Spiritual practices & resources

What is the role of the pastor today?

Michael Plekon wears a lot of hats. He has been a minister in both Western and Eastern traditions for over 40 years, as well as a teacher and scholar. His…

Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: Insisting on good news

Lectionary for Jan. 26, 2025 Third Sunday after Epiphany Nehemiah 8:1-11; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21 Have you ever had to tell someone that what they just heard…

Hymn of the Month – Jesus, the Light of the World

Each month, Living Lutheran will share history and fun facts behind some hymns beloved by Lutherans. This month’s hymn is Jesus, the Light of the World.

Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: A sign for all

Lectionary for Jan. 19, 2024 Second Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11 Have you ever tried to give a persuasive presentation? Maybe you were…

Faith in Action

Ordinary beauty in the new year

Focal verse “‘Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23). Reflection “Can…

Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: You are my beloved child!

Lectionary for Jan. 12, 2025 Baptism of Our Lord First Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 I’m reading Laura Smith’s Holy Care for the…

Journal prompts to welcome 2025

As we welcome 2025, Living Lutheran shares journal prompts to guide your self-reflection and help you set your faith intentions for the new year.   Is there anything you need…

Intentions for 2025

As we approach the end of 2024 and welcome the new year, it’s a perfect time to center ourselves in faith, hope and action. The coming year offers a fresh…

Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: Not only/but also

Lectionary for Jan. 5, 2025 Second Sunday of Christmas Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:10-18 I’m writing this reflection while nestled in the Wasatch Mountains just south of…

Spiritual Resources

Loving the loser and warning the winner

“Come on!” shouts a triumphant Tashi at several key points in Challengers. Although the tennis drama was sold as a steamy love triangle between Tashi (Zendaya) and former best friends…

Spiritual Resources

Highly recommended

Huck and Loona This charming story by Emily Kilgore, with illustrations by Florence Weiser, is set in the great Northwoods, where woodland friends Huck the bear and Loona the loon…

Lectionary Blog

Lectionary blog: Growing kids and their parents

Lectionary for Dec 29, 2024 First Sunday of Christmas 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 My three kids are still little but are growing up quickly….