My career journey has been one of continual change and unexpected results that I can only credit to God.

Today, six years into retirement, Steve would say that he still hasn’t gotten much rest. And he’s arrived at this unexpected conclusion: “You can only golf so much!”

Dr. Joel Christenson (Lutheran Brethren Seminary) and I had the privilege to experience this when we participated in the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, held in Seoul, South Korea, September 22-28, 2024.

But Christmas is also a time for reflection on what Jesus actually did, in giving up his heavenly throne and becoming human: Jesus was God “with skin on!” As his kinfolk, can we follow his example in this season? Where do we see incarnational ministry―God’s love with skin on?

The Rooted Gap Year program is off and running and I couldn’t be more thankful for the way things have started. We have eight incredible young adults from all over the country who have come to be discipled, to live in community, and to serve the Lord.

This was one of my favorite Women’s Ministries conventions! Why? I think it was how the theme of “Women Together” was embodied in this day. Together, every two years, we, as women, have this opportunity to forge new friendships, embrace long-lost friends, and raise our voices in praise to God who created us as individuals, but unites us together in his Body.

When planning began for this year’s biennial convention of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America—themed “Partner in Mission”—it seemed very appropriate to invite the synodical presidents of our international LB synods with which we remain active in mission partnership.

To those of you who attended BC24, to those of you who sent and supported this gathering, to all of the CLB—I greet you as partners in mission!  Indeed, I am so very grateful that we are “in this together.”

July/August 2024 issue of Faith & Fellowship