Latino Ministry Coordinator

Of primary importance this year is the completion of a second / revised draft of the Northern Illinois Synod Hispanic-Latino Ministry Strategy.  Following Assembly Breakfast Forum presentations in 2004 and 2005, written and spoken responses were received from over twenty clergy and laity as well as from ELCA leaders in neighboring synods and at churchwide.  This feedback was incorporated into the second draft of the strategy, which was available on March 25th, 2006. Eighteen NIS members sponsored the document.

 With a focus on the Great Commission and Great Commandment of the Lord Jesus, the strategy provides a variety of challenging yet attainable goals in several areas, including: outreach, cultural awareness, worship and Spanish language training.   Steps for implementation and funding suggestions are also in the strategy.  The intention of the strategy is to strengthen synodwide engagement in ministry with and to the Hispanic-Latino people of Northern Illinois.

The second draft was presented and discussed at a consultation on April 29th, 2006 at Bethlehem, DeKalb. It is now in the hands of the synod Outreach Committee, awaiting implementation or additional editing.

Copies of the NIS Hispanic-Latino Ministry Strategy / Revised Edition are available through the Mission Director, Outreach Committee or the Bilingual Ministry Resource Center at Santa Cruz, Joliet. (815) 722-4800.   It should soon be on the NIS webpage as well.

Also notable during the past year: the San Miguel Mission, housed at First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, celebrated its final Sunday liturgy in June of 2005.  The annual series of Las Posadas Advent processions and devotions continued to grow, again drawing over 500 participants last December.  "Gracias" to all of our Posada hosts. 

With this report, I conclude my volunteer service as the synod's Latino Ministry Coordinator.  I am especially grateful for the partners and sponsors in this growing aspect of our life together who have demonstrated genuine collegiality, persistence and faithfulness through the years.

en Cristo,

Pastor Keith Forni