I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, begotten of the Father in eternity, and also true human being, born of the virgin Mary, is my lord.He has redeemed me a lost and condemned person.He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.Not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness innocence and blessedness, just as he has risen from the dead and lives and rules in eternity. This is most certainly true.
These words from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, about the Apostle’s creed have over time become my words to describe my relationship with the one who is my Lord.
"Yes, terrorism haunts our times, but so do hunger and poverty,
corrupt and brutal political systems, harsh discrimination and social inequalities,
civil wars, environmental degradation and epidemic disease."
-- From an open letter to both Bush and Kerry in which Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA rebuked both candidates for getting bogged down in negativity and ignoring the most crucial issues facing the global community. It was also quoted in the October 15, 2004 issue of the National Catholic Reporter, page 3.
From the ELCA's Office Of Governmental Affairs, March 22, 2010
Your Voices
Over the past year, many Lutherans have shared their health care stories with us. While some are happy with their current coverage, many shared their problems obtaining coverage, affording coverage, or keeping coverage.
The ELCA is a church committed to equitable access to basic health care for all people. While questions about the best combination of public and private means for achieving this goal leave room for legitimate disagreement in this church and in society, there is reason to applaud the ways in which the recently passed health care reform legislation will help many Americans, especially those left out and left behind of our current health care system.
The health reform bill is not perfect, but it will expand coverage to millions of people and put into place important consumer protections and benefit guarantees that will help many people, including those currently without coverage, small business owners and employees, and those living with HIV and AIDS.
Make a donation directly to our food bank account!
Tax Information
Michigan Public Acts 256 and 231 of 1994 reward financial contributions to Michigan food banks with a 50% State income tax credit (half your money back!). Limits: up to a $100 credit ( for a $200 gift ) for an individual, $200 (for a $400 gift) for a married couple filing jointly, and for businesses, 5% of the business's tax liability before claiming any other credits, or $5,000, whichever is less. In addition to the State credit, your gift to a Michigan food bank should also qualify for a normal Federal income tax charitable deduction.
