40 Together One body. One ministry. 40 days.

40 Together

One body. One ministry. 40 days.

First Lutheran Church is once again participating in an initiative put together by the SEMN Synod ELCA, 40 Together; One body. One ministry. 40 days. This Lenten initiative is designed to practice ministry together in accompaniment of our siblings in Christ in Tanzania, Colombia, the US/Mexico borderlands, and our local South Sudanese communities.

The SEMN Synod has suggested a goal of $1 per baptized member of each congregation. Our Council, in embracing this initiative at the February meeting, decided to take part and set that as a minimum goal. We are confident that with your help, we can exceed $544 which would be $1/member for our congregation. Last year our congregation was able to send over $2,200 to support this very important initiative! A special 40 Together offering envelope is included with the March First Word newsletter for you to make a special designated gift. Envelopes can also be found in the Church Entryway.

The synod office will also be providing the following for use by individuals and congregations. Use one thing, two things, or everything! You can visit their website at https://semnsynod.org/events/40-together

Written daily devotional book, covering the 40 days of Lent

Weekly video devotional

Weekly prayer

Weekly activity for use with nearly any age or group size

Discussion questions for use around a home or church table

Recipe of the week, focusing on our partners’ cultures

One theme song; “We Are Marching in the Light” (found in ELW 866), provided in multiple languages with teaching videos

Blessings in Swahili, Spanish, and English

Thank you for supporting this 40 Together initiative with your generous contributions!