Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Rev. Martin Russell
Assistant to the Bishop
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Together, we live love… building homes.

From its earliest days, the Christian church has moved outward. Disciples and apostles moved away from their home cultures, sharing their faith over unfamiliar meals with strangers whose ways were new to them. As Christ was made known in these relationships, the act of sharing changed guest and host. Teacher became learner, learner became teacher. Within the Nebraska Synod, our global mission efforts have found a wonderful expression in our two companion synod relationships: the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Argentina and the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania

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Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

I was harnessed up, and the helmet strap was secure under my chin. “Landing crew—are you ready?” I yelled.

“Ready!” they shouted back.

“Zipping!” I exclaimed, somewhat nervously.

To which the crew responded, “Zip on!”

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Vera Hummel
Director
Seeking the Spirit Within Institute for Spiritual Direction Formation

Thank you to rostered leaders who knew and expressed a need for spiritual direction and spiritual retreats. The Nebraska Synod Council heard and responded, and with your help through the Feed the Roots and Grow the Forest capital campaign, the Seeking the Spirit Within Institute was born.

Our guiding document for the work of this institute is two-pronged. First, we are about spiritual direction formation, preparing people who feel called to the ministry of walking with individuals as their personal spiritual director. Second, we are committed to providing opportunities for spiritual retreats for people in the Nebraska Synod at least four times each year.

Thirteen people have just completed the requirements of the two-year journey of transformation and have been certified by the Nebraska Synod. At their Certification and Commissioning Residency, they clearly understood the language of orientation/disorientation/reorientation as descriptors of spiritual formation. Hear what a couple of the certified directors said about this experience:

• Pastor Brad Meyer (Lord of Love, Omaha) – “The experience of becoming a spiritual director has challenged me to see where God’s presence is. I hope to direct others on this wonderful journey to develop a deeper relationship with God.”
• Pastor Eric Bostrom (Faith, Seward) – “I hope to be a spiritual companion with individuals on their faith journey, listening for God in their lives. I hope to help individuals move from believing in Jesus to following Jesus throughout their lives.”

A second group of fifteen people are now committed to the journey of spiritual direction formation.

Many people have been blessed through the work of Seeking the Spirit Within as opportunities for providing spiritual retreats occur.

• Participants who are now certified have regularly provided spiritual practices for Synod Council.
• We hosted a pre-theological conference spiritual retreat and provided individual spiritual direction opportunities. Nearly 50 people took advantage of these opportunities.
• Through Confirmation Conference, prayer practices were offered to those who have great opportunity to influence the young through their own spiritual lives.
• First Call rostered leaders have the opportunity once a year for a spiritual retreat.
• On Feb. 26, 2011, Seeking the Spirit Within will plan and host what was previously known as Spring Connection event. Watch for your invitation to participate.

As director, I see this institute as both a responsibility and a privilege. Walking with so many people in their spiritual journeys brings great joy and reason to celebrate all the ways the Holy Spirit is presently engaging the lives of so many. Anyone who is interested in knowing more or in finding a personal spiritual director may contact me at 402-375-1714 or vhummel@huntel.net. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with all of you in this way.