Sister Parish Program

 We are Walking in the Light of God, together sharing the good news of Jesus, and embracing the mutuality of our gifts and mission.

Prayer

We pray weekly for all our brothers and sisters in Malawi and for the growth of our relationship. Many families are now using the Malawi table prayer at meal times: Click here to see the prayer.

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.

Pastor Mofulo of Blantyre Parish travels by motorcycle to his congregations.

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. A $200 fee for coordination of program support and resources is requested from participating congregations each year.

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 accountability and maintaining a positive relationship with parishes in the ELCM, any monetary gifts should be channeled through the synod office to the ELCM and then as appropriate to parish and churchwide needs. A “Common Basket” is also maintained in the ELCM Head Office for gifts to be shared with our Synod.

Diane Kaufmann serves as Malawi Coordinator for the NW Synod of Wisconsin. Mphatso Thole serves in a similar role in Malawi. Diane can be contacted by phone/fax at 715-723-2262 or email: dkaufman@discover-net.net.

Mphatso and Diane check out software on Mphatso’s computer. A new digital camera and scanner will aid Mphatso in communicating with the NW Synod.