Giving
Posted on October 31, 2022
by Lutheran Family Service
Because our society and culture continue to drift away from Christianity, the word “Lutheran” can be intimidating. We don’t want to keep women from seeking us out for any reason – most especially something as simple as our name!
With this in mind, Lutheran Family Service launched Many Hearts Unplanned Pregnancy Support this spring. As to budgetary needs, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lone Rock was the earliest to answer the call with a distribution from their congregational endowment.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on September 27, 2022
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, LMFT
Many church members have a big heart and want to help in caring for church workers. But, they don’t always know how. Read on for 20 ways that you individually and your congregation can care for your pastor and other professional church workers.
Mental Health
Posted on August 29, 2022
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, LMFT
When anxiety takes over, it can lead to multiple harmful effects on your health and well-being. Thankfully, there are healthy ways to cope with anxiety producing thoughts, and even stress that can lead to anxious thoughts.
Life Advocacy
Posted on August 5, 2022
by Kim Laube, Director of Life Ministries
For many, even with a 50+ day head start from the leaked supreme court decision, it was nothing short of stunning to learn the US Supreme Court had over-turned Roe. vs. Wade on June 24, 2022. While this decision was a big leap in the right direction, there’s still so much work to do as the power shifts back to each state. What’s the current abortion situation in Iowa, and what can Iowa, pro-life Christians be doing to protect life? Read on for the 5 takeaways for Iowa, pro-life Christians.
Life Advocacy
Posted on August 5, 2022
by Emma Squire, Unplanned Pregnancy Counselor & Adoption Caseworker
In discussions around divisive topics, it’s easy for misinformation to be spread. It’s especially easy when that misinformation is anger and fear inducing. Considering the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, let’s cut through the noise and take a minute to break down exactly what state abortion restrictions are and what they are not.
Life Advocacy
Posted on August 4, 2022
by Rev. Dr. Jim Lamb, Life Advocate
As a life advocate, the need for your voice will be greater now. People, it seems, are being more vocal about their views. We may find increased tension; even in our congregations.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on July 25, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
Church worker families have their actions and lives scrutinized by parishioners and folks in the general public. There is overwhelming pressure to be a “perfect” family that handles all situations and stresses flawlessly and without breaking a sweat.
Adoption
Posted on July 12, 2022
by Carla R. Roghair
I prayed and prayed to be pregnant to no avail. After a year of trying unsuccessfully to conceive, I went to the doctor and was referred to a specialist. Fertility drugs did not work.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on June 27, 2022
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, LMFT
Being “blue” on occasion is normal, but being stuck in the “blues” is not. Some experience depression briefly, and with help, can move out of it. Others struggle with it their entire lives and may need both counseling and special medications. Learn 5 ways you can use to beat the “Blues” of depression.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on May 18, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
Church workers’ transitions run the gamut of exciting, joyful, frightening and stressful. In addition to the usual church year transitions, there are transitions from one call to another and one home to another. For Lutheran school teachers, the transition is growing one class of students, saying goodbye, then welcoming another class a few months later.
Preparation can be helpful in handling life’s changes to reduce stress and expedite adjustment. In her article, “Ten Tips for Handling Life’s Transitions,” author Nylse Esahc (Ibelieve.com, March 10, 2019), suggested the following points with accompanying Bible references, followed by my observations.
