Listening to reactions

Sexism kills women

What have been the reactions of people here when we speak of the “machismo mata” rallies in Chile? People have expressions of shock when they learn that 38 women have been killed due to sexism this year in Chile, then even more upset when they hear of some of the methods used.

A link: http://www.nuestroblog.net/2007/08/el-machismo-mata.html

What are you finding in your communication circles?

Greetings & Giftings

As Chair of the Global Mission Committee of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, I had several opportunities to extend greetings on behalf of Bishop James Stuck, Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Bill Gafkjen, and all the people of the IK Synod. I also had opportunities to officially present and receive material type gifts at churches, schools, and all of the official visits we made. I thank you and God for those opportunities.


I also want to bring greetings to Bishop Stuck, to Rev. Bill Gafkjen, and to all the people of the Indiana Kentucky Synod from Bishop Pastora Gloria Rojas, the staff of the IELCH office, and the people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile. We were so warmly received and greeted and those greetings extend to you as well.

The group of travelers had a wonderful time in Chile experiencing new friendships as God filled the space between. We carried several gifts from various congregations including clerical stoles (enough for each of the 10 pastors to receive one), 20 small blankets, and Teddy bears. We also carried a poster signed by people from around the country who attended the National Via de Cristo Secretariat meeting in Indianapolis just before our departure. Ruth Ann Hendrix (far right in the photo) attended this VDC meeting and brought this poster along with the greetings.


We so frequently think of gifting in the material sense. I am reminded however of scripture in Romans 12:4-8 and the use of the many gifts we have been given by God. Though we come from various backgrounds, we shared the gifts of music and dance, friendship, stories, warmth, and hope. Here are just a few pictures of sharing gifts.

We hope to share with the congregations of the IK Synod, through presentations to your congregationa, some of gifts we've received through stories and photos. We also brought back gifts of red clerical stoles for Bishop Stuck and Rev. Bill Gafkjen. The Belén O'Higgins School also sent a cross and a wall hanging with photos of their students.

A few years ago the Women's organization of theIK synod and the Global Mission Committee partnered to raise money for some women's projects in Chile. One of those projects is a sewing group that makes altar paraments. We brought back a 2-piece set that is reversible for the Advent and Christmas seasons. These paraments will be available for display with our presentations.

Five years ago at the Synod Assembly held in Louisville, the decision was made to provide hymnals and Bibles to the Lutheran churches in Chile. I am happy to report that every congregation we visited was using those gifts.

Peace,