Kalamazoo Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church
There are various ways we grieve when we suddenly lose someone or something so dear and precious to our self understanding as a sacred place, a church, where prayers resounded, promises were made, lives changed or accompanied by prayers on their last sacred journey. We are with you in prayer and Christ's love as the Latvian Ev. Luth. Church Abroad as you grieve what the fire destroyed in your sanctuary. All the strength you received, lives on in each of you. May all the ways you affirmed your faith among each other in worship, renew your hearts and allow you to believe God will help find a way to heal, renew not just your beloved church, but each of you.
In Christ's love, Archbishop Lauma Zusevics.
Published 09|07|2019
Arhibīskape
+ Lauma
Election call of the Churches for the European elections on May 26, 2019
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
15th May 2019 We extend warm regards to you all in the communion of faith!
As Christians we have been trying for many decades already to breathe life into the ecumenical idea of „unity in diversity” in this world.
[...]Some ten years after the fall of the Berlin Wall the European churches sent a strong signal of fellowship. The Charta Oecu- menica is witness to their willpower, „with the Gospel to stand up for the dignity of the human person made in the image of God, and as churches together to contribute towards reconci- ling peoples and cultures”. The importance of this task has cle- arly increased even more in the past few years.
After the horrors of the first half of the 20th century, the concept of reconciliation was for a long time an unquestioned strength of the European idea. All the more therefore we monitor with great concern the growing nationalism and hostility towards Eu- rope by populist parties. There is no doubt that the European Union needs both constructive and critical companions, both women and men. And it has a need for people who are willing to breathe life into the European idea, to meet up and seek to find sustainable answers to the major questions of our time.
As Christians we are called upon to contribute to shaping poli- tics, also at the level of the European Union, with respect for the dignity of every human being. We do this in the knowledge of our ecumenical fellowship with Christians over and beyond all political boundaries.
We can make a contribution so that reconciliation becomes possible in our times, by seeking to enter into open and critical dialogue also with those who lack trust in the European idea. And we will strengthen our ecumenical commitment with our brothers and sisters in Great Britain, should the looming exit from the EU become reality.
Therefore we join in our call:
Give Europe your vote! Exercise your right to vote on 26th May 2019 and strengthen the democratic forces engaged in seeking understanding!
The Charta Oecumenica finishes with a reference to the basis on which we stand: Jesus Christ, the Lord of the one Church, is our greatest hope of reconciliation and peace. In his name we in- tend to continue on our common path in Europe. We pray for God‘s guidance through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We also ask for His blessing
In Christian communion,
Martin Haasler ACK Schleswig-Holstein
Uwe Onnen ACK Hamburg
Matthias Tuve ACK Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Abromeit Bischof im Sprengel Mecklenburg und Pommern
Horst Eberlein Weihbischof, Erzbistum Hamburg
Kirsten Fehrs Bischöfin im Sprengel Hamburg und Lübeck
Dr. Stefan Heße Erzbischof, Erzbistum Hamburg
Dr. Heiner Koch Erzbischof, Erzbistum Berlin
Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt Landesbischöfin der Nordkirche
Gothart Magaard Bischof im Sprengel Schleswig und Holstein
Wulf Schünemann Propst, Ständiger bischöflicher Stellvertreter im Sprengel Mecklenburg und Pommern am Dienstsitz in Schwerin
Published 19|05|2019
Election call of the Churches for the European elections on May 26, 2019
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
15th May 2019 We extend warm regards to you all in the communion of faith!
As Christians we have been trying for many decades already to breathe life into the ecumenical idea of „unity in diversity” in this world.
[...]Some ten years after the fall of the Berlin Wall the European churches sent a strong signal of fellowship. The Charta Oecu- menica is witness to their willpower, „with the Gospel to stand up for the dignity of the human person made in the image of God, and as churches together to contribute towards reconci- ling peoples and cultures”. The importance of this task has cle- arly increased even more in the past few years.
After the horrors of the first half of the 20th century, the concept of reconciliation was for a long time an unquestioned strength of the European idea. All the more therefore we monitor with great concern the growing nationalism and hostility towards Eu- rope by populist parties. There is no doubt that the European Union needs both constructive and critical companions, both women and men. And it has a need for people who are willing to breathe life into the European idea, to meet up and seek to find sustainable answers to the major questions of our time.
