After a fire displaced ministries and residents at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, the congregation is working to restore critical community services, including a shelter for women and children. Drawing from Jesus’ reflections on the Jerusalem Temple’s fall, we reflect on how loss shapes faith and new beginnings. Join us in prayer and support for the resilient community at Christ Lutheran.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens focuses on the power of small acts of faith, inspired by the widow’s humble gift in the Gospel. When challenges feel too big, remember that even small actions—like the widow’s penny—can make a profound difference. We’re called to take one step at a time, trusting that God is at work, even in the smallest of our efforts. Read on to discover how your everyday actions can build toward lasting change.
Read MoreReformation Sunday on October 27 reminds us of the transformative power of justification by grace through faith. As we reflect on Martin Luther’s legacy in this week’s Faith Lens, we are invited to consider how God’s grace continues to reform and shape us today. Join us in worship as we renew our commitment to live by grace, trusting that God’s presence calls us to be lights in the world.
Read MoreAs election season nears, this week’s Faith Lens calls us to consider how Jesus’ model of servant leadership should influence the way we choose our leaders. Mark 10:45 reminds us that Christ came “not to be served, but to serve,” challenging us to prioritize the public good over personal gain. As we prepare to vote, let’s hold our leaders to this higher standard, asking why they lead and whom they serve.
Read MoreAs hurricanes continue to ravage vacation destinations, it’s easy to forget the year-round residents who make these places thrive. Many struggle with poverty and insecurity, and now face additional threats from the storms. In the latest Faith Lens, we explore how our faith calls us to stand with these vulnerable communities—not just in times of disaster, but every day. Learn how you can support through Lutheran Disaster Response and live out the Gospel call to uplift those left behind.
Read MoreJesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens from Mark 9:30-37 reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in competition or status. Jesus redefines success by challenging us to care for those often ignored. How can we embody this greatness in our own communities? Explore ways to serve and appreciate the “greatest” in God’s eyes.⬤
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens, we look at the story of Peter rebuking Jesus and the recent challenges in Springfield, Ohio, as immigrants and longtime residents navigate building a new home together. Just as Peter learned to follow God’s leadership, we are called to find our place in the greater story, trusting God’s guidance even when it challenges our assumptions.
Read MoreExplore how Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman reveals His human struggles and divine grace. Discover lessons on faith, persistence, and the power of change in this week’s Faith Lens.
Read MoreEven if you’re not old enough to vote, I’m sure you’ve heard people talking about “the growing political divide in America.” Maybe you’ve seen evidence of it yourself on the news, in your church, or even in your own family. It seems like everywhere we turn we can find more and more evidence that people are less and less able to listen to each other, especially about politics. Sometimes it feels like the only thing anyone can agree on is how impossible it would be for us to agree. It can be pretty stressful to watch.
But what if our political divide isn’t as huge or even as real as it seems? A recent article in Time Magazine paints a very different story of our country. It explains that while a small number of people on both political sides are very divided, most average Americans actually agree a lot more than we disagree. Like, a lot more. Their survey discovered what they called “stunning agreement” on almost every single issue they asked about.
Read MoreWhen Jesus’ teachings become difficult to understand, many of his followers leave. But Simon Peter stays, proclaiming, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In this week's Faith Lens, we explore the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when faith is challenging. Discover how, like Peter, we can find life in Christ, even in the face of difficult teachings.
Read MoreJust small mistake in a few lines of code. That’s all it took to cancel thousands of flights, lock hospital computers, freeze bank operations, and even temporarily shut down government operations. Throughout the globe, millions upon millions of people’s lives were impacted by just a small mistake in a few lines of code.
Some of you reading this may have dealt with the impacts directly. As I write this, I’m in a hotel room, hoping to make it home only 36 hours late, while others have been delayed as much as five days!
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens explores the profound implications of the Holy Trinity on personal relationships, especially in the context of today’s social challenges. Dave Delaney discusses the increasing isolation among teenagers and the essential nature of meaningful relationships that reflect the interconnectedness of the Holy Trinity. The session emphasizes the transformative power of relationships modeled after the divine fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Read MoreAs Pentecost approaches, our community is called to reflect on the Holy Spirit's lessons of unity and inclusion. Inspired by scriptural insights and recent ministry experiences at the US-Mexico border, we are encouraged to view every human being as part of God’s diverse family. Join us in embracing the Spirit's power to transcend all barriers, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community. Let's celebrate this Pentecost by welcoming all, just as the Spirit does.
Read MoreIf you have a preschool aged child in your household, then it’s likely you’ve watched the recently-released episode of Bluey called “The Sign.” In the first week of its release, it was viewed 10.4 million times! Without giving too much away, the episode begins with all of the children in Bluey’s class hearing their teacher, Calypso, read a Taoist parable called “The Farmer.”
Read MoreIn this week's Faith Lens, Kris Litman-Koon discusses the importance of teaching independence and conflict resolution to children, drawing parallels with spiritual growth in the Christian faith. The reflection emphasizes how, like children learning to resolve their disputes, Christians are called to love and support each other based on the teachings of Jesus. The passage from John 15:9-17 serves as a reminder that love and community are central to our faith, urging us to bear fruit by abiding in Christ's love and extending it to others within and beyond the church.
Read MoreIn this week's Faith Lens, we explore how, like toddlers trying to read before they fully understand, we often emulate spiritual practices without full comprehension. The article reflects on Acts 8:26-40, emphasizing that God appreciates our earnest attempts to live faithfully, even when we falter. Through discussion questions and activities, we are encouraged to embrace our spiritual journey with humility and trust, much like a child learning to navigate the world, and to draw nearer to Jesus to bear fruit in our lives.
Read MoreIn the latest Faith Lens, Rita Argus shares a reflection on the importance of connecting with nature and the teachings of Good Shepherd Sunday. By drawing parallels between personal experiences in nature and the biblical imagery of shepherding, Rita explores how these serene moments help ground us spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Read More"Bikes of Faith" offers a refreshing perspective on doubt as an integral part of faith, likening Jesus' support in our spiritual journey to a parent's encouragement in learning to ride a bike.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens, Mariah Mills explores the post-Easter contemplation of "What now?" after celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. As followers grapple with witnessing ongoing injustice and evil in the world, the story of the disciples and Thomas post-resurrection provides a reminder of Jesus' peace amidst fear and doubt. Mills encourages us to recognize the "marks of the resurrection" around us as signs of hope and to live as Christ's body in the world, embracing our role in spreading this hope amidst challenges.
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