Dear Partners in Mission:

Last week I wrote to you about the instability in Sierra Leone. What was uncertain at that time has now become clear. This was a coup d’etat attempt by members of the Sierra Leonese military against the current president. There are significant political issues in Sierra Leone at this time. Internal political issues that are not mine to comment on. What I am grateful to report is that thusfar the ELCSL has not suffered damage from this attempt and continues its work and witness. Bishop Momoh appreciates your prayers in this time.

As we support our ELCSL siblings in this time we also are preparing to welcome a member of the ELCSL, Vincent Momoh, to our territory over the Christmas holidays. Vincent is a student at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN and I had the joy of meeting him in October when I was in St. Paul for a meeting. Vincent is a childhood friend of Advent-Arlington member Anthony Tucker who has graciously offered to host him over the holiday break. So we look forward to welcoming Vincent to Texas for Christmas.

Because of the way the schedule lines up this year we have a fairly brief Advent season. I pray that during this time you will take time to reflect and prepare for the wonder of Christ’s incarnation. God taking on human flesh and blood, taking on our life, and our death, for the sake of all humanity. That in the midst of our pain, suffering, and loss, all to well on display in our world today, God comes to proclaim hope and promise. This past Sunday I had the honor of being with the people of First Salem-Roscoe as they concluded Word and Sacrament ministry in that place. This was a day long in coming given the demographic realities of our small rural communities. A day that brings grief, but also a recognition that for everything there is a season. And for this community this is now a season of stewarding resources for their community and the church. Reminded that the church is and never will be buildings, but the people of God gathered for worship and service.

Advent is a new beginning. We look in hope to the coming of the Christ Child. God with us, Immanuel.

In Christ,

Bishop Gronberg