An ancient journey, rediscovered
Faith in Action

An ancient journey, rediscovered

A young woman came to my church, Messiah Lutheran in Wauconda, Ill., seeking to be confirmed before her wedding to a Roman Catholic man. Ours was not the first parish…

ELCA school builds culture of peace
Faith in Action

ELCA school builds culture of peace

Editor’s note: With global migration on the rise and cultural polarization increasing, there is a pressing need for peace among neighbors and nations. This article is part of the “Lutheran…

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Faith in Action

Gathered together, changed forever

“Here is the wonderful news. When it looks impossible, remember most of all that Jesus has changed everything.” On the final night of the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, a hush…

ELCA presiding bishop issues statement addressing our call to care for creation
Faith in Action

ELCA presiding bishop issues statement addressing our call to care for creation

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement addressing the church’s call to care for creation. ELCA members join the global Christian community each Sept. 1 to Oct. 4…

How to help your child process difficult emotions
Faith in Action

How to help your child process difficult emotions

“He says he doesn’t believe in God anymore.”  Those words came from the mother of a troubled teenager in our congregation, one with a history of acting out. “Will you…

A new beginning: Un nuevo comienzo
Faith in Action

A new beginning: Un nuevo comienzo

Starting something new is never easy. Starting outreach to a community that’s been neglected or ignored is even harder. I’m learning these lessons in my new call as associate pastor…

Hope amid instability
Faith in Action

Hope amid instability

My family watches for rivers of peace. We seek them out in a place known for conflict and discord. We are Lutherans living in the Holy Land.   For many, healing…

Rules of attraction
Faith in Action

Rules of attraction

Congregations are always trying to find out the rules of attraction. I don’t use the word “attractive” to indicate “hip,” “trendy” or even aesthetically pretty, but a cluttered building does…

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Faith in Action

I want my kids to watch me doing this

There are plenty of things I don’t think my kids need to see me doing. Some of them, they will see anyway. Others I might succeed in keeping private (but…