May 1, 2011

CHICAGO – In a world where migration and immigration remain contentious issues, how do people of faith respond? The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is hosting a series of events throughout 2011 designed to help congregations explore how the biblical call to "welcome the stranger" can open new opportunities for ministry in their communities and around the world.

At the events, known as ELCA "Glocal" (global and local) Gatherings, attendees will gain practical tools for transforming their congregations into centers of hospitality through relationship building and advocacy. Members will also feel empowered to join the national conversation about the vital gifts new neighbors bring to this country.

ELCA members who have attended past "Glocal" Gatherings said the events helped them grow as Christians and learn new ways to share God's love in their own communities.

Mary Beth Woodrow, First Lutheran Church, Aitkin, Minn., said the gathering provided a "thought-provoking approach to culture" and helped her appreciate Lutheran sisters and brothers throughout the world.

"This is an event where people gather together to learn, to grow, to build relationships," said the Rev. Nancy J. Larson, director for evangelical mission, ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod, Waverly.

The Rev. Jason A. Bryan-Wegner, Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minn., said he brought several members of the ELCA congregation he serves to a recent gathering. "It has really opened the eyes of our congregation members to the sense that there really is a way to do mission that seems to be more authentic to who they are," he said. Those who attended began discussions about employing what they learned in their local community, Bryan-Wegner added.

Gathering participants will hear inspiring speakers and music, sample food from around the world and meet Lutherans who live in other parts of the world. Resources will be available for participants to bring back to share with their congregations.

Workshop topics that will be offered at most gatherings include cross-generational engagement; biblical foundations for strategic community outreach; Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; music; hospitality; social action; stewardship; and youth and hospitality.

The planned dates for the events and locations are:

+ May 6-7, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, Ill.

+ June 10-11, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior, Minn.

+ June 22-23, Decorah Lutheran Church, Decorah, Iowa

+ July 29-20, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, La Crosse, Wis.

+ Aug. 4-6, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Norcross, Ga.

+ Sept. 23-24, Zion Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas

+ Sept. 30-Oct. 1, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kan.

+ Oct. 21-22, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Long Beach, Calif.

Information about 2011 ELCA Glocal Mission Gatherings, including registration information, is at http://www.ELCA.org/glocal/, on the ELCA website.

ELCA News Service