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June 2013 Mission Means Making Room One of my favorite Parables of Jesus is the one about the Mustard Seed. It goes like this:
Although we might not equate the kingdom of God exclusively with the church, we can take this illustration and think seriously about how we can make room for everyone who is looking for a safe place to make their nest. I want you to know about two new ministries that are developing among us. The first ministry is called Abiding Ministries and the primary leader for this mission is Chris Rotella, ELCA Diaconal Minister. Chris’ ministry has been authorized by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. At the last PLUM Board meeting, the board received and approved a request that PLUM become the fiscal agent for Abiding Ministries. So we share in the joy of this ministry. Chris Rotella reaches out to homeless people and anyone else she may meet on the street. Here is one description of the ministry recently written by Chris:
This is a remarkable mission and one we are invited to support. Watch your church newsletters or bulletins for specific ways you can be supportive. The second ministry involves a group of Nepalese Christians who have been welcomed by Trinity (Mt. Oliver) to use space for worship on Sunday evenings. This community is part of the growing number of immigrants who are settling in Pittsburgh. They have a young pastor who explained that their gathering had grown from 8 people to 35 (too big to fit in the house anymore). They attended worship with us at Trinity (Mt. Oliver) and have asked if they could attend worship in the future, even though they would have their own service in the evening. The mustard seed of our Pittsburgh ministry continues to grow and to extend its branches. We are inviting any and all who are seeking a safe place to make their nest. Let us rejoice at these signs of the resurrection in our midst. +Pastor Paul Koch |
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Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (PLUM), 405 Kennedy Avenue, Duquesne, PA 15110 412-466-7773 |