Adoption
Posted on March 11, 2025
by Tyler & Laura, Adoptive Parents
Gia’s adoption account, written by parents Tyler & Laura, is a story that almost didn’t have a happy ending. In the span of several days, the couple experienced every emotion on their turbulent ride, where some days it seemed like everything might fall apart. Read how Tyler & Laura navigated the journey and trusted God’s plan with ‘Gigi.’
Lutheran Family Service News
Posted on March 8, 2025
by Rev. Todd Kollbaum
Meet Rev. Todd Kollbaum, Director of Partner Engagement with Lutheran Family Service. A husband, father, grandparent, and pastor, Todd comes to LFS with a background in connecting congregations and church workers with ministry resources and support.
Mental Health
Posted on March 3, 2025
by Rev. Jonathan & Katy Crawford
Perhaps you’ve been asked, “Are you giving up anything for Lent?” There is a tradition in the church of individuals choosing something to abstain from during the 40-day season. This year rather than each of us choosing something individually, our congregation is joining together in giving up (or reducing our use of) screens.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on February 20, 2025
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, tLMFT
Getting off on the wrong foot can create difficulty in a church worker’s ministry. What could your congregation do to help a new calling begin on a more positive note? Here are ten ways to welcome a new church worker to your church and community.
Mental Health
Posted on February 16, 2025
by Jamie McWade, LMHC
Have you ever had one of those moments where you relived a painful memory? Your whole body could feel it. One therapy that has shown a significant impact in dealing with painful memories is EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), using eye (or other) movements to help process memories that continue to haunt us.
Life Advocacy
Posted on February 13, 2025
by Rev. Max Phillips
Iowa LCMS pastors stand for life and truth at the capitol at the 8th annual Iowa LCMS Pastors’ Day On The Hill event on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Giving
Posted on February 10, 2025
by Andy Wyss
Christians have a right to feel cynical about the commercialism surrounding Valentine’s Day. Like many parts of culture, Christians can choose to ignore it or redeem it. Perhaps we should embrace Valentine’s Day and contemplate how we can use it as an occasion to serve others.
Lutheran Family Service News
Posted on February 6, 2025
by Hannah Fowler, tLMFT
Meet Hannah Fowler, tLMFT, a marriage and family therapist serving clients in person in Bettendorf, IA and throughout the state of Iowa via telehealth. A wife and mom of two little ones, Hannah works with couples in all stages and seasons of life, from premarital counseling and beyond.
Life Advocacy
Posted on February 1, 2025
by Kim Laube
On January 27, 2025, The Prayer Rally For Life was held at the Iowa State Capitol. Governor Reynolds, Attorney General Bird, several legislators, and LCMS Pastor Jonathan Conner were featured. Also in attendance were Grant and Sarah DeJong, who were the first couple in our Down Syndrome Adoption Program.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on January 24, 2025
by Angela Kollbaum, LIMHP, CPC, DCE
The new year puts us all in a mindset to make physical, mental, or spiritual life changes. But instead of more failed resolutions, choose a Scripture verse as your ‘theme’ for the year. Use it as a focal point for growth to stay rooted in God’s Word and to keep your thoughts focused on your calling as a child of God.
