Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us as Lutherans,…
Lectionary for May 31, 2026 The Holy Trinity First Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 1:1–2:4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20 It seems like a lifetime ago, but I had…
Back in the day, maybe even yet still, one’s first year of seminary involved serving several hours a week in a Ministry in Context (MIC) congregation. The goal was to…
In the story of Pentecost in Acts 2, the Spirit doesn’t knock at the door. Instead, there is a “sound like a rush of a violent wind.” It doesn’t whip…
Lectionary for May 24, 2026 Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23 Since I don’t serve a congregation, I rarely put on…
Lectionary for May 17, 2026 Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John 17:1-11 Every time I speak at a conference or lead a…
For those of us who are suckers for a road movie, the charm of a classic hero-on-a-righteous-path story is endlessly alluring. The lead character walks off their past, confronts their…
Focal verse “Thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos;…
Lectionary for May 10, 2026 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 What is the most recent thing that really brought you comfort? Some…
One of the most important dimensions of aging is to bring us to understand that life cannot be taken for granted. Life cannot be devoured—it can only be savored (Joan Chittister,…
How can faith and science move beyond conflict and into meaningful conversation? This was the question ELCA pastors Will Rose and Thomas Johnston were pondering when they created the podcast…
On Feb. 28, the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a bombing campaign against Iran, kicking off a series of debates about the justification for war. Secretary of Defense…
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