Memories worth every pedal
Living Faithfully

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
Living Faithfully

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
Living Faithfully

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
Study Guides

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
Living Faithfully

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
Living Faithfully

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
Living Faithfully

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…
Gathering around the word
Living Faithfully

Gathering around the word

Focal verse “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Reflection As our children grow and become exposed to…
Jumping into God’s grace
Living Faithfully

Jumping into God’s grace

At the beginning of last summer, my kids took a week’s worth of swim lessons. On the first day I watched them stand behind the other children on the pool…