Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop Dave deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you and your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)

Many people have asked how I understand the immigration proposals that are before our state legislature right now. Typically, I do not take public stands on legislative policy matters, but I would invite you to think with me on a situation that is both emotionally charged and politically challenging. The issues of immigration are tremendously complex and not easily resolved. We seem to be living with a broken system that is hurting people, raising fears and escalating a style of response that does not seem true to both our national heritage nor our faith understanding.

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Pastor Lee Griess
Director of Evangelical Mission
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

That’s our motto here in Nebraska, that’s the mantra that guides what we do - We Do Mission. Over the years, the Nebraska Synod has used phrases like: “The Welcome Place” and “Fill, Spill, Thrill” to describe our ministry. Now-a-days - We Do Mission - are the words we use.

In 2009, the ELCA began using the words “God’s Work. Our Hands” to describe our life together in the church and these three Nebraska Synod words – “We Do Mission” – reflect the same understanding. Yes, it is God’s work and we join hands in serving together when We Do Mission. From the smallest rural congregation to the big, multistaffed mission center, we all ask the same question… How does this connect us to God’s mission? Because together… We Do Mission. It is why Jesus called the disciples and this is the work of the Holy Spirit who brought the church together. It is all about mission.

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Pastor Nancy Nyland
St. John Lutheran Church (Atkinson)
St. Peter Lutheran Church (Bassett)

During the month of December, both St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bassett and St. John Lutheran Church in Atkinson housed a 25-Cent Store.

People from the two congregations were asked to bring new or gently used items (except for clothes or shoes) to donate to the store. All items, no matter what their value were priced at a quarter.

Why did we do this? Because we wanted to give children an opportunity to buy Christmas gifts for parents, brothers, sisters and other loved ones. In this declining economy, there are families in our community who would benefit from the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts at a low price. Because we have been blessed, we can be a blessing to others.

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