Climate care on the world’s largest stage
Voices of Faith

Climate care on the world’s largest stage

Climate is changing. There is no debate about that. The discussion, instead, stems from what, if anything, humanity should do to combat climate change. To dive into that issue, people…

“And with all the (modern) saints”
Voices of Faith

“And with all the (modern) saints”

Growing up Protestant, I didn’t think much about saints. I saw depictions of them, mostly in The Beginner’s Bible, but they looked like cartoons. I didn’t wonder about the other…

What are the 12 days of Christmas?
Voices of Faith

What are the 12 days of Christmas?

Editor’s note: This article originally ran on Dec. 27, 2019. Christmas, according to the liturgical calendar, isn’t just a day, but a season. Many Christians know the song “The Twelve…

Ground-breaking arrival
Voices of Faith

Ground-breaking arrival

I have no idea what this Christmas will look like, but one thing is for sure—it will be far from flawless, and I’m OK with that. After all, the first…

Embrace simplicity this Christmas
Voices of Faith

Embrace simplicity this Christmas

Back in 2020, a month into COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, my 5-year-old son already had a sense of what had been lost. He knew about the places we could no longer…

Observing Advent and Christmas in increments
Voices of Faith

Observing Advent and Christmas in increments

Despite our insistence on barreling toward Christmas, Advent unfolds in increments. Look at the crown of green glory adorning your kitchen table or sanctuary. Candles in the Advent wreath are…

I’m a Lutheran: Mark Hansen
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Mark Hansen

St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. Partner, co-owner of Hansen Tree Farm; member, Minnesota Christmas Tree Association; retired research forester, U.S. Forest Service; volunteer, University of Minnesota forestry…

Finding joy
Voices of Faith

Finding joy

In the Gospel of Luke, an angel appears to Mary and says, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31)….

Thy kingdom come
Voices of Faith

Thy kingdom come

Each September, ELCA congregations are invited to live their faith by serving others on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Lutherans across this church gather donations, paint, clean, prepare meals and…