Mission in the New England Synod of the ELCA
The Rev. Jane O’Hara Shields
Director for Evangelical Mission
Home office: 1795 Main St.
Brewster, MA 02631
508-896-2284
fax: 508-896-2294
jshields@nesynod.org
jane.shields@elca.org
Synod Office
Executive Secretary: Barbara Lamson
20 Upland St., Worcester, MA 01607
508-791-1530 x 106
blamson@nesynod.org
www.nesynod.org
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1: 1-3
Check it out. New England is a mission-in-progress. We are celebrating start-ups and potential start-ups of mission in a number of different forms. Keep reading if you would like a foretaste of the feast to come!
 In Providence, Rhode Island:
In 2000, the people of Gloria Dei partnered with the synod in initiating a “Healing the Wounds of Racism” process. It is a goal of synod to have all members participate in this transformational experience, to enter into this covenant of healing. A leadership team of synodical clergy and laity meets regularly to advise and monitor our experience.
Members and leadership of Gloria Dei practice a model of “accompaniment” for urban multicultural ministry: “Walking with Jesus in the street, doing ministry at the grass roots, seeing Jesus already in the community” is at the core of this vision
The Center for Walking with Jesus in the Street received financial support for its start-up from the NES Mission Development Fund. The prayers and partnerships of others who share the vision are encouraged.
Satellite Ministry: Four miles from Gloria Dei, in South Providence, another ministry is being organized through the evangelism, hospitality, and instruction of leaders of Gloria Dei. With the guidance of ELCA Latino staff we are developing La Iglesia Luterana as a new start.
The on-site developer, Ramon Santos Mendez, is enrolled in the synod’s candidacy process.
If you would like to know more please contact:
In Marshfield, Massachusetts:
In this suburb south of Boston a proposal was co-funded by the ELCA and NES. In September of 2009, Pastor Mark Huber was called to serve as developer of this exciting new start called Sanctuary. We invite your prayers and support as mission partners.
To learn more:
Pastor Mark Huber 781-536-8293
mark@sanctuarymarshfield.org
www.sanctuarymarshfield.orgI
Boston Metro Mission Start:
Another conference with a special focus on mission is Boston Metro. Over the past two years, through prayer, scripture reading and reflection, neighborhood canvassing, intentional listening, and consultations with synodical leaders, the evangelists have attempted to discern the Spirit’s call to a new ministry in Boston. The evangelists bring no preconceived notions of what the new ministry in Boston should look like, rather, they bring a deep commitment to listen to the Spirit speak through the people of Boston and to be led to new forms of ministries that are genuinely and truly open to all of God’s children.
For example, when two members of Our Saviour, Dorchester, joined with the Boston Metro evangelism team to canvas the neighborhood and explore the potential for developing and/or redeveloping a mission a decision was made to move toward redeveloping Our Saviour. To each of its immediate sides are different cultural/ethnic communities, the largest of which is African American. In May of 2007, leaders from the ELCA African American Strategy Team entered into dialog with leaders from the conference, synod, and Our Saviour’s. In the months that followed, Adelita Callwood, a member of Our Saviour, was enrolled in TEEM candidacy and the school of lay ministry, and authorized by Bishop Payne to serve as lay minister. In 2010, Team Dorchester was formed to begin the planning and writing of a proposal toward giving this ministry a new start.
To find out more we invite you to call or email
Imanuel Indonesian in Newington, New Hampshire:
Our synod’s most recent official new start was received into the ELCA on May 20, 2007, and recognized at the 2007 Synod Assembly. In September of 2000, the members of Holy Trinity opened their doors and their hearts to a growing community of Indonesians. Most of the members of Imanuel have come to the U.S. because of religious persecution in Indonesia. Through a healthy and caring partnership with Holy Trinity, members of Imanuel decided they wanted to be Lutheran. We rejoice in their membership in our synod and the leadership of their pastor, who now is on the ELCA roster of leaders and called to serve Imanuel. A vision of Imanuel is to help birth one new congregation every year in the ELCA. As of 2010 they have started faith communities in Scranton, PA, and two in Texas.
To find out more we invite you to call or email
· Pastor Robert Waworuntu 603-380-1181
robert.waworuntu@gmail.com
More New Starts:
Ecumenical/ Ethnic specific:
On Trinity Sunday of 2006, three congregations joined in procession from the Dunkin Donuts on Main Street in Meriden, Conn., to Immanuel Lutheran, for their first official worship together. Immanuel Lutheran celebrates the sharing of space and ministry with the Anglo and Latino congregations of All Saints Episcopal. Pastor Nancy Beckwith and Interim Vicar, Mother Vernella from All Saints, share the leadership in this exciting mission opportunity.
To find out more we invite you to call or email
· Pastor Nancy Beckwith 203-238-1248
pastornancy@immanuelmeriden.com
Consolidation:
In Gardner, Mass., the members of First and Covenant voted to consolidate, becoming Faith Lutheran in 2006. Under the shepherding of their interim pastors they formed a “shared ministry” team that met for a year, exploring creative and energizing avenues for the congregations to combine their resources and make a new start of mission in Gardner. In their new life, they called a pastoral team. We celebrated the official reception of Faith, Gardner, into the New England Synod at the June 2007 Assembly.
To find out more we invite you to call
· Pastor Scott Grimshaw 978-632-2271
· Pastor Joanna Norris Grimshaw
faithlutheran@net1plus.com
Other Mission Opportunities:
by the way emerging ministry in Nashua, NH:
A unique opportunity for ministry with young adults and families is emerging in the Nashua, NH, area. As the population of this age group increases significantly, we are exploring new ways to reach out to that community. The ELCA and New England Synod have partnered for three years in the funding of this venture in faith.
To find out more we invite you to call or email
bytheway.nashua@gmail.com
facebook group: by the way
blog http://bythewaynashua.blogspot.com/
Exploring mission opportunities:
+ Bridgeport, CT
With African heritage/multicultural
Possible Moravian church partnership
+ West Providence, RI
With Latino/multicultural
+ Concord, NH
With African heritage/multicultural
+Storrs, CT
Planned community being built by town
Want to partner with these ministries?
Please contact either co-chair for Mission Partners:
Pastor John Nieman 508-829-6707 jhnatlc@verizon.net
Pastor Dan Wilfrid 508-829-4416 dlwilfrid@charter.net
And/or check the synod website:
www.nesynod.org to resources/committees & teams
Where is God calling us next?
Rev. 3/9/2010
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