Micro-spiritual practice with kids
Living Faithfully

Micro-spiritual practice with kids

In the fall, school accelerates the speed of parenting life. I can easily be overwhelmed. My spiritual practice evaporates, and I feel as if life is happening to me. In…

A Lutheran cross-cultural exchange
Mission & Ministry

A Lutheran cross-cultural exchange

Katsarin “Piano” Samranpriwan celebrated her 30th birthday this summer by throwing a Thai ramen party for 30 friends and colleagues. It wasn’t easy. Samranpriwan was at Holden Village—far from her…

Jeff Johnson elected bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod
Living Faithfully

Jeff Johnson elected bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod

Jeff R. Johnson, Berkeley, Calif., was elected Sept. 17 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod. The election took place during the synod assembly, Sept….

The gift of late friendship
Voices of Faith

The gift of late friendship

My friend Carmen Merritt died this spring at age 83. A person of intellectual and spiritual depth, of gentle kindness, humor and strength, he had lived a full life with…

Thiemann announces retirement as Portico’s CEO effective Sept. 30
Living Faithfully

Thiemann announces retirement as Portico’s CEO effective Sept. 30

Jeff Thiemann, president and chief executive officer of Portico Benefit Services, a separately incorporated ministry of the ELCA, announced Sept. 12 that he will retire when his current term ends…

Church leadership for the future
Mission & Ministry

Church leadership for the future

Jay Peterson of the Lab House Band stopped himself mid-strum, holding his guitar as his bandmates changed instruments, to address the crowd. “Hey, Lab, how do you feel?” he asked…

“We need to listen to people who are hurting”
Living Faithfully

“We need to listen to people who are hurting”

Editor’s note: In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 10-16), Suicide Prevention Services co-founder Sherry Bryant spoke with Living Lutheran about how her son’s death put her on a…

Love and service
Living Faithfully

Love and service

“Probably my greatest joy is to be able to combine my nursing career with my faith journey by sharing my expertise and experience in health care along with the hope…

Beating burnout
Living Faithfully

Beating burnout

When Grace Lutheran in Clarion, Pa., undertook a major building project—adding two floors of offices and classrooms to the back of its church building—signs that the small congregation was struggling…

Nature and nurture
Living Faithfully

Nature and nurture

At First Lutheran Preschool’s outdoor classroom in Ellicott City, Md., God’s creation guides the curriculum. In Houston, the divine enters into daily activities at Zion Lutheran Preschool. As these ELCA…