Saying the Creed Without “and the Son”

Each Sunday during the season of Easter (at least when we don’t have a baptism!, we join our voices with Christians across centuries and continents in confessing the Nicene Creed. This ancient summary of faith, from 1700 years ago this year, grounds us in the core beliefs passed down from the early Church: the Triune God, the incarnation of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. But if you’ve listened closely, you may have noticed a small but important difference in the version of the Creed we use in worship. We now say that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father,” rather than “from the Father and the Son.”

Walking in Faith, Standing in Solidarity: A New Lenten Devotional

Lent is a season of deep reflection—a time to walk with Jesus toward the cross, to open our hearts to God’s presence, and to seek justice and renewal in our lives and in the world. This year, as we enter this sacred time, we invite you to engage with a powerful new Lenten devotional resource: Sumud: A Lenten Journey of Hope and Resilience.

Epiphany Home Blessing

Twelfth Night (January 5) or another day during the season of Epiphany offers an occasion for gathering with friends and family members for a blessing of the home, using the following as a model. Someone may lead the greeting and blessing, while another person may read the scripture passage.

Following an eastern European tradition, a visual blessing may be inscribed with white chalk above the main door; for example, 20 + CMB + 15. The numbers change with each new year. The three letters stand for either the ancient Latin blessing Christe mansionem benedica, which means, “Christ, bless this house,” or the legendary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).

November Daily Prayer

As we enter November, the spirit of All Saints’ Day invites us to reflect on the saints who have shaped our lives. This month, consider embracing a simple but profound prayer practice: daily gratitude for those who have touched your journey, now departed yet enduring in their influence. Each day, you’ll be guided to remember someone specific—a mentor, a friend, a family member, or even a challenging figure—who has left a mark on your soul. Let this practice deepen your appreciation and connection to these beloved saints, grounding your days in gratitude and remembrance.

Introducing an Expanded Advent Season

The season of Advent is about far more than just a countdown to Christmas, a countdown to the baby Jesus in the manger.

Speak the Truth

In a time when deceptive and hateful speech has become increasingly normalized, our ELCA bishops have offered a powerful call to action. In their recent statement, they remind us of the importance of truth and the role we play as followers of Christ to be vigilant in guarding it.

I encourage you to take time to read their full letter, and to join us in this intentional commitment to speak truth, resist falsehood, and amplify voices of justice.

You can read the full letter from the Conference of Bishops here.