Mosquitos add buzz to bratwurst

by Dorothy Sorrell

We are more than halfway through the four year period of the ELCA Malaria Campaign and have received contributions of more than $9.7 million of our $15 million dollar goal.  These gifts have made it possible to begin life-saving work in two more countries – Namibia (connected through Companion Synods with our own) and Burundi.

Malaria Sunday was declared by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 20 in conjunction with a month-long LutherFest. The special focus on Martin Luther commemorated the Reformation of 1517 and celebrated the Luther Decade leading up to the movement’s 500th anniversary with opportunities for learning, growing in Lutheran heritage, and enjoying relaxed get-togethers.

Colorful mosquitoes drew attention to an ELCA Malaria Campaign display set up by members of the congregation for Malaria Sunday. Temple Talks at all three worship services described the mission of the Campaign – to reduce the number of deaths from this preventable, treatable disease – and a combined teen and adult class discussed the Campaign’s challenges and accomplishments. Members were asked to pray and to contribute.

Throughout the month, the terrible toll malaria continues to take in many countries was explored with age-appropriate focus in Sunday School classes. Children made mosquitoes and mosquito netting as reminders of what they’d learned and promotion of the effort.

Time away from heavy discussions was also taken by the congregation during LutherFest, including an Octoberfest with bratwurst, movies about Luther, and even a Bier Stube Nacht at a local brewery to recognize Luther’s enjoyment of good beer and discussions.

Metro D.C. Synod congregations continue their support of the ELCA Malaria Campaign through prayers, ongoing gifts and education of members of the need to help in this critical work. For more creative ideas and resources, contact Dorothy Sorrell, synod ELCA Malaria Campaign coordinator, at djsorrell1verizon.net.

 

Ms. Sorrell updated this article from the original blog post at http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/blogs/ELCAMalariaCampaign/10