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Voices of Faith

The first

Every Thanksgiving I pull out my favorite Billy Collins poem, “The Lanyard.” The poet opens the dictionary to the “L” section one day and his eyes fall upon a word…

All we have to live on
Voices of Faith

All we have to live on

Poignantly, the Gospel reading for Nov. 11, the centennial of the armistice ending World War I (Veterans Day), focuses on a widow. Jesus points her out to his disciples, saying…

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Spiritual Resources

My take: A kingdom within

Recently I met with a friend who suffers from depression and fatigue. He had just returned from one of the most prestigious medical centers in the country and was feeling…

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Voices of Faith

Saints who remain with us

It could be any Sunday at Lake Park Lutheran Church, Milwaukee. You find your seat in the pew and greet your neighbors. Yet something about today feels different. A bit…

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Voices of Faith

Unlikely saints

On All Saints Day, the church remembers beloved individuals who have died since the previous All Saints Day. We also honor the faithful martyrs and servants who died long before…

What the widow’s mite taught me about generosity
Voices of Faith

What the widow’s mite taught me about generosity

With the arrival of autumn, many ELCA congregations enter a new season of stewardship. But finding new ways to foster giving can be a challenge for congregants and pastors. In…

Finding home: “Imago Dei”
Voices of Faith

Finding home: “Imago Dei”

It was an ordinary Sunday afternoon, but I’ll never forget its poignancy. My mother lived far away, and I was sharing yet another long-distance phone conversation with her. She was…

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Voices of Faith

Shiny stars and blinking lights

My friend started a chore chart when her child turned 4. Her daughter earned a shiny star each time she completed a task listed on the chart. Once the child…

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Voices of Faith

Loved beyond measure: Why church leaders need words of affirmation

Editor’s note: This reflection is offered in conjunction with the ELCA’s Rostered Ministers Appreciation initiative. Learn more and get involved at elca.org/rmappreciation. Our rostered ministers are called from all walks…