Event celebrates global mission work

More than 1,300 members of the ELCA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Episcopal Church celebrated the impact of worldwide outreach and partnership at a jointly sponsored Global Mission Event, July 27-30, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Children participate in the Global Mission Event closing worship service.

It’s the first year the ELCA has worked with Episcopalians to hold the event, and the second year of working with the Canadian church. Cooperating with those two churches, said Kevin Jacobson of ELCA Global Mission, “strengthens our commitment to do ministry and mission together” and “serves as a sign and model for local parishes.”

The events are an annual commitment for Barbara Miller, a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Shelby Township, Mich. “I’ve been coming for 15 years. I’m addicted,” she said. “The people, the mission of offering Christ to the world, the feeling of community—all of it rejuvenates my faith. It’s an awesome connection between what we believe and do, and how people in developing nations live.” About half to two-thirds of participants are repeat attendees, said GME organizers.