Consider ways of highlighting the juxtaposition of the resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit. | more »
Arts and music
An ELCA congregation in Chicago connects with their artistic, urban community. | more »
And Lutherans keep singing -- grateful to be part of a cultural minority that not only can sit there and listen but also can stand up and sing and sing and sing. | more »
Shekinah Chapel seeks to inspire youth and young adults through its performing arts and mentoring ministries. | more »
Find worship ideas to help with the challenge of a festival that lasts for 50 days. | more »
Stewardship can be summed up as the interplay between God’s grace and our response. | more »
For an ELCA congregation in Elgin, Ill., re-enacting a 400-year-old Mexican Christmas tradition is a way to welcome their Spanish-speaking neighbors.
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Music lovers and Christians worldwide revel in the sounds and thoughts expressed so perfectly for this season in Johann Sebastian Bach’s great work.
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To truly appreciate Bach’s influence on future generations, his secular and theoretical works must be considered along with his sacred music. | more »
For a group of young girls in Palestine, it’s a class in ballet. What pursuit outside your normal routine has created a sense of empowerment for you? You might also want to read: Empowerment takes root in Chile Toward healing... | more »
Advent is a time to meditate on the meaning of life and what is in our own hearts and to pray for God’s salvation and wholeness for all. | more »
If practice makes perfect, or at least gets you on the road to improving, what are you working on being able to do better? Playing a musical instrument takes practice, but so do many other things. Does your faith life... | more »
It provides a vehicle for God to speak to us. A way to move us. | more »
Augsburg Fortress launches a Web-based resource designed with the liturgical church musician in mind. | more »
When a book you like becomes a movie, do you avoid the screen version, preferring to keep the movie you already have in your mind? Or do you like to see the movie bring the book to life, hoping it... | more »
There is something about being in a group and singing together that is uplifting and energizing. | more »
The answer that most stuck with me is this one, “Music.” We will speak music. | more »
When you hear the word, what first comes to mind? Why that thought rather than something else? What meaning do you think there is in the association? You might also want to read: The beauty of being The beauty of... | more »
In today’s compartmentalized music scene a new star outside of the pop genre can burn brightly but still not be noticed by many. Can you recommend a talented musician who isn’t getting the exposure that they deserve? You might also... | more »
When faced with the choice between a career in medicine or art, ELCA member Chris Raschka followed his heart, even if that meant taking a risk. | more »
There are many authors who provide a satisfying read. But when you’re willing to come back for a second visit, or even a third or more, you know you’ve found a treasure. Which author do you find yourself returning to... | more »
You perhaps can’t remember not knowing them. If you grew up in the church, they likely became second nature. Although the list probably varies with the generations, which hymn brings you back to your childhood? You might also want to... | more »
Many congregations are considering ways to incorporate light, texture, art and other creative endeavors to enhance worship, as icons do in some faiths. | more »
Some of our hymns proclaim the basic tenets of what it means to be Lutheran. Which ones would you include on a short list? Do these hymns make more than occasional appearance in your congregation’s worship? Are the younger generations... | more »
Artists who specialize in religious music often fly under the radar. Well-known to their fans, they may be unknown to the general public. Whether they are a contemporary rock band, solo performer or someone who no longer records, help spread... | more »
In April 2011, Carrie Underwood in a powerful performance of “How Great Thou Art,” now archived on YouTube, brought the crowd to its feet. It’s one of those older hymns that have a timeless power to move us. What are... | more »
What makes it special? Does it spark memories of Lenten seasons gone by? How does it speak to you today? You might also want to read: A journey from death to life Planning Lutheran worship in the season of Lent... | more »
The 40 days of Lent is a time of simplicity, renewal and preparation in congregations, especially preparation for baptisms that will occur at the Easter Vigil. | more »
Church musician Lindsay Thomaschefsky would like to see reserved Lutherans a little less reserved during worship. "Pretend it's football and get excited!" | more »
Which hymn do you find hard to sing without a catch in your voice? Is it the message of the words? Is it because it comes with strong memories of special people or events in your life? You might also... | more »
Part of the traditional appeal of the Christmas season is its wonderful music, both religious and secular. But there are also some rotten sugar plums in the bag. If you could pick one to toss out and never hear again,... | more »
Taking piano lessons at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oakland, Calif., took Dante Millet to a place he never thought he'd go — college. | more »
Using a studio run by James Kasperson, Deena Shupe made 35 sets of communion ware for use at the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. | more »
In between fishing and working ivory, Alook Savetilik studied reports for the 2011 Churchwide Assembly that would help chart the future of this church.
