ELCA mission developer Margaret Kelly sees her ministry bringing “new life” to those living with poverty and homelessness. | more »
Vocation
ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship recipient Dione Miller gets her passion for service from her aunt Carolyn, a former ELCA missionary. | more »
When sin is forgiven, conflict resolved and broken relationships restored, it is God — not us — who makes all things new. | more »
For the Zimmanns, taking on positions as ELCA missionaries in Jordan and the Holy Land is a new adventure for the whole family. | more »
Stephen Martin, an ELCA chaplain, spent a year helping his sisters and brothers in the armed forces cope with the effects of war. | more »
Stewardship can be summed up as the interplay between God’s grace and our response. | more »
Participants in this small-group study are often amazed to discover the contemporary implications of the Large Catechism. | more »
What has that got to do with the church? When God wants something done, God calls someone in that place at that time to do it. | more »
Congregations of Golden, Colo., and their parish nurses have come together to serve the community in a joint health ministry. | more »
After a while I decided to just give in to my secret piety, which tells me God sends me these creatures to take care of. | more »
"God is not just with me," says Romi Pierce, "but is pushing me and demanding me to be the best I can be."
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Is it solely the need to pay the bills? If that’s a big reason — and it’s certainly important — do you also find other reasons to do what you do? Are there motivations that keep you striving to do... | more »
ELCA member Olivia Neubauer is an elementary school teacher who won’t let anything keep her from teaching — not even turning 100. | more »
The ELCA's first Sudanese pastor returns to Africa to make a difference. | more »
In a perfect world, the sky would be the limit. But we know that the reality is otherwise. There are limitations that we expect and there are those that we resent and see as unjust. What do you see as... | more »
“God has called me in many ways. But it’s been a process of discovering who I am in order to understand what God has called me to do," says Kristina Diaz.
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Choose this day. Decide. As Bob Dylan said in the song, “You gotta serve somebody.” Who’s it going to be? | more »
Pete Warmanen, a pastor in Medford, Wis., believes that a sense of childlike enthusiasm is essential to keeping his passion for ministry fresh.
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You will hear comments and conversation that range from anger and frustration, to deep sadness. | more »
They’re temporary jobs, often with the simple goal of making some money. Some are great; many are not. Which of yours are difficult to forget? You might also want to read: Calling and connection Of backpacks and organizing When people... | more »
Some areas of the nation have received adequate rain, but many have not, and the drought is severe. If it’s dry where you live, how are the grass, plants and gardens doing? More importantly, if your livelihood depends on rain,... | more »
In the days following Global Village Camp, I realized that my youth-inspired insights on discernment could not have come at a better time.
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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 »
A job is a job, but a vocation can be a way of life. Choosing one is not something you do one day while looking at a list of possibilities. It’s likely that a long road led to the choice... | more »
Writing the book will likely have to wait, but what title would you give it? How would it reflect where you are today in your life and where you have been? You might also want to read: A passion for... | more »
People — I suspect all of us — are looking for our faith to help us perceive, understand and deepen the sense that what we do matters. | more »
Deepened skills of both listening and receiving have shaped who she is as a pastor and are gifts that she hopes to bring to her new congregation, says Twila Schock. | more »
Our daily routines keep changing to keep pace with the latest changes in technology. Between work and leisure activities, how much time per day are you usually on the Internet? Are you comfortable with this routine? You might also want... | more »
The Spirit bestows unique gifts and apportions them as the body has need. | more »
Martin Luther said, "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace." Watch three stories of faith in action. | more »
Martin Luther said, "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace." Watch three stories of faith in action. | more »
At that moment, the thought "this is my life," was a statement of contentment. I was content to be there, in that moment, with those two gentlemen. | more »
The size of your paycheck — is that a factor you consider? Is a feeling of contentment a necessary part of your definition? What are the elements you consider essential for a successful life? You might also want to read:... | more »
I have found that it is when I have been confronted with the worst, I have learned the most about faith. | more »
My favorite part is when Jesus uses the image of a grain of wheat to demonstrate what discipleship is all about. | more »
It’s easy to let time go flying by. The days have their routines and before you know it another month is gone. How do you remember to treat each day as a gift from God to be used and enjoyed... | more »
Christi Lines, now a principal, didn’t plan to become a teacher. The Holy Spirit had other ideas. | more »
It can be like a dog chasing its tail with exhaustion the only real result. How do you keep the two parts of life working together rather than competing? You might also want to read: Living in the parsonage Pass... | more »
A dip in the pool may be a little tame for Laoes Paulson. She's gone scuba diving with a whale shark.
