Change is a favorite word for discussions about the state of the Christian Church and consideration of its future. Church “futurists” propose changes to everything from governance and structure to worship and, among some, doctrinal positions. But as church leaders, we are able to discuss this from the context of...
It’s tradition at Lutheran North High School for Peer Ministers to hang welcome signs on the lockers of new students. This year, there were approximately 60 more hand written notes than last year, for the students enrolled in the brand new Lutheran North Middle School. The school opened its inaugural...
Rev. Dr. Ellis T. Rottmann entered into his eternal home on August 21, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Joyce (nee Kell), loving father of Jon (Cindy), Steve (Jan), and Kathy (Dale) Jensen, and proud grandfather of Stephanie Rottmann, Chris Jensen, and Kayla Jensen. He was preceded in death...
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.—Psalm 32:1In the movie, Return of the Jedi, as part of their complicated relationship, Darth Vader says to his son, Luke Skywalker, “Your thoughts betray you.” How often the person who feels guilt over some dark deed has thought...
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” —Matthew 10:29-31 One of the first thing that the Saxon immigrants did...
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 When St. Paul encourages those with...
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” —2 Corinthians 4:1 Since the fall into sin, work has been marred by frustration and futility. At times, even those who serve in congregations and schools have been disappointed by the lack of apparent fruits from their labor....
Rev. Donald F. Jenkins, age 84, of Edison, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 19, 2019 at his home. He was born August 18, 1934 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Stanley and Emelia (Gnade) Jenkins. Donald served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He...
Teens and adults use social media very differently. Where adults tend to see social media as a place to keep in touch and share funny memes, many teenagers see it as a way to figure out how they fit in the world. The concern is that they’re interacting with kids...
The isolation that comes with being an administrator isn’t a challenge everyone knows about, but it means administrators can’t easily compare ideas and experiences freely with people in similar roles. There’s no sitting with a colleague at lunch or after a long day. It begs the question, who leads the...