Lutherans in SEPA and in our companion North Eastern Diocese of Tanzania will share prayers, songs and the Word together by using common resources to mark Companion Synod Sunday on Jan. 31, 2010 (Epiphany 4).

Our synod has an official companion relationship with the North Eastern Diocese of Tanzania.  Some of our members have experienced that relationship first hand through experiences such as trips to Tanzania, cooperation with the SEKUCo University project, entering into a companion parish partnership, hosting Tanzania guests when they have visited, and spending time with guests at the recent Bishop’s Convocation.  Everyone in the synod is part of this relationship with our Companion Diocese.  A Companion Sunday allows us to remember and celebrate that relationship.

This is NOT a fund raiser, or a campaign.  It is a day when Lutheran congregations in southeastern Pennsylvania and in the northeastern part of Tanzania will, on the same day, intentionally join in some common elements of worship.  Those are:

• Prayer – Lifting up to God each others’ joys and needs.
• Song – whether in Swahili or English, sharing some hymns.
• Word – Using a common lectionary or text to focus on our common mission

There are many more things that congregations might do to draw attention to this day, celebrate it within the themes of Epiphany, or lift up our relationship with our sisters and brothers in Christ in Tanzania.  Feel free to modify and expand your observance as you wish. 

You are encouraged to be part of this wonderful expression of the church catholic as we join with our companions on the other side of the globe in a day of mutual prayer, proclamation, and praise.

Resources

• Worship resources for Jan. 31 (Word)
• Promotional image (PowerPoint)