A path lined with welcome, love and grace
Faith in Action

A path lined with welcome, love and grace

Elected bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod on June 14, Keith Marshall feels the Spirit’s call to keep “paying it forward.” He strives to share with others the love, hope…

Back-to-basics innovation
Faith in Action

Back-to-basics innovation

As current ELCA executive director for Christian Community and Leadership, Philip Hirsch sees the Spirit calling the church in a new direction that simultaneously harks back to its roots. Hirsch,…

All are welcome at “Pizza Church”
Faith in Action

All are welcome at “Pizza Church”

It’s Sunday at 9 a.m., and a small but diverse group assembles behind the bright bay windows of Pizza Quick, a counter-service pizza shop on the eastern edge of Tifton,…

From closure to welcome
Faith in Action

From closure to welcome

“Here is the church. Here is the steeple. Open the doors and see all the people.” Many may remember acting out this rhyme by opening their thumbs and wiggling their…

Lectionary blog: Necessary welcome
Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: Necessary welcome

Lectionary for July 7, 2024 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 “All are welcome” proclaim the signs above the entrances to…

ELCA Church Council welcomes new vice president, 18 new members
Faith in Action

ELCA Church Council welcomes new vice president, 18 new members

The Church Council of the ELCA met at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 10–Nov. 13. The council welcomed ELCA Vice President Imran Siddiqui and 18 new members, elected by…

Back to basics
Faith in Action

Back to basics

Focal verse “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Reflection As I write this note, my daughter will begin second…

Widening the welcome
Mission & Ministry

Widening the welcome

Often dealing with rejection and isolation before the pandemic, many LGBTQIA+ youth have had an even tougher time during COVID-19. In response, Lutheran rostered ministers and others have set up…