Sunday, May 6, 2001, has been designated "Companion Synod Sunday" by our Synod partnership committees. The day provides an opportunity to celebrate our global partners in the Meru Diocese, Tanzania, and in the Lutheran Church of El Salvador. The two committees have several suggestions to help you plan a special day for your congregations.

The Sunday School children and staff have worked over a month on a mission project that will be a gift to our sister parish in Malawi. The Sunday School Committee was very receptive to this idea that came to Ann from a Bible Study memorization verse, John 15:5, I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Tips that can be used when writing letters to Christians of the Church in Malawi, or other countries.

This is a Power Point file. As we journey together in companion synod relationships, building a relationship between people in our churches is a high priority. This powerpoint show is aimed at helping children see how their lives are the same and different from the lives of children in Malawi.

The need for partnership between African countries and world's richest countries cannot be overemphasized. So is the need for a similar cooperation between churches in Africa and churches in the rich countries. However, as the research has shown, ours is rather a relationship of interdependency. We need one another on our journeys so that we can walk together as we journey with Christ on the road to Emmaus. Our partnership shall help us to renew each other in our faith journey. As African churches face their challenges, they can count on their partners in the rich nations to be there for them.

This document was translated into English by Synodical Pastor Martim Reusch, whose native languages are Portuguese and German and shared with the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin to further our companion synod relationship.