A District President Looks at Rural Challenges

by Roland Lovstad Regardless of whether rural or small-town communities are growing or declining in population, there is usually an increase in the number of unchurched or uncommitted people, observes Rev. Russell Sommerfeld, president of the Synod’s Nebraska District. “First of all, the challenge is connecting with many of these people,” he says. While younger …

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Shedding Some Light

Running the Race Angela, dressed in her springtime Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Sunday school. As she ran, she prayed, “Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late! Please don’t let me be late!” Dashing across the church parking lot, she tripped on the parking-lot …

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Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

by Dr. William B. Knippa My husband and I are in our late seventies and are preparing what we think will be our last will. Regarding our funeral plans, one daughter thinks we should be cremated (it’s less expensive, less stressful for family, etc.), but our other daughter wants us to be buried. Neither of …

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Rose Again?

I am a lifelong Lutheran, have been confirmed, attended a Lutheran college, and teach in a Lutheran high school. In all my years of asking I have yet to receive an adequate answer to the question about one simple word: “again.” In the Apostles’ Creed, we say that Jesus “rose again from the dead.” My …

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In My Savior’s Healing Hands

In sickness or in health, we can witness daily to our faith and to the blessing of eternal life we have all received.

New Life, New Hope, New Challenges

April marks the beginning of spring. The combination of springtime sights, sounds, and smells in God’s creation reminds us of new life and new hope.

Saint Paul Institute for Education

by Roland Lovstad “We envisioned a training center that would partner with the Missouri District, a center that would touch areas of rural and small-town ministry but also assist professional church workers and lay leaders wherever they need assistance in ministry.” That’s how Dr. Ralph Geisler describes the Saint Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE). Geisler, …

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