What:

In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Lutheran Mission to the Sudan Region, which includes the modern-day countries of Cameroon and the Central African Republic, a celebration gathering is being held on July 8th and 9th in the Twin Cities. Festivities will begin on Saturday, July 8, with panels and discussion on the past, present, and future of ministry and companion synod relationships in the region at Luther Seminary. A closing worship and community meal will be held on Sunday, July 9 at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis, the congregation where the original missionaries to the Sudan Region were commissioned. Representatives from the Lutheran Churches in Cameroon and the Central African Republic are scheduled to attend, as well as former missionaries to the area and representatives from the synods of the ELCA which have companion synod relationships with the Lutheran Churches in these countries. Further information, including hotel information and a detailed schedule of events will be released in the coming months.

Watch this short video highlighting the upcoming Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration, which is set to take place in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

When: Friday-Sunday, July 7-9, 2023

Where: Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN

Agenda:

  • Friday evening: a day to arrive. Some plans in the works for synod or companion gatherings
  • Saturday: Opening worship and breakout sessions at Luther Seminary on past, present, and future in relationship to companion ministry in CAR and Cameroon, etc. Twin Cities African Choir will be present in closing worship.
  • Sunday: worship at Central Lutheran. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preaching.

Additional Details:

  • Accommodations: blocks of rooms reserved at Double Tree Hotel near Central Lutheran.
  • Breakfast included in hotel. Lunch provided Saturday and Sunday. Saturday dinner provided. Friday dinner on your own.
  • Transportation provided between Central Lutheran and Luther Seminary if needed.
  • Travel to/from Minneapolis possibly coordinated with MNO Synod Global Mission Committee

Cost:

  1. Hotel: $139/USD per night (booked directly with the hotel)
    1. A block of rooms is being held under the name “ELCA” at the Hilton Garden Inn – Minneapolis Downtown (1101 S 4th Ave in Minneapolis). Each registrant is responsible for making lodging arrangements. Call (612) 339-6633 to make reservations.
  2. Program: $50 (includes 2 lunches and transportation to/from hotel to Luther Seminary)
  3. Food: Friday dinner not included. Lunch on Saturday and Sunday included in program cost.

Registration: Registration for the main Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration event on July 7-9 is: https://sdsynod.org/sudanmissioncentennial

Youth delegation: This celebration will include an exciting youth event component from July 5-10. MNO is recommending youth and parent/adult attend together, as MNO is not providing chaperones. Register at: 2023 Celebrate! Glocal Youth Mission Trip – South Dakota Synod, ELCA.

All registrations will be handled through the South Dakota Synod.  The MNO Synod Global Mission Committee will be helping to coordinate travel for those who want to travel together. If you have questions, please contact Pr. Lynne Hutchinson, chair of the Global Mission Committee.