Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

As we come to the close of this year, Green ELCSA extends heartfelt greetings to all members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa. We give thanks to God for sustaining our church, our communities, and our shared witness through another year of faith, service, and perseverance. 

This year has reminded us that caring for God’s creation is not separate from our calling as the church, it is part of our discipleship. In a time marked by climate impacts, economic pressures, and uncertainty in many communities, we have been invited to reflect more deeply on how our faith speaks to the wellbeing of the earth and the dignity of all who depend on it.

Green ELCSA remains committed to supporting ELCSA in responding faithfully to these challenges, through learning, dialogue, advocacy, and practical action, rooted in Scripture, guided by justice, and grounded in the lived realities of our people. We are encouraged by the growing conversations across the church on environmental stewardship, energy justice, and the responsibility entrusted to us as caretakers of God’s creation.

As we look ahead to the coming year, and as our church prepares for important milestones and renewed mission, we do so with hope. We hope that together we will continue to deepen our witness. Hope that our faith will guide us toward healing, sustainability, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. Hope that, as one body in Christ, we will walk courageously into the future God is calling us to.

We thank all ELCSA members, leaders, congregations, and partners for your prayers, support, and commitment throughout the year. May this season of rest and reflection renew your strength and fill you with peace.

We wish you a blessed Christmas and a grace-filled New Year. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” - Genesis 2:15

In Christ’s service,
Green ELCSA.