootings and vandalism of Black churches and abortion clinics, and the high rate of domestic violence against women. The greater truth is that the huge majority of the estimated 1.7 billion Muslims and 2.4 billion Christians in the world are people who love God and neighbor, care for those in need, and seek peace in our world.

As Christians, we are called not only to love the neighbors who are similar to us, but to also love those who are different and even our enemies. Our world is already filled with fear, lies, hatred, and violence. We can do much better by waging peace, forming relationships, listening to each other, sharing life, and expecting the best from each other. That is exactly what a Galilean Jew did 2000 years ago amid times of great fear, much like today. Perhaps we can follow his lead.

      -Pastor John Lund is Campus Pastor at the University of Montana

Emmaus Campus Ministry at the University of Montana

God's work. Our hands. Day of Service - Sunday, September 13th - Part One: School Kits

This fall CtK will join other ELCA congregations for the third annual "God's work. Our hands." Day of Service. There will be several opportunities to serve right here in Bozeman, as well as an opportunity to make a difference around the world.

Assembling School Kits for Lutheran World Relief is one way to have global impact, by making it possible for children who might otherwise not be able to pursue their education to attend school. In order to assemble School Kits, we need folks (you!?) to purchase and donate the supplies for them.

Each School Kit contains:

Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide– or college– ruled paper; no loose-leaf paper
One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other
One pencil sharpener
One pair of blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well)
Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers
Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink)
One box of 16 or 24 crayons
One 2 ½” eraser

It is NOT necessary for you to purchase items for one complete kit. Purchase whichever supplies you like, and when everything is gathered we'll put together as many kits as we can. All items should be new and in good condition.

 

For more information about Lutheran World Relief and where school kits go, check out:

lwr.org/schoolkits

 

 

NEW book for Friday Morning Small Group - Join the Discussion!

The Friday morning Small Group finished reading and discussing The Cross and the Lynching Tree, by James Cone, this past Friday morning. Just a day and a half after the horrific attack on Bible Study participants at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, we wondered together what to do, as white Christians in America, where clearly racism is alive and well. That will be an ongoing conversation, but includes continuing to learn about American history as experienced by people of color, to listen to perspectives different from our own, to speak up against racial slurs and stereotypes when we hear them, to pray, to examine and repent of our own racist thoughts and behaviors, to work for justice and reconciliation...

One of the quotes at the beginning of the book's Conclusion especially struck me:
"Perhaps nothing about the history of mob violence in the United States is more surprising than how quickly an understanding of the full horror of lynching has receded from the nation's collective historical memory." - W. Fitzhugh Brundage

Yes, the shooter on Wednesday night appears to have acted on his own, though he certainly did not live and form his opinions and beliefs in isolation. Yet, the history of lynching in the US is something most of us in the Friday small group didn't know much about. And it's not ancient history. As hard as reading The Cross and the Lynching Tree was, we're all glad we read it. And I think I can safely say each member of the group would encourage you to read it, too.

The group's next book is Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, by Imaculee  Ilibagiza. The discussion of the first chapter begins on Friday, July 3rd, at Clark's Fork at 7am. All are welcome!

Generous Response on Malaria Sunday! Disaster Response in Nepal

THANK YOU to all the worshipers gathered as Christ the King Lutheran Church this past Sunday. A total of $685.57 was raised to support the work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign - and every last penny helps reach the campaign's goal of $15 million by the end of next January.
As the offering was received, we watched a video about the ELCA Malaria Campaign's work in Burundi. Below, watch about the work being done thanks to your generous support in Malawi. And if you'd like to "stay in the loop" on the Campaign's efforts, check out the ELCA Malaria Campaign blog.

Folks are also asking about how to respond to the devastating earthquake in Nepal last weekend. One hundred percent of gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for "Nepal Area Earthquake," will be used for relief efforts. The ELCA has well-developed partnerships with Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran World Federation and the ACT Alliance, already delivering emergency aid. You can give online, or give through CtK, just indicate your gift on your check or offering envelope.

