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Voices of Faith

Ambassadors of reconciliation

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do…

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Living Faithfully

Good news for parents not in church

Sometimes it seems like all we do is shush them, or maneuver snacks to avert a meltdown during worship, send “the look” or a pointed finger at them during a…

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Voices of Faith

What’s happening in preaching courses?

When I first felt called to pastoral ministry, part of the fear I felt was about standing in front of a congregation to preach. I couldn’t imagine creating a sermon,…

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Mission & Ministry

A cross-country gospel message

For three years, Mikah Meyer was consumed with one thing: visiting all 419 National Park Service sites in one trip. On April 29, he achieved his goal. “Everything I did…

A commitment to service
Living Faithfully

A commitment to service

For First Lutheran, St. Paul, Minn., caring for people who don’t have a safe place to live or who are living in poverty is as important to its mission as…

Immersed in one beat
Living Faithfully

Immersed in one beat

Everyone may march to their own beat, but one ELCA congregation is fostering an exquisite togetherness through the ancient, spiritual and meditative practice of the drum circle. “Music can create…

Perspective: Our promise to baptized children
Living Faithfully

Perspective: Our promise to baptized children

Here’s a familiar Sunday scene: Before worship begins, a baby wearing a white gown is passed around between parents, grandparents and godparents. Noticing the baptismal party, parishioners check the bulletin…

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Mission & Ministry

Legal advice offers hope

The ELCA Outreach Center in Kenosha, Wis., has worked with individuals and families since 1997, providing job search assistance, personal care programs, youth camps and more. One client’s need led…

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Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Nickolas Butler

Nickolas Butler Trinity Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, Wis. Novelist and short-story writer I believe in being good to other people, in making art, in trying to be patient, in seeing…