As Christians we are called upon to contribute to shaping poli- tics, also at the level of the European Union, with respect for the dignity of every human being. We do this in the knowledge of our ecumenical fellowship with Christians over and beyond all political boundaries.
We can make a contribution so that reconciliation becomes possible in our times, by seeking to enter into open and critical dialogue also with those who lack trust in the European idea. And we will strengthen our ecumenical commitment with our brothers and sisters in Great Britain, should the looming exit from the EU become reality.
Therefore we join in our call:
Give Europe your vote! Exercise your right to vote on 26th May 2019 and strengthen the democratic forces engaged in seeking understanding!
The Charta Oecumenica finishes with a reference to the basis on which we stand: Jesus Christ, the Lord of the one Church, is our greatest hope of reconciliation and peace. In his name we in- tend to continue on our common path in Europe. We pray for God‘s guidance through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We also ask for His blessing
In Christian communion,
Martin Haasler ACK Schleswig-Holstein
Uwe Onnen ACK Hamburg
Matthias Tuve ACK Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Abromeit Bischof im Sprengel Mecklenburg und Pommern
Horst Eberlein Weihbischof, Erzbistum Hamburg
Kirsten Fehrs Bischöfin im Sprengel Hamburg und Lübeck
Dr. Stefan Heße Erzbischof, Erzbistum Hamburg
Dr. Heiner Koch Erzbischof, Erzbistum Berlin
Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt Landesbischöfin der Nordkirche
Gothart Magaard Bischof im Sprengel Schleswig und Holstein
Wulf Schünemann Propst, Ständiger bischöflicher Stellvertreter im Sprengel Mecklenburg und Pommern am Dienstsitz in Schwerin
Published 19|05|2019
World Council of Churches - songs and Prayers for their 70th Anniversary
The WCC's 70th anniversary is a time to give thanks for the achievements, ask for forgiveness for any shortcomings and implore God’s guidance and assistance in any future endeavours. As the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit wrote in a letter to the member churches inviting them to contribute prayers and songs for this anniversary year: “'praying together' has been the source of our inspiration and of all our energy in 'walking together' and in 'working together'.”
Click on the link below to find a collection of such prayers rising from the heart of those who had the privilege of participating – and sometimes even leading – the common Pilgrimage.
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/wcc70/prayers-and-songs/prayers-and-songs?searchterm=Prayers+70th+anniversary
Published 25|05|2018
Christmas Eve Service
If you cannot make it to a Christmas Eve church service, click on the link below on December 24 at 5:00 PM (CST). You will see (via livestreaming) the Milwaukee Latvian Trinity Church’s Christmas Eve service led by archbishop Lauma Zušēvics.
https://m.facebook.com/milwaukeedraudze/
Published 24|12|2017
A Prayer for the victims of the Las Vegas tragedy
Dear Sisters and dear Brothers in Christ,
Gradually the peace of the morning was transformed for all of us as news of the tragedy in Las Vegas became clear. It was not at all clear what we could possibly do in the midst of so much horror and loss. I started to pray. Let us all pray.
Your sister in Christ,
+ Lauma
Dear Lord,
In a place where thousands gathered together to experience something good, horror changed countless lives as one chose to do immeasurable evil and hard. Lord, please, we pray for all who have suffered and continue to suffer. Once again our hearts are torn apart by the pain of so many. We do not understand, Lord, but pray you help us find the faith to continue to affirm life and good in the midst of death and evil. Heavenly Father, comfort all who not only mourn the loss of their loved ones, and all who are still desperately searching for those from whom they have not heard. Hear their prayers, and ours.
Lord Jesus, we pray for all who suffer in this world. Please, Lord, grant peace. Never let our hearts stop hurting for those who cry, or are struggling between life and death. Lord, you taught us to cry with those who are crying and mourn with those who are in grief. Lord, hear our prayers. Only you can transform prayers into strength for those who so suffer and sense your presence, and learn, they are not alone. We are with them and seek to do what we can to be part of the healing this world so needs....please let us not conclude with Amen, for it so often signifies the end of our prayer. Let us continue...
