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The Lutheran Center is closed July 3 in observance of Independence Day and will reopen July 6, 2009. Happy 4th of July!

Every day, in a million ways, members of the ELCA are making the world a better place. In far reaches of the globe, and right here in our neighborhood, you’ll see that Lutherans aren’t folks who simply talk about their beliefs. We put them into action.

So make a meal to share. Have your opinion on government policy heard. Help a friend through their time of need. Here you’ll find stories that inspire and opportunities to get involved. Find out just how rewarding God’s work can be.

Spotlight On...

Terry Cuthbertson pitches a horseshoe.

Spirituality and Horseshoes 

Terry Cuthbertson prays and pitches horseshoes. The 66-year-old president of the Topeka Horseshoe Pitching Association is also an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Topeka, Kan.
 
He says horseshoes isn't just great physical exercise -- you'll find spiritual lessons, too. "It teaches humility," he said. "I don't care how good you are, you're going to get beat."

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Congregations can raise awareness of health care issues by hosting a Health Care Sunday.

Resources for Health Care Reform

Congregations can raise awareness of health care issues this summer as the federal government considers U.S. health care reform.

Congregational tool kits are available through the ELCA Washington Office. A "Health Care Sunday" is a way to affirm principles in the social statement of the ELCA, "Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor." 

More  |  Health Care Sunday PDF Format 

Disaster recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Lutheran Social Services Gets $24.3 Million to Help Hurricane Survivors

More than 13,000 survivors of Hurricane Ike will receive case management services thanks to a $24.3 million federal grant to Lutheran Social Services of the South, Austin, Texas.

"We are humbled by the opportunity to once again provide needed services to disaster victims, especially those who have the least resources as they work toward rebuilding their lives," said Kurt M. Senske, LSS president and CEO.  More

ELCA clergy may not be moving as much because of difficulty selling their houses.

Pastors Face Difficulties in Relocating

The Rev. Tim Bupp, an ELCA pastor, put his Pennsylvania house up for sale last November. He started a new ministry position in South Carolina two months later. The house still hasn't sold. "Property is like an anchor to me right now," Bupp said.

The nation's economic downturn is making it difficult for some pastors to relocate or even retire, according to ELCA leaders.  

More  |  Life Transitions