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For Donald Bidwell the best thing about Sunday school was learning those songs and, of course, learning about Jesus.
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Dixie Downes, who will take that coffee black and strong, says Lutherans are great at schmoozing but not so great at the art of welcoming. | more »
Living in Anchorage, Alaska, Daniel Bollerud says his favorite liturgical season is Epiphany, with the "light coming into the world and the days getting longer."
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Judy Larson says she never misses "60 Minutes," but it's unlikely that she would give "Dancing with the Stars" even one minute.
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Jody Robel, who usually can be found in about the fifth pew from the front, says Lutherans are great at giving hugs but could do better when it comes to volunteering.
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Church musician Lindsay Thomaschefsky would like to see reserved Lutherans a little less reserved during worship. "Pretend it's football and get excited!" | more »
Sandra Chandonia knows good families can be counted on when needed, and she is proud of her congregation "family" when someone is in need and it helps out.
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Angela Ryan Jennings, a former United Methodist, likes her dogs with chili and slaw and her cup of Joe with a dash of hazelnut coffee creamer.
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Ann Holmstrom doesn't have to look beyond the family tree to find someone who inspires her: It's her mother. | more »
Homelessness is the ministry that Joanne Fitzgerald is most passionate about, and she does her part by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Can't find her? Try the golf course. | more »
Jennifer Boyd, who loves dark chocolate, looks to her Mom for inspiration, a person "full of energy, life and faith."
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Julia Seymour, a pastor in Anchorage, Alaska, who has a Southern Baptist background, feels most Lutheran when she talks about the Small Catechism.
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Jeffrey Goodman, who's not a big fan of coffee but is a big fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, tells us that "heights are not my favorite thing." | more »
For Jane R. Cadwallader, chips and salsa on the plate and "NCIS" on the tube would be a win-win. | more »
Most jobs have their good and bad qualities. While frustrating at times, a good job also leaves you satisfied and proud. At the end of the day, what makes you feel good about what you’ve done? You might also want... | more »
David Pavesic, who is a huge fan of military history, is most proud of his congregation when its members "strive together for the future." | more »
Peggy Lauseng says Lutherans are great at making people welcome, but getting younger people involved? That needs some work. | more »
Can you walk to work, or do you have a bit of a drive each day? If the drive is extended, have you found ways to constructively use the time? How long of a commute could you tolerate? You might... | more »
For JoAnn Salava, whose favorite Bible verse is Psalm 43, a perfect way to spend a day would be taking a motorcycle ride in the mountains. | more »
For Ken Cockerham, any day spent in the glorious beauty of the great outdoors is a day to treasure. | more »
Marilyn Dyer says some people might be surprised to know that she was in the Army and once sang in a rock band.
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Just sitting overlooking the mountains would be a perfect day for Susan Harris. That overlook would also be a good place to hum a few bars of one of her favorite hymns, "When Peace Like a River."
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Lifelong Lutheran Gale Pearson's perfect day would be simple and simply relaxing — it would be a day she didn't have to start her car and go anywhere and could just stay home. | more »
Christine Iverson, pastor of two congregations in Minnesota, likes her coffee black and knows the value of time — her perfect day is "today."
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Anita Nuetzman, a former Catholic, says people would be surprised to know that "I wish we could go skipping down the aisle for communion."
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One of Donnabelle Warp's favorite things is Easter, and, — like a true Lutheran — another is Jell-O, specifically Jell-O pretzel salad.
