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Mission & Ministry

Spiritual support for public service

For Linda Muhly, ministering can take place in the rugged terrain of the West Virginia mountains during a search and rescue mission. Jeff Crim’s spiritual workplace is a tiny ship…
The hard work of deserving grace
Mission & Ministry

The hard work of deserving grace

Editor’s note: As Lutherans, grace is at the heart of our faith understanding. But what does it look like to actually live out grace? In this series, we explore what grace means and…
Bound together in Christ
Mission & Ministry

Bound together in Christ

What it means to live in community differs from culture to culture. For Julie Gerrish, her understanding of community was totally transformed after a year of service in Senegal through…
Dinner church shares international hospitality
Living Faithfully

Dinner church shares international hospitality

St. Lydia, a congregation of about 50 members in Brooklyn, N.Y., has been making news with its unconventional dinner church for a decade, including features inThe Wall Street Journaland The Atlantic….
An affirmation of faith
Living Faithfully

An affirmation of faith

Confirmation came a little late for my daughter. My husband and I were deployed to serve as missionaries in Jerusalem, which interrupted her final year of confirmation class. It took…
How do we select songs for all seasons?
Mission & Ministry

How do we select songs for all seasons?

Editor’s note: Martin Luther famously said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 53). The ELCA still holds tightly to Luther’s understanding. In…
“I know I am welcome”
Mission & Ministry

“I know I am welcome”

At St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo, worship happens on Fridays. The holy day in Islam and a day off for most Egyptians, Friday draws Christians of many tongues to…
Led by the Spirit
Living Faithfully

Led by the Spirit

In a changing world, the ELCA is now focusing on congregational vitality, which the ELCA Conference of Bishops described by saying vitality is found in communities of Jesus that nurture…
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Living Faithfully

Beyond happy

Recently I overheard a mom say of her son, “I just want him to be happy and healthy.” As I listened, I started thinking of how many other parents—including me—have…
Grace and God’s welcome
Mission & Ministry

Grace and God’s welcome

Editor’s note: As Lutherans, grace is at the heart of our faith understanding. But what does it look like to actually live out grace? In this three-part series, we will…