Church Anew Blog
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See Them, Champion Them: On the Election of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills
How can we stand “close enough” to Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry and Secretary-Elect Mills? What is our call as ELCA Lutheran Christians to love, support, and protect our newly called leaders?
Friendship and Masculinity
A man disconnected from others is more vulnerable than strong—and more dangerous than heroic. His high walls may look like strength but in truth they are purpose-built for hiding, not protection. In his isolation, he becomes a threat to himself.
Improv for Preaching
How might such silly exercises embed the deeply sacred value that everyone’s voice is needed and worthy in your community?
Interview with Joe Davis, Author of “Unearthing Us: Poems and Practices for Discovering Our Fullest Selves”
This book is for anyone ready and willing to dig deeper into their personal and communal stories to unearth the healing wisdom that waits for us all.
On Futures, George Floyd, and Resilience
We imagined a future of the world in 2070. Positive and negative. We imagined a future of spirituality in the world in 2070. Positive and negative. We imagined what we would want for spirituality and church in that year.
A Church Anew Book Series: Interview with Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers, Author of “See Me, Believe Me”
From the depth of my heart, I beg readers not to say, “I can’t believe it! This can’t be true! That would never happen in my church," ... Instead, “I see you; I believe you,” is a more faithful and compassionate response to the violence of racism perpetuated in our churches.
God Promises to Meet Us in Bread
At a table that Jesus sets, God forgives us and feeds us with love eternal. In water and promise, God brings us to new life and breathes in us gifts that help the world
A Church Anew Book Series: Interview with Cristina Rathbone, Author of “The Asylum Seekers”
My hope is that anyone interested in immigration might pick up this book in order to learn a little about some of the people who are primarily affected by our nation’s broken asylum system.
Why Global Health Matters
As Christians, health around the world matters to us because it matters to God. […] God calls us to love our neighbors, serve the “least of these,” and address injustices.
The Global Impact of USAID Cuts: A Christian Perspective on Our Shared Humanity
Those pushing for these cuts often speak of Christian values while advocating for policies that would abandon the vulnerable. But true Christian values call us to a more expansive vision of community and care. As Luther reminded us, faith is active in love, and love knows no borders.
Want to Reach New People? Change How You Communicate!
What if your church was positioned to meet the deepest needs of your community? […] what if a small change in the way you communicate could help motivate more and more people to engage with your church?
Different and Wicked
All of us could take a lesson from Elphaba in valuing the lives of neighbors who are too quickly pushed into the background ... or minimized and subjugated by those occupying roles of privilege and authority.
Wait and See Days
What were they waiting to see? [...] Biblical mandates bring us to life, full life. In full life, we can’t not work for the collective good through the giving of tangible and intangible gifts.
Chopsticks and Leviticus
Righteousness, holiness or right living in Leviticus 19 was determined by the sharing of resources as a community, or collective identity.
The Sacred Ordinary: The Patterns Are Not Mine
But, when finally, I learn the ring-ness of human things, how rhythms pulled away aren’t left behind at all. I know I walk in shoes that are not mine.
The Sacred Ordinary: The Path of Love (Women Who Cry in Aldi)
It is on the scaled-down switch backs of mid-mountain trails that we find the most opportunity to live with embodied empathy. In the day-to-day of human living, we are to let our love to genuine
A Walk In Beauty
The Rev. Winnie Varghese delivers a sermon covering indigeneity, Elijah's sojourn in the wilderness, and how to connect with those who show us hospitality.
If We Don’t, Who Will?
Dr. Dee Stokes reflects on an event she recently hosted, designed to help young entrepreneurs start serving the Kingdom.
Ezekiel’s Tree
In order to grasp this great truth, the first thing we need to do is to get off our human high horse. We aren’t all that, especially when you compare us to the world of trees.
Planting Gardens of Belonging
The task at hand for young people of faith is to draw from our traditions to steward this change—this social transformation—towards the redemptive possibilities of loving exceedingly, seeking justice, practicing hospitality, and giving generously. In doing so, we might reimagine and create anew the means through which our communities join together across differences.
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Walter Brueggemann
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