Letters about the pandemic from El Ocotillo

In March we were touched to receive letters from six of the scholarship students in El Ocotillo sending prayers to us during this pandemic and updating us on their status in El Salvador. These letters are from Edith Martinez Rodriguez, a fourth-year agronomy student, and David Argueta Nolasco, a third-year English student.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Hello Friends of Good Shepherd,

I write to you to wish you good health in these difficult times for all that the whole world is going through. I wish that God blesses you and protects all of the members of the Good Shepherd community.

I am writing to tell you that at this moment our country finds itself on alert because of Covid 19, now no cases of infected people have been discovered.

Our community at the moment is well and in prayer, asking for the health and the wellness of the community and also for you, our sister community, and all the countries of the world who are confronted with this pandemic.

The government has taken prevention measures to avoid the contagion and has made the decision to put the country in a quarantine, suspending classes and avoiding gatherings of people. At this time the classes are online so that we are not affected by the suspension and we don’t lose the term. So far, for a period of 30 days we will not attend classes and we will be studying from our homes.

I leave you asking the Creator that you are well and in good health, and wait to know soon from you and from all of the sister community. I send you many greetings and hugs from me and my family.

Blessings to all,

With care,

Edith and Family

(age 20, university 4)

translated by BMagee

GOOD SHEPHERD Boston, Massachusetts

Elvin David Argueta Nolasco Ocotillo,

Morazán, El Salvador.

I am honored to be part of this wonderful distance-family. May the lord bless you all and care in this painful situation.

It is hard to say that we are well in these moments when the entire world is shocked about what is happening with COVID-19 pandemic. I really hope you are good and safe. As community, we are all well even though we have around two weeks quarantine waiting to overcome to this situation. Thanks God we don’t have any positive case near to this place. For now, everything is closed such as companies, markets, and even the schools and universities. Therefore, we as student are receiving the classes online.

This is quite difficult because; as you know, here in this area is very difficult to have internet access; however, all of us are doing our best in order to keep on learning and improving our knowledge.

I have noticed that in the United Stated the spread number of infested people is increasing quickly. That is so sad, but in the middle of this, God will make the way and solve this problem. We really need to trust in his promises.

I want to share with you that as a family we are well. We are also praying for the sister community. I wish you the best. God bless you.

Ocotillo, Morazán, El Salvador March 21, 2018

Best regards,

Elvin David Argueta Nolasco

Church of Good Shepherd in The Boston Globe!

Exciting news! This article: Acton Church, Salvadoran Village Pray and Grow Together is live on the Boston Globe website and will be published in print on Sunday, February 23.

If you would like to help us in providing hope through education for additional students in this village, please make a check out to: Church of the Good Shepherd with “El Ocotillo” in the memo line. Mail it to: 164 Newtown Rd. Acton MA 01720. Donations are tax deductible.

Gracias!

Immigrant Sunday

Parishioners Andy Platt and Emmanuel Aronie interviewed six Good Shepherd members about their immigrant stories. They came from Palestine, England, Nigeria, India, and Cuba for reasons that ranged from seeking new opportunities to escaping persecution. The full video was played during our Immigrant Sunday service. Below you’ll find excerpts from each interview.

Amelia Wiggins, 2006 El Salvador delegate

Amelia Wiggins joined us on the 2006 delegation trip to El Salvador when she was a teenager. At the February 2nd service she shared how that journey changed the trajectory of her life. These are her inspirational words:

Good morning,

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to give thanks for the opportunity to be here today, sharing with you a few of my thoughts about a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I had the privilege of joining the 2006 delegation to El Salvador as a 15 year old high school student. At this time, I didn’t know El Salvador was a country, or exactly where it was located geographically, but I knew it was farther than I had ever traveled before. The idea of exploring a new place, and experiencing how other people lived intrigued me. My family questioned my interest in traveling so far with a group of people I barely knew, but as it turns out, I would one day call this place home, and I would cherish the friendships made during that week in El Salvador.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the delegation itineraries, the first several days are spent in and around the capital, San Salvador, learning the history and the political, economic, and social issues facing the country. After this brief introduction to the country and culture, the delegation embarks on a journey to live in community with El Ocotillo. With a better understanding of the people and place we are visiting, spending time with the sister community becomes a meaningful culmination of the trip. Despite the struggles the community has faced in the past, and continues to work through today, they welcome the delegation with a joyful exuberance and make incredible efforts to make us feel at home and to provide us with delicious home cooked meals.

