Letter of invitation from your matched Parish
It is absolutely necessary that everyone going on this trip is willing to represent their congregation, and that you receive a letter of invitation from your matched companion parish inviting your congregation to visit them.
Specifics are important to be stated clearly concerning the goal of the trip, the dates, where they will pick you up (e.g. at their Circuit Deanery), the number that they can host, and their willingness to provide for your housing, food, transportation, and arrangements while in their parish (the pattern that has been mutually established and important to follow).
The information below from page 35 in the ELCA Companion Synod Handbook - Autumn, 2010, emphasizes the points to ask your matched Parish to spell out and include in their official letter of invitation to you. Mark Ziemer is willing to review your letter or assist you on the details.
Much has been learned from the Wisconsin River Valley Conference to the Madikwe Circuit in 2010 and their return visit in 2012. Dr. Claudette Harring, Chair of the WRV Conference Companion relationship and Dr. Benjamin Molokoe, Chair of the Madikwe Circuit Partnership Committee may be able to explain what they learned.
Specifics are important to be stated clearly concerning the goal of the trip, the dates, where they will pick you up (e.g. at their Circuit Deanery), the number that they can host, and their willingness to provide for your housing, food, transportation, and arrangements while in their parish (the pattern that has been mutually established and important to follow).
The information below from page 35 in the ELCA Companion Synod Handbook - Autumn, 2010, emphasizes the points to ask your matched Parish to spell out and include in their official letter of invitation to you. Mark Ziemer is willing to review your letter or assist you on the details.
Much has been learned from the Wisconsin River Valley Conference to the Madikwe Circuit in 2010 and their return visit in 2012. Dr. Claudette Harring, Chair of the WRV Conference Companion relationship and Dr. Benjamin Molokoe, Chair of the Madikwe Circuit Partnership Committee may be able to explain what they learned.