Last week we read a document from the 1950s for deaconesses about to start in their first ministry call.  We had a request to see the document sent to churches and organizations that were going to employ these deaconesses to see what the...

The following was taken from an LDA “Manual for Deaconesses”, written in the 1950s and given to those who were preparing to enter their first call after graduation.  This manual also included “Guidelines for Those Employing...

(Thank you to Deaconess Norma Cook Everist who provided the background information for this post) As the LDA celebrates its 100th anniversary, we also mark the 60th anniversary of one of our essential documents, the Diaconal (Deaconess)...

Deborah Kolke Nebel was born on December 1, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio. Around the 10th grade, Deborah saw some info on a bulletin board about deaconess ministry. She started writing to the LDA and planning. On her application, Deborah...

Sheryl Andreasen was born on July 11th, 1955 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Growing up with her two sisters, Linda and Lori, she learned to adapt well to change after moving 21 times as a family. They moved not only around the 48 states, but also...

Peggy Shea, Sprat, & Susan Wendorf Blanche Spratley, affectionately known as “Sprat”, was the beloved cook at Deaconess Hall for 13 ½ years, from the time it opened in 1958 through 1971 or so. She was born in Chicago but also...

At the age of 11, after the sudden death of her father, Norma Cook moved with her mother and sister to Mason City, Iowa, where Bethlehem Lutheran Church welcomed and supported them. There she experienced the unconditional love of Jesus...

(The following was written by Deaconess Edie Hovey) Edie was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in its suburbs. She attended Lutheran grade school and graduated from Westlake High School in 1957. She had been very active in the Walther...

Following are excerpts from a talk given by Dr. James W. Albers, VU Professor Emeritus, at the LDA Annual Meeting on November 3, 2018.  They continue the story of the 76-year relationship between Valparaiso University and the Lutheran...

Shirley Groh was born in Mason City, Iowa. She heard about Deaconess work through students on the Valparaiso campus during her freshman year. She was impressed with the deaconess students and eventually felt called to enter the program. ...