Lutheran Campus Ministry

Serve

We don't merely talk about our faith. We act on it! Within the congregation, in the local community and around the world, we are eager to put our faith into action, bearing the light of Christ to all we meet. We invite you to join us as we share the love of God in our daily lives.

Reaching Out

Each week as we are sent from worship, we are commissioned to, "Go in peace. Serve the Lord." We respond enthusiastically, "Thanks be to God" because it is a privilege to bear the light and love of Christ to neighbors near and far. We do so by sharing of our abundance, by serving meals to those who are hungry, raising funds for - and volunteering with - local and global ministries, providing gifts to families in need at the holidays and advocating for justice and peace across southeast Michigan and beyond. Lauren Kay Thams coordinates our social ministry efforts and would be happy to answer your questions about any of these current endeavors:

Bread for the World
CROP Walk
Dawn Farm
Food Gatherers Community Kitchen
Friends in Deed
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County

Young Adults in Human Service

Inspired by previous mission trips and other life experiences, our alumni can be found serving in far-away lands. Andrew Bracken is in his second year of service with the Peace Corps in Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa:

Sunburned in Cape Verde: Andrew Bracken's Notes from the Peace Corps

Spring Break Trips

Lord of Light Lutheran Campus Ministry has a long tradition of sponsoring alternative spring break trips that focus on service and education.Last year, we traveled to the Holy Land. In 2010, we'll be staying closer to home. Stay tuned as plans develpo!

Previous Years

2009: Jordan, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

We traveled to the Middle East in order to accompany our sisters and brothers of the ELCHJL, met with students at Al Quds University, learned about the ministries of the Lutheran World Federation (including Augusta Victoria Hospital), walked through the checkpoint at Qalandia and enjoyed the hospitality of many in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and the tiny village of At-Tuwani in the South Hebron Hills.

We continue to have a strong relationship with our companion synod. As part of the ELCA's Peace, Not Walls program, youth and young adults are invited to participate in a pilgrimmage to the Holy Land in July, 2010.

Here are some resources you may be interested in exploring to learn more about various individuals and organizations working for peace in the Holy Land:

An American in Israel and Palestine: Marty Harms
Anna Baltzer: Witness in Palestine
Augusta Victoria Hospital
B'tselem Israeli Human Rights Group
Christian Peacemaker Teams
Churches for Middle East Peace
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel
ELCA Middle East Connections
Foundation for Middle East Peace
Friends of Sabeel North America
The International Center of Bethlehem
Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
Jewish Voice for Peace
Lutheran World Foundation Jerusalem
Machsom Watch
Palestinian Child Arts Center
Rabbis for Human Rights
The Country of Palestine
Tikkun
At-Tuwani, A Village in the South Hebron Hills
Life in Jerusalem: A Young Adult in Global Mission: Chelsea Mathis

2008: Greater Louisville, Kentucky

We worshiped with the Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at the University of Kentucky, learned about racetrack ministry at Churchill Downs, did a variety of work with the Salvation Army, explored Greater Louisville and enjoyed some good, old-fashioned country fun at the Lincoln Jamboree!

2007: Hurricane Rita Recovery Work, Port Arthur, Texas

We gutted miss Mary's House, put up drywall, taped, mudded, painted and did our best to get it ready so she could move back in by Easter.

2006: Hurricane Katrina Relief Work, Biloxi, Mississippi

We covered a lot of territory, taking the inside of Marie's house down to the studs, helping with the relocation of the local humane society, volunteering in the free clinic, workeing at the "Camp Biloxi" distribution center and cleaning out two dozen pots o' gold (aka port-a-potties)! Oh, yes! And we celebrated Mardi Gras in true southern style!

2004: New Mexico

2003, 2001: Honduras: Rebuilding after Hurricane Mitch

1996: Cullowhee, North Carolina

Waaaaaaaaaay back when Pastor Sue was a lowly intern...we went to Appalachia with folks from the Presbyterian Campus Ministry.