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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 30, 2002

ELCA GLOBAL MISSION EVENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA, MINNEAPOLIS
02-123-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Dare to Live God's Promise" is the theme
when members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
gather this year for two Global Mission Events (GMEs), annual
opportunities for Lutherans to learn about the church's mission work
in the world.
     GMEs are scheduled July 18-21 at Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory,
N.C., one of 28 ELCA colleges and universities, and July 25-28 at the
Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran Church,
Minneapolis.
     "GME's inform, stimulate and challenge us on what we are about
as a church while offering fun-filled activities for children, youth,
young adults and seasoned adults," said the Rev. Barbara J. Lund,
associate director for global events, ELCA Division for Global
Mission. "Through music, worship, prayer, provocative presentations,
and fellowship with Christians from across the states and around the
world, ELCA members will strengthen their understanding of the ELCA
as a church centered in mission."
     "Through the GMEs we learn from Lutheran companions around the
world that a 'global vision'  forces us to see the world through the
eyes of faith and witness the promise of Christ's presence in all
places," Lund added.
     The Division for Global Mission is the primary organizer of
GMEs, with support from staff in other ELCA divisions, commissions
and departments, and Lutheran social ministry agencies. Local
volunteer committees working with the division help organize GMEs,
Lund said.
     The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan New
York Synod, is a keynote speaker. Bouman will discuss the synod's
diversity of people and languages, and how New York Lutherans have
lamented, grieved, and begun to heal from the effects of the
terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
     Another presentation will feature three church leaders from
Tanzania -- the Rev. Elieshi  Mungure, Sister Judith Bukambu and Mary
Laiser    who will share stories about their ministries and work.
     Marc H. Ellis, author and professor of American and Jewish
Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Tex., and Suad Younan, Jerusalem,
will share perspectives on the Middle East.  Ellis founded and became
the first director of Baylor's Center for American and Jewish
Studies, which participates in national and international discussions
on ecumenism, religious pluralism, Jewish theology, philosophy,
identity, the Holocaust and the future of Israel/Palestine.  Younan
is principal of the Helen Keller School for the visually impaired in
Jerusalem, operated by the Bible Land Society.  She is married to the
Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Jordan (and Palestine).
     The Rev. John L. McCullough, executive director, Church World
Service and Witness (CWS), New York, will also speak.  CWS is the
relief, development and refugee assistance ministry of the National
Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.  McCullough will share
information on the work of CWS and his extensive global experience in
ministry, mission and humanitarian assistance. The ELCA participates
in the work of CWS.
     The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, will preside at
worship services that conclude each GME.
     Workshops and seminars, known as "Global University Sessions,"
highlight the Global Mission Events.  Planned workshops and seminars
include topics such as global partnerships, corporate social
responsibility, evangelism, ministry with people of color, prayer
ministry, rural and small town ministry, preventing domestic
violence, and the Lutheran AIDS Network.  In addition, many ELCA
missionaries will present seminars highlighting their work abroad.
     Another highlight of GMEs is GlobalFest, which features
interactive exhibits, stage presentations, music, dance and dress
from countries around the world. GlobalFest is led by ELCA
missionaries, international students and others in mission. This
year's GlobalFest will feature the Raun Raun National Theater from
Papua New Guinea.  ELCA mission personnel will be recognized.
-- -- --
     Program and registration information for the 2002 ELCA Global
Mission Events can be found at http://www.elca.org/dgm/gme2002 on the
ELCA Web site.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html