Lutherans in the 117th Congress
Faith in Action

Lutherans in the 117th Congress

Editor’s note: This post was first published on the ELCA Advocacy blog.  With the final election results in Georgia resolved, the 117th Congress has begun. Members were sworn into office…

Christmas trees of giving
Faith in Action

Christmas trees of giving

Gary Heard’s previous congregation, Advent Lutheran in Manhattan, decided to try selling Christmas trees in the mid-1990s as a fundraiser to bolster the church budget. “We were struggling at the…

Symbols of the season
Faith in Action

Symbols of the season

Move over, inflatable yard Santa and giant, illuminated snowman! Here comes Jesus. That’s how retired pastor Luther Swicegood, a member of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia, S.C., talks about…

Light of the world
Faith in Action

Light of the world

A few years ago, we received an early Christmas gift—a musical snowman with a carrot nose and a trumpet snug in his hands. It’s a decorative piece that connects to…

Expanding the idea of family
Faith in Action

Expanding the idea of family

When many people picture the holidays, their family comes to mind, even if it’s accompanied by commentary about having to tolerate certain members’ irritating qualities. And then there is the…

A nativity story
Faith in Action

A nativity story

Focal verse To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11). Reflection Tucked in a closet with all…

Hunger and holidays
Faith in Action

Hunger and holidays

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to many alarming statistics this year—among them are reports showing food insecurity in the United States at an all-time high, with 1 in 8 households…

Gratitude and joy
Faith in Action

Gratitude and joy

Focal verse Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. —Psalm 106:1 Reflection I heard the stomping of feet…