Winter 2026 Newsletter

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

For the twenty-some years I served as a DCE in two different parishes, I frequently would get asked questions about why youth engaged in games instead of just doing a Bible Study.”  While we incorporated Bible studies into nearly every youth night and Sunday morning, we recognized the importance of allowing time for kids to connect and decompress from their day first.

There have been studies over the years that have shown that groups of people who do an activity together, especially ones that are more challenging, activate certain chemicals in the brain that foster connections and trust among the individuals with whom they are with.  Often, groups will function better together. This is why you might have heard about the LAMP staff spending time together on a retreat in Phoenix as part of attending the Best Practices Ministry Conference. By inviting our spouses, we connected faces with names and strengthened our bonds, all while enjoying the warmth of the Phoenix sun. 

During the event, we attended BPM and were able to connect with some of our volunteers and other mission organizations at our table promoting LAMP. There were numerous engaging workshops and presentations in the main sessions. As usual, I hosted a meet-up for CMC graduates and current students at the Organ Stop in Mesa. I was able to meet three alumni for the first time, including Rev. Stephen Heimer, who is the Manager of the All Nations Ministry at the LCMS Office of National Mission. Pretty cool to see a CMC alumnus become part of the synodical office!

After my time with the staff at BMP, I visited some donors in the Tucson area before heading to Yuma to meet with the team preparing for the trip to Old Hazelton this summer. The former team leader will collaborate with a new team leader to help plan both the trip and the Vacation Bible School (VBS). Overall, my visits went very well, and I am looking forward to this summer. 

Spring Fling is just around the corner. Last year, due to my final year in seminary and the conflicting schedules of others, we weren’t able to organize a spring trip. However, this year we have a team of six ready to visit three communities.  With Easter being early, we have decided to schedule our trip for a bit later in April. We held a meeting for those interested in participating in the Spring Fling trip. Please pray that all the details come together smoothly.

 

Please pray for the LAMP First Nations communities as they wait for the snow to melt and for the days to become longer. As you worship God, I ask that you pray for guidance for all people–to listen deeply, embrace compassion, and seek understanding. Thank you for journeying with me as we work to foster the spirit of reconciliation.