February 6, 2026
Dear Church,
As many of you know, we are partners with a congregation in Santa Elana, Guatemala. This is a partnership where we walk together, following Christ. I was able to go on the most recent delegation in March of 2025, and the way that ILAG (Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala – or the Augustinian Lutheran Church in Guatemala) accompanies us as partners to Mensajeros de Cristo (Messengers of Christ) is truly remarkable. I often share with folks in my life who are not church-goers, or who (rightfully) have some skepticism of global partnerships between predominately white congregations and congregations of the global majority, that I wish everyone did accompaniment and partnership like ILAG does.
One of the annual fundraisers that the Guatemala Ministry Team puts on is a Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction – this year’s is tomorrow, February 7th, from 5:00-7:00p at Grace! There are people who sign up to bring their best chili and compete, there’s a chili dinner served in addition to voting on the entries, and a silent auction with beautiful offerings from our community. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.
I wholeheartedly believe that in times of turmoil, and fear, eating together and spending time together as a community is so critical – and this event is a lovely way to spend time together and eat delicious food, while supporting this ministry team and partnership. Proceeds go towards supporting our partners, whether that’s supplemental seeds and grain when the weather impacts crops, or materials for projects they’re undertaking at their church, as well as supporting our travel delegation, offsetting the cost so that the trip can be more accessible.
I wanted to close with an excerpt from a letter by Rev. Karen Castillo, the president of ILAG, who wrote to the St. Paul Area Synod and partner congregations in the wake of the recent murders by ICE. She writes:
“As people of faith, we are deeply troubled whenever lives are lost in contexts marked by fear, injustice, or hatred. At the same time, we give thanks for those who courageously seek to defend the lives and rights of immigrants, refugees, and all who are at risk. Their witness reminds us that love of neighbor often comes at great cost, and that the call of the Gospel is neither easy nor safe, but it is faithful…Please know that you are not alone. We walk with you, we pray with you, and we reaffirm our shared calling to stand with those who are marginalized and to work for a world where every person’s life is honored as sacred. With prayers, solidarity, and hope in Christ.”
May you remember that we are not alone, and that together, we are the body of Christ.
Pr. Reed
Every Friday, we send an email to the congregation and any others who would like to learn more about the Grace community. The last four Friday emails are posted below.