From the ELCA Disaster Response website:

Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Nepal, as rescue efforts and assessments continue. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has launched an immediate large-scale emergency response with its emergency team in Kathmandu at the LWF offices, which have escaped the worst impact of the quake. The ELCA is the only U.S. member church of the LWF. We are also working with Lutheran World Relief and church partners from ACT Alliance to coordinate the response, which includes the distribution of immediate life-saving supplies such as water, food, shelter and medication to people injured.

Thank you for your prayers and generosity in support of those in need.

Merciful God, hear our cry for mercy in the wake of the earthquake. Reveal your presence in the midst of suffering. Strengthen those who work in search and rescue, recovery and relief efforts. Comfort those who mourn. Inspire generosity in the hearts of those with the capacity to help. And bless us all with the assurance of hope we know in the death and resurrection of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

ELCA Global Links

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Lutheran African peace activist

Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a Lutheran Liberian peace activist, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Read this story and more at www.elca.org/news (click on News Releases in the left-hand column).

Apply now to be an ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission
Young adults (ages 19-29) are invited to apply to serve for a year in an international program in Argentina and Uruguay, Jerusalem / West Bank, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Central / Eastern Europe, Southern Africa and the United Kingdom. See www.elca.org/yagm.

Support the ELCA Malaria Campaign
Malaria claims the life of a child every 45 seconds. You can help. Your gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign provide mosquito nets, medication, health care, education and more to eliminate deaths from this disease -- for good. Give now: www.elca.org/malariadonate.

Wittenberg, Germany: ’The Reform Continues’
The Rev. Arden Haug, new director for the ELCA Wittenberg Center, reflects on 500 years of reform and the ELCA's participation in the anniversary of the Reformation. Read the entire story at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Fall 2011 issue of the Hand in Hand newsletter.

Malawi: Walking together in Christ
"We must listen to the voice of each other as well as to the voice of Jesus. What is he saying to us as we move together and hold hands in this journey of accompaniment?" Hear more from Bishop Bvumbe of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi in a short video at www.elca.org/companionvoices.

Advocating with our companions
Companion churches living under political oppression or danger request not only your prayers but also your public voice on their behalf to the larger church, governments and international agencies of the world. Learn how some ELCA members received the training and motivation to do so. See www.elca.org/companionadvocating.

Guyana: A holistic ministry
Prior to becoming a missionary pastor, Richard Young had a full-time private practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Richard reflects on using health care skills within the context of ministry as a witness and service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Guyana. Watch a short video at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand.

Sponsors needed for missionaries in Argentina
You can be a sponsor for the Rev. Dr. Jose Rodriguez, who serves as chancellor at the seminary of the Lutheran Church in Argentina, and his wife, Kathryn Bake, who serves the church as coordinator for event planning. Sponsors from Nebraska, Texas, and the Chicago area are especially welcomed to minimize their travel time and maximize their effectiveness while on home leave. For more information, visit www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship or call 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2657.

Glocal Mission Gathering in Cary, N.C., January 27-28
Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. Find more information and registration at www.elca.org/glocal.

Learn more about companion synod relationships
Online profiles have been updated by the ELCA Grand Canyon, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Northern Great Lakes, Southeastern Iowa, and Southern Ohio Synods. Learn of new developments in companion synod relationships at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles.

In our prayers
Give thanks for Carol and the Rev. James Sack, serving with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. James teaches pastoral care and counseling at the Japan Lutheran Theological College and Seminary, Tokyo. Carol reaches out to those facing death with a harp ministry. (This prayer for October 29 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.elca.org/prayerventures.)

Thursday Thought Part 2

Hat tip to Matt H. for sending this video to the Rooted in Faith, Growing in Giving Leadership Team.
Go watch it. Please.


