Martin Luther’s assessment that we as God’s people are simultaneously sinners and saints has sometimes rankled. Nonetheless, the older I become, the more I acknowledge Luther’s honest insight—and my own…
A mighty fortress is our God. … On earth he has no equal (ELW, 503-505). I’m a Lutheran, baptized, confirmed and ordained in that faith. Yet I was already on…
Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year, various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us as Lutherans,…
St. James Lutheran Church, Portland, Ore. Professor emeritus of medicine and retired head of General Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University; marathon runner I’m named after my grandfather, David Ruotsalainen,…
One blustery Ash Wednesday, some pastor colleagues and I went downtown to distribute “ashes on the go.” We spread on sidewalks that ran along towering office buildings and bustling restaurants, dressed in clergy wear…
The timbre of my voice rumbles at the back of my throat, and my mouth opens as a roar of laughter fills the space. Laughter is good for the soul….
You are dust and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19). Atoms in our bodies trace to the remnants of exploded stars. We are stardust. We are alive in the universe. And the…
All of creation has embodied experiences and revelations of God—they are our greatest source for knowing God. Human beings, along with all of God’s created, participate in theopoiesis—making and being…
In November, thanks to support from the Service and Justice unit’s Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities, I was one of 11 delegates to the second All Africa Youth Congress,…
Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year, various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us…
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington, Ohio Chief farm operator, Preston Family Farm; co-founder, Winchester Farm Exchange I grew up in a tiny congregation in Centerville, Ohio, Epiphany Lutheran. That congregation eventually…
Editor’s note: On Jan. 18, Lucille “CeCee” Mills, secretary of the ELCA, delivered the sermon for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and commemoration worship service hosted by the Los…
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