The Blog

Each time I hear stories about how Congressman John Lewis helped lead non-violent action as part of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, I am struck by how young he was when he began to confront racism and work for justice.  At 15 years old, he heard about Rosa Parks’ arrest and the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott.  He heard

God of love and justice, Thank you for the life and legacy of John Lewis. Thank you for the countless ways his work, his example, his calls for justice have changed our nation. Thank you for all who have been part of the civil rights movement,    for their courage, their sacrifice, their vision of the beloved community. Thank you

God of grace, Speak to me through your word. Help me to encounter you in the stories of your people. Show me who you are. Show me what you are calling me to do, who you are calling me to be. Empower me to read with a critical eye;   to question and wonder about your people in these stories,

I have lived in central PA for nearly 25 years.  This is literally my home now.  But I am not from here.  My family and many friends from the previous parts of my life are back in the Midwest.  So every year, we make the journey to Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.  This year, it is uncertain, and that makes

Penn State had announced plans for a phased return to campus this fall. There is and abundance of information and updates on the Penn State website. Here’s the link. At this point, we waiting to learn just what that will mean for the life of Lutheran Student Community. As more information is available from the university about guidelines and expectations

Let’s take a new look at confirmation! –Maybe you have forgotten everything you learned way back in middle school. –Maybe you were not particularly motivated and you weren’t really paying attention back then. If you’d like to talk about God and faith and scripture, about Lutheran teachings and how faith can shape our lives, all in a context where questions

Questions, Not Answers (QNA) is an intergenerational discussion group that brings together members of Grace Lutheran and students connected with Lutheran Student Community. We wrestle with questions that don’t have easy or clear answers, and we often leave with more questions than we came with! This month, Paula Droege, professor of Philosophy at Penn State, will facilitate our conversation about

God of every place, You are with me everywhere I go. I see you in the beauty of the mountains and the strength of the winds. I find you in the gently waving prairie grass and farm fields. I hear you in the songs of birds and the roar of the waves. I know you are with me here. I

In the ancient middle east, planting grain meant the sower walked through the field carrying a bag of seed.  As they made their way across the ground, they’d hurl handfuls of grain into the air, using wide, sweeping movements.  Seeds would fall where they were flung, in the tilled earth and in the areas around the field. It is a

God of growth and abundance, Let my heart be good, rich soil. Feed and nourish me with your love, healing and compassion. Enrich me by your teachings and wisdom. Move me with your presence and faithfulness. Help me in the times when it is difficult to sustain growth. When I am worn down.   When I am unable to provide