By Rev. David Sprang, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Evangelical Mission On Sunday, September 12, 2021 many folks across the ELCA will wear their “God’s Work. Our Hands.” shirts out into the public arena as they serve others. A noble endeavor to serve the community. And many will hope that others read their […]
Pastor Receives Emgage Action Ambassador...
By Sue Sprang EAST LANSING – On Sept. 20, Pastor Gary Bunge and University Lutheran Church, East Lansing, received an award of acknowledgement and appreciation. Bunge explained what the award entailed: “The award came from Emgage Action at their Get Out the Vote Virtual Gala,” he said. “It is their Ambassador Award and was given to […]
A Grieving Mother’s Journey of Faith
By Sue Sprang WOODLAND – “I cannot think of anyone stronger that a mother who has lost her child…and still breathes.” – Robyna May On Oct. 24, 2018 an ecstatic and seven-months-pregnant Kayla Cole, a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Woodland, arrived for her monthly check-up. Things soon took a horrible, unforeseen turn when the ultrasound technician […]
COVID Meets Church Camp
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Church camp. For many of us it means a summer of children and youth going away for a week or two to enjoy God’s creation, be nurtured in their faith – or maybe even find it, be uplifted and encouraged by the staff, make new friends, and find themselves busy […]
Sharing the Light
By Sue Sprang EAST LANSING – At a time when intolerance seems to be the norm, it’s refreshing to come across an example that dispels that notion. In this case, it comes in the form of a long-standing relationship between University Lutheran Church and the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing, both in East Lansing. The […]
Being Church: Women Clergy: Shout Out!
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – In this final installment of the series observing the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church, some of our synod’s pastors share their thoughts on what they see as the role of the church, the music that inspires and motivates them, dancing, and how they would like […]
The Word: Women Clergy: Shout Out!
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Here is Part 9 of the series observing the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church by raising up the women clergy of our synod. In this installment, some of our pastors share scripture passages that inspire and sustain them. QUESTION: Do you have any “go to” scripture […]
Belonging & Nourishment: Women Clergy: S
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – In Part 8 of this series, some of our synod’s women clergy share their thoughts about being Lutheran and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We’ll also get a glimpse at where they turn for personal or professional nourishment. QUESTION: Is it important to you to be a Lutheran and/or a […]
A Bit of Whimsy: Women Clergy: Shout Out...
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – This is Part 7 of our series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church by focusing on the women clergy of our synod. Here they cross seriousness with fun – creating a bit of whimsy. QUESTION: If you were to choose one, some, or all of […]
Direction: Women Clergy: Shout Out!
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Part 6 of our series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church by focusing on the women clergy of our synod gives us a chance to hear a word from our second career pastors (or other life experiences that helped shaped first career pastors). QUESTION: Is […]