“The Calling of Voices” (published in the 2006 collection, Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons)

Lead them and all thy world ever deeper into the knowledge that finally all people are one and that there can never really be joy for any until there is joy for all. In Christ's name we ask it and for his sake. Amen.

but that they may know at last that they were created not for happiness but for joy, and that joy is to him alone who, sometimes with tears in his eyes, commits himself in love to thee and to his brothers and sisters.

and deeds of compassion and courage that will never be done unless they do them. Help them never to mistake success for victory or failure for defeat. Grant that they may never be entirely content with whatever bounty the world may bestow upon them,

Be present especially with the young who must choose between many voices. Help them to know how much an old world needs their youth and gladness. Help them to know that there are words of truth and healing that will never be spoken unless they speak them,

THOU, Who art the God no less of those who know thee not than of those who love thee, be present with us at the times of choosing when time stands still and all that lies behind and all that lies ahead are caught up in the mystery of a moment.

No one took @chairtrophy.bsky.social ?

There was a Falun Gong group that year which really surprised them.

As with anything you see online, if you have concerns, go talk to people who are actually involved with the groups, not just passing around spreadsheets that can be misinterpreted to support some other agenda.

Other Lutheran groups, like the Christian Friends of New Americans in St Louis, are stepping up to support refugees after the sudden loss of funding for refugee resettlement from the federal government.

They receive government funding because they do things more effectively and cheaper than the government would. Many of those are also supported by both LCMS and ELCA churches, because we’ve worked together on mercy work even with other disagreements.

However, my daughter’s birth mother chose to place her for adoption through LFS because of positive experiences she’d had with Lutheran Social Services in another state. In addition, I have friends who have adopted through, volunteered with, or otherwise been supported by these groups.