Nails in Hand

2009 ELCA Youth Gathering - New Orleans, July 22-26, 2009

Congratulations! You got a button!

We are praying for you in New Orleans - that God will use your gifts of servanthood. The Deaconess Community is filled with joy that 35,000 youth are gathering to bring hope and healing to New Orleans. Thank you for your service!

We designed this button to commemorate your service in rebuilding the people and city of New Orleans. The nails, a symbol of rebuilding ministry, form a cross which reminds us that that we follow a Lord who became "a servant ... humbling himself, even to death on the cross." (Phillipians 2:7-8)

Like you, we live out servanthood on a daily basis. We are a community of women that serve as the church outside the church and, often times, are the church’s face in society. We serve those in need all over the world.

Our deaconesses serve people through calls from congregations, institutions, and agencies related to the ELCA. Our ministries include teaching, youth and family ministry, music, administration, chaplaincy, social work, health care, communications, and a variety of other specialized ministries.

Servanthood is very important to us! The Deaconess Community has been practicing servanthood for 125 years. Our deaconesses have helped start social service organizations, educate women, run hospitals, staff orphanages, serve homeless shelters, etc. Our women were traveling the world, going to school, and managing organizations at a time when most women were expected to be housewives.

If you are a woman who feels the Spirit calling you to servanthood, perhaps you'll want to join us.

Your service during the youth gathering will no doubt stretch your understanding of what it means to live in relationship and service with each other in the manner of Christ...for life...wherever we are!

Mission to Mexico

Meet Sister Krista! She is working as a missionary in Mexico with her husband, Justin. They have been living in Mexico for almost a year and have been learning what servanthood is all about.  Follow her ministry on her blog.