Human Care

Resources from Bethesda – My Faith in Action!

Many people we support at Bethesda tell us being part of a local church community is important. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for caregivers and congregation members to support people with disabilities as they explore their faith. We use our  My Faith in Action Plan Workbook to learn about each person’s church of choice and… Read more »

Discovering Faith Video – Alana’s Journey to Confirmation

Seven years ago when Kim Trombley, now vice president of Religious Life for Bethesda, asked a young woman supported by Bethesda named Alana if she was interested in attending church. Alana’s answer was surprising: “What is church?” Since then, Alana has become engaged in the life of her church and was recently confirmed in her… Read more »

District Responds to Hurricane Devastation in the Carolinas

Hurricane Florence may be a distant memory for those who don’t live in the Carolinas, but the remnants of its impact still exist. Heaps of debris litter yards, including old carpets, ruined furniture and downed trees. According to Pastor Jim Daub, from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havelock, North Carolina, “The trees are a big… Read more »

District Convention begins this week

On Thursday and Friday, Lutherans will gather from throughout Indiana and northern Kentucky at the Grand Wayne Center to prayerfully consider our work together. As we do every three years, we will share ministry reports, elect leaders, and vote on important matters. Clergy and lay delegates will represent every congregation in our District. The theme for... Read more »

Purdue and IU students join hands to help hurricane relief

University Lutheran Church at Purdue sent a team of students to Port Arthur, Texas in March 2018 to continue work on homes devastated by hurricane Harvey. Led by Rev. Justin Herman of West Lafayette, the intercollegiate team of Purdue and Indiana University students volunteered their spring break to help residents return to their homes. Purdue... Read more »

My Father’s Faith

President Dan May reflects on his father’s orphan experience, and the faith that saw him through all trials When everything else fails or falls away, the church can become a powerful, strengthening force. Perhaps no one knew this fact better than Henry May, father of LCMS Indiana District president Dan May. Orphaned at age seven,… Read more »

How ECHO is creating hope and opportunity for teen moms

“I’m a better mother. Had I not been guided by ECHO, my life would be totally different right now. This program can save your life.” That’s how teen mothers are describing ECHO, a program through Lutheran Social Services of Indiana (LSSI). ECHO stands for Education Creates Hope and Opportunity, and that’s just what these young women… Read more »

Selfless Love

“She loved me so much that she wanted me to have the best life possible.” That’s how Rev. Matthew J. Wietfeldt describes his birth mother, Chris, who placed him for adoption over two decades ago. Through that one selfless act, Chris not only gave Matt life but opened up a world of opportunities for him… Read more »

Senior Ministry Task Force

It's exciting to hear that the average age of the lifespan of an American continues to rise.  As a pastor, you are most likely noticing that in your church records and the grey hair in your pews.  We quickly come to the realization that seniors offer us a unique set of opportunities for ministry.  That's... Read more »

A Tradition Continues

District office makes Christmas a little brighter for Lutheran Social Services’ clients For years, the Indiana District-LCMS staff has sponsored a family through the annual Christmas Family Program with Lutheran Social Services of Indiana (LSSI). This year was no exception, with one slight change. Rather than adopting just one family and purchasing items on that family’s… Read more »