Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them to do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that for you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:27-38)

(more…)

In August, Pastor Tim Koester and the members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bloomfield concluded their Ride for a Reason campaign to raise funds for the “Motorcycles for Tanzania” project.

The motorcycle riders at St. Mark’s organized an event that led participants around Lewis and Clark Lake and ended with a community meal and a silent auction for gift baskets. The goal was to raise enough money to help purchase one bike.

(more…)

Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Each of our mission centers likely has a confirmation ministry. In fact, when you read the word “confirmation,” an image probably comes into your mind immediately. What do you think of when you read, “confirmation”?

Some of you may flash back to your own years in confirmation, remembering memorizing Martin Luther’s explanation of each of the Ten Commandments. Maybe you think, “confirmation” and get a sad feeling in your heart because, year after year, when youth are confirmed in your congregation, they leave the worshipping community never to be seen within the walls of the church again. Perhaps an image of a new curriculum you just started using comes to mind and you feel excitement about how it will connect with youth.

(more…)