At the recent Virginia Synod (ELCA) Assembly, held virtually on June 12, 2021, Sandra (Sandy) Hagman, a long-time member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg, received the “Serving Boldly” Lay Leadership Award.
Created by the Virginia Synod Council in October 2020, the Serving Boldly Award, is given to a lay leader who embodies and demonstrates a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ in his or her congregation and/or community. Nominations were received from Virginia Synod congregations around Virginia.
Hagman works with the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry, a joint ministry of churches in the Blacksburg/McCoy area of Montgomery County. Her leadership with the food pantry has transformed Luther Memorial’s outreach efforts from occasional participation to an ongoing partnership.
Hagman also volunteers with the Lifelong Learning Institute at Virginia Tech, a member-driven, volunteer organization that draws on the wealth of academic and community resources to provide intellectual, cultural, and social experiences for curious adults 50 and older.
The Rev. Monica Weber, pastor of Luther Memorial, said about the award, “We are so thankful and grateful to have Sandy as a member of our congregation. She and many others faithfully volunteer not only within our church, but also give their time, talent, and treasure in many ways to our Blacksburg community.”
Luther Memorial Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Founded in 1886, the church serves the Blacksburg community and residents of Southwest Virginia’s New River Valley.
The Well Campus Ministry, hosted by Luther Memorial, offers regular opportunities for fun, food, and fellowship in Christ for students at Virginia Tech. Luther Memorial offers worship services, faith formation, and Christian education studies throughout the week and enjoys a longstanding tradition of mission and community service in the New River Valley.
145 Lutheran congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are joined together as the Virginia Synod, which presented the award to Hagman.
The Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry serves qualified residents of Blacksburg and McCoy. The food pantry is a joint ministry of over 25 churches in Blacksburg of varying denominations. The pantry is also supported by community individuals, organizations, and clubs.