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An ELCA congregation in Huntington Beach, Calif., has learned it's not a science and you can't use a shoehorn to make it happen. | more »
If your life were a movie, what music would play as the credits roll? What about the music makes it appropriate for your life?... | more »
Of course it’s being together as a community of faith, and not the style of worship, that matters. But does one type of worship inspire you more than the other? Does the traditional liturgy and its music resonate with you,... | more »
Would it be a creative one in the arts? Would it be a “people” skill valuable in relationships? Would it be an intellectual skill helpful in learning? Perhaps it would be more practical, such as how to juggle all the... | more »
Bible stories were written to be shared aloud, not read silently. Two ELCA members showed how it’s done at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. | more »
With the recent hot weather across much of the nation, a good place to spend some leisure time has been a cool, dark theater. Is there a summer flick that has earned your applause? Did it have some life lessons?... | more »
Vacation Bible schools bring the gospel stories alive, often for children who have not heard them before. | more »
Some congregations have talented members whose gifts enhance the worship experience. In what ways does your congregation use the performing talents of your members?... | more »
Today we can look to practices of worship employed by previous generations of Christians and employ those practices in a new time and place. | more »
Kristin Berkey-Abbott encourages us to think like children and engage in creative activities. Is creativity important in your life? If so, how do you satisfy the urge to create? What benefits do you receive from being creative? Do you have... | more »
How might we adopt a more lighthearted approach to spirituality, both as individuals and as a church? | more »
At a Paul Simon concert I was moved by the lyrics that had to do with mortality.
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It’s not normally my goal to go looking for spiritual themes when I watch movies, but I could not help myself. | more »
It’s never too late, you know. You likely won’t rise to the level of Itzhak Perlman or Hilary Hahn, but you can learn to make beautiful music on the violin later in life. Or perhaps it’s the piano or guitar... | more »
When our breath joins the breath of the spirit of the resurrected Christ in making melody, we receive the gift God has meant for us — music. | more »
Strolling around Listening Walk at Halfway Creek has become a symbol of renewal for the congregation, confirming that God is "near and here." | more »
Gathering with the community of the baptized for worship is one way that we encounter God. When do you encounter God in worship?... | more »
The crucifixion of Jesus is both a scandal and a gift of life, both tragedy and ultimately our hope. The resurrection resolves dissonance into harmony. How can you share the song?... | more »
Definitely abled high school students join together in worship. | more »
As a pastor, Dave Greenlund uses his background as an artist to help the members of his congregation think creatively about expressing their faith. | more »
Silence can be associated with loneliness, sadness — the lack of sound. But it’s also a hallmark of worship, prayer and intentional quietness. When do you find silence to be a gift in your life?... | more »
What music — a tune, hymn or song — has carried you through the Lenten season this year? Where did you hear it and why did it stick with you?... | more »
On April 6 we commemorate the lives of three artists whose work had an enduring effect on the church: Albrecht Dürer (1528), Matthias Grünewald (1529) and Lucas Cranach (1553). How has your congregation used art (visual, music, movement) to communicate... | more »
“Fat Tuesday” is the last day before the season of Lent — with its 40 days of preparation and, for some, fasting — kicks in. Many congregations mark the time before Lent with a celebration. Depending on where you live... | more »
Many of us have experienced times when it seemed impossible to carry on without help from others. Who has been the person (or people) who offered that support for you? How did they know that you needed their help? How... | more »
There's support for the ways we are an evangelizing church, centered in word and sacrament.
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Have you heard God’s voice calling today? What does it sound like?... | more »
How do you stay in touch with God? Do you have a daily (or regular) spiritual practice that connects you with the bigger picture? Is it a social or individual activity? Do you have a certain time of the day/week... | more »
What do you think is the most “Lutheran” aspect of your Christmas celebration? Your worship time? Your theology of Christmas? The songs you sing at worship? The food you prepare?... | more »
Bach used unheard of sounds and harmonies to express the moment in time when God invaded from below. | more »
We all have Christmas songs that we’d like to see retired — but what are the carols that you never tire of? Which carol is worth teaching, word-for-word, to the next generation?... | more »
If you could pick only one Christmas tradition — whether it’s a family activity, a community event or an element of worship — what do you look forward to the most? What makes that tradition particularly meaningful for you?... | more »
Do you prefer the sentimental classics, the comedies or something else? Why is it your favorite? When do you typically watch your movie of choice?... | more »
Is there an Advent song, reading or devotion that moves you? What makes this season a holy one for you?... | more »
Does your household follow an early (pre-Thanksgiving) or late (end of Advent) schedule for decorating? What traditions, foods, music go along with decorating? Do you invite others over to help?... | more »
Do you have an Advent tradition in your congregation that you’re planning? A new project that your community is going to try out? What is it and when did it start?... | more »
Would it matter in what season you die? Would your song selections be your favorites or more for those attending? Do they contain themes such as grief, hope, memory and thanks for a faithful life lived? Have you written them... | more »
If you were to create an artwork that depicted the communion of saints, what images would you include? How might this image relate or impact your vision of worship for your congregation? Who has been most influential in shaping your... | more »
Today’s feature story is about a congregation that worships in a movie theater. Where have you experienced worship that was out of the ordinary? What new things did you notice as a result?... | more »
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