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. […]
Mission in the Mitten
‘Tis the Season: Women Clergy: Shout Out
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 […]
Service and Saints: Women Clergy: Shout ...
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 […]
The Call: Women Clergy: Shout Out!
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 […]
Introduction: Women Clergy: Shout Out!
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – My recollection of the first time I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up was when I was in the first grade and I immediately blurted out: “A pastor!” I remember the small number of people – mostly adults – being quiet for a moment, then […]
During This Time: Pastor Jennifer Michae...
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – With the COVID-19 situation hitting us like a brick – quickly and with no time to duck out of its way – I’ve wondered about our ordained leaders and how they have been able to adapt to this strangeness in which we’ve found ourselves. With Michigan beginning to open up – […]
During This Time: Pastor Rachel Laughlin
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – With the COVID-19 situation hitting us like a brick – quickly and with no time to duck out of its way – I’ve wondered about our ordained leaders and how they have been able to adapt to this strangeness in which we’ve found ourselves. With Michigan beginning to open up – […]
Campus Ministry + Isolation = A creative...
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – For many of us, campus ministry is one of those things that is on the fringe. Unless we’re involved with or connected to it in some way, we really don’t think about. We might give it a nod and say “that’s nice” – but all-in-all, it’s probably not something most […]
Ramping Up to Meet the Need
By Sue Sprang GLADWIN – Once it became clear that the current COVID-19 epidemic was going to be a situation with critical ramifications, the Gladwin-Beaverton County Food Distribution group took immediate action to ensure that one of those ramifications – an increase in the need for food – was met head on. The group was […]
The Communication-Mission Connection
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – In today’s world, it is imperative that congregations use the web/social media to their advantage. With paper communication giving way to more electronic and technical sources at a sometimes head-spinning pace, and with each new generation of American relying more on the latter than its previous generation, the church – […]