Chapel of love
Mission & Ministry

Chapel of love

When Dean Beckwith, a retired ELCA pastor, originally bought the property he now lives on in Saddle Lake, Mich., he was immediately intrigued by the old well house that stood…
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Faith in Action

Book

We love the way this children’s picture book begins: “This is a book. Black words. On white paper. No buttons. No bonus levels. Not a single sound, in fact. It’s…
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Faith in Action

The Good Dinosaur

Arlo was the runt in a dinosaur litter and is constantly teased by his stronger siblings. His greatest character flaw is that he is frightened by everything. The family worries…
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Faith in Action

Poetry takes center stage in NYC

Every third Sunday afternoon, folks gather at St. John Lutheran Church, New York, N.Y., for Kairos Poetry Café, which plays host to poets, musicians, and performing and visual artists. The…
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Faith in Action

Where faith is caught, not taught

If you asked 4-year-old Lilly Miglia what she likes best about church, she will say “drawing pictures.” And “being in here,” referring to the nursery room with bright walls and…
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Faith in Action

In praise of ‘The Little Lutheran’

Logan Gyorko, 3, of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and a fourth generation member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Stephens City, Va., diligently checks out The Little Lutheran. The children’s magazine ceased publication…
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Faith in Action

That’s (Not) Mine

Children get the message in our consumer culture that greed is OK and it’s normal to claim things as “mine.” It’s not easy to get rid of the habit of…
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Faith in Action

Dolls with missing limbs comfort recipients

What does a toddler with no arms do when her mom gives her a doll? She hugs it lovingly with her legs, of course. Especially this doll: a doll withno…
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Faith in Action

New life for children with disabilities in Tanzania

When Betsy Buschkemper arrived at the Building a Caring Community (BCC) center in Moshi, Tanzania, 5-year-old Brian took her hand and tugged her inside to see his toys. This lively,…
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Faith in Action

Youth celebrate ‘bold’ women in their lives

Bold Women’s Day, observed on the fourth Sunday in February by Women of the ELCA, celebrates Lutheran women who are boldly living their faith in Jesus Christ. Members of All…
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Faith in Action

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…