“… you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b
The Commission for Global Relationships is committed to this synod’s engagement in God’s mission to the whole world. That means we care about Christ’s ministry that is happening in Swedesburg and Sweden, Tama and Tanzania, Hopkinton and Haiti, West Des Moines and the West Bank of Palestine. The largest task before us is discerning what are to be ministries of the Southeastern Iowa Synod in contrast to ministries in the synod. Fortunately, this commission is blessed with men and women who are committed to serving Jesus Christ and the synod with a comprehensive vision of ministry.
Over the past few months, the commission has spent intentional time discerning goals and areas of focus. These include:
1. Raise awareness of accompaniment
2. Affirm congregational/global ministries
3. Connection with Unit for Global Mission, Churchwide offices. (Global Missions Events, Global Mission Gatherings, ELCA regional/
synodical events)
4. Be aware of global partnerships, including The Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches
5. Set priorities and establish committees and work
groups in the following areas:
a. Synod Companion Relationships
c. Global Advocacy, including Peace Not Walls
d. Initiatives, like the ELCA HIV and ELCA Malaria Campaign
Though the work of the commission is unlimited, the above goals will be the focus of the commission’s work for the current time. The commission members listed below are interested in hearing suggestions as to how the Global Relationships can best serve the Southeastern Iowa Synod and the whole church.
Synod Staff Contact: Pr. Eric Carlson
Members of the Global Relationships commission are:
Chair:
Sheri Krumm
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Ames
Pr. Tom Dowling
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Tama
Ruth Erhardt
First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids
Ron Heideman
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Indianola
Bob Larson
Faith Lutheran Church, Clive
Pr. Linda Livingston
Ascension Lutheran Church, Marion
Pr. Janelle Osbeck
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Des Moines
