In the 1990s, I served a sprawling congregation in the suburbs. In those days, in that place, we didn’t do much to attract new members. It was true that everyone…
The system is broken. The trust is broken. The air conditioner is broken. We hear these words swirling around us every day this summer. During this season of disarray, surrounded…
A young boy lived in the country near a well that his grandfather had dug. The boy was fascinated by seeing his grandmother lower her bucket and bring up water…
As he and a childhood friend set out on a long-planned road trip to visit a potential college, 19-year-old Mikah Meyer could still smell his dad’s pipe in the car….
This is a story about nostalgia and the changing church. In order to articulate this story, my nostalgia is going to run rampant. Bear with me, though, because your story…
Between two Sundays, two sabbaths, this month our church will gather in a special way for the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly (under the theme “Freed and Renewed in Christ”). Most…
As people who work with children, youth, families and young adults and who navigate the church, we’ve all heard this phrase at some point: “It’s always been that way.” I…
Everyday, Living Lutheran offers a prayer for the day from the ELCA resource Prayer Ventures, which can be downloaded here. These petitions are offered as a guide for your own…
Possibly Jesus’ most well-known parable next to the so-called prodigal son was sermon material in many pulpits this past Sunday. It’s often called “the good Samaritan,” though I’m not fond…
Lectionary blog for July 17 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-18; Luke 10:38-42 Whenever I hear this story, especially the part about Martha loudly complaining to…
Every year I get to speak with prospective students. These folks aren’t just interested in seminary but have finished the application process and are ready to attend. I want to…
Coloring books for adults are the trend right now, so why not de-stress by pondering Scripture while you relax? Words of Faith: A Coloring Book to Bless and De-Stress might…
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