Dive In

Companion Church in Ethiopia

Website

What does it mean to be a “companion synod“?

Through companion relationships, members of ELCA synods live out the accompaniment model of global mission and experience the rich gifts and witness of Lutheran churches in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East.    The Companion Synod program is a concrete expression of the communion fellowship among the 140 member churches of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). and an exciting way ELCA members can engage in global mission!

What does this relationship of accompaniment look like?

Read the covenant between the Central Synod and the La Crosse Area Synod.

SEE DONATION FORMS at bottom of page.

Walking together in Learning and Teaching

Teachers are needed for up to three months at a time at the regional seminary in Nakamte.  The next teaching pastor from our synod will be Rev. Kristin Wendland who is currently further pursuing theological studies at Luther Seminary.  She previously was the pastor at Living Hope Lutheran Church in Ettrick, Wis.   Pr. Kristin begins her assignment in March 2011.  Read more about sharing your pastor and consider filling out a teaching application.

Fekadu Begna served as the Evangelist Teacher in the La Crosse Area Synod, ELCA, from Jan. 18 to May 16, 2008.  During that time he gave presentations on a variety of topics concerning outreach, evangelism, and discipleship, preached in a number of synod congregations, and provided individual and small group spiritual consultations to our pastors and lay leaders.  Click to read his blog, his devotions at the pre-assembly caucuses, or his presentations on Evangelism and Mission, or Discipleship, or the Charismatic Movement.

Scholarships for Women Pastors

Three women from the Central Synod received scholarships for their education at the Nekemte Christian Education College from our synod.  Ayelu, Birke and Ejigahyu graduated from their program of study in 2007.

Walking together in times of need – support for 2 health clinics

Currently the EECMY operates two health clinics in Ethiopia.  The La Crosse Area Synod has committeed to doing whatever it can to help keep these vital clinics open.  The “Hundred for Health” campaign is asking members to give gifts of $100; the amount needed to operate a clinic for one day.  See donor form below to make a donation.

In 2007 severe floods devastated much of the southern portion of the La Crosse Area Synod.  The EECMY collected a special offering to send to us.  Click here to see Fekadu Begna deliver a check from our companion synod in Ethiopia for flood relief at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gays Mills, WI.

2011 Delegation to Ethiopia

  • In March 2011 four pastors from our synod accompanied Bishop Jim Arends to Ethiopia to participate in the Central Synod’s 50th Anniversary celebration.  Those also on the trip were Pr. Mark Solyst (English Lutheran Church, La Crosse; 1st teaching pastor to Ethiopia in 2002), Pr. Lindsay Jordan (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Viroqua; on delegations in 2004 and 2007), Connie Scharlau (member of Christ Lutheran, Arcadia; on first delegation in 1997 and represented the ELCA at ordination of first woman pastor in the Central Synod in 2000) and Pr. Kristin Wendland, our 2011 Teaching Pastor (our 9th) to the Nekemte Christian Education College.
  • 2011 Central Synod Jubilee Celebration – bulletin insert with info regarding our 20-year “walk” with our brothers and sisters in Christ of the Central Synod, and with ways for you to contribute to our delegations and other ministries/projects we support in Ethiopia.

Support with Prayers and Donations

This form offers the opportunity to donate to either companion synod program — Ethiopia or Peru, to the EECMY Health Clinics fund, the Scholarship Fund for students to their Bible College or to the Companion Synod Teaching Pastors program with Ethiopia.  Your gifts are vital for the continuation of services and programs within our companion synods.  Thank you for sharing in this ministry!

Share|