"Bread for me is a material problem.
Bread for my neighbor is a spiritual problem."
—Nikolai Berdyaev

What do you think of the video?

September 2011 Global Links

Drought in the Horn of Africa
Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries in East Africa are experiencing the worst drought in 60 years. The ELCA has committed $1.25 million for drought relief to support long-term rebuilding; more help is needed. See www.elca.org/disaster, http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/ and also www.elca.org/news (click on News Releases in the left-hand column).

ELCA assembly officially launches the ELCA Malaria Campaign

Every 45 seconds a child dies from malaria, a preventable and treatable disease. Based on the decision made at the Churchwide Assembly, the ELCA will join with Lutheran churches in Africa, to work toward a malaria-free future. See www.elca.org/news (click on News Releases in the left-hand column).

Germany: Explore Luther's heritage in Wittenberg, Germany
The ELCA Wittenberg Center can assist you in exploring the many study and learning opportunities available in the heart of this historic city of Martin Luther and at other Reformation sites. See www.elca.org/wittenberg.

Senegal: Christian-Muslim relations
ELCA missionaries Peter Hanson and Sarah Grow reflect on life and ministry in an interfaith setting. Watch a short video at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand.

The ELCA's best-kept secret: Young Adults in Global Mission
"We have been blessed this past year here in Jerusalem with six amazing, dedicated and talented Young Adults in Global Mission who have impacted our lives and the lives of the Palestinian church, while taking a giant step that means they will never see the world in the same way as before." Read more about the work of these young adults at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand.

South Africa: "Ubuntu! I am because we are!"
"Being present here is so important. The electricity may be down. The water supply may be down. But, I am here with you." Read more reflections from two young adults at www.elca.org/handinhand.

Asia/Pacific: Regional representative for diakonia sought
Represent the ELCA in diakonia ministries (development, health care, disaster response). Preference will be given to applications received by September 15, 2011. Position starts January 2012. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click Global Service Opportunities to search the database at the bottom of the page.

Why missionaries?
After two months on home assignment, ELCA missionary Brian Konkol considers the role and purpose of Christian missionaries in a blog post at http://lwfyouth.org/.

Glocal Mission Gathering in Wichita, Kansas, September 31-October 1
Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. For more information and to register, visit www.elca.org/glocal.

Companion synod relationships: More profiles
Online profiles have been updated by the ELCA Alaska, Northwestern Ohio, Southeastern Iowa, and the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synods, and by the Synod of Alberta and the Territories of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Learn of new developments in companion synod relationships at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles.

In our prayers
Pray for the new missionaries who are being deployed to many corners of the world this summer. Give thanks for their service to the church and their devotion to mission in God's world. (This prayer for August 30 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.elca.org/prayerventures.)

Global Links - the monthly newsletter from ELCA Global Mission

GLOBAL LINKS – March 2011

Connect to the global church through http://www.elca.org/

Egyptian protests and refugees

Amid the chaos in Egypt sits a forgotten community, tens of thousands of refugees currently in Egypt awaiting the outcome. See www.elca.org/disaster.

Australian floods

Flash flooding overwhelms the city of Toowoomba. The Lutheran Church of Australia responds. See www.elca.org/disaster.

Young people are connecting globally through Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

Over 200 young people from 27 groups in different countries have already registered for LWF together -- the earth needs you, an innovative program sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation. Each group will be matched with two groups in other continents for a six-month period of Bible study, environmental projects, and building relationships through the Internet. Register your group of 2 to 15 members, with a majority in ages 15-30, by April 1, 2011, and receive a handbook and guidelines for the time period of May through October. See http://lwfyouth.org/lwf-together/.

Raising of Lazarus

Make the connection between the story of Lazarus (the Gospel reading for Sunday, April 10) and the ELCA’s work around the world to help communities overcome the crisis of HIV and AIDS. Find a powerful 30-minute documentary and discussion guide on The Lazarus Effect at www.elca.org/aids/lazaruseffect.