One memory that has always stood out to me was the family I stayed with while in the community. The family chose to sleep together in one room, in one bed, which allowed myself and the two other delegates staying there, to have our own rooms and beds. I was awestruck with such an extraordinary gesture of hospitality, one which I had never experienced back home even with my closest friends, let alone with people I had never met. The generosity I experienced in this tiny village is something I’ll never forget, and I continuously strive to embody the graciousness with which I was received in El Ocotillo.

While living in community with El Ocotillo, we listened to remarkable and sometimes heart-wrenching stories, causing a plethora of emotions to build up in each of us. The willingness these speakers had to express their vulnerability and their deepest concerns about the past and the present was admirable. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back, I realize opening up and sharing such personal stories requires an immense amount of courage. This was exemplified one chilly evening in the community, as Samuel recounted tales of war, hopes for the future, and disappointments with present day challenges. He fought valiantly for a better future for his children only to witness next to no change decades later. We bore witness to a man’s innermost concerns, and it left us each wiping away silent tears. Samuel is no longer with us, but through his story and his strength to share it, he and his struggles became a part of everyone who was there that night. That is the power of solidarity: transforming another’s experience into one we can relate to and empathize with on a deep and personal level.

The community visit not only helped me understand the true meaning of generosity and courage, it gave me insight about an incredible gift I possess that I was previously unaware of. I realized that it doesn’t matter what you have or what you think you may lack, there is one thing you can always share with others: your time. Time is our most valuable commodity, and it is free to give and to share. It can't send students to college, nor can it rebuild a dilapidated home, but it can build a sense of comfort, security, friendship, and family. As we listen to another’s story, struggle, or celebration, we make an effort to understand their experience; we give them the space to express themselves, and by doing so, we demonstrate our concern and care for that person’s well-being.

Prior to joining the delegation, I didn’t have the faintest idea about what solidarity was, and I still struggle with a succinct definition of it, and I believe that to be caused by its intricacy. For me, solidarity is active engagement with a community; taking on their struggles and joys as your own, forming long-term relationships that lessen the physical and emotional distance between one another, that draw us together in unity. This is at least as important as, or in my opinion, much more significant than the act of charitable contributions. Funding for projects such as building new homes, sending students to school, or obtaining life-saving medication is a necessity, however, these objectives fall into the category of material needs... but what about spiritual and emotional needs? Solidarity bridges the gap between these two facets of service, making the former more meaningful, and the best way to understand the tremendous impact it has on all involved is to experience it first hand.

The 2006 delegation not only broadened my understanding of service, solidarity, generosity, and the power of the gift of time; it impacted my future in tangible ways. Inspired with a newfound passion for Latin America, the Spanish language, and a desire to educate myself about a world I knew little about, I set forth on a journey that would ultimately bring me back to El Salvador.

Following the delegation, I pursued my high school Spanish classes with a new vigor, and after graduation, I attended college and earned a degree in Global Studies and Anthropology with a focus on Latin America. Upon college graduation, I desperately wanted to spend significant time volunteering overseas. I explored a variety of options, including the Peace Corps and teaching English, but after thorough research, I realized I didn’t feel called to these opportunities.

My stroke of luck came in the form of a friendship that began in 2006, and that continues to be important in my life today. When they discovered I was looking for a volunteer opportunity, they emailed me a link to an NGO in El Salvador. The organization was looking for a volunteer to support their delegations and international communications. Perfect! I thought. This would be similar to what I experienced in high school, and would not only allow me to delve deeper into those experiences, it would allow me to give back to a community and a place that had already given me so much. Shortly after reviewing the details of the position, I applied, and was fortunate they accepted my application and invited me to come in December 2013. What was meant to be a one year commitment quickly turned into two, and I likely wouldn’t have left if it weren’t for a burden most people my age are no stranger to: student loan.

