by Diane Strzelecki As part of a presentation last March to the National Lutheran Administrators Conference, Rev. Ron Weidler, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Batavia, Ill., listed a series of steps that enhance the ministry efforts of a congregation. Weidler and Immanuel principal Glenn Steinbrenner, along with leaders from the two additional schools that were
by Roland Lovstad Ministry among immigrants in neighborhoods such as Detroit’s Mexicantown depends on willing and committed volunteers as well as church workers. As he reviews Iglesia Luterana Pan de Vida en Belén, Rev. Gregory Lorenz remarks, “Our ministry exists only because we have partners and that includes congregations and individuals.” The congregation and LATINO
by Diane Strzelecki Like families in many communities, the Ellis family was unchurched. Today, the family worships at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Batavia, Ill. Corinne Ellis tells her story to Lutheran Witness editor-at-large Diane Strzelecki. We moved to Batavia four years ago and had planned on sending our son to public school. In fact, that was
A “seamless ministry” between church and school unites a congregation in outreach to its community.
by Scott Snow As the “dog days of summer” fade into preparations for kids going back to school, there will still be time for many families to squeeze in that last exciting opportunity to get away before the more relaxed schedules of summer become distant memories. Others will know the excitement of welcoming these travelers
Yes, print remains a significant means of communication (in spite of numerous premature obituaries); yet new tools increasingly play important roles in the ways in which we hold conversations with one another.
by Rev. Ben Eder There is much discussion today about the state of the family. We are justifiably concerned about the level of dysfunction in many families, as well as societal and cultural pressures being placed upon the traditional family. In the midst of our stress and anxiety, where do we turn? In times like
May we all be moved by our Father’s love to share that love with others!
I send this letter in response to the April Lutheran Witness article by Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, “Reservations about the Resurrection?” Undoubtedly, much solid historical information was shared. My problem with the article, however, is that there was no mention of the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, including the Resurrection accounts, by the
God be praised for the wonderful “What’s New at Our Concordias?” found in the April Lutheran Witness. It is good for LCMS members to know that our colleges and universities continue to find innovative ways to bring solid Lutheran higher education to increasing numbers of people, both extending Gospel witness and staying solvent in the
I have just re-read “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Church Musicians” in the March Lutheran Witness, and I had to write and thank you for a wonderful tribute to the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival. It was especially nice connecting names and faces of young people experiencing what must be a life-changing time for them. The entire
I am writing in response to the April online letter, “Helping Church Workers.” I agree that the cost of seminary training and the debt accrued from four years of schooling is a hardship for many new pastors entering the ministry. Many of the students at the seminary are coming straight out of an undergraduate program