In April, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton launched the Truth and Healing Movement to increase the church’s understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous people in past and present generations. Living Lutheran reached out to Richard A. Magnus, a retired pastor who attends Edina (Minn.) Community Lutheran (ECLC), to hear how the congregation’s work with the movement has affected members and the community.
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In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Living Lutheran talked with Latiné Lutherans and heard their needs and hopes. Today we pause to reflect on the work being done throughout the ELCA to affirm and honor our siblings of Latiné descent. In the article, read quotes from the ELCA Ethnic Specific and Multicultural Ministries team. For more information about the ELCA’s Latiné ministries or other ethnic specific ministries, click here or email Jennifer De Leon, director for racial justice, at jennifer.deleon@elca.org.
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La Rev. Maria Santa Cruz discute la importancia de amplificar las voces latinés dentro de la ELCA, enfatizando la representación, apreciación cultural e inclusividad. Destaca los esfuerzos del Sínodo de Pacífica en ser inclusivo y expresa esperanza en el papel activo de Dios en apoyar a las comunidades vulnerables.
Rev. Maria Santa Cruz discusses the importance of amplifying Latiné voices within the ELCA, emphasizing representation, cultural appreciation, and inclusivity. She highlights the Pacifica Synod's efforts in being inclusive and expresses hope in God's active role in supporting vulnerable communities.
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In the face of burnout and life's challenges, Angela T. !Khabeb invokes biblical instances of fire to inspire resilience in this article from Living Lutheran. Emphasizing that God's presence and promises remain steadfast amid life's fiery trials, she encourages embracing the internal fire that drives faith and purpose, asserting that burnout is real, but so are God's promises.
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Sherry Bryant's personal tragedy led her on a mission for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Discover her journey in this article from Living Lutheran and the church's pivotal role in fostering understanding and support.
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While serving as global missionaries in Central Europe, Aaron Fuller and his partner grapple with the complexities of the Hungarian language. Through experiences of vulnerability and connection, they discover the essence of "accompaniment" in faith – not in mastery, but in the journey of solidarity and mutual connection with God and others. Read more in Living Lutheran.
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In reflecting on Matthew 11:25-30 in an article for Living Lutheran, Pastor Ismael Calderón explores Jesus' address to those who rejected Him, contrasting the prideful with the humble. Calderón underscores Jesus’ universal invitation to seek solace in Him, especially in a modern world filled with challenges. He emphasizes the peace and soul-resting strength found in following Christ's teachings.
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Members of Kihei Lutheran Church are providing much-needed relief to Maui wildfire victims, collecting essential supplies and extending emotional support. With a message of hope and resilience, they, along with the Lutheran Disaster Response, are calling for nationwide help to rebuild the affected community. Read more in Living Lutheran.
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The Lutheran Sudan Mission celebrated its Centennial in June at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. From its humble beginnings in 1923 with the first missionaries to the region, the mission has evolved, leading to the establishment of two churches with Indigenous leadership in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). Marking 100 years of partnership, the celebration focused on the past, present, and future of missionary work in the region, emphasizing relationship building and mutual fellowship in sharing the Gospel. Learn more at Living Lutheran.
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The ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program ensures that investments align with Lutheran teachings through socially responsible practices, focusing on environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG). By working closely with Portico Benefit Services, they provide investment screens and issue papers to guide individual investors and organizations towards ethical investments, reflecting their commitment to integrity and sustainable long-term growth. Learn more at Living Lutheran.
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The harrowing experience of ELCA pastor Alvin Erickson's daughter being victimized by sex trafficking led to the creation of a vital ministry called Adults Saving Kids. This nonprofit seeks to equip parents and grandparents with the tools and knowledge to protect their children from the subtle and sophisticated dangers of modern society.
The organization provides valuable courses and guidance on nurturing wisdom and resilience in young ones to safeguard them from potential harm. Read more in Living Lutheran about the journey of turning a tragic event into a mission for proactive prevention.
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Explore a reflective meditation from Rev. Drew Tucker on Galatians 5:22-26, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. In a world where division often reigns, Tucker's insights offer a timely reminder of the virtues we must cultivate. He draws parallels between the conflicts of the early Galatian church and our modern struggles, urging us to practice love, joy, peace, and other spiritual gifts intentionally. Find inspiration for your spiritual journey by reading more at Living Lutheran.
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In this article from Living Lutheran, we delve into the awe-inspiring journey of Pastor Thomas M. Glasoe, from the turbulent orphanages of post-war Vietnam to the pulpit of a Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania. Uncover how his indomitable faith guided him through childhood trials and led him to a life of ministry. This story is a beautiful testament to the power of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
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In this article in Living Lutheran, discover how the ELCA and its partners are navigating the complexities of global migration, providing support and a warm welcome to thousands of asylum seekers. Learn about the efforts and initiatives of various ELCA congregations and the real, human impact of their work.
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In this article from Living Lutheran, we meet Jamie Bruesehoff, an inspiring Lutheran member, author, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Dive into her faith-filled journey, her advocacy for gender-diverse individuals, and the life lessons she's gained along the way.
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Embark on a vivid journey with the "Paddle Pilgrim" as he navigates the Mekong River, winding through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In this article from Living Lutheran, David Ellingson recounts the team's adventures on the Mekong. Despite the physical challenges, the river serves as a profound teacher urging them to slow down, observe, and learn from the surroundings. Dive into the full article to experience this adventure for yourself.
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Discover the rich history of our beloved hymns originating from medieval texts in this article from Living Lutheran. Focusing on the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”, the article sheds light on its origins in the writings of 12th-century French abbot Bernard of Clairvaux. Read more to trace its transformation through translations, adaptions, and influences from figures like Martin Luther and J.S. Bach.
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In this article from Living Lutheran, we read how Rev. Kenneth Wheeler was compelled to write his new book US: The Resurrection of American Terror (Precocity Press, 2022) after connecting the trauma he’d experienced under Jim Crow segregation to the rise in Christian nationalism he’d seen in recent years. Read the full article in this post, and be sure to participate in our Conversations with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler, July 11 and August 1, 2023, at 10 am.
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The book of Proverbs asks us to bring our whole lives with us when we read it. This is true for the whole of Scripture but especially for Proverbs.
As part of the biblical books known as wisdom literature, Proverbs centers human experience as a way of discerning God’s work in the world and our participation in it. Proverbs rarely shows up in the lectionary and isn’t known as a favorite in Lutheran circles, but it teaches careful reading and interpreting.
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“[Science] is glimpsing God’s mind and being in awe of it.” —Francis Collins, to the Templeton Foundation
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