Posts tagged Living Lutheran
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve

Jamil Zoughbi and Claudine Faltas’ journey from the West Bank to Wartburg Theological Seminary in Iowa is a testament to faith and resilience. Trusting in God’s plan, the couple overcame challenges, including visa hurdles and the pain of leaving family behind, to pursue rostered ministry in the ELCA. Their story highlights the power of community, the support of the church, and the transformative call to serve. In this article from Living Lutheran, read how their faith continues to inspire their mission to serve marginalized communities and empower others to lead.

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Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges

How do we stay grounded in grace when life’s challenges seem unending? In this reflection in Living Lutheran, Mindy Holland shares how the promises of Scripture, the love of a faith community, and the songs of worship have anchored her through life’s storms. With Philippians 4:6-7 as her guiding verse, she invites us to embrace God’s peace and remember that Jesus is always with us. Read more about how grace sustains us and how we can share this grounding truth with others.

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A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics

Love Anyway Feasts offer a fresh way to bring neighbors together in divided times. Learn how ELCA members in Pennsylvania used shared meals to build bridges and model Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. With resources from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, you too can join this movement of connection and hope. Read more in this article from Living Lutheran.

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Living Lutheran's top five articles from 2024

As Living Lutheran wrapped up 2024, they took a look at some of our top stories from the year. Below are Living Lutheran‘s five most-read articles from the last 12 months.

  1. Inside Out 2 and the peace that passes understanding

  2. ELCA Conference of Bishops emphasizes the need to speak the truth

  3. 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering kicks off in New Orleans

  4. “This has allowed us to go back to church”

  5. Civility in politics

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I’m a Lutheran: Glory Godwin Lekashu

Meet Glory Godwin Lekashu, a medical laboratory technician, student, and Lutheran whose journey spans continents and calls to service. From her youth ministry roots in Tanzania to her studies in biology and public health, Glory integrates faith and science to heal body, soul, and world. In this Living Lutheran article, learn how this International Women Leaders scholar is living her Lutheran values by fostering health care justice, inspiring youth, and shining Christ’s light in her community.

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Trusting Women: Revisiting the ELCA’s Social Statement on Abortion

In a post-Dobbs world, the ELCA’s 1991 social statement on abortion offers a compassionate, theologically grounded response to the complexities of reproductive rights. Rooted in trust, understanding, and a commitment to relationships, the statement calls Lutherans to discernment, advocacy, and accompaniment. Explore how this powerful framework equips us for faithful action today in this Living Lutheran article.

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Living Lutheran Print Magazine is Coming Back in 2025

Living Lutheran is returning to print! After hearing from many of you, the ELCA is relaunching the beloved magazine with four print issues per year beginning in 2025. Individual subscriptions are $19.95 annually, with group plans available for congregations. Sign up today at livinglutheran.org/subscribe to stay connected to our shared stories of faith. Read the article in Living Lutheran here.

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From Local Farms to Global Advocacy: ELCA World Hunger’s 50-Year Legacy

Celebrating 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, this milestone highlights the ministry’s global and local impact in fighting hunger and poverty through sustainable solutions, advocacy, and partnerships. Discover inspiring stories and learn how you can join in this life-changing mission in this year-end Living Lutheran article.

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Feeding the multitude: Congregation’s long-running Thanksgiving meal serves 1,000

Zion Lutheran Church’s Thanksgiving meal tradition served nearly 1,000 people last year, uniting the Trinidad community in generosity and service. Rooted in the congregation’s monthly 5 Loaves ministry, this annual effort combines faith, food, and fellowship to embody Jesus’ call to feed the hungry. Read more about how this small congregation makes a big impact in Living Lutheran.

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Lutheran Disaster Response: Bringing Hope Amid War in the Holy Land and Ukraine

As wars in the Holy Land and Ukraine continue, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is providing vital aid to refugees and vulnerable communities through partnerships with local and global organizations. From creating safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities in the West Bank to converting bomb shelters into schools in Ukraine, LDR is bringing hope and healing in the midst of conflict. Read more in Living Lutheran and learn how your support can make a difference at elca.org/ldr.

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The Grace in Giving a Hand: Reflections from the Altar Steps

Assisting congregants up to the communion rail may seem like a small task, but it has brought unexpected blessings and a deeper sense of faith and fellowship. Through these weekly encounters, I’ve come to understand the beauty of shared vulnerability and compassion. Our journey together reveals resilience, humor, and connection that reinforce our faith and bring me closer to my church community. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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Finding Sacred Moments in the School Pickup Line: A Guide to Daily Prayers

In the quiet moments of waiting—whether in the school pickup line, at a red light, or as coffee brews—we can turn to prayer, finding peace and connection in these small pauses. This November, let’s embrace gratitude and prayer in our daily routines, teaching ourselves and our families to recognize God’s presence throughout our busy days. Explore daily prayer ideas and ways to serve as a family, making room for God even in our most ordinary moments. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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See Me, Believe Me: A New Call to Authentic Allyship in Our Congregations

In See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship With Congregational Leaders of Color, Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers calls the ELCA community to step into true allyship. Through powerful stories and practical steps, this new book addresses the unique challenges BIPOC leaders face in predominantly white congregations and invites white allies to engage in courageous, anti-racist action. Denson-Byers’s reflections challenge us to go beyond performative support and commit to the “soul work” of allyship. Discover how See Me, Believe Me can be a transformative resource for congregations in Living Lutheran.

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Argula von Grumbach and the Women Who Shaped the Reformation

When we think of the Reformation, we often picture Luther and his 95 Theses. But behind this movement were everyday people—like Argula von Grumbach, a Bavarian noblewoman who boldly defended the Reformation—and lesser-known reformers who shaped our faith tradition in profound ways. This Living Lutheran exploration of “a people’s history” of the Reformation reveals the courage of ordinary believers, the impact on laywomen and laborers, and the rich diversity that remains central to our Lutheran heritage.

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From Sole to Soul: Finding Grace in Unexpected Places

When Maria K. Miller’s shoes began falling apart one Sunday morning at church, she faced the embarrassment of leaving a trail of black rubber behind her.

But a fellow volunteer’s selfless offer of her own shoes turned a small moment into a profound experience of community and grace. This act of kindness reminded Maria—and all of us—of the strength we find in each other through faith, and how even the smallest gestures can reveal God’s love and compassion. Read the story of soles and souls in Living Lutheran.

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How the 2024 Youth Gathering Inspired Lifelong Service and Connection

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans inspired young Lutherans like Hayden Gruenberg to consider careers dedicated to service. Through partnerships with organizations like Let’s Be BIGGER and Roots of Music, attendees formed lasting connections that transcend geography, enriching their faith and deepening their commitment to social justice.

These stories show how the Gathering continues to shape lives, building community and fostering a sense of shared purpose across the ELCA. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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I’m a Lutheran: Nate Engle

Nate Engle’s journey with faith is woven into his family life, work, and commitment to service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. As he lives out Lutheran values through both his career and personal life, Nate embodies the transformative power of grace, finding God’s presence in small moments and tough decisions alike. Reflecting Martin Luther’s teachings, he shares that “God’s got this,” a simple yet powerful reminder of faith’s assurance in every step. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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