By Sue Sprang SYNOD – What follows is part 2 of sharing some of my favorite stories (which have been updated/abridged in this article) that I wrote for “Mission in the Mitten” during Bishop Satterlee’s first term in office. Choosing is difficult because there are so many good stories to tell. But I hope the ones I’ve […]
Six Years and Counting: Part 1
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – When asked if I would write stories for the “Mission in the Mitten” column on the synod’s website, how could I resist? It’s rare when I turn down the chance to write, so it was a pleasure to say “yes” and I looked forward to learning what the people in our […]
Trapp Grants Assist Northern Congregatio...
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Nine congregations recently benefited from grants received from the North/West Lower Michigan Synod’s Trapp Endowment Fund. The Trapp family gifted the synod with the funds about 20 years ago, stipulating they be directed to the northern portion of the synod. Here is how some of the grants are being used: […]
Soccer…Jesus-style
By Sue Sprang SAGINAW – Sunshine, dedication, and lots of energy and enthusiasm helped to make Ascension Lutheran Church, Saginaw, 2018 Soccer Camp a success. Last year was the third for congregation’s Vacation Bible School “with a twist”. Ascension member Bob Aldrich, who spearheaded the program, explained why the congregation moved in a new direction […]
One of Our Own
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – The following letter was recently received from Pastor Chris Laughlin – also known as Chaplain or Major Christopher Laughlin. A member of the U.S. Army Reserves, Laughlin is currently serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and will complete his one-year tour of duty this spring. He previously served Grace Lutheran […]
The good years
By Sue Sprang NEW ERA – “It was a good year,” said C. J. Clark, as he reflected on last year’s summer camp and looked toward this year’s upcoming season, “and we expect this year to be a good one, too.” Clark is the executive director of Living Water Ministries (LWM), a joint program of […]
It is what it is
By Sue Sprang It is what it is… or is it? It seems a currently common phrase is: “It is what it is”. And sometimes that’s the way it has to be. Sometimes whatever the “it” is cannot be changed. Whether or not we like the “it” doesn’t matter. That’s the way things are and […]
Giving a nod to Mother Earth
By Sue Sprang LANSING – Members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing, have committed to caring for Mother Earth and, with the formation of the Green Team about one year ago, have put their commitment into action. Debbie Viele, a member of the team, credits the congregation’s pastor, Matt Smith, for urging active commitment to a […]
Being church together
By Sue Sprang BATTLE CREEK/NILES – Shortly after Pastor Kjersten Priddy arrived at Trinity Lutheran Church, Battle Creek, the congregation received a check from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Niles. Puzzled, she set out to learn what it was all about. “I had to go ask our council president why this congregation was just randomly sending […]
Upholding the World (Synod Assembly 2016...
By Sue Sprang GRAND RAPIDS – The 2016 Synod Assembly gathered under the banner “For the Life of the World” in Grand Rapids, May 15-17. The focus was global justice. The assembly opened with songs of praise lead by a youth band headed by Pastor Aaron Werner (St. Luke’s Grand Rapids) and a welcome video […]