Education/Advocacy Forum at MassMutual Center on June 4

On Saturday, June 4, there will be an onsite activity at Synod Assembly that will highlight important societal concerns that affect our world. Come and see, and you will discover ways to put your faith into action by addressing these issues. The Education/Advocacy Forum will take place at the MassMutual Center between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

The schedule is being finalized, and will be published onsite. Topics and presenters include: the environment, the Rev. Nancy Wright; Darfur, the Rev. Tim Oslovich; Good News Garage, Lisa Farren; Immigration, the Rev. Rick Kremer; World Hunger, the Rev. David and Doreen Rinas; and Habitat for Humanity.of Springfield. The Rev. Aaron Decker, Director of the Synod's Office of Public Policy, will serve as host for the series. 

"Each presenter will have the chance to educate and inform folks about a particular area," said Calumet Camp Director, Paul Lindahl, who is a member of the Synod Assembly Planning Team. "That would include how people are being impacted, what obstacles are being encountered, and what we can do to make a difference." There will be time for questions and answers afterwards, and - in some cases - the opportunity to take a further step. "We want to move people from faith to action," says Lindahl, "whether that means writing their congressional leaders, making a banner to serve as a reminder, or some other simple project." 

The Education/Advocacy Forum is open to all voting members and registered visitors. Those who have signed up for service projects in Springfield during the day on Saturday may find that they are able to stop by as their work is concluded. 

Join the "Bread for the World"  Letter-Writing Campaign

Got a few minutes to spare at 2011 Synod Assembly? That's all it takes to help fight global hunger...or put a smile on someone's face. Each year, Bread for the World offers a letter-writing campaign with a strong social justice component. It calls on Congress "to rework U.S. foreign assistance to make it more effective in reducing poverty - starting by ensuring that poverty reduction is the primary goal of foreign assistance."  Stop by the lobby during assembly, and you'll be able to write a letter to a member of Congress advocating for policies that help end hunger - at home and abroad. 

While you're there, you can also brighten up a senior's day by sending a birthday card. Filled with messages of hope, healing and good cheer, the cards will be delivered to nursing homes in the Springfield area. If they're lucky, some of these residents will also be serenaded by a lively group of Lutherans!

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