Announcements

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE CYCLONE IN THE TULEAR SYNOD (MADAGASCAR).

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:  Now available on this website:  current, updated lists of all pastors and lay rostered leaders in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.  These lists (updated listings of the information that is provided in the Bulletin of Reports and Proceedings books) will be updated and made available on a monthly basis. Just download to your computer, or print for your convenience!  To access, navigate to "Downloads" (below). THE LIST HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF APRIL 8, 2013. (Please note - this roster list is password-protected.  All rostered leaders received the password , but if you have misplaced it, please contact Sandy DeLorenze: office@swpasynod.org.

INFORMATION FROM BISHOP KUSSEROW REGARDING CYCLONE IN MADAGASCAR:

Yesterday (February 25th) we received the news that a devastating cyclone has hit the city of Tulear, which is the capital city of our companion synod, the Tulear Synod in Madagascar. Their bishop, President Trabonjy, lives with his family in the building which also houses the synod office. Below is a first-hand report of the cyclone, which Marsha Davis (chair of our synod's Global Mission Committee) received from Leoni Bouwer, who is a South African woman living in Tulear, and working with the Tulear Synod. She was our guide and interpreter when our synod visited Tulear a few years ago. I will coordinate with our church's Global Mission team when I am in Chicago this week to learn how best we can help, and will provide details to you as soon as I have them. Until then, please keep President Trabonjy and the Tulear Synod in your prayers.

With you in Christ,
+Kurt

TEXT OF E-MAIL FROM LEONI TO MARSHA DAVIS (CHAIR OF SYNOD COMMITTEE ON GLOBAL MISSIONS:)

Dear Marsha, over the last week we have had a cyclone (Haruna) come through Tulear, especially devastating yesterday. Trabonjy’s house lost its roof and much of their possessions has been damaged and some things can’t be saved. Tremendous damage to people’s homes, and now the river has broken the digue that was built and is flooding the town. I am in Antananarivo, hoping to get home tonight, can’t do much else than pray until I get there.

Trabonjy is away for meetings in Ihosy, hoping to return to Tulear today. His wife and children had to cope with the problem until now.

Please pray for Trabonjy’s, and for all the people of Tulear. This is a very difficult time.

Thank you!

Leoni

• Please check out the new video produced by Bethesda Children's Home giving information about their capital campaign, "Rebuilding Lives ... One at a Time."

NOW AVAILABLE on this site - The current Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod supplement to "The Lutheran" magazine. Click here, or navigate to "News & Events" (above) - Synod "Lutheran" Supplement.