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Voices of Faith

Reflection: We’re going for the gold

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary (Isaiah 40:31).  The 2018 Winter…
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Voices of Faith

The life of faith is not about how you feel

Every night it’s the same. I give my 4-year-old daughter a bath. I help her get into her pajamas. She says goodnight to Mommy. Then she gets in bed and…
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Voices of Faith

Jars and jars of giving

Growing up during the Great Depression in a family that believed in giving back shaped Ordean Oen’s life. When the native North Dakotan retired in 1989 as a research physicist…
I’m a Lutheran leader: Martha Cooley
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran leader: Martha Cooley

This year we’re putting an emphasis on stories that highlight leadership and leaders from around the ELCA. “I’m a Lutheran leader” is an online feature that highlights the many ways…
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Voices of Faith

A second call

My pastor and I had finished our lunch meeting to put the finishing touches on the congregation’s strategic plan for the following year. As we each enjoyed that last cup…
2017 in film: Breaking the rod of the oppressor
Voices of Faith

2017 in film: Breaking the rod of the oppressor

“Star Wars” movies love it when tiny spaceships destroy moon-sized super-weapons, so it’s no surprise that the series’ latest entry places its sympathies squarely among the underdogs. But Episode VIII:…
I’m a Lutheran: Kelly Schumacher Fuller
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Kelly Schumacher Fuller

“I’m a Lutheran” is a monthly profile featuring ELCA members around the country. The profiles showcase ELCA members in all their diversity, connecting one another through individual faith stories as…
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Voices of Faith

Witnessing to the truth in a fiery place

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “We Three Kings.” I always liked the melody as a kid, and when I grew up I liked the way Jesus’ life was…
Grounded in grace
Voices of Faith

Grounded in grace

Once upon a time, several guys, perhaps early astronomers who frequently gazed at the night sky, embarked upon a long journey. They were data-gatherers, probing beyond the obvious for signs…
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Voices of Faith

Shine on

My toddler thinks flashlights need to be blown out like candles and a match. She will force her breath on the light, trying to get it to turn off. But…