[kakuehl]

Originally Posted by dkb60

Where did you live in Arizona?

d.

We lived in Tucson. My dad was stationed at Davis Monthan (sp) Air Force Base. We went to a mission congregation. "Streams in the Desert" Lutheran Church. It's really the first congregation I remember.

[dkb60]

small world. We have lived in Tucson since 1992. I know Streams well.

D.

[kakuehl]

I suspect it's no longer a mission congregation. (I was there almost 50 years ago. WOW - that's a weird thought.) I started singing in the "junior choir" there. In those days, every Sunday they sang the 2nd stanza of "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" (See the springs of living waters...") It was a fun place to be as a child.

[dkb60]

they are no longer a mission congregation. They just did a very nice fellowship expansion a few years ago. They have a lovely court yard area now. One of their ministries is an adult daycare.
D

[kakuehl]

I keep thinking it would be fun to go there for a visit. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to happen for a long time!

[carrieannpeterson]

Hey fellow Lutherans! I read the first page of posts and thought I needed to chime in!!

DH and I are about 6 months into the adoption process, Infant Open Adoption through LSS of MN. We're officially been waiting 3 months now after all of our HS process.

I have worked in an ELCA church for 11 1/2 years now as a youth director. I followed up my BA from Conconrdia Moorhead, MN with an MA in Youth and Family Ministry from Luther sem in St. Paul.

I just found this site. I am a member of another one, Fertility Friend, that has adoption boards, too, but they aren't moving too fast these days so I thought I'd search out another one.

So, any of you guys waiting like me???

CarrieMN

[kakuehl]

Welcome. I'm an ELCA pastor serving two small congregations in western PA. I am not waiting to adopt (at this point I'm adding grandchildren to my family!) I'm a birthmom in reunion with my first born. You will find plenty of threads with people waiting to adopt here at adoption.com. The Guatemala forum is always active. Anyway, welcome again. Tell us how it's going with you.

How many children are involved in the programs you direct.

[carrieannpeterson]

HI, thanks for the welcome. We have about 20-30 active HS kids, about 10 active Jr. Hi and about 30 or so active 3rd-6th. We are about 1000 members, so kind of small for Minnesota.

We are 3 months into the adoption process w/ LSS. We are looking forward to a phone call one day!!

You're from Arizona? Do you know Darcy Middelstadt? She's a youth director in phoenix and also on synod staff.

[mrsred]

I went to the most wonderful Ash Wednesday services yesterday. I actually attended two separate services, the 2pm, with a couple friends, and teh 7 pm with my 5th graders. This was the first time I have gone to a service with the Imposition of the Ashes. I found it very moving. As we go into Lent I pray that I can keep focused on Him. I am truly in awe of the sacrifice He made for me.

[kakuehl]

This was the first time I have gone to a service with the Imposition of the Ashes. I found it very moving. As we go into Lent I pray that I can keep focused on Him. I am truly in awe of the sacrifice He made for me.

You have been marked with the sign of the cross - forever. The ashes remind us of who we are...sinners loved unconditionally by God. I really like what you wrote about keeping focus on Him. That, I believe is the work of the Holy Spirit. (I keep praying that the people I serve will hear God speaking to them in the same way.)

Sorry, this response is turning into a sermon!

I will pray with you!

[mrsred]

Kathy, if that was a sermon PREACH ON!
By the way, we had our two adopted children baptized last Sunday and it was wonderful. I see the Holy Spirit working in them to heal them of their wounds of the past. I feel the Holy Spirit working in me to lead them to a faith and understanding of our great Savior!

[kakuehl]

Don't encourage me! Sometimes we as Lutherans are a little hesitent about mentioning the Holy Spirit. If there is one thing I've found as a pastor, it's how much I depend on the Holy Spirit. As Lutherans we believe that it is the Holy Spirit that brings us to faith and enables us to believe and accept the love of God. As a pastor I can't make anyone believe or be transformed by the love of God much as I may want them to. Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Are you a member of Thrivent by any chance? They have some materials that are available for children. One is a family devotional book that I think you would enjoy using with the children.

One of my friends and colleagues is a biblical languages scholar. He says the the word for salvation in the Bible could also be translated "cure" or "healing." (Think of the word salve). Therefore it is truly the salvation of God that brings healing to lives. How wonderful to see that happening in your children's lives. How difficult it is to believe that God loves us unconditionally! (Especially for children who have not experience the unconditional love that parents - good ones - have for their children.

[mrsred]

I am not familiar with the Thrivent, but would welcome any information.

[kakuehl]

Thrivent is Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, it was formed from Lutheran Brotherhood and Aid Association for Lutherans a few years ago. It's a non-profit handling insurance and financial products (mutual funds, IRAs, etc.) for Lutherans (any denomination - ELCA, LC-MS, etc.) With what would be profits, they encourage members to help others - both financially and with hands on projects. One of the benefits is that they provide a variety of resources for members at no cost. PM me if you'd like their web-site or google Thrivent.

[AnnaE]

Hi!! I am a foster mom licensed with LSS and have been for 15 years. Who knows? Maybe I will care for your baby one of these days! I hope one comes along soon for you...Where are you in MN? We belong to a Lutheran Church in W. St. Paul..have an outstanding youth director. Ever heard of Don Marsh? Anyway, fun to connect with you! Donna