A wandering Aramean

​Our staff feel a bit like wandering Arameans of Deuteronomy 26 these last few weeks as we empty out our offices at New Hope and move into the Synod House. The thing is—we don’t yet have an occupancy permit (waiting for some construction work to be finished and parts to arrive.) So we are preparing for Assembly and doing our ongoing work from our homes, from our cars, from places where we can get internet, as we watch the completion of the building. Thank you for your understanding if we do not respond as quickly to your inquiries as we normally do. 
 
Of course, we know that we are blessed that this “homelessness” is only temporary. And we have other places to go. We are keenly aware of the people in our communities who do not have a place to call home. And we give thanks for the homeless shelters and the programs like Family Promise that are hosted and supported by congregations of the ELCA, along with our neighbors.
 
And we are acutely aware of the refugees around the globe, whose homes have been destroyed by war, civil unrest or natural disaster. There are more refugees globally than at any other time since World War II. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service works with advocacy and resettlement, on behalf of our church.
 
Thank you for the work that you do to help the less fortunate of God’s beloved children in this world. And thank you for your assistance with the building of the new Synod House. We are truly grateful, and we look forward to seeing you at the dedication during the Synod Assembly, (Saturday at 11:45 am), and when you come to visit us.
 
In Christ,
 
Jessica Crist, Bishop