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Living Faithfully

In a pickle

The children of Living Word Lutheran Church, Laurinburg, N.C., from the time they can toddle have deposited their own offering in a large Mt. Olive Pickle jar during worship. It’s…
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Living Faithfully

Loan commissions

As faith-based agencies that resettle refugees in the U.S. occupy a growing stage in the public square, their debt collection practices are coming under increased scrutiny. The agencies’little-known debt collection…
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Mission & Ministry

Fundraising via social media

One growing area of raising money is called “peer-to-peer fundraising.” This approach invites individuals or groups to support a cause by contributing to a giving goal. For example, you may…
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Voices of Faith

Something new for the Gathering

Editors thought we’d try something different for coverage of the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit. We let photographs tell much of the story over 10 pages in this issue…
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Mission & Ministry

Our malaria moment

We have just $500,000 left to raise for the ELCA Malaria Campaign! ELCA members and congregations have given more than $14.5 million to fund the initiatives of our Lutheran companions…
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From The Presiding Bishop

Unglamorous yet vital

A church in the Northeastern Ohio Synod describes itself as a “50/50” congregation. It gives away half of offerings received. A significant portion goes to mission support, but the congregation…
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Living Faithfully

That socially responsible thing

Socially responsible shopping or investing — it’s an awkward term for an idea as old as Earth Day. Many Lutherans practice it consciously while others ask, “Is that a thing?”…
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From The Presiding Bishop

Worship is the heart of all we do

There is a Seattle-based caffeinated beverage company that goes to great lengths to provide excellent customer service. Its campaign is to make itself everyone’s “Third Place.” “First Place” is home,…
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Living Faithfully

‘Our one constant is change’

Sanctuary of Marshfield, Mass., likes to think outside the church. From the style of its building, which resembles an A-frame ski lodge in the woods, to an altar made of…
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Living Faithfully

Pastor shares the word in canvas

Some pastors can paint a vivid picture with their words. For Paul Oman it’s the opposite. It’s his pictures that speak volumes. The ELCA pastor discovered he could reach people…