On the Road Together: The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa
“In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.”
- Isaiah 2:2
The Isaiah reading from the first Sunday in Advent paints a picture of the whole world coming together, streaming to the Lord’s house. This December, we give thanks to God for nations and churches - literally coming together - as an expression of our relationship in Christ.
Soon a delegation from our synod will travel to South Africa for a bishops' consultation with our global companions in the Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA). Every ELCA bishop in a companion relationship with ELCSA has been invited to lead a small delegation to South Africa for consultation on theological education, time in our companion diocese, and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of ELCSA as a denomination. Please hold Bishop Anne, Pastor Peter Mannjoa, Pastor Erik Roth and Dr. Beth Elness-Hanson (of Wartburg Seminary) in your prayers.
Follow along through the Wave and our social media this Advent as we share updates from our synod’s delegation and impact stories from the companion relationships that have been formed between our congregations and congregations of the ELCSA. How might your church stay connected to the partnership visit? Include this visit and your companions in your intercessory prayers, share in a special noisy offering or share a gift with the ECSW - ELCSA Partnership Fund, or reach out to your companion congregation directly - sharing Christmas greetings.
Intercessory Prayer Petition:
With arms open to others, we thank you for the relationship our synod has to the Western Diocese of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa. Surround their advent celebrations with hope, joy, peace, and love. As a delegation from our synod prepares for a consultation visit, we pray for safe travel to South Africa, for good conversations and connections, for a sense of unity and peace in Christ. Make your presence known everywhere your people share the good news of Christ’s coming. God of Grace, Hear our Prayer.
