Welcome to Divine Word Lutheran Church

As we hear about Jesus eating with those who were outcast according to religious laws, I invite you to be with those who have been cast out according to some uses of the Bible - gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.  We will march in the Pridefest parade tomorrow afternoon.  All weekend the Reconciling in Christ task force of the Greater Milwaukee Synod has been staffing a booth to let people know that there’s another use of the Bible - to hear about God’s unconditional love and that the Gospel is for all who desire.  Today, instead of “festing” I was meeting with the Ant-Racism Team of the Greater Milwaukee Synod.  We have shared work:  institutional structures have been designed to keep some in and some out; to give some more power than others just by virtue of who one is.  Together, along with other manifestations of justice work, we can work for change in ourselves, our Church and our world, for God’s sake.

We are now officially in the growing season of the church. We are experienceing not only growing grass, blooming flowers and sprouting weeds but growth in faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our growth is a combination of internal and external growth. We come to know more deeply who God made us to be and how we can share ourselves with the world. Here are a few ways to explore growing in faith:

Take some time to slow down:  Bike to Work Week

Learn more about a faith response to rising global food prices: Bread for the World

Observe and identify ways of relating in more and less healthy ways: Family System Theory Concepts 

Grow in understanding the gift of sexuality and ways to honor the giver:  ELCA Draft Statement on Human Sexuality

I am Pastor Sue Gaeta and I’m glad that you’ve stopped by to check out our web site!  Please visit regularly and keep up to date with What’s New.  We will be adding content and making this an ever evolving website, kind of like this congregation!  If you are looking for people to connect with who have a deep sense of justice and passion for the community, come and visit us!  If you recognize your need for healing and wholeness and have sought it out on your own but have come to recognize you need a community, this is the place for you!  If you know that God has something in store for you and your gifts need a place to be used, join us in discerning what is ahead!  Below are some reflections I post occassionally - feel free to comment and add your own thoughts.  I hope you see you in person soon!

Well, not only has Jesus risen from the dead, but our website has been brought up from the digital abyss!  Much thanks to Tracy Apps for helping us get back on our feet with new features (you can now post comments!).  Look for more updates in the days to come.  Please contact us with ideas and feedback.

Other new life came as four children of God were baptized in worship yesterday.  The community of faith pledged to support and pray for Ray, Diamond, AJ and Niyonah.

Next Sunday, March 30, we will worship with our new partners in ministry at Pentecost Lutheran Church at a combined service in their building on Burleigh between 52nd and 53rd at 10:45 am followed by a potluck meal.  Come all who are hungry or thirst (even if you can’t bring a dish to pass)… come as you are - all are welcome!