During a recent mission trip, Sherry McKay, Grace, Auburn, Maine, mixes cement for the walls of a church under construction in Yuscarán, the capital of the El Paraíso department of Honduras. El Paraíso is one of the 18 departments (departamentos) into which the Central American nation of Honduras is divided.From April 16-23, two dozen people from 12 different congregations traveled to Honduras for a week-long mission trip organized by the Global Mission Team of the New England Synod. It was not what you'd call a typical "spring break." The task in Yuscarán was the construction of a new worship space for the congregation. This year, the team brought the building closer to completion as the walls for the second floor were nearly completed. The group's Honduran brothers and sisters will complete those walls in the weeks to come. The construction began in 2005, and, with an additional estimated $8,000, the church building can be completed this year.

It was hard work, but a rewarding experience, nevertheless. Here's what a few of the participants had to say:

Read more...

Mark Meyer is "a living example of what it means to be a good steward" at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lawrence, Mass., said Pr. Barbara A. Reifschneider.Earlier this year, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lawrence, Mass., held "an extreme coupon event" to purchase food to help stock the pantry of the Soup Kitchen at Lazarus House in Lawrence. Many parishioners donated coupons, as well as money, to help Lazarus House support people in crisis. Mark Meyer (left), a member who is active in stewardship, carefully shopped and delivered the food. "The extreme coupon event provided a way for Redeemer to take what God has given us and multiply it for the sake of those in need," said  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "Being rooted in the Gospel, we strive to support the needs of the community, as well as the church throughout the world," she added. "Our mission is to welcome, love and serve through faith in Jesus Christ." God also is working in other amazing ways at Redeemer, added Reifschneider. In only two weeks, the congregation raised the money and volunteers it needs to pack 3,000 meals June 24 at a Kid's Care servant event. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Meyer)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Christ is risen! Imagine the power in those words of promise.

When the disciples first heard Jesus speak of his death and resurrection, "they kept the matter to themselves" (Mark 9:10). But the news is too good to keep to ourselves. The life of Jesus Christ has been unleashed into the world.

Because Christ is risen, you can embrace life's complexities and uncertainties with a living, daring confidence in God's grace. The risen Christ goes ahead of you, meeting you in the most surprising faces and unexpected places. Christ's resurrection puts us right where God wants us to be -- in the thick of life.

Because Christ is risen, you have a word of hope. To those weary from mourning loss and fearing death, the assurance is given that nothing in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

The life of Jesus, God's own life, has burst into the world, restoring community. At the barriers we erect to divide us, the risen Christ meets us, turning those walls into tables of reconciliation. To those who live in fear and feel unworthy, the promise is given. "You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).

Every morning you awaken with the mark of Jesus' death on your forehead and the promise of Christ's resurrection on your lips.

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

In God's grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America