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Paula Buendorf says her favorite person in the Bible is Martha: "I connect with her and what she needed to learn!"
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Laura Geczy, who thinks that Lutherans could do better with "the whole talking about feelings thing," says the best thing she learned in Sunday school is that "being Lutheran is cool!"
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Geoff Sinibaldo, who's passionate about the ministry of preaching, says, "Being a pastor is even more fun than it looks!"
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Bobbi Thomas especially enjoys time spent with her tearoom girlfriends. Chocolate on the menu would be a nice bonus.
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Adam Sornchai doesn't have time for the magazines when waiting to check out at the grocery store because, he says, he only has eyes for the candy. | more »
Mary Jo Kinzler, who feels most Lutheran when she's in church on Sunday morning, is proud of her congregation's mission work, such as in the Dominican Republic.
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Alda Rydin says Lutherans are great at caring for others and is proud of her congregation when it demonstrates that caring by helping those affected by disasters.
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"Anybody who sounded as smart as he was ... and had the name Martin Luther, I had to get to know him better," says Robert Graetz of Martin Luther King Jr. | more »
Kevin Bergeson is passionate about evangelism, but he adds, "(It) only happens within relationships. Stop inviting people to your church; invite them into your life."
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Kristy Henriksen, whose background is Norwegian Lutheran, draws inspiration from her children, who, she says, "are fearless and brave." | more »
Life-long Lutheran Sallie Folk draws strength from Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
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For Megan Rohrer, an ELCA Lutheran since birth, a perfect day would be spent feeding the homeless, eating produce picked out of the dirt and laughing with friends. | more »
I know that most of us will never hear a voice calling our name, but God has called each of us. | more »
For Donna Duckworth, who loves her chocolate ice cream, "living Lutheran" means being an example of kindness.
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As we leave 2011, did the year provide a milestone in your life? Was there an event or accomplishment that you will point to down the road as significant? How will that affect what you do in 2012? You might... | more »
Lindsey Bulger believes "we are able to catch glimpses of God in our relationships to one another."
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Pueblo de Dios, an ELCA mission start in Compton, Calif., shares spiritual and material bread with its community. | more »
The story that made me a little giggly at first now makes me sad because I feel the great divide between myself and a peer who will never see me as an equal. | more »
In a season of thanksgiving, ELCA International Scholarship recipient Eva Guldanova celebrates friendship and generosity.
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It may or may not be true that “there’s no place like home for the holidays,” but it is certainly true that we can’t always be home. Those who are, or have been, in the military know that all too... | more »
I am surprised anew at Mary’s response, she sounds more rooted than she was; more sure than she may have been. I give thanks for Mary’s “Yes.” | more »
Many of the dreams we had when we were young likely remained just dreams. But were you able to beat the odds and achieve one of yours? Was it something that changed all that came after? You might also want... | more »
Has Mary’s story helped you find the courage to say, “Here I am, Lord”? How has that answer taken you in directions you didn’t plan? In what ways has that choice enriched your life? You might also want to read:... | more »
An interview with Lutheran Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Roberta Gbowee. | more »
Each congregation is one piece of the fabric that makes the ELCA. | more »
I know it would have meant an awful lot to her; it may have strengthened her faith and given her comfort. | more »
Molly Gross learned in Sunday school that sharing is caring, and she loves it when there are new faces in the pews to share that caring with. | more »
Maybe it’s your current job. Maybe it’s one you had in the past. What made it so difficult and what did you learn about yourself? How did your faith help you through the hard time? You might also want to... | more »
Kris Bjerke-Ulliman, whose perfect day would include yoga, good food, quiet and peace, is working on a Christian yoga book for pastors and is learning Sanskrit. | more »
Coffee is waking up a rural Haitian community to economic growth and hope. | more »
Are your best qualities being put to their most effective use in your job and daily life? Do you have opportunities to use them or are they kept in the shadows? If they are in the shadows, what steps could... | more »
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