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Faith in Action

From limited to life-giving: Transformational Ministry 2.0 aids congregational discovery

As a means of “holistic renewal,” Transformational Ministry 2.0: Yet Another Path (TM 2.0) is a central part of ELCA efforts to help congregations and synods look toward renewed or…

Encounter the grace of God
Spiritual Resources

Encounter the grace of God

Several years ago, I picked up Sharon Garlough Brown’s Sensible Shoes (IVP, 2013). The back cover promised that it would blend ancient spiritual practices with contemporary life using fiction. I…

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Spiritual Resources

Study guide: Member status

What’s a “member” of a church today, when we experience lots of mobility in our culture and “belonging” means something very different for us than our grandparents? One church is…

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Faith in Action

The path to citizenship

At last, David Hurtado can vote for his local school board members, hospital commissioners and legislators. “I have a voice,” said the Manson, Wash., resident, who voted for the first…

Pews and God’s presence
Spiritual Resources

Pews and God’s presence

Editor’s note: This is the third post in a four-part series on objects from church that shed light on the spiritual practice of waiting this Advent.      I am weary…

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Mission & Ministry

Feast and fellowship

For 364 days of the year, the showroom at Watertown Ford Chrysler is the stage for polished, new models from the Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram lineups. On…

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Faith in Action

Reformation roots

A Shorewood, Wis., couple’s unique way of worshiping has served as a symbol to their community of how the Reformation transformed religion and continues to affect families. For the entirety…

One paws-itively holy hound
Faith in Action

One paws-itively holy hound

ELCA pastor Denise Gundersen was at a church meeting when a dog wandered into the room. She wondered aloud where it came from, and the host pastor replied, “He’s a…

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Theology & Beliefs

cross+generation Reformation experience expressed in education and fun

Our 2016-17 Faith Formation theme at Living Springs Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC was G.I.F.T or Growing In Faith Together using the bible verse from 2 Thessalonians 1:3b, “….because your faith…

Adventure awaits
Faith in Action

Adventure awaits

Vacation Bible school (VBS) has long exemplified the ingenuity of Christian faith formation. The seasonal education program may date back as far as the 1870s, to the Chautauqua adult education…