Dear Congregations of the Southeastern Synod:
 
In 2020, a year never to be forgotten, you opened your hearts to prayerfully and financially support our siblings in Christ in Guatemala. This was a huge team effort. Together we raised $129,000 for our companion synod la Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG). It’s time to give thanks and celebrate!
 
Back up, what exactly happened in Guatemala?
Like us, the ILAG congregations faced pandemic struggles and shutdowns plus two major hurricanes (Eta and Iota) that destroyed fields, crops, infrastructure, homes – but not their hope. Thanks to you, ILAG was able to provide food and medical supplies to rural congregation members, who in turn also shared with their communities.
 
What about MILAGRO?
Throughout it all, the young women at the MILAGRO Women’s Center were able to continue their education. Your support provided teachers, materials, and technology to pursue their dreams.
 
Let’s get back to the thanksgiving and celebration part!
We are hosting a Thanksgiving and Celebration ZOOM to honor the good things God is doing between the Southeastern Synod and ILAG. Pastor Karen Castillo, president of ILAG, and Diego Gil, delegation coordinator, will join us as we thank God, celebrate funds raised, share an update on ILAG and the MILAGRO Center and get a sneak peek at the 2021-2022 schedule.
 
How can YOU and YOUR congregation participate?

1. Pray for ILAG – for safety, continued healing, strength and peace
2. Print and share our FLYER here - or see the attachment
3. Check out the website at: https://www.elca-ses.org/ilag
4. Join the Thanksgiving & Celebration ZOOM on Sunday, April 18th at 3:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm CT. ALL are welcome!

Thanksgiving and Celebration with ILAG Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4578921805?pwd=Z0Z4WDVHVXVhU0Fjc29HRy90RGdUZz09
 
 
  
In Thanksgiving,
 
The Southeastern Synod Guatemala Team
 
 
Pastor Jill Henning, Assistant to the Bishop
 
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta, GA
Pastor Stephen Friedrich, Pastor Bob Bear, Allison Lizdas
 
Community of Grace, Grayson, GA
Pastor Matt Henning
 
Epiphany Lutheran, Suwanee, GA
Laurie Tinc
 
First United Lutheran, Kennesaw, GA
Lois Gilbert, Ginger Peterson
  
Grace Lutheran, Oak Ridge, TN
Pastor Larry Boudon
 
St John Lutheran, Griffin, GA
Elaine Bell, Phyllis Hutchings,  Larry Schultz
 
St. John’s Lutheran, Knoxville, TN
Nancy Friedrich
 
St. Andrew Lutheran, Franklin, TN
Pastor Katherine Museus Dabay
 
Shepherd of the Lake, Loudon, TN
Pastor Ingrid Schalk