February 16 to 23, 2015 Omoa, Honduras

Leaders: Ed & Nancy Martin

Estimated Costs: $995 plus airfare (approx. $850) from Boston to San Pedro Sula

This weeklong trip includes education and service projects in the communities of Omoa and Chachagualla, which are about 1˝ hours from the airport along the North coast of Honduras. Accommodations are in a motel with shared rooms with private baths - similar to a Motel 6 in the US. (Hotel costs are the reason for the higher charge) Breakfast is served at the hotel and typically lunch and dinner are served at the host church. You will be working with Hondurans to improve their health infrastructure. Projects may include construction of cement sinks or energy efficient cooking stoves. In addition, projects may include repair and construction on a local church in Omoa damaged by an earthquake. There is also time spent with local children after school with craft projects and music. Contact Ed Martin for more details or visit www.sdumas.net.

April 20 to 28, 2015 Yuscaran, Honduras

Leader: Pastor Dave Rinas

Estimated Costs: $TBD plus airfare (approx. $850) from Boston to Tegucigalpa. 

After flying in to the Capital we will take a one hour bus ride to our living quarters which are located on the mountains overlooking the town of Yuscaran. Accommodations are more rustic. We sleep in cabins in bunk beds. While pillows, sheets and blankets are provided, we suggest you bring lightweight sleeping bags and your own pillow. Solar showers provide warm showers at the end of each day. Gravity flush toilets are located outside of the sleeping areas. The work in Yuscaran has centered on three projects, and each person finds their own place in one or more of these projects:

1. Construction and dedication of the church building through cement and rebar work. We have nearly completed this project. Other projects will be presented including a wall for the Lutheran Church.
2. Spontaneous after school children's VBS - crafts, games & singing in the town square.
3. Women's sewing clinic. We have brought sewing machines and provided an opportunity for women (though a few men come) to sew. We leave the machines and they are used in a nearby church as a resource to the community.

Contact Pr. Dave Rinas for more details or visit www.sdumas.net.

The New England Synod currently has several young people serving in global mission abroad. Dan Purtell, a former counselor at Camp Calumet, is serving as a Young Adult in Global Mission, or YAGM, in Hungary. He recently checked in from Békéscsaba, where he is living, and shared reflections and notes from his work in the area.

"Békéscsaba, where I am living, is the capital city of the county of Békés, which is about three hours south of Budapest," Dan writes. "I currently am serving with the Lutheran Church in Békéscsaba, primarily working in the school and dormitory assisting in English lessons. Other opportunities that I am currently working on include a bible study for some of the teachers here in the city as well as working with the Roma community in the surrounding area."

Click here to read Dan's full letter, and you can download his in-depth newsletter from the field by clicking here.

Additionally, Clare McElaney is serving as a YAGM in Jerusalem. The daughter of Pastor Doug and Noelle Ryniewicz of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe, Conn., Clare is working in Beit Safafa and Old City.

"As I am present here I am learning more and more each day about the realities of occupation and the hardships that many face," Clare writes. "This conflict is a two-sided coin and there is a lot to be open to and hear. Most of my work and the community I am forming is with the Evangelical Lutheran school of Hope in Ramallah in the West Bank. Much of my time is also spent in the Old City and in East Jerusalem (Beit Safafa)."

Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Salem Lutheran Church, 

3160 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT

The Ugandan Kids Choir will perform in concert at Salem Lutheran Church on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The children will present a program of traditional African music for voice and drums. All are invited to join the church for a potluck supper beginning at 5:30 p.m.
 

All 10 children have been given hope through Childcare Worldwide's Sponsorship Program and now they are here to spread that hope to audiences all across the United States. The choir has performed nationwide at churches, schools, at Disneyland, on King 5 Television's "New Day Northwest," at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, and on the steps of the White House.

These children delight audiences with traditional African songs and dances. Megan DiRienzo, Curator of Education at the San Angelo Museum of Fine arts says, "All of you have amazing talents, beautiful voices and some serious dance skills! A performance like yours was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We fully support you on your mission to end child poverty!"

By coming to this event, you will enjoy traditional African song and dance, as well as help children in need all around the world. So don't miss this unique and authentic performance by the children of the Ugandan Kids Choir.

Plus, an Ethnic & American Brunch/Lunch

All proceeds go to the ELCA World Hunger Program.

This traditional German Advent Service will be led by Rev. Matthew Tingler, Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Nashua, N.H. This service will be in German but printed English translations will be available.

After the service we will have a German style Kaffee Klatch. Please bring Kuchen (cakes and cookies) to share. As a donation please bring a non-perishable food item for the Good Shepherd's Hands and Hearts Food Pantry. For more information or directions please call Grita or John at 603-528-3129 or call Erin in the Church office (603) 528-4078. All are welcome.

Jan. 8-10, 2015

Hartford Seminary

Registration Deadline: Dec. 19

WHY: As people of faith, we have a special call to care for the Earth by reducing our negative impact upon God's creation and to seek ways we can act as true stewards. As Lutherans we have unique resources to empower collaborative restoration.

WHO: For people who want to learn how to encourage congregations to integrate Care for Creation into the entire life of the church. Clergy and laity representatives (including young adults) are invited to apply ASAP to be part of this unique LRC cohort of region-wide facilitators. Open to people of all faiths, but participants are expected to share their new tools with Lutheran churches in their area.

HOW: For details about the agenda and expectations contact Phoebe Morad, LRC Synodical Training Coordinator: pheebscongo@gmail.com or 617-599-2722.

Please register by Dec. 19 (space is limited): Registration of $35 per person requested to help defray costs.  

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