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PRESS RELEASE NO. 22

WINNIPEG, Canada, 28 July 2003 – Approximately 1,500 people from all over the world were at The Forks yesterday despite the broiling summer sun and no shade. Participants in the Tenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) gathered in the fields in front of the giant stage to sing, dance, clap, pray and praise the Lord along with Jon Buller and the band Freeman, the Christian rock band Krystaal and a superb worship theater experience entitled "Healing the Land."

Some folks welcomed the beating sun after a week of meetings in air-conditioned rooms. Others protected themselves with umbrellas, visors and even hats fashioned out of the day’s edition of the The Source, the Assembly newspaper. But no one left. The entertainment and worship presentations held everyone’s attention and, together with the sun, warmed their hearts and souls.

The worship theater was an elaborate and flawless execution of "blessing, lament and hope" for the four elements of life: earth, air, water and fire. In chorus, dance, mime, song and readings in four languages from the Genesis story, the theater portrayed the human spoiling of the four basic elements of creation, culminating in a resounding "sending" rendition of "Walking in the Light of God."

A special offering was taken for the LWF Endowment Fund.

Delegates had received coupons to help them enjoy the offerings at The Forks, including dozens of concession stands selling local specialty foods, arts and crafts.

The worship theatre and musical shows were not the only entertainment. Canadian Indigenous Peoples performed in music and dance, as did several musical groups in The Forks amphitheater.

The Tenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is taking place 21-31 July 2003 in Winnipeg, Canada, under the theme "For the Healing of the World." It is being hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).

There are around 820 men, women and youth participants in the Tenth Assembly including 380 delegates from the 133 churches with full membership and three associate members. The Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the LWF, and meets normally every six years. Between Assemblies, the LWF is governed by its Council that meets annually, and by its Executive Committee.

To order photographs, please contact LWF-Photo@lutheranworld.org

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