'The ELCA in Chile: A New Resource For Kids' is Topic of Mosaic

Chicago (ELCA)-JB — The Winter 2003 issue of Mosaic Television, a quarterly video production of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), focuses on the work of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church in Chile, as seen through the eyes of 14-year-old boy.

"Chile is one of the most fascinating places on earth," said Timothy Frakes, associate director for interpretation and Mosaic producer, ELCA Department for Communication. "It is also a land where Lutherans are making a difference. It is a place where the gospel is alive."

The Mosaic Winter issue, now available, documents the travels of Charlie Wellert, 14, a Chilean-born member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Missoula, Mont. In the 30-minute video, viewers watch as Wellert learns about his faith and the land of his birth through its geography, people and culture, Frakes said. Wellert also learns about his church and work it is doing with Lutherans in Chile.

The Winter 2003 issue is a great way to interpret the ELCA's global mission ministry with church members, Frakes added.

Mosaic is produced and distributed by the ELCA Department for Communication, and is available in VHS and DVD formats. It is intended for educational use in a variety of congregational settings including Sunday school classes, adult forums, youth groups, women's and men's groups, new member classes, church council meetings, committee meetings and other organizational meetings.

Mosaic is broadcast Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on direct broadcast satellite through Dominion Sky Angel on the Faith TV Network, available through most cable satellite providers. Some ELCA colleges and universities carry Mosaic on local cable channels.

Each issue includes a user's guide with a synopsis of each segment and discussion questions. Mosaic is issued quarterly. Annual subscriptions are available through the ELCA Department for Communication.

Mosaic Honored by Concordia Historical Institute

The Concordia Historical Institute, the Department of Archives and History in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, gave its Award of Commendation to Frakes for the video production, "Lutheran Roots in America." Frakes was among 16 people honored at the 29th annual awards banquet, hosted Nov. 6 by the Institute, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

"The video paints a picture of Lutheran roots with a broad brush, devoid of controversies, welding together groups and leaders in America," according to a Nov. 18 news releases from the Institute. The Rev. Lowell G. Almen, ELCA secretary, hosted the 30-minute video, originally released as the Spring 2002 issue of Mosaic.

Each year, the Institute recognizes individuals, congregations, agencies or boards for historical publications or audiovisual media, for unique contributions to Lutheran literature or for personal service in the field of Lutheran archival or historical work.

Specific information about Mosaic subscriptions and the content of each issue are available on the Web at http://www.elca.org/mosaic/ or by contacting the ELCA Department for Communication by phone at 1-800-638-3522, ext. 6009.

Editors: Digital photographs that accompany each story can be requested by e-mail at mosaic@elca.org or by phone 1-800-638-3522, ext. 6009.