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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During this year’s fall retreat, LVC Volunteers from the Dorothy Day House in Milwaukee shared a recipe for their “stone soup”—a chili recipe that represents the dynamics of their intentional community. One of the housemates, Martha Sudermann, shares her reflections on intentional community along with her house’s recipe. Enjoy! Pictured: Martha Sudermann, Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee, 2015-16 How has your perception of life in intentional community changed since you began your year with LVC? “I tried not to have too many lofty expectations for life in community… there are so many variables at play when living with six other people. I am continually reminded ofRead More →

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In: Leader Letter, Newsletter, Volunteer Profile
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This year, LVC is partnering with Luther Seminary to offer Volunteers, alumni and other Lutheran service year programs  two classes and seminary credit at full scholarship! All online courses, our community is delving into Vocational Formation with Dr. Michael Chan and Serving in Context with Dr. Gary Simpson. Read more from Dr. Michael Chan on the content of the classes and current Omaha Volunteer, Deborah Metcalf, on the impact of taking classes during her LVC year! Dr. Michael Chan: The class I teach is titled, Vocational Formation. Vocation is not exclusively about a career, a job, or a title– it is about life, all of life. Vocation refersRead More →

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In: Leader Letter, Volunteer Profile
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In the fall 2015 Esprit de Corps, meet the 2015-16 Volunteers, get some tips for living a life of service from speaker and activist, Kim Bobo, hear from a second year LVCer in the Twin Cities and read about the Food Justice House in Milwaukee.Read More →

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In: Esprit de Corps, Food Justice, Newsletter
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