Get Linked

Recently, our Stake Employment Specialist paid a visit to our ward. He presented to a joint session of High Priests and Elders. I figured this was a sign of the times. With unemployment higher right now than it has been for many years, members of our ward and stake are surely being affected like everyone else. So the calling of Stake Employment Specialist is probably more important right now than ever.

I wasn't sure what Brother Nebeker would have to say. I wondered how spiritual his presentation would be. But I'd have to say it was one of the more edifying lessons we have ever had.

He spoke about the importance of relationships, about the importance of connecting with each other, knowing each others' strengths, and using our connections and our knowledge to help each other. He spoke about "networking" as a high form of service, as something we do in order to be more useful to those around us in need. We are stewards of our relationships and our knowledge, as much as we are stewards of any other material or spiritual goods. When Bro. Nebeker described networking as something we do not for ourselves alone but for others, something clicked for me.

He also spoke about the importance of using our Church networks not only to help other Church members, but to help our non-Mormon friends as well.

This is Mormonism at its best.

I'd never heard any Church leader encourage members to join a secular, on-line networking community. But our Stake Employment Specialist encouraged every single one of us to join "LinkedIn," an on-line, professional networking forum. This was something concrete each of us could do to work together, and to face the current economic crisis with courage and compassion.

Somehow I didn't get around to actually following his advice until a friend of mine who recently lost her job called me and encouraged me to join LinkedIn with her.

Some of you have already received LinkedIn requests from me. I welcome the rest of you to join the network as well. Here's the link to the LinkedIn home page, and here's the link to my public profile. Log on, put together a profile, and get linked!

The ELCA Vote

Today the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's national synod, gathered at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis, will vote whether to allow non-celibate gay men and lesbians to be ordained as ministers.

For a time I was an active member of the ELCA. I have witnessed these kinds of assemblies at the local level. I have participated in ELCA conferences designed to discuss and study the issue of homosexuality. I have been a member of an ELCA task force designed to promote dialogue on this issue. I have witnessed the kinds of debates that I am certain will take place today a few blocks from where I live and work. I know people whose lives will be profoundly affected by the outcome of today's deliberations. Part of me is glad I am not a part of this particular debate. I'm certain it will be painful, and I don't think I could bear to watch.

I'm grateful for the faithful work of Rev. Peter Strommen, pastor of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, MN, who accepted and carried to completion the thankless job of heading the task force whose recommendations will be voted on today. God bless him.

I think I can honestly say that the actual outcome of the vote is less important to me than how they reach the outcome. I will be praying for them today.