In this issue of Story, we talk a lot about, well, stories—how we learn the story of God’s love for the church and the world, how we discover where God’s story intersects with our own, and how we care for these stories of faith.

The present-day experiences of our student interns in congregational settings are central to how we educate leaders for the church. As interns continue the work of aligning their own vocational callings with the needs and hopes of God’s world, they hear stories of the Spirit’s movement in a variety of ways. If you’re not sure how chopping rhubarb, cutting butter, and crimping pie crusts are part of the story of God’s loving work in our communities, read “Finding the ‘right fit.’”

Learning how and when to share our stories is not always easy, but Faith+Lead has become a reliable partner as individuals and the church pivot toward a faithful future. In “A launchpad for learners”, we journey alongside several lay leaders who turned to Faith+Lead to help them explore a sense of call and prepare for the practical realities of leadership.

Curating stories of the past is tender work. We also take the opportunity in this issue to express our deepest gratitude to Paul Daniels, long-serving archivist at Luther Seminary and for Region 3 of the ELCA. Paul has taken the idea of a historical archive beyond what most could have imagined, working tirelessly to help countless congregations and individuals use physical materials to tell profound stories of humility and hope, pain and promise. In “Story care”, you will get a taste of the creative, pastoral ways Paul has helped so many to honor the past and transition into a hopeful future.

Without the deep care of Christian communities for stories of faith that echo through the generations, many would be lost to history. We learn anew every day how God’s story of new life intersects with our own. This story—of Jesus’ love for us—will never be lost.

Grace and peace,

Robin J. Steinke
President