ECSW Companion Relationship with ELCSA-Western Diocese

Learning in South Africa

6/26/2013

The following are some of the experiences and things already learned:

Orientation in Johannesburg with Rev. Morwaeng Motswasele and Dr. Phil Knutson was very helpful and an extremely valuable way to begin the trip.

The Diocese, led by Bishop Ditlhale, Treasurer Ubane, and Secretary Rapoo gave us a breat reception. Purchasing hymnals also proved helpful.

Accompaniment

6/1/2013

Accompaniment is key!

The world has changed - technology, world trade & world travel, and the rise of social media and instant connections are huge changes.

To be church today in worship, witness, service, community, and learning must also change if this church will be authentic and relevant to this world.

But true significant change takes time, thought, prayerful discernment, and lots of attentive conversations and experiences.

That is exactly the point of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin's Trip to the Western Diocese from June 18-July 10, 2013:

It is NOT a vacation, tourism, or even a mission trip.
It is NOT something we do for others over there.
IT IS - for us - WE are struggling to understand and be church in a way that is relevant, authentic, and inviting to our children, grandchildren and neighbors.
If we are going to be relevant, authentic, and inviting we need to be all about relationships, on a global scale, immersed in God's mission.

That is "accompaniment". It is not a concept to know, it is an experience in which to immerse oneself. It is much more than my thinking that must change; it is me that must change. I need to be immersed in experiences that stretch me to be mutual, inclusive and inviting, vulnerable and empowering of others, and intentionally committed to long-term relationships.This trip - hosted singly by a family in a South African village and experiencing their culture, challenges, worship, and deep faith - so different and yet so similar - there I experience deep learning. This is a learning to bring home into all relationships and to be church relevant, authentic, and inviting in today's world.

Learning in South Africa

Accompaniment

Accompaniment is key!

Liaison to Western Diocese

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