This Lent, I decided to read our lectionary alongside the Lord’s Prayer, specifically using Martin Luther’s Small Catechism to enlighten the readings. As I started this exercise, I was surprised how I could use each part of the prayer sequentially…
The season of Lent invites us into a time of repentance, reminding us of our call through baptism to “live lives worthy of repentance.” Thus, we begin the season with the reminders of those disciplines that help us to repent—almsgiving,…
It was a wonderful, jam-packed youth Winterfest in early January. Nine from our synod spent time together in large and small groups discussing this year’s theme, Better Together. They worshipped together with 250 others and hung out as a community…
For those who use a lectionary book for the readings this week, you might miss the first few words in the gospel text. Omitted in my lectionary, these words make a clear connection to the reading from Exodus that might…
Applications are now being accepted for Bold Ideas grants. As announced at the 2025 Synod Assembly, grants are available to encourage congregations in trying bold ideas for loving their neighbors and putting faith into action in their communities. The Bold…
One of the goals of the Go Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative is to have congregation members “respond to compelling preaching…by integrating the gospel message into their attitudes, actions and ministries in daily life.” GTIIM is releasing daily one-minute…
The readings for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany continue the theme of calling. Jesus, in the gospel, calls Simon and Andrew, James and John away from their fishing to follow him and they will “fish for people.” This reading…
Camp Mount Luther’s CaTALSYT faith community was recognized as this year’s Innovative Program Award winner for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, a nationwide network of outdoor ministry organizations. CaTAYLYST launched in September and is a faith community designed and led by young…
United In Christ, West Milton (Pastor Justin Lingenfelter) held their first God’s Global Table in November. Celebrating the gift of God’s table that unites us to neighbors worldwide, they had breads from around the world to choose from during…
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting om him. And a voice from…