Note #9098 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:
06056 Feb. 3, 2006
Presbyterian, Lutheran publishers plan new faith-formation program
Akaloo intended to 'support faith journeys of members of all ages'
by Jerry L. Van Marter
ST. LOUIS - Congregational Ministries Publishing (CMP), part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Congregational Ministries Division, has announced a collaboration with a Lutheran counterpart to develop a new lifelong faith formation program for congregations.
According to CMP, the new program - entitled Akaloo (Greek for "to follow") - "responds to the church's need to support the faith journeys of members of all ages with a single integrated program."
Akaloo is the first joint effort by CMP and Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It will be available in August.
The ELCA and PC(USA) have been in full communion for nine years. The publishing partnership was announced during the annual conference of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators, which for the first time includes formal participation by the ELCA.
The publishing partnership "is a timely opportunity for both denominations to help our members grow as disciples of Jesus Christ," said Augsburg Fortress Congregational Life and Learning Publisher Bill Huff. "Our churches are calling for material that is true to their identities and helps connect people of all ages and supports lifelong discipleship."
CMP Publisher Sandra Moak said: "A program of this magnitude requires reaching across traditional borders to partner with those closest to our church. This partnership deepens the theological and leadership agreements that have already been fruitful for us all."
Akaloo resources will be Web-based. A network of "Akaloo churches" will be developed to encourage collaboration and the sharing of ideas and other resources.
For more information, visit the Web site: www.akaloo.org.
Information for this story was furnished by Scott Dowd, CMP coordinator for marketing, advertising and sales.
You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to
mailto:PCUSANEWS-unsubscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org.
To update your email address, send your old email address and your new one to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
For questions or comments, send an email to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
To learn more, visit http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/