by Sr. Mary Aire | Sr. Mary Arie is serving as a synodically authorized minister at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Waterville, Kansas

On two Wednesday nights they washed 100 potatoes and then the following Wednesday they wrapped them in foil. The children ages are from three years old to fourth grade, and all wanted to help. It was fun to see them all pitch in and work.

by Candidate Kriss Buss

As with mercy, when the intention of our heart is aligned with that of God, we become transformed more entirely into God’s own likeness.

In this way, we become more aware not only of the image of God within ourselves but also within each person around us.

by Candidate Megan McClinton

Being a deaconess candidate, I have found, informs my approach in all that do, both in my work in the congregation and in my own personal life. Since becoming a candidate, I find more and more daily, how I cannot separate the two. It is my forming identity as a deaconess which guides and directs all that I do. Being a deaconess is much about having a heart and mind focused towards service to and for others.

by Candidate Kriss Buss

Mercy asks us to practice true forgiveness and welcoming. To welcome those cast out by fear. To make risks for real peace, peace grounded in love that does not bear grudges.

by Jonathan Tindor

Meeting people where they are with God’s love is at the core of what Sr. Dottie does. This comes out of a deep conviction that this is what God does for all people.

“In the cross, we see just how far God is willing to go to be with us and for us,” she says. This, in her telling, is part of the story of Lent. On the road to the cross, she says, people ask Jesus whose sin caused recent tragedies. Jesus says no one.

by Candidate Kriss Buss

Righteousness is a community concern – such that all are treated justly and with God’s abundant love.

Dear Community, where is there hungering and thirsting in your town? Who cries out to be filled? As the church, we are called to be turned outwards to the world, to serve and witness.