How can goats change a village?

Watch as gifts of livestock help the Lingson family in Malawi end hunger. See www.elca.org/hunger/video.

Glocal Mission Gathering in Park Ridge/Chicago, Ill., May 6-7

Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. For more information and registration, visit www.elca.org/glocal.

"For Slaves and Kings"

"As a pilot, I learned the words of another anonymous pilot: ‘Slip the surly bonds of earth and touch the face of God.‘ These words sent shivers down my spine. As a missionary, I get to touch the face of God both in slaves and in kings." Read more from this article by Phil and June Nelson, ELCA missionaries in Cameroon, at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Hand in Hand newsletter, Spring 2011.

Sponsors invited

Pastor Paula Stecker, ELCA missionary in Haiti, is in need of prayer and financial sponsors. Paula is currently working with the Lutheran World Federation to strengthen communications with international partners and build up the network with faith communities and community-based organizations. Sponsors from the Southeastern, Florida-Bahamas, and Southeastern Iowa Synods are especially welcomed to minimize her travel time and maximize her effectiveness while on home leave. For more information, visit www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.

Final call for Young Adult in Global Mission applications

March 1 is the deadline to apply for the Young Adult in Global Mission program, an opportunity to serve one year in another country. See www.elca.org/yagm.

Regional representative sought in West Africa

This position is responsible for assisting the ELCA in fostering relationships with companion churches, ELCA mission personnel and programs in West Africa, with a focus on Theological Education and Interfaith Relations. Preference given to applications received by March 15, 2011. Starts July 2011. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click Global Service Opportunities to search the database for “West Africa.”

Mission service changed my life

"The whole community had come together." After four years in South Africa, Paula Powell reflects on how the people she worked among with broadened her horizons and understanding. See her video reflections at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/

Three more Companion Synod Profiles

Online profiles have been completed for by the Greater Milwaukee Synod, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and the Upstate New York Synod. Learn what's happening in companion relationships across the ELCA at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles

Global headlines at www.elca.org/news (click News Releases)

+ ELCA Provides Input for Federation Regional Committee Work, Coordination
+ ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Veto of Resolution on Israeli Settlements
+ Record-Level Giving to ELCA World Hunger in December 2010
+ ELCA Presiding Bishop Calls on U.S. to Support Resolution on Settlements
+ ELCA Missionaries Left Egypt with Mixed Feelings, Look Forward to Return

In our prayers

Lift up in prayer Randall and Carol Stubbs, teaching music at Makumira University College of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. Rejoice with them and their students as they learn the gifts of music and friendship. (This prayer for March 1 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx. )

Global Links contains highlights from elca.org of ELCA ministry or connections in other countries. See a current issue, subscribe, or follow on Facebook or Twitter at www.elca.org/global-links. Send your suggestions and comments to lanny.westphal@elca.org or to Pastor Lanny Westphal, ELCA Global Mission, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.

ELCA Global Links

GLOBAL LINKS
Connect to the global church through elca.org

LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION ASSEMBLY BEGINS THIS MONTH in Stuttgart, Germany
Join your thoughts and prayers with Lutherans from around the world. Follow the schedule. Sing the hymn. Study the Bible. Read the news. Live out the theme. Find resources for this and more at www.elca.org/lwf and click the links under The Lutheran World Federation Eleventh Assembly in the middle of the page.

AIDS PANDEMIC IN THE WORLD
Globally, the AIDS pandemic is a human crisis of unprecedented scope. Each day, more than 6,800 people became HIV-positive and more than 5,700 people die from AIDS. In countries hardest hit by HIV, life expectancy has declined by 20 years, poverty has deepened, and economic growth has been reversed. Learn more at www.elca.org/AIDS; click on the Learn tab at the bottom and then The AIDS Pandemic in the World.

