Restoration
Faith in Action

Restoration

Three years ago, as many congregations were rebuilding after the pandemic, things at First Lutheran in Ketchikan, Alaska, were falling apart. The first issue was the church building, which was…

The power of staying
Faith in Action

The power of staying

Focal verse “Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray’” (Matthew 26:36). Reflection…

A new season in Namibia
Faith in Action

A new season in Namibia

After years of devastating drought, the rains have returned to Namibia. Fattened goats and cattle now wander across the verdant desert, where the rains have formed a giant patchwork of…

ELCA presiding bishop issues response in support of Jerusalem patriarchs on Gaza
Faith in Action

ELCA presiding bishop issues response in support of Jerusalem patriarchs on Gaza

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a response in support of Jerusalem patriarchs on Gaza. “Recently, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued an urgent plea to…

Take the Black Lutheran history quiz
Faith in Action

Take the Black Lutheran history quiz

To honor and celebrate the contributions of Black Lutherans, Nicolette Peñaranda, ELCA program director for African Descent Ministries, created a quiz that highlights key figures, congregations and milestones in ELCA…

“Reimagine how we do ministry”
Faith in Action

“Reimagine how we do ministry”

When Katrina Foster first stepped inside St. John Lutheran Church in New York City, she felt a sense of awe. This towering, neo-Gothic building in Brooklyn, a marvel of the…

In memoriam: William G. Rusch
Faith in Action

In memoriam: William G. Rusch

William G. Rusch, an ELCA pastor who was a leader in the ecumenical movement, died Jan. 16, 2025. He was 87. As the first director of the ELCA Office for…

LWF expands humanitarian aid in Syria as rebuilding starts
Faith in Action

LWF expands humanitarian aid in Syria as rebuilding starts

Weeks after the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in early Dec. 2024, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) country program visited Damascus to meet with partners and plan humanitarian efforts….