Sharing peace near and far
Faith in Action

Sharing peace near and far

Hands waving through screens, two fingers in a peace sign, elbow bumps and the nodding of heads are ways we’ve passed the peace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so much…
A homegrown faith
Voices of Faith

A homegrown faith

In my home office, directly behind my writing desk, you’ll find a massive Bible that holds much more than Scripture. Inside are the handwritten notes, quips and quick thoughts of…
Memories worth every pedal
Faith in Action

Memories worth every pedal

On a Monday afternoon in late July, James Colver and Shepherd, 9, were kicking back and relaxing at a hotel. James said he was tired—but a “good kind of tired”—as…
Scripture at the center
Faith in Action

Scripture at the center

Leighton, an eager third-grader, held up his Bible for me to see. “Look what I did!” he exclaimed, pressing it into my hands. The previous Sunday in worship, third-graders and…
Shining God’s light
Faith in Action

Shining God’s light

Focal verse “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same…
Study guide: Generations of faith
Spiritual Resources

Study guide: Generations of faith

It’s no secret that membership in the ELCA is getting older, and many grandmas and grandpas in our churches today lament how few children and young adults are present. What’s…
Joyful offerings
Faith in Action

Joyful offerings

Focal verse Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16). Reflection Every year our area churches host…
The joy of third things
Spiritual Resources

The joy of third things

Intimate conversation, where two people share the deep thoughts of their souls, rarely happens easily. Most people are guarded in disclosing their innermost selves. But when their conversation takes place…
Seeing with God’s eyes
Faith in Action

Seeing with God’s eyes

Focal verse “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”…
My faith journey: The grace and peace of receiving help
Voices of Faith

My faith journey: The grace and peace of receiving help

Pastor begins the sermon with her familiar greeting: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.” While I’ve heard this line…
Create smoother transitions
Faith in Action

Create smoother transitions

August’s arrival means a new school year, new routines and, as we stumble out of the COVID-19 pandemic this summer, more uncertainty. Any parent can tell you that children may…