Humor

With Luther’s birthday coming up on Nov. 10, you might be interested in reading more about the reformer. | more »
Sue Edison-Swift

The perfect Christmas tree

Before marriage, discuss religion, money, life goals and Christmas trees. | more »

Diving right in

Adam Miller-Stubbendick, a pastor from upstate New York, takes a plunge to support the 100 Wells Challenge. | more »

When was the last time you had a good laugh?

Do you remember the last time? Is laughter part of your daily life? If it isn’t — and if it’s hard to remember your last good laughing fit — do you know the reason? What needs to change? You might... | more »

Fun is just a good book away

For Ron Glusenkamp, senior pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver, reading is fun, as long as it doesn't involve Thing 1 and Thing 2. | more »

Which Christmas song do you really dislike?

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 »

What's your favorite Lutheran stereotype?

There’s that thing about liking Jell-O and coffee. We love to sing and can do potlucks like none other. And we know you’d like to speak up on this subject but you’re likely too reserved to do so. We even... | more »
Watching children soak up knowledge can make a teacher smile. That smile can grow to at least a chuckle when their well-meaning responses are amusing. When has a student unknowingly brought more than a smile to your face? You might... | more »
Abby Triebel

First day of confirmation class

I thought I would provide you with some stress-relieving real-life humor from my first day back. | more »

Spreading hope among the 'garage boys'

Candid conversations about HIV and AIDS change and protect lives in Tanzania. | more »

That's not coffee they're serving!

St. Matthew Lutheran in Renton, Wash., wanted to try something different with a new outreach. To get started, they bought beer. | more »

Pay it forward

Ten dollars goes a long way in this fictional story about the journey of a boy's hard-earned offering. Contributed by Paul Hamilton of Lake View Lutheran Church, Chicago. | more »

Creatures of God's zoo

A prize-winning humorous video reminds us of who we are in Christ and that we are all creatures doing God's work in God's zoo. | more »

Preaching in their parking lots

Two ELCA congregations have figured out a way to keep the flock from going astray in the summer. | more »

Photocopied hands

A photocopier, a hand and God's work. | more »
That’s a quote from the sermon opening, my music director said in a text from a worship service. | more »

Our patron sinner/saint

How Martin Luther became Martin Luther and why we still love him after 500 years. | more »

When have you felt most foolish?

There is a lot of play on foolishness and wisdom in Scripture. And then there’s just plain foolishness. When have you felt most foolish?... | more »
Martin Luther filled many books with his writings and he is remembered for going on record with opinions on nearly everything (and everyone) he encountered. What is your favorite quotation from Martin Luther? Why does it speak to you?... | more »

Did you see your shadow today?

Today is the 125th anniversary of Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, will predict what’s in store for the rest of the winter. When you stepped outside, did you see your shadow? What does that mean for your life?... | more »
Darryl Williams

Laugh, as you are able!

We could truly celebrate our Christian freedom and print after each worship instruction the phrase, “…if you want to.” | more »

What's the real miracle of Christmas?

What miracle have you experienced at Christmas (this year or in years past)? How have you shared this miracle?... | more »
Erma Wolf

Merry Christmas, ya’ll!

The best religious instruction I ever received came from explaining what it means to be Lutheran to my neighbors in my Southern hometown -- especially at Christmas. | more »
Terri Mork Speirs

Rejected by Santa Claus

Santa is telling me that I’m not good enough. Jesus, while not disagreeing with Santa, is telling me that being good is not his criteria. | more »
Chris Duckworth

Is Jesus a liberal Democrat? Really?

Any attempts to squeeze Jesus into one of our 21st-century political boxes is pure idolatry. | more »

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

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 »
Justin Johnson

Retiring Christmas songs

So, I am starting a list of Christmas songs that need to be retired (according to me). Feel free to add to the list. | more »

What made you smile today?

What's the best advice you were ever given?

What piece of advice has stayed with you through the years? When did you receive it and from whom?... | more »

What was the best Halloween costume you ever wore?

Do you have a costume that was so good that you wish you could wear it every Halloween? Or so good that you do wear it every year? Was your costume instantly recognizable or did it require an explanation? Were... | more »

What would you like to "do over" today?

Have you ever sent an e-mail and then realized — oops! — you need to retract the message? Perhaps you sent it to the wrong list, or forgot to delete a sentence. Or maybe you were just in the wrong... | more »
Everyone has their favorite animal. Some people love dogs, others prefer cats. Maybe you like wild beasts from exotic climates — elephant, giraffe, polar bear or penguin. Have you ever thought about what it would really be like if you... | more »

Lutherans and green Jell-O

“If There Were No Lutherans Would There Still Be Green Jell-O?” is a book that makes you smile. Steve Molin (aka The Sign Guy), pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Stillwater, Minn., and Tundra Films’... | more »

Lutheran humor is not an oxymoron

Lutherans laugh? Yes, indeed they do. And for many years ELCA Lutherans have sent funny stories to the “Light Side” page of The Lutheran magazine. To celebrate 20 years of the magazine and the ELCA, Julie B. Sevig, who edits... | more »

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