Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith

Prepare to be amazed

Be prepared! You might hear this from a scout leader, a financial adviser or a wild-eyed first-century prophet who ate bugs for lunch. There are many forms of preparation—we prepare…

Voices of Faith

Life stories preserved

Anyone who sees Rosa Yokopenic gliding through the halls of the ELCA-affiliated Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood, Wash., will notice her holding two objects she never wants to lose. The…

Voices of Faith

The world is about to turn—behold!

Series editor’s note: Throughout 2022, “Deeper Understandings” has featured biblical scholars sharing some of their favorite books of the New Testament. Next year we will do the same with books…

Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Norma Frances “Tootsie” Tomanetz

Associate member, Grace Lutheran Church, Giddings, Texas Pitmaster, Snow’s BBQ, Lexington, Texas Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings, Texas, is my home church, but I attend regularly at Grace too….

Voices of Faith

Called to respond: Faith reflections on World AIDS Day

Editor’s note: In observance of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), we invited individuals who attended the International AIDS Conference in 2018—with support from the ELCA—to offer reflections on our call…

Voices of Faith

The politics and paradox of Revelation

Series editor’s note: Throughout 2022, “Deeper understandings” has featured biblical scholars sharing some of their favorite books of the New Testament. Next month, Barbara Rossing will conclude this theme. —Kathryn A….

Voices of Faith

A true thanksgiving

Editor’s note: This article originally ran Nov. 24, 2021. “For all of this I owe it to God to thank and praise, serve and obey him.” With these words in…

Voices of Faith

Thankful ground

O give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name, make known God’s deeds among the peoples. Sing to the Lord, sing praises to God, tell of all God’s wonderful…

Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Ghirmai “Abraham” Israel Dree

First Lutheran Church, Redlands, Calif. Respiratory care practitioner and registered respiratory therapist Growing up, I was one of nine children, born in the village of Takita, Eritrea, which was then…

Voices of Faith

What we value

Growing up on our family dairy farm, I struggled with my dad’s leniency toward those who fell short of his high standards. Whether they were an incompetent hired hand or…

Voices of Faith

Five ways to honor veterans

Editor’s note: This article originally ran Nov. 8, 2018. With Veterans’ Day upon us, it’s good to remember the 20 million of them who live among us. Some are members…

Voices of Faith

On the playground, grace steps in

When I met Mark, his first marriage had failed, as had mine, but his love and commitment toward his young daughter, Kristen, were unshakable. When we married, she became a…