I. An Alternate Route
II. Out of the Ruins
III. Outdoor Ministry in an Aging Society

I. An Alternate Route
Synopsis: Our story of ministry, addresses the ever increasing diversity of our nation's population and our church's commitment to celebrate God's gift of grace with people of numerous cultures and in languages other than English. The Division for Ministry works in concert with ELCA seminaries, synods and the Division for Outreach to identify people who are known to the Lutheran community as Christian leaders and invite them to consider a special program of preparation for word and sacrament ministry. In this segment titled "An Alternate Route", we'll meet two such leaders. Because of the ELCA's alternate route to ministry, Ha Nguyen, from Vietnam, and Michael Batarseh, a Palestinian from Bethlehem, are doing vital culture-specific ministry with Vietnamese and Arab people in the Los Angeles area.

II. Out of the Ruins
Synopsis:  This issue's focus on community shows how Lutheran churches have a role in helping communities get organized to improve living conditions. The story titled "Out of the Ruins" takes us to the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, where land is being for cleared for construction of hundreds of new single family houses. The Nehemiah project is the fruit of a turf battle that's been going on across New York City and the nation for over 20 years. The ELCA's Division for Church in Society, Division for Outreach, synods and congregations work together to make this kind of community ministry happen.

III. Celebrating Life: Outdoor Ministry in an Aging Society.
Synopsis:  Celebrating Life: Outdoor Ministry in an Aging Society focuses on community life and outdoor ministry. Senior camper Esther Lindwall shares her experiences at Camp Calumet in New Hampshire with us. Esther, who talks about risk taking and the choices confronting older people, says day by day she has to decide whether to be a bird or a statue. Most days Esther ventures forth to be a bird.