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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

By Sue Sprang SYNOD – As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church by focusing on the women clergy of our synod, Part 5 of this series gives us a chance to learn what has challenged them during their journey as ordained ministers of the church, both professionally and […]

By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Part 4 in our series focusing on our synod’s women clergy (in honor of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran church) gives us a chance to learn the surprises our pastors have experienced on their journey as ordained ministers of the church, both professionally and personally. […]

By Sue Sprang SYNOD – In this third installment looking at our synod’s women clergy during this year of celebration of the 50thanniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran church, some pastors weigh in on the church year. QUESTION: What is your favorite season of the church year and/or “high day” of the church […]

By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Part 2 of this series poses two questions to our synod’s women clergy, as part of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Lutheran church. Question #1 is an “informational, house-keeping-type” one; question #2 is a challenge. QUESTION #1: Where have you served and in what capacity? Pastor Megan […]

By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Featured: Pastor Julie Schneider-Thomas, Zion, Comstock Park, and Hope, Rockford; Pastor Nicole (Nikki) Smith, Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo; Pastor Betsy Kamphuis, St. Paul, Greenville, and interim, Settlement, Gowen; Pastor Julie Bailey, Ascension, Saginaw; Pastor Kjersten Sullivan, Trinity, Battle Creek; Pastor Christina (Chrisy) Bright, New Life, Spruce; Pastor Ruth Overdier, Trinity, Manton; Pastor Joan Oleson, Saron Evangelical, St. Joseph; Pastor Jane Mountain, Harbor of Grace, Muskegon; Pastor […]