A Beacon of Light for Our Synod
Posted on Oct 01, 2025 by Heather Lewis
My first experience with our new Central States Synod Bishop Donna Simon was in 2013 at her church in downtown Kansas City. It was our very first God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday, where we were celebrating the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)’s 25th anniversary by serving our neighbors. Salem was one of several congregations who joyfully filled the pews at St. Mark Hope and Peace. I was blown away at the love and passion for ministry Pastor Donna shared during worship, starting with her fantastic children’s moment! Fast forward 12 years to last Sunday, when I had the honor of attending her installation as bishop of our synod, which was equally filled with joy.
Here's a little history, taken from her bio on St. Mark Hope and Peace website. Donna was called into ministry as a volunteer church youth director, and came out as lesbian while attending seminary. The ELCA did not ordain homosexual candidates at that time, so she joined the roster of Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries, which is now known as Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. She began serving as pastor of Abiding Peace Lutheran in 2000, which soon after merged with the congregations of St. Mark Lutheran and Fountain of Hope Lutheran, creating the new family of St. Mark Hope and Peace.
In the last 25 years, Donna has been a beacon of light shining on the Troost corridor. She tirelessly advocates for full inclusion in the church, fair wages, those experiencing homelessness, fair elections, dignity, and the well-being of all people.
In a recent article in Living Lutheran titled “Moving toward one heart and soul,” Donna quotes Luke: “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32). I’ve seen our synod grow in love, in welcome for all people and in passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ. … I know our congregations are following Jesus and working to nurture relationship with God and others. I will do all that I can as bishop to support our communities in following Jesus toward love, welcome and justice.”
May we all move toward one heart and soul, with this amazing leader guiding us!
In Christ’s love,
Heather Lewis
Director of Worship and Music
Director of Youth Ministries