Susan Pudelek, who has served as executive director for the past 18 months, has moved on to work with the Parliament of the World’s Religions. I am delighted to take over her position as executive director of Stauros U.S.A. In my new role, I intend to continue and greatly expand the work of this organization in ministering to those who suffer and those who care for them. I invite you to continue the ministry with me and to work together to grow the organization. There are many ways you can help:

1. Many of you already contribute to Stauros, both as subscribers and as donors. Please spread the word to those you know, asking them to subscribe to the Notebook and/or to make a monetary contribution to the important work of this organization. Literally every dollar makes a difference.

2. Compose essays, book reviews, artwork, or poems for potential publication in these pages. You don’t have to be a published author; you just have to tell your story.

3. Send in your prayer requests to our Circle of Compassion. We pray for your intentions daily and we present them at our monthly Taize prayer service for the continued prayer and blessing of all participants.

4. Watch these pages and the web site for upcoming events as we organize concerts, retreats, and workshops. I invite your ideas, your participation, and your willingness to tell others about the possibilities for attendance and involvement.

5. Most of all I fervently ask for your prayers. I deeply feel the need for God’s guidance and wisdom as I lead Stauros U.S.A. Suffering in our world is not decreasing, but is multiplying in geometric proportions. The articles in this issue alone are evidence of the fact that we continue to struggle for true compassion, solidarity, and peace. Our task is immense, and indeed cannot be accomplished at all except by grace.

Join with me, then, as we move into the future to bring peace, hope, and healing in the midst of suffering. In our personal life and in your involvement with Stauros, may the passion of Christ challenge you to face your trials, suffering, and deaths with the confidence and hope of the resurrection.

Amy Florian, executive director