The Voice of Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda

Forwarded from Larry Moeller, Vice President of Sierra Pacific Synod

[Note from the [SPS] e-service editor: If you are e-connected to the ELCA List Serve, then you may already have seen this message so pardon the duplication. If not, it merits broadened awareness.

Given the tragedy in south Asia, many are wondering how to respond with maximum effect. For persons wishing to make monetary donations and a) know that their donation is going to the right places and b) that every penny is going to aid, not overhead ... well, the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal is the answer.

Due to the unique nature of this circumstance, every person in the Sierra Pacific Synod for whom I have an e-address is receiving this memo ... irrespective of ministry interest, passion or cause.

A nursery song is ever present in my mind these days: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ... All around the neighborhood, I'm gonna let it shine." My light may be little ... but it is a light, and south Asia is my neighborhood, too.

" ... and this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world ..." (John 3:19)]

----------------------------

From Kathryn Sime, Director for ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeals:

Grace and peace to you in the name of our comforting God.

Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson asked me to convey this notice on his behalf to all rostered leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America regarding our response to the south and southeast Asian tsunamis. While we normally limit the use of this list, we believed this update was warranted given the magnitude and unprecedented nature of this disaster.

The devastation wrought by the earthquake on December 26, 2004, and the resulting tsunamis is overwhelming. At this moment, over 80,000 are known to have died, and millions more are homeless. The death toll and long-term damage is extensive and unprecedented. Given our church's close connections with many in these regions, including many partner churches, we grieve for, and with all our brothers and sisters who have suffered losses this week.

Through ELCA International Disaster Response, we are already active in ministry in this disaster. Many of our ministry partners, including companion churches throughout the region, have begun distributing emergency food, water, medicine, and other supplies. We have made a preliminary commitment of $150,000 to our partners, but far more will be required for the long-term recovery.

More information about our relief efforts, including a bulletin insert, are available on the ELCA Disaster Web site (www.elca.org/disaster). A reproducible bulletin insert and appeal will be mailed to all congregations in early January 2005. Updated information and news about this disaster will continue to be provided at the Web site.

Prayers and gifts are urgently needed for the immediate and long-term relief efforts. When designated for "South Asian Tsunamis," all gifts - 100 percent - will be used in this response. Gifts may be given through your congregation or directly to ELCA International Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. To make a gift by credit card, call 800-638-3522 or visit www.elca.org/howtogive.html.

Your partnership is crucial to this church's disaster ministry. Thank you for your efforts to lift up the work of ELCA International Disaster Response in your congregations and ministry settings.

In Christ's Service,

Kathryn Sime, Director
ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * * * * PERMISSION TO COPY * * * * * * * * * *
Contents of this message may be copied, reproduced or
inserted into congregational newsletters. If space allows,
please include this attribution in reduced font --
"Courtesy of the e-service of the
vice president, Sierra Pacific Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda

The Voice of Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda

South Asian Tsunami aid