On February 16, we welcome The Rev. Stephen Deal to SMLC. He will be our special guest in the Adult Forum and guest preacher during worship.
Stephen serves as ELCA Global Mission regional representative in Central America working closely with the leadership of our companion Churches in the region to identify ways for ELCA congregations and members to accompany the holistic missions of these Lutheran Churches among the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded.
Mutual relationships of accompaniment are strengthened through the Companion Synod program, Mission trips for church groups, and other people-to-people exchanges between Lutheran in the U.S and Central America.
On pages 4-5 of the February issue of the Messenger, I invite you to read about the Iglesia Luterana Costarricense (ILCO), our companion Church in Costa Rica, which Stephen Deal highlights about their 25th anniversary year.