Word & Service Ministry

ELCA Life Long Learning Partners (Continuing Education)

After the Sun has Set    by Kristine Carlson
	Our author, a self-described “morning person,” finds distinct gifts in the church’s worship at night. continue►

What Was That?    by Mir Youngquist-Thurow
	Here’s a story about things that go bump in the night in the North Carolina Piedmont. But even more, this is a story about kids, outdoor ministry, and getting acquainted with God’s nighttime creation. continue►

In Awe of Creation and Creator    by Grace Wolf-Chase
	Heads regularly bend heavenward at the nighttime sky. Our author, an astronomer, leads us on a short cosmic tour, in awe of both creation and the Creator. continue►

Throughout a Hospital's Halls    by Linda Francisco Bets
	A chaplain shares three stories of nighttime ministry in the corridors and rooms of hospitals. continue►

Awesome Experience — Confirmands Praying Around the Cross    by Kristine Carlson
	At a previous congregation where I served, our Wednesday evening confirmation program ended once a month with a worship service of Prayer Around the Cross. An online exclusive! continue►

Just Dreamin’! The Subconscious at Work    by Carol Breimeier
	Are there common dreams to those called to pastor? Our author reveals her sleeping soul. An online exclusive! continue►

Next Issue: Taking Center Stage
How are we expressing ourselves, as bearers of the gospel, before the broader culture and the things our culture stands for? What happens when we are placed “on center stage” for the “sake of the world”? The “stages” include New York City following the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the world of American jazz, and the influence of newer forms of technology and media in congregations. We will also revisit Christ and Culture, the seminal book by H. Richard Niebuhr to see its pertinence for discussing culture’s influence on faith today.

Remember our regular features, both print and online: “Written on the Heart,” book and web leadership resources reviews, Some Words About... (online only), Book End (a photographic feature from the ELCA Archives), and letters to the editor, cartoons, poetry, and an editorial comment.

Coming July 2008