Even in the heaviest seasons, hope has a way of showing up—in persistent faith, courageous leadership, quiet acts of care and the witness of people living out the gospel in ordinary and extraordinary ways.

We’ve gathered a few recent articles from Living Lutheran that lift up the resilience, joy and faithful presence of ELCA members and ministries. Whether you’re seeking encouragement, inspiration or simply a reminder that God is at work in and through us, may these stories offer hope, peace and excitement to push forward. Click the quotation to read the article in full.

“Cultivating love through community on campus, we collect stories of people’s needs, listen for the movement of the Spirit and take that next faithful step, creating something to help people feel that they are noticed, named and known — in short, that they belong.”

“Today, St. Mark gives roughly $15,000 annually to fight hunger — above and beyond its normal mission outreach. … The Spirit is at work when congregations, farmers and workers together bring their resources to the table to accomplish what cannot be done alone.”

“‘At Luther, our Little Free Pantry [LFP] is a program of our College Ministries office, but it is entirely run by student leaders,’ said Melissa Bills, college pastor and director of college ministries at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. ‘While the LFP began as a simple “give what you can, take what you need” project, it has grown in its scope and vision.’”

“David Rebey knows all too well the challenges people face after being released from incarceration. As pastor of Breaking the Chains Church — a new-start congregation inside Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center in Wisconsin — Rebey has seen his congregants struggle with meeting even the most basic needs once they reenter life after prison.”

“‘God’s work. Our hands.’ Sunday, held on Sept. 7, continues to be a powerful way for volunteers of all ages and congregations of all sizes to respond to God’s call to serve.”

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