This poem by Madeleine L’Engle speaks deeply to living with the “both/and” that is part of the Christian faith; recognizing the often painful reality of the world, while, at the same time, believing that pain, grief, death and fear are not the end of the story – hope, love and joy are what endures and gives life. May her words encourage you this Christmas Day. First Coming He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release. He did not wait for the perfect time. HeRead More →

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In: Centerings

Second Year Volunteer Cassie Hartnett Shares Her Story After a year of relationships, direct service work, and grad school applications, Cassie Hartnett is embarking on another year of LVC. She comes to her second year with a few lessons learned, a deepened sense of community, and a full ride to Union Seminary awaiting her. This is her story: My first LVC year was a huge growing experience in learning how to live in intentional community and exploring my faith. Being held accountable to my house community was important to me as I struggled to adjust to a new city, my first-year placement at Trinity SafeRead More →

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In: Esprit de Corps, Newsletter, Volunteer Profile

Elizabeth Clapp (pictured above) is an LVC Volunteer in the Hillstrom House in Omaha, Nebraska. She recently graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a double major in Global Studies and Political Science. This is part of the reason for her interest in serving at her current LVC Placement—Voices for Children in Nebraska. Elizabeth loves researching and reporting about public policy issues like paid family leave, and while one of her main responsibilities at Voices for Children is doing just that, she also helps manage the organization’s social media presence and blog updates. Elizabeth says, “I enjoy serving at Voices because it is rewarding toRead More →

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In: Food Justice, Leader Letter, Newsletter, Volunteer Profile

On this day when those in the northern hemisphere mark the Winter Solstice (the longest night of the year), we share this Blessing for the Longest Night, written by Jan Richardson “This week, in addition to preparing for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, many congregations will offer a “Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas” service. Usually held on or near the Winter Solstice, this gathering provides a space for those who are having a difficult time during the holidays or simply need to acknowledge some pain or loss they are carrying in the midst of this season of celebration. For you who are offering orRead More →

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In: Centerings

For Christians, most of December marks the church season of Advent. The following poem was shared as a centering at a recent meeting of LVC development staff, and it fits well with the Advent themes of waiting, preparation and anticipation. A Future Not Our Own Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw (often attributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero) It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, whichRead More →

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In: Centerings