Living Lutheran spoke with Joe Davis about the ways art can inspire communities and motivate action toward the liberation and well-being of others. This video is Part 2 of that…
St. James Lutheran Church, Portland, Ore. Professor emeritus of medicine and retired head of General Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University; marathon runner I’m named after my grandfather, David Ruotsalainen,…
One blustery Ash Wednesday, some pastor colleagues and I went downtown to distribute “ashes on the go.” We spread on sidewalks that ran along towering office buildings and bustling restaurants, dressed in clergy wear…
The timbre of my voice rumbles at the back of my throat, and my mouth opens as a roar of laughter fills the space. Laughter is good for the soul….
You are dust and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19). Atoms in our bodies trace to the remnants of exploded stars. We are stardust. We are alive in the universe. And the…
My mother had the most sumptuous deep dark chocolate skin, full lips, large African nose and big beautiful eyes. She had a unique sense of style and a calming way…
Bethel Lutheran, like many churches, was built for a membership much larger than today’s. Decades ago, more than 1,500 members filled the building’s halls and classrooms. But the Willmar, Minn.,…
Focal verse Let your eyes look directly forward and your gaze be straight before you (Proverbs 4:25). Reflection Some days, doing one thing at a time might be the holiest…
While many people traditionally observe Lent through acts of self-denial, this year we are shifting the way we think. Rather than giving something up, we encourage you to join us in making room for something…
For travel writer and TV host Rick Steves, it matters that his community is cared for. Last December, after Steves learned through a local newsletter that the Lynnwood Hygiene Center—located…
Today we are sharing prompts to inspire you during your personal spiritual time so you can set your intentions for the weekend ahead. Take a moment to reflect on the…
Walking into the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in the middle of a sweltering summer in Phoenix, Jealaine Marple wasn’t quite sure what to expect. “I was hemming and hawing about…
Leaders of four global Christian communions said they are “profoundly dismayed” at the international community’s failure to prevent wars including the escalation of conflict in Iran and the Middle East….
Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a statement on the unfolding U.S.-Iran war. “In our Lenten journey, we are reminded of our dependence on God, and we…
Four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) continues to support people and communities affected by the war, responding to urgent needs, restoring dignity…
Faith actors have a critical role to play in grounding global action in ethics, justice and the lived realities of vulnerable communities, particularly those that are most affected by environmental…
On a bright, mild January day in the Old City of Jerusalem, with the sounds of Christmas carols leading the parade, the spirit of joy echoed through the narrow corridors…
In a Feb. 9 letter to the U.S. Congress, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, along with other faith leaders, shared requests as Congress faces a Feb. 13 deadline to determine…
A mighty fortress is our God. … On earth he has no equal (ELW, 503-505). I’m a Lutheran, baptized, confirmed and ordained in that faith. Yet I was already on…
Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year, various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us as Lutherans,…
Each month, Living Lutheran will share history and fun facts behind some hymns beloved by Lutherans. This month’s hymn is Be Thou My Vision.
All of creation has embodied experiences and revelations of God—they are our greatest source for knowing God. Human beings, along with all of God’s created, participate in theopoiesis—making and being…
Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year, various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us…
Each month, Living Lutheran will share history and fun facts behind some hymns beloved by Lutherans. This month’s hymn is Come to the Table. Text and tune by Jennifer Baker-Trinity Copyright © 2011…
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20 Largest ELCA congregations in 2012
Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa 9,539 Mount Olivet, Minneapolis 6,000 Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving, Texas 4,500 Hope, Fargo, N.D. 3,258 St. Philip the Deacon, Plymouth, Minn. 1,968 Shepherd of…
Lectionary blog: Both spiritual and material
Lectionary for Aug 6, 2023 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21 One of my favorite seminary professors, Joy J. Moore, used to say,…
Prayer ventures: Sept. 25
Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer from the ELCA resource Prayer ventures, which can be downloaded here. These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer life…
Voices of Faith
Stories, reflections and perspectives from a diverse range of voices across the ELCA.
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