The little children eagerly “run” down the aisle and kneel in anticipation of a simple grape. | more »
Youth and family
A choir that includes the very young up to the not-so young can bring energy -- and just plain fun! -- to a worship service.
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ELCA congregations have the privilege and the responsibility to offer a Christian presence to those with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. | more »
Children engaging in new activities, meeting new friends, and sharing living quarters with other campers present challenges to even the most well-adjusted child. | more »
Help families move beyond denial; acknowledge the devastating impact of the abuse on all family members. | more »
When anger is left unresolved, it intensifies and may be projected inward or outward to find an expression beyond reason. | more »
There are many opportunities for congregations to teach children about stewardship. | more »
Here are 10 ways to help children and their families dive into God's word. | more »
Children at an Ohio congregation didn’t receive new Bibles from their congregation but rather slightly used — and as a result more meaningful — ones.
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Outdoor ministry camps offer opportunities for participants to grow in their faith, learn about the environment and create new relationships with God. | more »
Shekinah Chapel seeks to inspire youth and young adults through its performing arts and mentoring ministries. | more »
So how do you know when typical teen characteristics, such as moodiness, have moved beyond “normal?” | more »
Many children wonder about prayer. This nondenominational, multicultural book offers answers. | more »
Because of their commitment to providing a safe and secure environment, they adopted a policy on preventing and reporting abuse. | more »
Sexual images and explicit word references have become increasingly common among groups that are younger by the year. | more »
Can anyone tell me where to find the word “Easter” in the Bible? | more »
Attitudes that non-adoptive families have can play an important role in the support, or lack thereof, that adoptive families experience. | more »
Mealtime is rarely understood as a time and place to practice one's faith. Yet, what is more basic than sharing a meal? | more »
Check out these Christmas traditions that Luther may have had a hand in starting. | more »
In extreme cases of bullying, victims feel compelled to take drastic measures, such as carrying weapons, seeking violent revenge or even considering suicide. | more »
Here are some interesting ways to celebrate the “coming” of Christ. | more »
If you haven’t tried it before, maybe this is the year to try to incorporate some child- or youth-led elements into your holiday services. | more »
On three successive nights Nicholas tossed bags of gold through the sisters' window, saving them from being sold into slavery. | more »
Children who left for school, for jobs, to follow their dreams or to start their own families are coming back home. | more »
Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota created this program in 1997 in the wake of massive flooding along the Red River between Minnesota and North Dakota. | more »
Oct. 31, the date that Lutherans observe as Reformation Day, is also the eve of All Saints Day (All Hallows Day), commonly known as Halloween.
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Music is a wonderful gift we can use to nurture the faith from one generation to another.
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Here are ideas for leading children and youth in prayer. | more »
College students are an extension of our local congregations. It is important to show these students that they are not forgotten, to give them love and support. | more »
Here are some ways to celebrate your congregation’s Rally Day. | more »
It’s called “animate. Faith” and isn’t your typical devotional for small groups. | more »
Youth ministry needs to happen at an ever earlier age, and in new creative ways. | more »
A clean, well-maintained, secure facility is a must for youth ministry, but a safe and loving emotional environment is far more critical.
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Education is an important faith practice of the ELCA because it belongs to our Lutheran baptismal vocation and is fundamental to the church's mission in the world. | more »
Here are some ways to involve youth in the preparation for Easter. | more »
Her name is Kim, and she is 8 years old. Tonight she will be bought for sex — perhaps 10 times before the sun comes up. | more »
Teachers, youth ministers and pastors may want to pass these safety tips on to children in their schools and congregations. | more »
To help counter the odds in today's culture against a successful union, our ministries must address each situation's unique needs and circumstances.
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The authenticity of discipleship and ministry among our leaders is dependent on the attention given to their own personal and family dynamics. | more »
What is the role of the faith community in offering support to a family ripped apart by circumstances? | more »
Unrealistic portrayals of ideal body weights and shapes in the media are threatening an increasing number of young people. | more »
Something extraordinary happened in New Orleans last summer, as so many ELCA youth experienced the public church. They participated in a church that has a mission in the world. | more »
Does Uncle Ed really need one more Christmas tie? Think about creative alternatives.
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Sales from fair-trade fairs benefit internationally small farmers and artisans who do not have access to traditional markets. | more »
It's important to let people know that God loves them regardless of their current feelings or challenges. | more »
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service helps America's newcomers by resettling refugees, reuniting families and rekindling dreams. | more »
Are we providing ministries that nurture the most basic needs for faith and identity in community? | more »
We must reshape our attitude about those with cognitive or intellectual disabilities by building from the perspective of similarities rather than differences. | more »
The use of an "Affirmation of Christian Vocation" in worship affirms the varied vocations of the baptized and underscores the common call of the community to participate in God's mission in our daily lives. | more »
This resource is good for a confirmation class or a youth retreat. | more »
The Youth and Family Institute in Bloomington, Minn., offers two resources to help ELCA members and their loved ones discuss their beliefs.
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A special Mosaic Television video documents the travels of 14-year-old Charlie Wellert, a Chilean-born member of an ELCA congregation in Montana. | more »
Camp Noah and its week-long program of healing and hope is a faith-based day camp for children, kindergarten through sixth grade.
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Award-winning author Alice Camille takes readers through a colorful catalog of biblical creatures. | more »
Recent Comments
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