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 […]
Mission in the Mitten
Keeping Christianity Weird – Embracing t
Michael Frost is an Australian theologian and author. He is the Director of the Tinsley Institute for Mission Study and Head of the Missiology Department at Morling College in Australia. He has been called “a leading voice in Missional Church Movement.” “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is […]
Seven Traits of Healthy Churches Today
By Thomas Rainer I am not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Indeed, put me in a room with nine other people, and I am likely to be the tenth in intellect. So, I compensate for my cognitive deficiencies by listening, observing, and researching. The wisdom of others is far greater than any chance of […]
Three Ways Churches Will Be Impacted in ...
By Thom Rainer Yes, I tend to be an optimist. I am not, however, that type of optimist who refuses to face reality. If you have been a reader of my blog or listener to my podcasts, you know I am not hesitant to face harsh realities head on. So, when I say a revitalization […]
Eight Unintended Consequences of Buildin...
By Thom Rainer I call it “the aftermath.” A church goes through an intense time of planning and fundraising to construct a new facility. Then the members participate in a groundbreaking service. Finally, the building is constructed in the midst of great hope and anticipation. Then the bottom falls out. The great hope that accompanied […]
Samaritas Statement on U.S. Zero Toleran...
Current news reports are filled with stories about the enforcement and results of the U.S. Zero Tolerance Deterrent Policy. The children affected in this situation, including those who have been separated from parents, are ones Samaritas often serves through our Refugee Foster Care (also known and Unaccompanied Refugee Minors) program. In fact, Samaritas is one of only two resettlement […]
Immigration Resources and Advocacy
Learn more about the ELCA’s response to the Trump Administration’s immigration policies and how you can be an advocate for these children and their families. We also invite you to read Samaritas’ statement on the zero tolerance deterrent policy and how you can get involved in their refugee foster care program. What has the ELCA […]
A new direction
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – At this year’s synod assembly, The North/West Lower Michigan Synod bids a fond farewell to long-time synod office support staff member Margie Bauer. Bauer served under Bishops Emeriti Gary Hansen and John Schleicher and current Bishop Craig Satterlee. After moving to the Lansing area in May 1997, Bauer and her […]
10,000 books…and counting
By Sue Sprang JACKSON – One of Lutheranism’s strengths is the value placed on meeting human need – not just spiritual fulfillment, but physical needs, education, mental and emotional health, and whatever else it takes to make a person whole. These emphases are set into examples for us in the Gospels: Jesus preaches, teaches, casts […]
Learning Humility as Interfaith Traveler
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.