May 23, 2025
A Message from Bishop Tim
Dear Siblings in Christ,
In the wake of recent devastation across Indiana and Kentucky, we hold our hurting communities in prayer and commit ourselves to the work of long-term recovery and care.
In Bloomington and Linton, Indiana, tornadoes have left deep scars. Twenty-five homes have been destroyed and more than 50 more severely damaged. Assessments are still ongoing. St. Thomas Lutheran Church has been actively partnering with the local COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) to assist with recovery efforts. We are grateful for their leadership and presence.
In Somerset, Kentucky, an F4 tornado struck on May 16 with winds topping 170 mph, causing severe destruction, including to Redeemer Lutheran Church. For nearly 60 years, Redeemer has quietly lived out a ministry of compassion—housing the homeless, supporting food banks, and serving their neighbors with grace and humility. The storm ripped apart their sanctuary, scattered pews, blew the pulpit through the back wall, and left the building in ruins. The community has rallied around them, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help with rebuilding efforts. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Redeemer’s recovery. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/RedeemerLutheranSomerset.
Jayme Beneker and our disaster response team has been present from the beginning in both communities. We are committed to walking with our siblings through every stage of this recovery—meeting immediate and long-term needs, both spiritual and material. Direct giving to the IN-KY Synod Disaster Response Fund can be made here: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/403455. Please note that you may have to choose "disaster response" in the drop-down menu.
Funds we receive will support both disasters and all needs, ensuring a just and compassionate response for all.
We know that trauma affects each of us differently. There is grief, uncertainty, and fatigue. These are holy things to name. In this season, we invite congregations not only to give but also to pray, pause, and care for one another gently. If you feel called to contribute spiritual gifts of time, skills, or presence, please reach out to Jayme Beneker at jbeneker@iksynod.org
You can find more information and direct support links here: https://iksynod.org/get-involved/in-ky-synod-disaster-response.html
As Psalm 34 reminds us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” May we continue to draw near to one another in hope, grace, and shared strength.
Be gentle and kind to yourself! God holds you and those who have been through this awful disaster in love, grace, and strength.
In Christ's peace and hope,
Bishop Timothy Graham
Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA
Jan. 27, 2025
A Message for the Indiana-Kentucky Synod
Dear Beloved Siblings of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod,
Paul writes the following to the Galatians:
9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. (Gal 6.9-10)
Last week's worship celebrations honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and the heartfelt message shared at the Washington National Cathedral have quickly been overshadowed by contradictory actions taken by the U.S. government. These actions directly oppose the core gospel values of love and acceptance that we hold dear. Indeed, these new orders may now challenge or even hinder our collective and individual efforts moving forward.
Rostered and lay leaders are asking many questions about how local congregations can faithfully adapt to this significant change in government policy. Unfortunately, misinformation is also spreading rapidly. Therefore, I am attaching some notes from our Synod Attorney provided by the ELCA’s General Counsel that may be helpful to all leaders, congregations, campus ministries, schools, preschools, childcares, and food pantries and ministries.
- Below is a summarized version prepared by Rev. Kim Lengert, Esq., the Attorney for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. It addresses ELCA leaders and congregations directly.
- The second attachment comes from the National Immigration Law Center and focuses on the recent “Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All.”
Dear Beloved Ones, we are called and named as baptized children of God to act boldly with justice and love wherever we can. At the same time, we trust God to manage what we cannot and seek the wisdom to know the difference. God is with us. Together, we are the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, and we will find a way together in times like this.
May God’s peace be with you all through Christ’s unfailing love.
+ Bishop Timothy Graham
