April 2004

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Through our respective calls, you and I share the gift of leadership and the ability to set an example for the members of this church. I write to you with two requests in that regard.

Support the Vision for Mission offering
One very specific way that you as a pastor, associate in ministry, deaconess, or diaconal minister can support our shared work is to give strong, visible support to the ELCA's Vision for Mission offering. As you recall, this is the one opportunity each year for ELCA members to give directly to the ministries we share through the work of the churchwide organization.

I am delighted to notify you that the May issue of The Lutheran magazine is devoted to sharing exciting stories of ministry that are happening throughout this church and the world. Not only will it be sent to all who currently subscribe, but also sent in bulk - in proportion to worship attendance - to congregations that don't subscribe to The Lutheran. This way, all who are part of our worshiping communities may know the wonderful ways the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared through their mission support dollars. I encourage you to make these copies strategically available, letting those who gather - including key leaders - know that the magazine has been sent as a gift for them to read and share.

In addition, May 16, 2004, has been designated as Vision for Mission Sunday. I hope your congregation will take part in a special Vision for Mission offering on that day or another date of your choice.

This has been a challenging year financially for this church, but we remain committed to being a vital, vibrant church in mission. We remain committed to being Christ's church in mission together. The Vision for Mission offering is a marvelous opportunity to infuse the church with support so that our shared ministries can continue to be strong and those to whom commitments have been made need not be disappointed.

I invite you and the members of your congregation to join me in making a generous contribution to Vision for Mission if, like me, you believe this church should be:

• Starting and renewing congregations, not closing them;
   
• Expanding global partnerships and making disciples of all nations, not risking sending gifted missionaries home;
   
• Passing on our faith and values to our children;
   
• Becoming as richly diverse in membership as is this wonderfully, culturally diverse nation; and
   
• Supporting our seminaries, colleges, and universities so that more and more of our young people can be equipped for vocations through which they will live out their faith.

Several key leadership groups across this church - the ELCA Church Council, Conference of Bishops, and Cabinet of Executives - have already made pledges in overwhelming support of Vision for Mission. Your gifts, at this time of great need, will provide a major infusion of support to our partnership in these vital efforts.

Encourage subscriptions to The Lutheran magazine
This is also a marvelous opportunity for those of you whose congregations don't participate in one of The Lutheran's subscription plans to respond to the invitation to receive this tool for sharing the good news and learning more about the work we do together. Individual subscriptions, of course, also are always welcome.

Thank you for your attention to these requests. I am grateful for your commitment to the Gospel and to this church.

In God's grace,


Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
 

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Rostered leaders who did not receive this e-mail message in November, 2003 should send a message to leaderinfo@elca.org with your name, current e-mail address, city and state so the roster database can be brought up to date.