VOICES OF OUR COMPANIONS
Two men from Colombia - a priest and a young adult from the Green Paradise Youth Cooperative - came to the United States to share stories about Lutheran World Federation projects and to advocate for peace in their country. They also have something to tell YOU. Hear them at www.elca.org/companionvoices.

WALK WITH A NEW PASTOR…TO JERUSALEM
Elly McHan just graduated from Wartburg Seminary. On August 15, she will be ordained at the congregation where her father serves. Then she leaves for Jerusalem to begin her service as a new ELCA missionary with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Learn how you can be part of her journey at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/post/mchan-28062010/.

YOUNG ADULTS TO SERVE AROUND THE GLOBE
Do you recognize any of the 44 people who will gather in August to prepare for a year of service with the Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) program? Pray for these young missionaries by name: http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/post/2011-yagms-named-04062010/.

CHICKENS AND MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT
In Lima, Peru, missionary Dana Nelson learned how 20 chickens can aid the "mutual up-building of the saints". See http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/post/pollada-22062010/.

COULD YOUR NEXT POTLUCK END WORLD HUNGER?
More than a billion people around the world are hungry. Many struggle to live on less than $1 per day. What if we could join together to make a difference in the fight against hunger? What if it started at your next potluck? A Month of Potlucks is a movement started by two Lutheran pastors. The idea is simple. Host a potluck, include a talk or activity about hunger and take a collection for ELCA World Hunger. Register your potluck and find great resources at www.amonthofpotlucks.org.

Position open: ELCA REPRESENTATIVE IN TANZANIA
Assist the ELCA Global Mission unit in key areas of relationship, communication, and administration with the ELCA’s companion church in Tanzania. Four-year commitment. Preference given to applications received by September 15. Starts January, 2011. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click Global Service Opportunities to search the database at the bottom.

GLOCAL MISSION GATHERING in Billings, Montana, August 6-7 Connect with other Lutherans interested in both global and local mission at King of Glory Lutheran Church. See www.elca.org/glocal.

COMPANION SYNOD CONSULTATIONS ELCA synod leaders are invited to periodic consultations with companion leaders in particular countries or continents. For a current list of consultations, see www.elca.org/localevents.

NEW RESOURCES FOR COMPANION SYNOD RELATIONSHIPS
Find information in the updated Companion Synod Handbook on combining service trips with building relationships (p. 21), establishing a congregation-to-congregation program (p. 24), congregations involved in another synod's companion relationship (p. 26), and missionary sponsorship (p. 32). See www.elca.org/companionsynods and click on the English version of the Handbook.

GLOBAL HEADLINES at www.elca.org/news (click News Releases)
+ Lutherans Address HIV Epidemic in the Caribbean, Latin America
+ Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Comments on World Refugee Day
+ Bread for the World, Heifer International Leaders Share World Food Prize
+ Top Leaders of ELCA, Church of Christ in Thailand Sign Bilateral Agreement
+ Lutheran's Mobile Phone Technology Project Earns 'Time 100' Honor
+ Young Adults Take Leap of Faith Volunteering Overseas
+ ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Gaza Ship Convoy Incident
+ ELCA Ministries Benefit from Thrivent Financial Member Vote
+ ELCA Awards Phoebe Herman Scholarships to 15 International Students

IN OUR PRAYERS
Give thanks for all who are concluding service through Young Adults in Global Mission, the ELCA global mission program for young people ages 19-30, especially Sarah Dorman, Sara Higgins, Kaitlin Nelson, Peter Severson, and Katherine Sommer, who served in Mexico. (This prayer for July 2 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at http://archive.elca.org/prayerventures/.)


This issue of Global Links (July 2010) contains highlights from elca.org of ELCA ministry or connections in other countries. Please forward Global Links in whole or in part to others, use it in publications with attribution, or encourage others to read it or subscribe at www.elca.org/globalmission/engage. Send your suggestions and comments to lanny.westphal@elca.org or to Pr. Lanny Westphal, ELCA Global Mission, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.