Deacon Marsha Roscoe interviews the Rev. Dr. Gary Neal Hansen, author of Kneeling with the Giants, to explore how Christian theology, spirituality, and community are food for our faith journey.

Suzanne M. Accardo, M.Ed., owner of The Yoga Place, and member of Bergstrasse Lutheran Church, recently partnered with Bergstrasse to renovate unused building space to offer yoga, meditation, grief recovery counseling, and a variety of other body, mind, and spirit practices.  Embracing the principles of counseling, yoga, and meditation, she began a spiritual journey leading to greater equanimity, peace, and passion to teach others . She holds a master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Counseling from Boston University, is a certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Academy (ICA), and an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist.  With over 20 years of experience, she draws on her knowledge as a Family Life Educator, Grief Recovery Specialist, Meditation and Yoga Instructor.  Suzanne is passionate about her work and has a special interest in supporting those who find themselves struggling to find joy in life, feel stuck or uncertain of what direction to take. For more information about her workshops and classes, visit The Yoga Place online, or she can be reached at 717-336-5299.

Being Here, a podcast series exploring real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community, is available now. Join host, the Rev. Melissa Pohlman, as she welcomes guests to share their experiences and points of view on navigating retirement, Christian conversations about racial justice, and creative approaches to innovative ministry.

Being Here invites us to learn together, listen to each other, grow together, and move forward together — stronger, more resilient as a unique community.

As many people with strong religious traditions, Lutherans are sometimes reluctant to change and try new ways of thinking about and practicing faith. However, there is a groundswell movement of people looking for deeper experiences of faith and meaningful connections with the holy. This is why Lutherans around the country are exploring both ancient and new contemplative practices that are authentically Lutheran. Download this Living Lutheran study guide for “Contemplating the New Year” to explore meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative practices. The free guide includes four pages of discussion questions and a copy of the January/February 2022 Living Lutheran Contemplating the New Year article.