Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character, hope, and hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” - John 5:3-5

Suffering seems to be more prevalent and pervasive these days. Several of our friends have experienced authentic hurts in their lives due to illness, financial turmoil and broken relationships. Their sadness is permeated with a sense of wondering regarding the meaning of these difficulties. “How can I hope when I hurt so badly?” and, “Where is God in my pain?” have not been rare expressions.

Without giving in to simplistic responses, these situations have raised a struggle of honest reflection. Let me share a few thoughts of faithfulness:

(more…)

Send article as PDF to

Pastor Lee Griess
Assistant to the Bishop
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

I’m a country music fan. I don’t admit it too often and not to too many people. There seems to be a certain reaction a lot of people have to that. So I’m opening up to you all by saying this.

Recently, the BMI award for the #1 country single went to Kenny Chesney for his song, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven.” Knowing that not all of you follow country music like I do, I’ve included the lyrics for you here. Go to YouTube sometime and watch Chesney’s music video of the song. I think you’ll find it enjoyable.

(more…)

Send article as PDF to

Julie Petersen
Secretary, Nebraska Synod Council
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Lincoln

How are you filled spiritually?

A balance of “inside/out” is the most helpful for me. Looking outward, I’m inspired and excited by all the deep faith and good works around us - in my congregation, my community, our synod, and churchwide. The best way to avoid “turning in on oneself” is to look around and see how God is working in our world! That goes beyond our own faith as well - I always find Jesus when working side-by-side with our other Christian sisters and brothers.

(more…)

Send article as PDF to

Receive Bread, Give Bread: Giving to World Hunger through the Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper
Salem Lutheran Church, Ponca, NE
Pastor Neal Anthony

Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, Nebraska has started receiving an offering called “Receive Bread, Give Bread” on Communion Sundays. The offering is dedicated to ELCA World Hunger.

Pastor Neal Anthony says the offering is intended to help make world hunger a regular part of the mission center’s benevolence. The special offering began in March and has averaged $150 for world hunger per offering.

The following is an excerpt from the church’s bulletin insert explaining “Receive Bread, Give Bread”:

What: Responding to the gift of the Bread of Life who is given to us in, with and under the Lord’s Supper, “Receive Bread, Give Bread” is an opportunity to give the gift of daily bread to those in need.

Why: Purely as a response! We give the gift of daily bread to World Hunger because God has first given us the Bread of Life through his Word. Also, recognizing that World Hunger is not included in our congregation’s benevolence, we want to make our giving to World Hunger a high visibility habit. There is no better medium by which to accomplish this than to make it part of the liturgy of the Lord’s Supper.

Where: At our Worship Services of Word and Sacrament

When: After we have received the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – the Bread of Life! – we are given the opportunity, as we are returning to our seats, to place our gifts in the bread baskets on both sides of the communion station from which you have received the Lord’s Supper.

How Much: This is up to you. You don’t have to give anything (and nor will you be judged for not giving anything). You get to give whatever you want. You can give 25 cents. You can give a dollar. You can give $25. It’s all up to you. God has given us the Bread of Life. This is simply an opportunity to respond to the gift of the Bread of Life by giving bread to those in need.

Send article as PDF to

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Greetings!

Recently, the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality publicly released the proposed social statement on “Human Sexuality” and its report and recommendations on ministry practices. I hope that you have had the chance to read it over yourself. It is available for download at http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney. Let me share with you some of my pastoral reflections.

(more…)

Send article as PDF to

Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

When I drive to the Nebraska Synod office, I travel past a nursery on the south side of Center Street in West Omaha. Now that it’s February, the young trees are without leaves, of course. They stand expectantly, in rows, planted just-the-right distance apart as though they were school children lined up to begin exercising in PE class, holding their arms straight out from their sides so that their fingertips just about touch.

I wonder where the trees will go eventually. Perhaps someone has built a new house and is landscaping for the first time. Maybe there’s been some clearing of old brush, and it’s time for new trees that change the look of a back yard. Regardless of the specific motivation to plant a tree, the action of planting something that will eventually grow taller and bigger around than the person who planted it is a sign of hope to me.

(more…)

Send article as PDF to

Orrin Strand
Member, Nebraska Synod Council
Zion Lutheran Church, Albion, Nebraska

How are you filled spiritually?

My deepest relationship with God comes through worship and, especially, Bible study. A worship service is a great time to stir up that passion to learn about the world as it should be, but Bible study gives us the opportunity to engage each other in the world as it is.

(more…)

Send article as PDF to

Every year, congregations hold annual meetings to elect officers, consider spending plans for the coming year and discuss matters of the church. Two congregations took fresh approaches to their annual meetings this year.

(more…)

Send article as PDF to