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Faith in Action

The Lazarus effect and AIDS

Thanks to new treatments, AIDS no longer has to lead to death.
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Faith in Action

Congregations respond to gun violence

It seems almost routine. A lone gunman enters a school, mall or movie theater resulting in death, injury and community trauma. In cities, gun violence is a daily occurrence and…
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Faith in Action

A kairos moment

The ELCA Conference of Bishops acknowledged that the denomination is at a “kairos” moment in regards to theological education. In an Oct. 1-6 meeting in Chicago, the bishops considered three…
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Faith in Action

Share your good news

To share the unique stories of its parishioners, WestSide Lutheran, Sioux Falls, S.D., created “WestSide Stories,” online video vignettes of its members sharing their faith and passion for the congregation….
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Faith in Action

Dolls with missing limbs comfort recipients

What does a toddler with no arms do when her mom gives her a doll? She hugs it lovingly with her legs, of course. Especially this doll: a doll withno…
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Faith in Action

Simply Christmas

In Tom Taylor’s house growing up, the Christmas tree went up the day after Thanksgiving and came down only when it was so dry the needles fell off. As a…
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Faith in Action

New life for children with disabilities in Tanzania

When Betsy Buschkemper arrived at the Building a Caring Community (BCC) center in Moshi, Tanzania, 5-year-old Brian took her hand and tugged her inside to see his toys. This lively,…
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Faith in Action

Godspeed dedicated

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mamaroneck, N.Y., dedicated a votive ship that hangs from its ceiling. Marvin E. Henk, pastor, had seen many in European churches. Sailors made and gave…
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Faith in Action

ELCA pastor opens U.S. Senate in prayer

Kathryn Pocalyco, pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, North Chesterfield, Va., opens the U.S. Senate in prayer at the invitation of Virginia Sen. Mark Warner. “I believe prayer orients…
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Faith in Action

Youth celebrate ‘bold’ women in their lives

Bold Women’s Day, observed on the fourth Sunday in February by Women of the ELCA, celebrates Lutheran women who are boldly living their faith in Jesus Christ. Members of All…
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Faith in Action

‘Fred’s Gifts’ a Christmas mission tradition

One Advent about 20 years ago, Fred Boettcher sold hundreds of wrapped gifts for $1 each in the narthex of Calmar (Iowa) Lutheran Church. Known as “Fred’s Gifts,” Boettcher supplied…
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Faith in Action

Adoption changed their lives

Natalia Parker, 36, was 7 days old when she was adopted. Since her youth, she has known she wanted to adopt children. After Parker and her husband, Ron, had two…