Bishop Stuck's November 2006 Message

Dear Friends in Christ,

As a synod we have been sharing the Good News of Christ's love through five full time ministries at our universities located in Muncie, Indianapolis, West Lafayette, Bloomington and Lexington, Kentucky.

The college years are often difficult years during which students need support and a place where they can be nourished and nurtured in the faith. Our Campus Ministries have provided this for countless students. Also, many of our church leaders, both lay and clergy, participated and served as students in Campus Ministries. It was there that many of them found inspiration and encouragement to pursue a career in ministry.

You will note that in 2007 the ELCA is celebrating 100 years of Lutheran Campus Ministry. As a synod we are joining in that celebration by recognizing these ministries and asking for your support.

We are in danger of losing some of these ministries because of the present financial pressures we are dealing with as a church and synod.

What can you do to support these vital ministries?

PRAY

We need everyone to be praying for the students, pastors, leaders and workers in our Campus Ministries.

SEND STUDENTS

We count on referrals from many sources in order to identify students who might benefit from the ministries we offer. Please let the pastor or synod office know about such students attending the universities where we have a ministry.

VOLUNTEER

Every Campus Ministry site needs volunteers to do the ministry that we share. If you have an inclination to do so, contact the campus pastor where you could serve.

GIVE MONEY

Every site needs our support. Obviously, most students are not in a position to support the ministry with large sums of money. But many of us have that capacity and it would help these ministries immensely at a very difficult time. In this addition, you will see opportunities to do this.

All of our campus ministers serve under a Call issued by the synod through the Synod Council. They serve on our behalf in places and to persons who need to hear gospel and be supported in their discipleship walk. I have visited every one of our ministries several times and I know that God's work is being done through these ministries.

May God continue to bless us as we do this work together.

Your brother in Christ,

Bishop Jim Stuck

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