Tag Archives: faith in daily life

Making God Part of Everything We Do

Posted on May 3, 2013 by synod

By Rev. Harold Usgaard Synod Bishop This year I am joining other ELCA bishops in a “Journey of Renewal.” Our coaches define it as an attempt to “live intentionally, centered, and well – for the sake of ministry. Wellness is … Continue reading →

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Do We Start with Church Talk or God Talk?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by synod

By Rev. Linda Gunderson Synod Minister As a couple of colleagues and I were preparing for an upcoming meeting, a question arose, “Does it matter where the primary focus of our faith talk begins?” One book started with the work … Continue reading →

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Can We Allow Grace to Change the World?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by synod

By Rev. Pete Reuss Synod Mission Developer For many, Christian congregations are wonderful places where people come together to worship and grow in faith. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. Some people attempted to connect with a community … Continue reading →

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Lent Takes Time and Effort, It Is Important

Posted on January 18, 2013 by synod

By Rev. Harold Usgaard Synod Bishop The sign on the side of the car said “student driver.” I should have realized that. An auto going five miles under the speed limit, a young driver with eyes glued straight ahead, hands … Continue reading →

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Servant of All

Posted on November 27, 2012 by synod

By Barb Peterson Congregational Life Minister Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN Remembering the Story Have you ever heard someone say, “When I grow up, I want to be a servant of all”? Most likely not. Mention the word “servant” and … Continue reading →

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Jesus on the Side of the Road

Posted on October 28, 2012 by synod

By Rev. Harold Usgaard Synod Bishop I am used to seeing deer carcasses along the road, and lately I have noticed the increased frequency of crosses and floral bouquets noting the site of dreadful accidents too. Especially in the fall, … Continue reading →

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God’s welcoming call to worship

Posted on August 1, 2012 by synod

This article comes from Seeds for the Parish, a resource newspaper of the ELCA, containing articles about resources that can help congregations in their worship, service, and ministries. This article is available at www.livinglutheran.com/seeds/gods-welcoming-call-to-worship.html The pattern for Holy Communion outlined … Continue reading →

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How God Uses Diaconal Ministers in the ELCA

Posted on June 7, 2012 by synod

Here is the church and here is the steeple Open the doors and see all the people Close the doors and hear them pray Open the doors and they all walk away. Kids have fun making the motions to this … Continue reading →

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Keynote Address Urges Assembly to Celebrate All Ages

Posted on May 5, 2012 by synod

By Linda Johnson Marilyn Sharpe, keynote speaker on Friday afternoon, challenged the audience with God’s work, our hands (and eyes and feet and mouth), and especially God’s family.”  The church has the task of equipping faith parents, which we are … Continue reading →

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Opening Worship – Bishop’s Sermon

Posted on May 4, 2012 by synod

Watch the video on YouTube Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:1-17 Have you ever seen such a cast of characters? Certainly some folks you would expect to be here. Like Abraham, called to be the father of a great nation…faithful…trusting to the … Continue reading →

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Blessing

Posted on April 24, 2012 by synod

By Barb Peterson Congregational Life Minister Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester Remembering the Story AaaAaAaahhhchoooo! You sneeze and someone in the area says, “Bless you.” You do something nice for someone and they say, “You are such a blessing.” You come to … Continue reading →

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Why Do YOU Matter to All of God’s Children?

Posted on April 24, 2012 by synod

by Marilyn Sharpe Paul was six years old when his Sunday school teacher asked all of the children to draw pictures of their families. When he finished, he carefully rolled it up and placed it in his bag to take … Continue reading →

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Turning in Prayer

Posted on March 28, 2012 by synod

By Barb Peterson Congregational Life Minister Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester Remembering the Story The Bible is full of stories, advice, and imperatives about repentance. God tells the prophet Ezekiel to say to the Israelite people that good works will not save … Continue reading →

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Jesus Doesn’t Come Into Our Lives Alone

Posted on March 2, 2012 by synod

By Rev. Peter Reuss Synod Mission Developer Neil knelt by the side of his bed and folded his hands. “Um, God, I’ve never really done this before, but I heard somewhere that I could talk to you like this. God, … Continue reading →

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