November’s specific emphasis is to provide support for the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA) www.thelda.org. Sunday, Nov. 28, will be LDA Sunday at CLC – more details to come during month of November. Below is a message to CLC from LDA:
“Since 1919, the Lutheran Diaconal Association has formed people for ministries of service. In the early years we trained women primarily as nurses serving in missions and institutions of the church. In 2012 the LDA began forming
men for diaconal service. Our ministries have changed throughout the last 102 years in response to the times and the needs of God’s people. Today we serve in a wide variety of ministries, across the street and around the world. We are nurses, lawyers, engineers, musicians, social workers, chaplains, parish deacs, teachers, campus chaplains, missionaries, professors, and so much more.
A deaconess or deacon is someone one who serves. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and instructed them to do the same for others. Sometimes deaconesses and deacons do actual foot-washing like Jesus did; but more widely, they serve Christ by
walking with those the world easily forgets; the marginalized, the poor, the powerless, the sick.
People who reach out to others in this way—with care and compassion in a hurting world—are practicing diaconal service, as all the baptized are called to do. Some of them desire to do this as a professional in ministry and enter a more
formal training and formation process to become deaconesses and deacons. Since the earliest days of the church men and women have been set apart to do intentional servant ministry.
Deaconess/deacon ministry has come to mean many things: it means serving others on bended knee, and from positions of leadership. It means entering the hurt parts of society and carrying the light and love of Christ in service to others. It
means telling the story of God’s love and helping others to hear God in their own story. It means welcoming the stranger in our midst.
Life has changed for us at the LDA during the global pandemic, like it has for you. Stories of the changing dynamics of ministry abound over the past 18 months. Stories like Deaconess Barb who has transitioned her counseling
ministry to meet with clients via Zoom and phone. And Deacon Steve who has continued to provide worship services, pastoral care, and spiritual support to residents in long-term care settings through technology. And Deaconess Student Lisa who collaborated with church staff and volunteers to keep serving the hungry through a food pantry.
Formation for our students continues as well. Twenty-three students met for their student seminars in 2021 via Zoom. We worshipped, had presentations, and grew in our understanding of diaconal identity and
community.
We are so grateful for our partnership with Christ Lutheran Church. Your congregation has made a huge difference in our ministry. Your prayer support and financial support are invaluable and help the LDA thrive and reach out to
God’s people, during this trying time and beyond. Thank you!
For more info www.theLDA.org We would love to talk with you! Or talk to Deaconesses Jane Aicher or Diana Iltzsche. Or Deaconess candidate
Karen Hernes. Or deaconess student Meggan Amour.”
Help achieve our goal of $2500 in November (over and above giving combined with CLC’s $1200 budgeted amount). By achieving our goal CLC will help Lutheran Diaconal
Association continue mutual support and service activities that are crucial to effective ministry. Use your weekly worship giving mailed in check to CLC and indicate “LDA” or contribute through PushPay on the CLC website https://clcvalpo.org via the “Give” button and choose Monthly Social Ministry Emphasis. Thank you to members for supporting monthly social ministry
emphases.
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Men's Shelter Update
Men’s Shelter (and
Resale Shop) at 2102 Calumet Ave, 219-548-3548 You can help feed our neighbors experiencing homelessness: New Creations Men’s Center continues to be home base for both single men and women between homes, providing daily meals and a space to be during the day. Overnight services will begin at area churches on October 15. Christ Lutheran will resume our hosting in April 2022.
In the meantime, you can help NC feed their guests. Lunch supplies can be dropped off at the resale shop counter
during hours of operation (usually 10-5). Requests include: Lunch meat, Fruit, Individual juice, Snack cakes, and Chips. Dinners are also appreciated; please call New Creations (219-548-3548) for more information about quantities and scheduling of dinners. Information to
follow soon on our scheduled night to feed the men. Meanwhile please pray for those in our community living in cars, tents and on the streets.
There is a basket inside door #3 for suggested food donations for Men's Shelter.
