Placeholder image
Mission & Ministry

Two Noahs with a common cause

The name Noah brings to mind pairs of animals boarding the ark. At Central Lutheran Church, Portland, Ore., the name Noah also conjures images of pairs — though in this…

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

‘Fred’s Gifts’ a Christmas mission tradition

One Advent about 20 years ago, Fred Boettcher sold hundreds of wrapped gifts for $1 each in the narthex of Calmar (Iowa) Lutheran Church. Known as “Fred’s Gifts,” Boettcher supplied…

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

Adoption changed their lives

Natalia Parker, 36, was 7 days old when she was adopted. Since her youth, she has known she wanted to adopt children. After Parker and her husband, Ron, had two…

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

One, large extended family

A Montana couple connects college students to church.

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

Thankful for the journey

Thankful, even when it has its share of bumps and bad times.

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

Shapes of grace in the inner-city

From tragedy and misfortune comes a story of renewed mission.

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

And inside, I felt still

As the rain beat down, the fog of thoughts crowding my mind cleared.

Placeholder image
Mission & Ministry

Food for body and soul

Hometown bakery builds community, one loaf at a time

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

The value of sacred space

I was reminded how I first learned about and experienced God’s love.

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

Two Israels at Advent

Jesus, can you ransom captive Israel and let the region experience peace?

Placeholder image
Living Faithfully

Church a ‘safe place’ for veterans

Veterans Day is more than simply thanking those who risked their lives.