Sunday May 8, 2011 has been designated as Partnership Sunday by Bishop Paulo Akyoo and Bishop Jeff Barrow of the Diocese of Meru and the Greater Milwaukee synod.
When returning from the Diocese of Meru, Bishop Barrow wrote, "Let me assure you that our relationship is a two-way street. There is an unmistakable richness to the church in Tanzania which can help us rediscover again and again what God is calling us to be - people rooted in scripture, people centered in prayer, people who experience Jesus at work in daily life, people called to serve others."
On Sunday May 8, we will join with others in the synod in praying for the people of Meru even as they will pray for us in their worship. When you ask returning visitors to the Diocese of Meru, "what do you get out of the partnership" , the answer always starts with "their rich faith brings us closer to God." Before we connect through coffee or assistance with health care, food or education, it is our shared faith in the Risen Christ that binds us together in one family of God.