We Are Walking in the Light of God, together sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and embracing the mutuality of our gifts and mission.
Walking Together - Sister Parishes
Congregations/Parishes
Generally in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM), a pastor serves from three to nine, and up to twelve congregations within a parish. A congregation may also have an evangelist and/or a parish worker. The pastor is like a circuit riding pastor, visiting each congregation on a rotating basis. Sometimes the congregations are several hours walk from the pastor’s home. Companion congregations in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin are linked with an ELCM parish.
Financial Commitment
There is no direct financial commitment with the parish involved in our Companion Congregation/Parish Program. The foundation for the companionship is in our mutual prayers and “walking together”, as Jesus walked and shared with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. As relationships deepen, areas where gifts can be mutually shared will become apparent.
This program is part of the larger Companion Synod relationship. All congregations and parishes in our two churches walk together and are encouraged to participate in this joyful ministry. To enable our members to generously share of their resources for God’s mission and to receive the gifts of global companions, a Common Basket fund has been established. Donations to the Common Basket are appreciated. As is the case with all other special offerings, these gifts should be in addition to the regular general mission support of your congregation. The Synod office maintains a needs list developed by the ELCM and is the appropriate channel for gifts to be sent to them. For the sake of transparency, accountability and maintaining a positive relationship with parishes in the ELCM, any monetary gift must be channeled through the synod office to the ELCM head office.
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