The LDA - The Lutheran Diaconal Association

Storyteller - Deacon Brandon Kruger

"Diaconal storytelling seeks to touch the hearer more deeply, to give space in the story for the hearers to find themselves, to unleash imagination and memory, to open the possibility for healing, for challenge, for transformation. "It is also to help people tell their own stories of their pain and suffering, of their joys and triumphs, of deaths and resurrections, of God at work among them--to bring those stories back to the community for witness, celebration, instruction, and prayer. ~ Deaconess E. Louise Williams Our guest, Deacon Brandon Kruger, shares his inspiring children's story, "Today, I Met a Deacon," which he created during his diaconal formation project at the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA). Deacon Brandon also reflects on his ministry as a preschool teacher. Then we explore the sense of community within the LDA and we delve into the enriching experience of being part of a multi-Lutheran community. Plans to publish "Today, I Met a Deacon" are underway.

Doorkeeper - Kristen Baltrum

TRIGGER TOPIC: DEATH BY SUICIDE In this episode, we speak with Kristen Baltrum, Executive Director and creator of "Annie & Millie's Place," an agency that advocates for shelter for those experiencing homelessness with their pets. We discuss how this work reflects the diaconal image of Doorkeeper. Kristen discusses how her non-profit in Longmont, CO., serves those in need and their animals by moving back and forth between boundaries, setting boundaries, and advocating for the welcome of pets alongside owners in shelters and emergency housing. We delve into the story of Kristen's sister, Annie, and how Annie's dog, Millie, was the only consistent Being during her struggles with homelessness. This unconditional love from Annie's dog inspired Kristen to establish "Annie & Millie's Place." To donate funds, supplies or fostering: https://www.annieandmillies.org/ Mentioned: "My Dog Always Eats First " by Leslie Irvine Photos: MART PRODUCTION Ryutaro Tsu Annie&Millie's Place

Light Bearer - Deaconess Katrina Martich - Five Diaconal Images

In this episode, we speak with Deaconess Katrina Martich, an engineer by trade, about how her life's work reflects the diaconal image of Light Bearer. Deaconess Katrina discusses her journey, education, and vocational passions which have led her to serve the church, the community and Creation. The Lutheran Diaconal Association's formation program helped her recognize her voice in shining light on the brokenness within Creation and our how our relationships with others and with creation itself are key to caring for the environment. Deaconess Katrina, an Environmental consultant was consecrated a deaconess in 2019, lives in Spokane, Washington and is the creator of Living Connected - an initiative and project that calls congregations to transform the way it uses the six gifts of Creation. KatrinaMartich.com Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation. Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadr

Footwasher - Deacon Ben Ema - Five Diaconal Images

In this episode, we speak with Deacon Ben Ema about his work as a nurse practitioner and how it reflects the diaconal image of “Foot Washer.” We talk about how nursing forms to the needs of others just like the towel that dries, wipes clean and gives warmth. Ben ponders with us on John 13:1-17 that informs his nursing and how it reminds us of Christ taking the daily and making it profound. Deacon Ben was consecrated in 2016. He is a nurse practitioner at the Perdue North Central Nursing Clinics in West Lafayette, IN which are run and operated by nurse practitioners. He is a graduate of Valparaiso University & Purdue University. Mentioned in the show: Scholar.valpo.edu Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation. Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv

Footwasher - Deaconess Brenda Bauer - Five Diaconal Images

In this episode, we speak with Deaconess Brenda Bauer about her lifelong ministry as a nurse and how it reflects the diaconal image of “Foot Washer.” We talk about caring for people through a diaconal lens and avoiding tasks oriented care and pity. The conversation takes us to the reality of life and when the table turns and a deaconess is now in need of a faithful, diaconal servant. Deaconess Brenda was consecrated in 1981 she developed a ministry called "Sole to Soul Footcare," she also worked in the public health sector, as a parish nurse and hospice. Deaconess Brenda is living with a degenerative neurological disease. She lives in Moorehead, MN with her husband. Interested in the ministry of diakonia? Contact Deaconess Adrainne Gray for a personal one-on-one conversation. Book time with her at https://doodle.com/bp/deaconessadrainnegray/conv