Posts in Resources
“With Freedom’s Holy Light”: The Four Estates in American Christianity

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Alex M. Aakre, “With Freedom’s Holy Light”: The Four Estates in American Christianity, from an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The concept of an American civil religion has been widely identified and widely debated over the last sixty years. Many have come to reject this idea as an attempt to deify the American state and mix the allegiance due to God with that due to the nation. Yet, perhaps, rightly conceived, American civil religion can be useful as a way of understanding a Christian’s relation to the state and to the world. —Alex M. Aakre

Read More
Faith Lens: The Holy Trinity

This 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 More
Faith Lens: Everyone Has a Place

As 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 More
“Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by the Grand Canyon Synod’s very own Rev. Matthew Metevelis, “Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The United States, as any other nation, is considered a political entity that God uses as a means of providing life and happiness for all. The distinct nature of the American national system is heavily reliant on the virtue of its citizens, and Christians are called to engage in this work both as citizens of the nation and as members of God’s church. —Rev. Matthew Metevelis

Read More
Summer 2024: A Season of Musical Growth and Worshipful Engagement

This summer offers a vibrant array of musical and worship events lined up for our community. Highlights include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival for aspiring young musicians, the ALCM’s "Ponder Anew" conference at Valparaiso University, and the Calvin Institute's worship grants. Additionally, Music that Makes Community offers several workshops and community sings, and Augsburg Fortress presents resources for graduates and college students. Read the full article from ELCA Worship at ELCA.org.

Read More
Faith Lens: We’ll See

If 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 More
Faith Lens: Achtung Baby

In 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 More
Faith Lens: Growing and Bearing

In 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 More
Uncivil Religion

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Isak Tranvik, Uncivil Religion, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

Martin Luther King Jr. has entered the pantheon of American heroes, to be sure. But his legacy is contested, especially in his relation to the assumptions of American civil religion, the common ideals of the nation. Perhaps King pushed beyond these assumptions and challenged them to the core with his concerns for the poor and the radical nature of love. —Isak Tranvik

Read More
Faith Lens: What You See, Isn’t Always the Truth 

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.

Read More
Faith Lens: What is Watered, Will Grow

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.

Read More
ELCA Worship News: March, 2024

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.

Read More