(THE
BELOW REPRINTED ARTICLE, SPEAKS OF THE CIRCLES OF HOPE GROUP IN DULUTH,
WHICH SEVERAL GLORIA DEI MEMBERS AND PASTOR DAVID CARLSON ARE A PART
OF.)
CIRCLES OF HOPE Reprinted from the Lutheran Social Service newsletter, "Changing Lives” (December 2007).
"The church that preaches the Gospel in its fullness, except as it
applies to the major social ills of the day, is failing to preach the
Gospel." This is one of Carol Kelley's favorite quotes from Martin
Luther. Kelley, from Duluth, along with Pastor David Carlson, are
co-facilitators of a small group of people that meets monthly to become
more informed about homelessness in Minnesota through a new initiative
at LSS called Circles of Hope. The small group of men and women, from
several different denominations, meets in each other's homes to enjoy
refreshments, share information about ending homelessness, discuss what
it means to live faithfully in response to this information and
advocate together for an end to homelessness statewide. "We gain a
lot of support from one another," Carol said. "I always have very good
intentions to learn more about an issue and take action. This group
helps me to follow through on my good intentions. I feel like we're
trying to do something worthwhile for others that we might not do if we
weren't part of this circle." Circles of Hope, launched this past
spring, are small groups of typically 8 to 10 people that meet once a
month over a meal or refreshments to discuss topics related to the LSS
Movement of Hope - an effort to unite people statewide around the goal
to end homelessness and ensure that every child has a safe place to
live in Minnesota. Circle of Hope members make a year-long commitment
to the project. Some join because of their interest in giving back,
others are looking for a community where they can explore the
intersection between their lives as people of faith and as citizens of
Minnesota - but all are interested in ending homelessness! Kate
Reuer, LSS Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, provides training and
support for Circle facilitators, along with materials to facilitate and
guide the group, including Bible studies, discussion topics and
questions, background information on issues, ideas for speakers,
personal stories, and helpful tips for writing letters to legislators.
The concept is catching on. So far there are 10 Circles of Hope in
Minnesota. Reuer said it's not a new concept, but actually centuries
old! "This isn't the first time small groups of people have
gathered in each other's houses to worship and pray, to have a meal,
and to consider how it was that they would love their neighbors - this
is the beginning of Christianity," Reuer said. "Throughout history,
change has begun with small groups of people believing that their
actions can make a difference. That's what Circles of Hope is all
about." There are many ways to make a significant impact toward the
well-being of others, which include giving, serving and advocating on
behalf of those in need. The advocacy path is one Carol Kelley learned
early on in her church life at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth.
"We heard it from the pulpit," she said. "It has helped me in a big
way." If you would like to start a Circle of Hope in your congregation or community, please call Kate Reuer at 651-969-2285.
"Empowered by Christ's love, Gloria Dei reaches out as an inclusive, welcoming church through worship and social action."