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Voices of Faith

Witnessing to the truth in a fiery place

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “We Three Kings.” I always liked the melody as a kid, and when I grew up I liked the way Jesus’ life was…
Grounded in grace
Voices of Faith

Grounded in grace

Once upon a time, several guys, perhaps early astronomers who frequently gazed at the night sky, embarked upon a long journey. They were data-gatherers, probing beyond the obvious for signs…
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Voices of Faith

Shine on

My toddler thinks flashlights need to be blown out like candles and a match. She will force her breath on the light, trying to get it to turn off. But…
Themes in Mark
Voices of Faith

Themes in Mark

It’s time to become better acquainted with the Gospel of Mark, the shortest of our four New Testament Gospels. The church will use readings from Mark throughout 2018 as it…
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Voices of Faith

Kairos: The time of God’s mercy

The end of another year is upon us. Like every other year, 2017 was the theater of God’s presence as well as the best and worst of humanity. This year…
5 things to consider when engaging young adults
Voices of Faith

5 things to consider when engaging young adults

Every congregation in the country is trying to figure out how to engage young adults through their ministry. You probably know all the scary statistics about the number of people…
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Voices of Faith

And a child shall lead them

One of my favorite moments at my parish is the hush right before Christmas Eve services begin.  The lights are lowered just a bit as everyone settles in, and eventually…
When Advent and Christmas are blue
Voices of Faith

When Advent and Christmas are blue

Culturally it’s easy to treat Advent as a countdown to Christmas—a swirl of parties, sparkle and lights. But liturgically it’s a season of anguished waiting. For many years, it seemed…
Pillow fights, wild hogs and more
Voices of Faith

Pillow fights, wild hogs and more

Christmas pageants rank high among iconic traditions of the holy season of Jesus’ birth—Advent candles, Moravian stars, crèche (nativity) scenes and Chrismons on the tree. But unlike those other symbols…
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Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Orion Samuelson

“I’m a Lutheran” is a monthly profile featuring ELCA members around the country. The profiles showcase ELCA members in all their diversity, connecting one another through individual faith stories as…
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Voices of Faith

Star Wars and the countercultural practice of Advent

Well, it’s almost here. The signs of it are everywhere: It’s in the stores; it’s on TV; it’s online. This is a time of anticipation and waiting and hope. Countless…