Virtual witnesses
Faith in Action

Virtual witnesses

Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle is using technology to assist in what is one of the most traditional rites of passage in ELCA congregations—baptism. As part of Peace’s 75th anniversary…

New approaches, extended services
Mission & Ministry

New approaches, extended services

The Results Innovation Lab from Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is equipping leaders to improve health, safety, stability and education for 20,000 at-risk youth by 2024. The lab employs a…

Living stones
Mission & Ministry

Living stones

When Tuhina Verma Rasche returned to the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem in spring 2019, she was welcomed with open arms and a warm meal. During her first trip there…

“Being Jesus”
Faith in Action

“Being Jesus”

A few years ago, members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, North Hollywood, Calif., began passing out sandwiches to food-insecure people at a nearby park. That small effort to address the…

A blessing for the new year and each day
Faith in Action

A blessing for the new year and each day

Recently, it was my son’s baptismal anniversary. As a pastor, you may expect that we light the baptismal candle every year and make a big deal of marking this occasion….

For the sake of the neighborhood
Faith in Action

For the sake of the neighborhood

Dave Greenlund has a reputation in Lauderdale, Minn., a little town surrounded by Minneapolis, St. Paul, Roseville and Falcon Heights. He didn’t think he would get a reputation. He just…

Satisfying spiritual hunger
Mission & Ministry

Satisfying spiritual hunger

One Sunday evening a month, Alex Mrakovich takes a break from the hustle and bustle of life to relax in a candlelit, music-filled space where he puts aside his worries….

Dinner is served
Faith in Action

Dinner is served

Editor’s note: Every Christmas, many ELCA congregations share the spirit of the holiday by hosting and serving community Christmas dinners. The stories below were submitted by congregations that have long-standing…