Published 03|10|2017
Arch.
Lauma Zušēvics
Joint Commemoration
Geneva, 24 October 2016
Respected church leaders, dear sisters and brothers -
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I write this email to you a week ahead of the Joint Catholic - Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation to take place in Lund and Malmoe (Sweden) on October 31.
[...]We are encouraged to receive news of so many places where preparations are being made to follow the live-stream of the commemoration. Please note that on the night from the 29th to the 30th of October the clocks in Sweden will be set back by one hour. Check whether your plans have duly taken this detail into account. A very easy way to do this is using the following web-based server
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html Insert the date, your place and "Lund/Sweden" and you will know your local time. Please remember, the common prayer starts at 14:30 in Lund (CET).
I want to also encourage you to visit the website for the Joint Commemoration
http://www.lund2016.net/ which has been prepared for the live streaming of the joint commemoration. You can also download graphic materials (posters) if you want to use them locally.
Please help us distribute this information within your church, particulalry in those places of which you are aware that live-streaming is being prepared.
We pray for God's presence during the joint commemoration so that Catholics and Lutherans find strength and inspiration to walk the journey from conflict to communion.
Published 28|10|2016
General Secratary
Martin Junge
Tragedy in Nice, France
LELCA stands united in its grief with all who have so suffered in Nice, as children, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, grandparents, and friends were torn from their hands and hearts. We pray for each who struggles for their lives. The innocent suffer, they had gathered with no weapons. We know that there will be horrible consequences not only for those who are in mourning but for each that has witnessed that which no one should ever see. What can we say to those in Nice who have experienced such terror? At this time, let us acknowledge that we lack for words that would bring any real meaning. Far too often we have witnessed such atrocities, in Dallas, Orlando, and not that long ago in Paris, elsewhere. We have prayed, we must pray again - individually and in our congregations. We must pray God grants them all strength to endure. Let us pray individually and in all of our congregations, that God strengthen all those who have so horribly suffered. Let us pray as well for those that stand with them and lovingly care for one another. Let us give thanks for each that ran to help and still is doing all they can to help. Let us thank God for the countless good people, who offered their shoulders, so that another might cry and cry in their arms. Christ is in their midst. He is there, where we are not. He cries and stands with them, He comforts and consoles – through our prayers as well. May you be gently blessed this day as so much good must be done to counter so much pain.
Yours in Christ
+ Lauma
Published 15|07|2016
Arch. Lauma Zušēvica
Vandals target St. John's Lutheran church in Aizpute
On June 22, 2016 we received news from Aizputes St. John's pastor Rev. Varis Bitenieks that someone had dragged a mattress up against the doors of the Church, doused it with gasoline, and set it ablaze. The doors of the sanctuary started to burn. This was done after those caring for the Church building had left. The burning mattress was seen by three who were passing by. They called the police and the firefighters arrived. Due to those swift actions, the damage was contained. Latvia's police experts concluded that the mattress was purposefully ignited.
The Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad and its Church Council condemns this action and hopes that those responsible will soon be found and brought to justice.
Lauma Zusevics
Archbishop
Latvian Ev. Luth. Church Abroad
Published 24|06|2016
Dear Friend
Thank you very much for your partnership resettling refugees. Our shared history has provided support for people who cannot go home and welcome to over 500,000 refugees. Through LIRS you walk alongside refugees helping them to thrive in welcoming communities in the United States.
[...]
This year, we face the largest refugee crisis since World War II in Syria. More than 4.5 million Syrians are registered as refugees and 75% are women and children. We also see the hope and strength of newcomers. As members of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, you know the importance of being in a community that not only welcomes newcomers to the United State but also offers safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with hard work.
Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as we journey to the glory of Easter. We ask you to keep the journeys of the stranger in your prayers and to help provide refugees with the opportunity to below to a thriving community. Please walk with refugees by supporting LIRS with a donation.
Thank you for prayerfully considering a gift as part of your Lenten journey to the cross and resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning. Your gift will help the newcomers as they begin their new journey in the United States.
Yours in faith,
Published 29|02|2016
LIRS President
Linda Hartke
