Reconciling Works

    Name: Zach Busch Pronouns: (he/him/his) Location: University Lutheran Church of Hope, Dinkytown – Minneapolis, MN     Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 NRSV To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Devotional: As a musician for the church, I have infinitely marveled at the power and mystery of music. […]

Help ReconcilingWorks welcome the newest Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (Norwood, PA). Their welcome statement reads: “As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Norwood, commits to celebrating the love of God with ALL people as we are all made in God’s image. Whatever your abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, […]

    Name: The Rev. Kevin L. Strickland, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Executive for Worship Pronouns: (he/him/his) Location: Chicago, IL     Scripture: Psalm 31:11-12 NRSV I am the scorn of my enemies, a disgrace to my neighbors, a dismay to my acquaintances; when they see me in the street they avoid me. […]

    Name: Sister Liz Colver – Director of Vocation and Education for the Deaconess Community of the ELCA Pronouns: (she/her/hers) Location: Seattle, WA     Scripture: Mark 12:28-31b The Inclusive Bible Translation “Which commandment is the first of all?’”Jesus answered, “The first is ‘hear oh Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; […]

Help ReconcilingWorks welcome the newest Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community: Embrace Ministries at Capital University (Columbus, OH). Their welcome statement reads: “Embrace Ministries celebrates that every individual person uniquely embodies the image of God. We affirm members of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, ability, and background. Inspired by the unconditional […]

Help ReconcilingWorks welcome the newest Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community: Redeemer Lutheran Church (Hinsdale, IL). Their welcome statement reads: “Made one in Christ Jesus, we, the members of Redeemer Lutheran Church seek to celebrate diversity and welcome all to fully participate in our community. We are imperfect people who have been saved by grace and we […]

Name: Matt O’Rear Pronouns: (he/him/his) Location: Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA; Theologian in Residence, Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, New York, NY Scripture: Gensis 32:22-31 NRSV The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the […]

New Scripture Resource on Sexuality & Gender! Over the past several years we, as Christians and as Lutherans, have had many conversations about sexuality. Our denomination offered the Statement on Human Sexuality in 2009, specifically addressing same-gender relationships, and this has moved some of us further towards affirmation of our LGBTQ+ siblings. More recently we’ve begun having […]