Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith

Inspired by Ruth

I have served the HKBP California Batak Lutheran Church in Claremont, Calif., for the past eight years. At this time, HKBP California desires to become part of the Pacifica Synod…

Voices of Faith

Perspective: Mental health in a sick world

Five years ago, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic marked incredible upheaval in almost every aspect of our lives. At the time, many Christians reflected on how the pandemic was…

Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Brenna Holmes

Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington, Ohio College advising manager, I Know I Can My husband and I connected with Epiphany Lutheran in 2018, when we first moved to Pickerington. Initially, driving…

Voices of Faith

Lutherans and patriarchy: Called to action and abundance

Series editor’s note: In 2025, “Deeper understandings” is focusing on the ELCA social statements. We hope to reintroduce them to readers as a means of provoking fruitful, enriching conversation between Christians with different…

Voices of Faith

My take: We are not newcomers

Marhaba (mar-huh-bah or mar-ha-bah). A simple word, ancient and powerful. Rooted in Aramaic and Syriac languages of early Middle Eastern Christians. It means more than just “hello.” It means God…

Voices of Faith

What happens next?

My favorite story about the first Easter is found in Luke 24. Two of Jesus’ followers have heard about—quite possibly even witnessed—the cruel suffering and death of Jesus and are…

Voices of Faith

Lord of the universe and the icky feet

The feet. Their feet. Underneath the sandals. The road-weary, callous-soled, cracked-toenailed, blister-ridden, dirt-caked feet of the disciples. Foul-smelling of sweat, dust, garbage puddles, creaky leather and roadside animal waste. Those…

Voices of Faith

The scent of Easter | Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

In her Easter message, Bishop Eaton recalls the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with a powerful, pungent substance used to offset the stench of death. But the substance also…

Voices of Faith

A continuing narrative

The Triduum, or Great Three Days, is the antidote to an overly saccharine Easter. It is one service held over three days, a continuing narrative that feeds into one another,…

Voices of Faith

Choosing awe over fear in The King of Kings

“I don’t want to hear about Jesus,” declares a precocious little boy, wielding a toy sword and dashing around his tired father’s office. “I want to hear about King Arthur!”…

Voices of Faith

Find your joy this Lent

Lent beckons with an invitation to introspection, exploration of the motivations and posture of one’s heart, and focused repentance when needed. At the same time, I encourage you to remember…

Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Hannah Limbong

Christ Lutheran Church, Jeffersontown, Ky. Junior, University of Louisville (Ky.) Public health major; honors student I’ve been involved at Christ Lutheran in a variety of capacities. Today I play violin…