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Faith in Action

Talking with your kids about death

Many of the best children’s stories start with death. Often it is the death of one or both parents. Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach stands out for dispatching…
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Faith in Action

Pills and patience

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8). I’d heard these words countless times at church, but they didn’t sink in until…
Fall to-do list for little Lutherans
Faith in Action

Fall to-do list for little Lutherans

Fall is here. It’s the season of pumpkins, falling leaves, bright colors and hot drinks. If you live in certain regions of the U.S., then it’s a time to grab…
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Faith in Action

Teaching generosity

My grandmother had a hard childhood. She grew up watching her single mother struggle to provide during the Great Depression, when jobs were scarce and it wasn’t socially acceptable for…
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Faith in Action

3 signs of what it means to be church

Ask someone what they think church means or what you do at church, you’ll get a variety of answers. My daughter uses sign language to communicate. We’ve taught her certain…
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Faith in Action

A hands-on first communion

Fourth- and fifth-graders at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, Wash., are learning experientially what it means to say, “Give us this day our daily bread.” To prepare for their…
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Faith in Action

Grace at the table

My 2-year-old daughter watches everything, especially when it comes to food. She knows what it means when I get out the blender—smoothies! She knows where to pick our strawberries from…
Peace Lutheran hosts first Vacation Culture School
Faith in Action

Peace Lutheran hosts first Vacation Culture School

Ever wished to explore the other religious groups in your community? Ever wanted to learn more about the faiths and traditions of your neighbors? Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, Mo, offered…
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Faith in Action

The practice of parenting

As my back stretched uncomfortably in half-moon pose, my mind berated my body for its inflexibility. Our yoga instructor spoke grace as she welcomed the class to our yoga practice….
Adventure awaits
Faith in Action

Adventure awaits

Vacation Bible school (VBS) has long exemplified the ingenuity of Christian faith formation. The seasonal education program may date back as far as the 1870s, to the Chautauqua adult education…
Harvest lessons at camp
Faith in Action

Harvest lessons at camp

Summer church camps are often known for signature events such as campfires, sing-alongs and swimming. But some camps are igniting newfound appeal in outdoor ministry by expanding their roster of…
Children-in-worship series: More than kids’ bulletins
Faith in Action

Children-in-worship series: More than kids’ bulletins

Children today are, as we well know, increasingly tech-savvy. They are practically born with iPads in their hands, and, yes, they bring them to worship. We are often slow, congregationally…