This church still has fire
From The Presiding Bishop

This church still has fire

Not all memories come flooding back because of photographs. Sometimes they can be a song, a word or phrase, or even a smell. For me, it’s barbecue. One whiff and,…
Camp prayers
Living Faithfully

Camp prayers

Focal verse “As in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and…
Esta iglesia todavía tiene fuego  
From The Presiding Bishop (Spanish)

Esta iglesia todavía tiene fuego  

No siempre son las fotos las que nos llenan de recuerdos. A veces es una canción, una palabra o frase, o incluso un olor. En mi caso, el olor a…
Loving-kindness, not sacrifice
Lectionary Blog

Loving-kindness, not sacrifice

Lectionary for June 7, 2026 Second Sunday after Pentecost Hosea 5:15–6:6; Psalm 50:7-15; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Have you ever been in a difficult position, such as financial trouble…
Worship without erasure
Voices of Faith

Worship without erasure

When Bimen Limbong began serving in Jeffersontown, Ky., a congregant approached him with a concern: his accent made it difficult to follow his sermons. He didn’t respond defensively. He responded…
Movie-watching as a spiritual discipline
Voices of Faith

Movie-watching as a spiritual discipline

Much of Jeffrey Overstreet’s professional life has centered on cinema, from his extensive film writing—including as critic for Christianity Today—to the courses he teaches at Seattle Pacific University. But film…
Transfigured sight on the road to Emmaus
Theology & Beliefs

Transfigured sight on the road to Emmaus

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,…
New things!
Lectionary Blog

New things!

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…
Anything but ordinary
Theology & Beliefs

Anything but ordinary

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…
To try
Theology & Beliefs

To try

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…
Little fires and contextualized words of Pentecost!
Lectionary Blog

Little fires and contextualized words of Pentecost!

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…
Scattering enemies and making friends
Lectionary Blog

Scattering enemies and making friends

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…