My two years in El Salvador flew by as I learned a fair amount about the country, the communities, and the visiting delegations. What truly touched my soul during this time was sharing a place so special to me with others, and witnessing individuals’ discovery of solidarity. While I thoroughly and utterly enjoyed my work, I have to admit, there was a time or two I felt exhausted and it was difficult translating conversation after conversation, especially those bearing a heavy emotional weight. However, the pure and undivided attention the delegations gave to the speakers, and the brilliant questions they asked always motivated me to continue. The powerful gift of one’s time and attention was consistently and beautifully illustrated by the visiting delegations and their respect for the speaker. In those moments, I felt as though I was a conduit through which the stories of our Salvadoran brothers and sisters flowed. What an incredible honor and privilege it was to serve a community in that capacity.

Looking back, it's amazing to see where a 10 day delegation has taken me over the years. When I was asked to speak for today’s services, the answer was an obvious yes. After all, it is thanks to this church, the welcoming fellowship, and the beautiful sister relationship you have built with El Ocotillo, that I discovered one of my life's greatest passions, and I humbly and graciously thank you all for that incredible opportunity.

I invite you to challenge yourself and consider joining a future delegation to El Salvador. Perhaps it won’t change your future in the way it did mine, but I can promise it will leave a lasting impact on your heart, and to experience solidarity with a sister community will enhance your understanding of service to others.

Thank You.

Collecting gently used winter clothing for families in need

A few weeks ago, Barbara Magee brought to our attention at both services an article from The Boston Globe which described the fear experienced by parishioners of the Church of San Lucas, Chelsea, following the murderous attacks in El Paso and Gilroy, CA against immigrants as well as the increase in ICE raids. Barbara had prepared a beautiful banner for the Church of San Lucas and invited us all to add messages of caring. In response, a resolution also was passed at the following vestry meeting to declare the Church of the Good Shepherd a “safe haven,” a welcoming place for persons vilified because of their immigration status, the color of their skin, their gender, their national origin, their religion, their age, their disability, their language or whom they love. In that spirit, contact was made with Father Edgar Gutierrez-Duerte, vicar of the Church of San Lucas, to see how we might assist his parishioners. He noted that they will be in need of men’s and children’s winter clothing. We will be holding a men’s and children’s gently used clothing collection for them the first two Sundays in December. Early notice is being given in case you are sorting last year’s clothing as the season changes. Although the collection will take place formally the first two Sundays in December, if you are anxious to get rid of the clothing before then, please contact Carolyn Gutierrez to arrange for earlier collection.

Jeanne Rikkers, Cristosal, discussing the important work in Central America

Cristosal is an Episcopal-based human rights organization working in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Since 2017, Cristosal has responded to over 2 million victims of forced displaced caused by violence. There is a crisis happening and they need our help. Click here to watch a video illustrating what is happening. Jeanne Rikkers, Research and Learning Director from Cristosal spoke at all services on Sunday about the important work Cristosal is doing and how Good Shepherd can be involved.

Cristoal has a four-pronged mission:

1. Equipping human rights leaders with knowledge and tools for action through research and learning

2. Protecting people displaced by violence through victim accompaniment

3. Repairing the lingering effects of rights violations through strategic litigation

4. Building environments where peace is possible through community development

Undies Sundays

“Hunger and homelessness happen for a number of reasons; a job loss, an illness, a divorce or a disability.  Whatever the reason Lowell Transitional Living Center is here to help by providing a full range of services aimed at lifting people up.  LTLC helps open doors for our most vulnerable citizens and believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home. For so many who have lost hope, our dedicated staff and high quality programs restore dignity one person and a time” (LTLC)

During the month of October we will be collecting socks, underwear, warm hats, gloves etc. for the Lowell Transitional Living Center.

Good Shepherd’s relationship goes back over 20 years, beginning with parishioners volunteering at the shelter and a drive to collect men's white socks for their clients. This evolved into the “Undies Sundays” program, a one-month drive in the fall to collect socks, underwear, warm hats, gloves, etc. Over the years Good Shepherd has raised money to purchase 60 cots for the emergency winter program, donated 100 pillows, 100 blankets, and monies for special programs. 

During the month of October, please bring your donations to the church where there will be a designated area for drop off. E-mail Helene Gagliano at hgagliano@verizon.net with any questions.

Praying for those in Dorian's path

Good Shepherd’s Prayer Chain will be praying for safety for those in the path of Dorian. If you have family or friends in the hurricane’s path we would be happy to pray for them by name. Submit your prayer request.

