Lutheran Volunteer Corps Alumni Aaron Schmalzle and Pastor Jared Witt will soon be opening Castle Church Brewing Company in Orlando, FL. Their tag line “brewing community, fermenting love” is one in the same with their mission: to connect people in intentional relationships and partner with others to do the work of Jesus in their community. In a press release that was shared with LVC, they explain their mission statement like this: “Ferment v. to incite or stir up (trouble or disorder). If you are looking for a God who troubles our complacency and stirs up a movement of love in the world, then Castle Church isRead More →

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Malachi Black served last year as an LVC Volunteer at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. When asked about why he was drawn to LVC after college, he said that he was searching for something more than just a job. He quotes, “I wanted to be challenged in every aspect of my life and the concept of intentional community really drew me into the program.” Currently, Malachi still serves on staff at Grace as Outreach Coordinator. Recently, he was interviewed on the podcast Things That Matter, which is the official podcast of the Nebraska Synod ELCA. You can listen to the podcast here, and read more from Malachi aboutRead More →

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Ryan Schone is an LVC alumni who stayed in Milwaukee after his year of service in 2011-2012. During his LVC year he served with Central City Churches (CCC), a ministry of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Currently, he works for the University of Wisconsin Extension in Milwaukee and focuses on local food systems and education. As LVC explores a Food Justice Program in Milwaukee, it has been exciting and encouraging to continue to work for peace with justice alongside LVC alumni like Ryan! Below we hear more from Ryan about what from his LVC year shaped his interest and passion for food justice and sustainability. WhenRead More →

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I joined the Lutheran Volunteer Corps as an opportunity to learn more about the state of immigration in the United States. I was placed at the World Relief Immigration Legal Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, and I continue to work there today. My office works with immigrants to help each person know what their immigration options may be. If someone is not eligible for immigration relief, we let them know why not. If someone is eligible for immigration relief, we may help them in applying for immigration status. By working with clients who are from all around the world, I have been able to learn someRead More →

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