"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.
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As you make plans to celebrate the festivals of Pentecost and Holy Trinity and look ahead to summer worship, consider the following ways to explore All Creation Sings.
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In 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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Resurrection brings action: Today, the Easter message comes from the Gospel of Mark 16:1-8. Mark gives an account of the resurrection. In the tomb, a young man dressed in a white robe conveyed two messages to the women. First, Jesus is risen, and second: tell the disciples and Peter to meet him in Galilee.
Easter Message by Rev. Chang Chun Wa, Ben, LWF Vice-President for Asia. He is a former bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong.
“Go, therefore and, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
– Matthew 28:18-20
When God is absent and silent: In his Large Catechism Martin Luther talks about a God who is like “a kind father who cares for us so that no evil may befall us.” To believe that we are created and cared for by a benevolent God rings true to our experience when things are going well, and we do indeed feel loved and cared for. View original post at LWF, or read PDF in English, German, Spanish, or French.
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When God is absent and silent: In his Large Catechism Martin Luther talks about a God who is like “a kind father who cares for us so that no evil may befall us.” To believe that we are created and cared for by a benevolent God rings true to our experience when things are going well, and we do indeed feel loved and cared for. View original post at LWF, or read PDF in English, German, Spanish, French.
Good Friday message by Rev. Dr Arnfríður Guðmundsdóttir is LWF Vice-President for the Nordic Countries. She is an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland and a Professor of Theology at the University of Iceland.
Read MoreMy God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me,
from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
and by night but find no rest.
— Psalm 22:1-2
In this week's Faith Lens, Kelsey Green from Baltimore, MD, offers reflections for Easter Sunday amidst the tiredness and worry of the world's current state. She explores the assurance that nothing is too big for God, drawing from Paul's words to the Corinthians about the cross's power. The discussion centers around personal powerlessness, the need for reminders that death does not win, and the joy of resurrection as seen through the women at the tomb in Mark's Gospel. This post encourages readers to find joy, share the good news, and support those in grief with the message that death does not have the last word.
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ELCA Worship’s monthly highlights include resources for navigating the worship through national elections, integrating "All Creation Sings" into Lent and Easter services, and spotlighting partner organizations' events that further worship education. Additionally, explore "Love Astounding: Hymns of Jeannette M. Lindholm," a collection inviting deeper reflection on God's mystery and our expression of faith.
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Explore the unexpected journey of faith with Sarah Fryman as she reflects on the anticipation and reality of life's events through a spiritual lens. This week's Faith Lens delves into the surprises that come with following Jesus, highlighting the transformative Palm Sunday procession and inviting readers to consider their own expectations of God.
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In the latest Faith Lens post, Kate Van Valkenburg shares a powerful story of an adventurous hike with a friend that turned into a lesson on trust, the unknown, and God's presence in difficult times. As they faced unexpected challenges, they encountered a group of women who provided the support they needed, reminding us that God shows up in surprising ways. The post also explores the Gospel of John, emphasizing the transformation and hope found in Jesus' teachings, and encourages us to be agents of change in the world.
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In this week's ELCA Faith Lens, Andrew Thompson shares a reflective piece on finding comfort and connection in assembling puzzles with family, drawing parallels to navigating the complex, interwoven stories of our world and scripture. The article, set against the backdrop of an increasingly digital and overwhelming news landscape, encourages taking a more focused and intimate approach to engaging with the vast "puzzle" of human stories and God’s unfolding narrative.
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This week's Faith Lens explores transitions in leadership, coinciding with the retirement of the respected editor, Rev. William H. King, affectionately known as Bill. Bill's tenure saw Faith Lens flourish, becoming a well-visited resource that connected scripture with current events. Welcoming Drew Tucker as the new editor, the post outlines the future of Faith Lens, promising the same valuable insights with a year-round publishing schedule and inclusion of personal reflection activities.
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This week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.
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Explore the theme of reconciliation in ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent Study. This week focuses on the transformative journey of Jerri Eliano de Quevedo and Sirlei Eloí in Kilombo Monjolo, Brazil, and the vital role of reconciliation in addressing hunger through the story of their community's resilience and partnership with the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil.
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In the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.
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In the latest Faith Lens blog, Joshua Serrano reflects on handling life's highs and lows through the lens of celebrity stories and the early ministry of Jesus. He discusses Adam Sandler's humble reaction to a professor's early criticism, juxtaposed with the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism and subsequent temptation. Serrano encourages finding strength in our identity as beloved children of God, regardless of life's fluctuating circumstances.
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The ELCA Worship's blog post for February 8, 2024, showcases a variety of resources and events offered by Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations. Highlights include the Institute of Liturgical Studies' conference on liturgy in consumer culture, free music compositions from Lutheran Summer Music, and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians' educational conference. Augsburg Fortress presents liturgical resources for the Three Days of Easter, while Music that Makes Community shares practices for communal song-sharing. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead introduces a course for lay leaders on planning worship experiences.
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This week’s "Faith Lens" blog post by Rachel Larson discusses the power of affirmation, especially within the context of faith. Reflecting on personal experiences of both receiving encouragement and facing criticism, the post delves into how these interactions can impact one's sense of self and calling. It connects this concept to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where God's affirming voice declares Jesus as His beloved son, setting the stage for Jesus' mission.
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Introducing two FREE compositions from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ: Holy Manna, for .solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment, and Be Thankful, for SATB chorus, descant, keyboard accompaniment, optional: assembly, handbells. Free sheet music download: lsmacademy.org/resources
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Discover the transformative power of a simple hug in the latest ELCA Faith Lens, "Healing Touch." Dive into how Jesus' healing actions and our everyday gestures of compassion can significantly impact our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
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In the wake of a historic all-female city council swearing-in in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the diverse books chosen by the officials highlight the guiding principles of our leaders and pose the question: what grounds us in our roles and lives? Explore this theme of grounding and the importance of focusing on what truly matters, drawing from Jesus' example of seeking solitude for prayer amidst his bustling ministry. Discover the full context and discussion on the significance of these guiding principles in the Faith Lens weekly blog post.
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