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 […]

By Sue Sprang This is one of the two hardest articles I can remember having to write. The first was when, as a newspaper reporter, I covered my first story of the death of a child who was killed in an accident. With that story I had immediate deadlines to meet and had to move […]

By Rev. Bob Linstrom In an article published in the Grand Rapids Press, Rev. Bob Linstrom reflects on being a part of an interfaith partnership in Grand Rapids and recent interfaith pilgrimage to Israel. Read More.

By Sue Sprang GLADWIN COUNTY – What if I were tell you that three out of four ECLA clergy are volunteer fire fighters? Well, at least that’s true for Gladwin County, where four ELCA clergy reside and three serve on their community’s fire departments. The story begins in 1980 with Pastor David Sprang, a Gladwin […]

By Sue Sprang “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin Never fear. This is not a treatise on the merits of creationism or evolution. Rather, it is taking a Darwin’s quote and using it as a catalyst for […]

By Sue Sprang “How are you?” That is a common question we Americans ask when we greet someone. “Hello. How are you?” “Hi! How’re ya doin’?” “Hey, there! How’s it going?” No matter how we express it, the implication is the same. We are asking those to whom we speak how life is for them […]

Early bird registration for the 2016 Grace Gathering ends in just two weeks, on Jan. 31, so reserve your spot today! The Grace Gathering will be held in partnership with the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans Aug. 10-13. The gathering will bring people together from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Participants will see […]

By Sue Sprang SYNOD – One of the nice things about the theological event for professional church leaders in which our synod participates every fall, is that it’s an opportunity for attendees to take advantage of as much or as little of the agenda as they desire. Another nice thing is that attendees are reminded […]

By Sue Sprang MACKINAC ISLAND – While on Mackinac Island for an event for church leaders and spouses, I sometimes caught an island taxi (horse and carriage). I enjoyed talking with the drivers and learning about the horses – and it struck me that these horses have something to say about mission and working together […]