In Proverbs 24:27, it is written, “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that, build your house.”
Continue reading “MissionConnect – Plan Before Building”MissionConnect – Plan Before Building
The Academy – Digital Resources
The NALC is committed to the renewal of all our congregations, working to develop and deliver resources that challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission. The NALC Renewal Team continues to host The Academy. In the past, several sessions were hosted around the use of technology and digital resources. We wanted to continue to make that available, with a few “best practice” updates.
Continue reading “The Academy – Digital Resources”A Message of Hope – Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
Barry Backman has worked at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch for over 18 years. He is a Youth Care Worker Team Lead, and works, along with his team, directly with the kids. As parents, most of us need to live through about seven teenage years. Barry has stood by at-risk teens for 18+ years, helping them discover their best selves.Barry is a giant of a man. I don’t know for sure how tall he is, but even when I wear high heels, I look a long way up to meet his eyes. He could be physically intimidating, but he’s not. He exudes calm and kindness. For our internal staff newsletter, I asked Barry to share how he helps the Ranch fulfill its mission of “helping at-risk children and their families succeed in the name of Christ.” I wanted to share his words with you. They will give you a true feel for the caliber of people, like Barry, who choose to be Ranchers.
Continue reading “A Message of Hope – Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch”Service Provider Update – Lenten Devotional
Late yesterday, we learned that Facebook would no longer be able to support sending free updates through Facebook Messenger. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this has caused.
Because of this disruption, we have worked to find an additional way to support a daily message update at no cost to you. To receive the Lenten Devotional, written by the Rev. Dr. David Wendel, it is now possible to subscribe via daily text message or email.
Continue reading “Service Provider Update – Lenten Devotional”Addressing “Small Matters” Before They Become “Big”
Speaking of the nature of Christian community, St. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, saying, “Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:25-27 RSV)
Continue reading “Addressing “Small Matters” Before They Become “Big””NEXUS – Youth and Family Ministry Update
Proclaiming Jesus Amid the Noise: Living Our Calling in the World of Social Media
Continue reading “NEXUS – Youth and Family Ministry Update”The Academy – March 2020
The NALC is committed to the renewal of all our congregations, working to develop and deliver resources that challenge and open the NALC to the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry and mission.
Bishop John Bradosky writes: “Instead of talking about the process of discipleship, we would like to examine the context of discipleship. What is the nature of Christian community that nurtures people as faithful followers of Jesus, equips them to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus and provides for their growth and development as disciples of Jesus? Following the amazing miracle of Pentecost, Peter’s bold preaching, explaining who Jesus is and what He has done for them and the transformation of more than 3,000 people who came to faith in Jesus we read these important words about the formation of the community that was able to sustain and grow the Church, the body of Christ.”*
Continue reading “The Academy – March 2020”A Lenten Walk Through The Word
We are now preparing to step over the liturgical threshold of Ash Wednesday, into the holy season of Lent. We will all benefit by additional time, if brief, spent reading God’s Word, meditating on it and responding to it. This is the aim of this Lenten devotional booklet—to stimulate regular, personal, daily time in the Scriptures in an easy to use format that encourages faithfulness. We also hope that these brief readings and meditations will help those not used to daily Bible reading, to begin, at least during Lent. Perhaps you will continue on with Scripture reading after Easter!
Continue reading “A Lenten Walk Through The Word”