by Ruth Koble

Let’s play a game of “connect- the-dots.” Starting point, Lutheran Training Institute (LTI), Lofa County, Liberia. Ending point, the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. All registered voters are invited to participate. Playing pieces are letters, phone calls, and visits to U.S. Congress. The game is “ADVOCACY”.  . . .

(right) The chief and elders had just settled a land encroachment problem for Esther. (One of the elders attended West Chester University.)

The Poor You Always Have With You

 by Foster R. McCurley

Jesus said those words, and added, “but you do not always have me.” He said it when a woman anointed his head with expensive ointment. When Jesus’ disciples (or one disciple) objected that the money spent for this extravagant act could have been used to help the poor, Jesus uttered the puzzling words.  . . .

by Berry Friesen

Berry Friesen, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (208 N. Third Street, Suite 200, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-233-6705) reflects on the incidence of hunger in the Commonwealth in a conversation with InterSections.  . . .
 

Will You Speak For Us?

I heard a call from God

by Jeanette Leisk

In the course of a week I attend many meetings. Most often I would characterize the time spent at those meetings as informative, tedious or even amusing. Only rarely can I say the time was life-changing. But late last year I experienced a true life-changing moment of grace-at a meeting.  . . .
 

During the Affirmation of Faith service (in the old days we called it confirmation) the minister addresses those making affirmation with this question: “Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism… to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?” To this question, each person answers in turn, “I do, and I ask God to help and Guide me.” Do you remember that affirmation?  . . .
 

Hearings planned at five different Pennsylvania locations:

Single complementary copies of the draft statement can be downloaded from a link at: http://www.elca.org/socialstatements/education, or by calling the Church in Society Resource Request Line at 773-380-2996. Bulk orders for groups and congregations can be placed with Augsburg Fortress at 800-328-4648. Copies are 25 cents each, plus shipping and handling.
 

Attention! Actionet Members

     If you have given us your e-mail address and have not been receiving Actionet Alerts, it is probably because: (1) your e-mail address hasn’t been updated, or (2) we have never had an e-mail address on file for you.  If you are in either category, please send send us your present e-mail address so that you will be sure to receive information of importance quickly.

                            @ @ @  Send your contact information to Gail Wilson at g-wilson1@lamp.org.  @ @ @

Advocacy Agenda for 2007-2008

     Every two years, in the fall of the year, LAMPa adopts an agenda for its work in the following two years. It is the intent of LAMPa to be a common voice for Lutherans in Pennsylvania as we interact with elected officials (both Legislative and Executive branches). Positions are formed based on the Social Statements of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The specific subjects engaged are decided by LAMPA’s constituency through the approval of the LAMPa Policy Council.

     As a first step in building the agenda, we ask all persons receiving InterSections to indicate your answers to two questions:

1. What are the societal conditions or issues to
   which you would like LAMPa to give priority?

2. What is your stance on these issues?

     Send your answers to LAMPa, 245 Division Street, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1213, or send them in an e-mail to lamp@paonline.com. 

It will be helpful if we receive your response by September 15.