ELCA SUMUD

Sumud, an Arabic word for “steadfastness” is used by Palestinian theologians to describe nonviolent resistance to occupation through advocacy, education, social work, and faith-rooted presence. Sumud is the ELCA’s programmatic response to occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel. Freed by the transformative life of Christ, the ELCA is committed to accompaniment, advocacy, and awareness-raising with Palestinian partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), the only Lutheran church in the Middle East, whose ministries in education, health care, justice, and leadership are vital to Palestinian society.

Just this week, we learned of the arrest and imprisonment of Natalie Abudayyeh. Natalie comes from a Lutheran family and is a member of the ELCJHL Youth. She is a graduate of Talitha Kumi school in Beit Jala, and a very active member of her church. She played on the National Soccer team for Palestine and recently began studies as a journalism student at Birzeit University. She, along with four other Palestinian young adults, was arrested by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Imprisonment without charges is common in Palestine, with over 9,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

The ELCA Sumud network is advocating for her safety and prompt release. You can help advocate for her and for justice in Palestine by signing up for ELCA Action Alerts and receiving newsletters about Sumud for Justice in Palestine and Israel.

Through the ELCA Bishops, ELCA Sumud has a network of twenty synods with Sumud Ambassadors, who serve as leaders and liaisons in their synods. GSLC member, Al Mytty is the Sumud Ambassador for the Central/Southern Illinois Synod.

We are all Sumud, accompanying our Palestinian partners and following their lead as we bear witness to the truth that only when justice prevails can there be lasting peace for all Palestinians and Israelis. Please join this call for justice and advocacy.

Sources:
www.elca.org/how-we-serve/global-mission/sumud

Written by Al Mytty
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Congratulations to our high school graduates who we celebrated and prayed for this morning at worship! It was a beautiful celebration of their hard work and dedication! #champaignurbana #savoyillinois #elca

We give thanks to God for the gifts, wisdom, leadership and faith of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and siblings in Christ. We ask the Spirit to embolden us as we work together for justice, total inclusion and love for humanity in all its diversity. ELCA #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois

Do you love Good Shepherd?
Would you like an easy way to show it?

Take a yard sign home with you and ‘plant’ it in your yard for the summer! They are under the coat rack in the narthex!

If you’d like to donate towards the cost of your yard sign, $10, you are welcome to do so.
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Join us as we honor our graduates during 9 AM worship this Sunday! #elca #classof2026

We received a BIG Thank You from Executive Vice President of Empty Tomb! "Please extend our thanks to all at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for caring about these littlest among us, and their parents!"

Thank you to everyone who donated and helped with the effort! We collected 6,000 diapers for our neighbors in need!

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This Sunday, June 7, at GSLC: We take heart in stories of mercy and healing as we gather to worship and pray together. Holy Communion is open to all - all the time - and YOU are welcome here! Worship begins at 9 AM and is also available via livestream on our website. #elca #champaignurbana #SavoyIL