All New Monthly Multi-Generational Misson Sundays

This fall we will see a redesign of the monthly New Eu(charist) For All Ages worship. The “New Eu”, as it was known, provided the congregation with the opportunity to worship all together and encouraged the young people to serve as ushers, greeters, and lectors. There was also a “carpet time” children’s message for the youngest members. At its inception about 7 years ago, this worship format was well received, though lately it seems that the NewEu has needed an upgrade.

This summer, I’ve been working with members of the the Mission Outreach Committee about ways to highlight the various ministries that our parish supports. Together we have re-imagined the “New Eu” to be a Multi-generational Mission Sunday. The 1st Sunday of the month will feature a different mission of the parish in the sermon and/or with invited speakers from one of the organizations supported by CGS. Young people will continue to have opportunities to serve during the worship and where possible will be paired with an older member of the parish in that task.

We are very excited to announce that the Sunday school will also be connected to the Mission Sundays through age appropriate projects featuring the local food pantry, the CROP Hunger Walk, the Lowell Transitional Living Center, Esperanza Academy, and our companion community in El Ocotillo, El Salvador. In addition to Bible lessons, the children will study issues connected with each mission - from hunger on a local and global scale to homelessness, from building relationships to understanding the concept of accompaniment with versus charity for others.

Chuba Udokwu will be our first presenter on Sunday, September 15 at both the 8am and 10am services. He will share his personal experience with the CROP Hunger Walk organization. The Sunday School will also participate by making a banner that they will present at worship and carry in the CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 20 in Concord.

Our first Multi-Gen Mission Sunday will be October 6 and will include a Blessing of the Animals in recognition of St. Francis of Assisi. Also as part of that Mission Service, we will welcome back Jeanne Rikkers, Cristosal’s Director of the Center for Research and Learning to share with us some of the collaborative work she is doing with communities in El Salvador.

I hope you will plan to join us as we celebrate the work of many in our congregation who give of their time and talent to a variety of organizations.

We are grateful for these ministries, and we look forward to hearing about some of them in this exciting new program year.

Melissa

A resolution asking the Diocese to be a Safe Haven

You likely heard the news that last week, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at their Churchwide Assembly (i.e. General Convention), adopted a resolution that, among other things declared the ELCA to be a sanctuary denomination. Many people are asking what does this mean?

The following is an excerpt from a statement released by the ELCA: "Our call to love our neighbor is central to our faith. In our baptismal covenant we promise to strive for peace and justice in all the world. One of the ways we live out this vow is through our commitment to welcoming the stranger. With this declaration, we publicly state that walking alongside refugees and immigrants is a matter of faith." Read the full article here.

You may be asking what does this have to do us at Church of the Good Shepherd? While the ELCA is the first to make this declaration for the whole denomination, there are several Episcopal Dioceses in the U.S. that have also taken similar action. The Dioceses of Washington, New Jersey and North Carolina to name three.

As such, the CGS Vestry is writing a resolution to request that the Episcopal Diocese in Massachusetts be made a safe haven. This Resolution will be submitted to the Diocese for consideration by the Resolution Committee with the goal that it will be put forward at the Diocesan Convention on Nov. 2. The Resolution must be submitted according to the format of the Diocese and by the September 5 deadline.

To be clear, this is a Resolution asking the Diocese to be a Safe Haven. This means that individual congregations within the Diocese will be free to determine what being a safe haven means for their particular community. There is no specific action being dictated to any congregation with regard to their participation.

The reason for this Resolution is to put forth a call to the Church as a whole, and the Diocese in particular, to take a moral stand. As people of God who seek to live according to the teaching of God's Son, Jesus Christ, our faith requires us to act. For in our Baptism and Confirmation, we promise to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being."

Moreover, it's important to understand that this resolution is not asking congregations to hide or harbor anyone in their churches, nor is it about breaking the law. The actions that this resolution will encourage are generic to finding ways to accompany our sisters and brothers in faith to live safely. Ways that congregations can help include providing resources from purchasing school supplies for children in a congregation to providing prayers and pastoral care, to name a few.

If this resolution passes at General Convention, we will host parish-wide conversations in order to discern what shape this will take for CGS. For now, a resolution committee is being formed to get the document in the required format to submit to the Diocese. If you have questions, please contact us.