Voices of Faith Blog

At 86, Craig Johnson reflects with humor on aches, aging, and asking God why he’s still here. While the world equates slowing down with uselessness, Scripture points to Abraham, Moses, Simeon, and Anna as proof that God calls people in every season. Rooted in grace, not strength, our vocation continues - sometimes simply by praying, encouraging, and bearing faithful witness.

As we enter Lent, a 40-day season of reflection before Easter, we are invited to “return to the Lord” through prayer, fasting, service, and Bible study. This season focuses on deepening our relationship with God while remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection. Lord of Life offers worship, study, service, and family activities to help engage faith during Lent and Easter, supporting spiritual growth for all ages.

February is a month of love, but true devotion to God goes beyond rituals. “Have a Heart” explores how sincere love enables faithful stewardship, generosity, and service, rooted in Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:5, Isaiah 29:13, Ezekiel 36:26-27), and inspired by Jesus as the perfect example.

Entering a New Season reflects on faith, transition, and hope at Lord of Life Lutheran Church as the congregation welcomes an interim pastor. Grounded in Scripture, the article invites the community to embrace this season of change as a time for reflection, growth, and listening for where God is leading next. It also encourages members to connect, share their thoughts, and walk together in trust, knowing that God remains constant through every season of ministry.

A reflection on loss, prayer, and God’s attentive grace, reminding us that nothing we bring before God, great or small, is beyond God’s care.

Interim Pastor Kristin Vander Ploeg introduces herself to the Lord of Life community. With 15 years of experience in the ELCA, including a distinguished 20-year career as an Air Force chaplain, she shares her personal journey of faith and service. Pastor Kristin expresses her excitement to journey with the congregation during this transitional season and looks forward to meeting everyone.

A message for our Lord of Life Lutheran Church brothers and sisters in Christ. Image Source: Pinecrest. My wife Kathy and I have been around a few years, more than a few, really. My career caused many transfers both in state and across state lines. From our 1964 wedding day in an ALC congregation in Lombard, Illinois, we began our family ‘s nomadic life. We belonged to two congregations in the Chicago area, three different churches in Michigan, one in Iowa, and two in Pennsyl

This article redefines New Year's goals, urging faithfulness in small things over grand ambitions. Using the Parable of the Talents, it reminds us that success comes from using our unique God-given gifts to serve others. Our true motivation is love for Christ, who gave us the ultimate gift.

This Christmas reflection on Matthew 2 explores the visit of the Magi, the meaning of true joy, and the call to worship Jesus with faith and sacrifice. It reminds readers that the star leads us not only to Bethlehem, but ultimately to Christ, the Savior of the world.

A moving reflection on childhood Christmases during World War II in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this blog post recalls wartime rationing, air raid drills, and the enduring joy of Christmas. Through memories of family, church, and candlelit worship, it proclaims the timeless Christian message that the light of Christ shines even in the darkest times.

As Advent begins, we reflect on the four weeks of hope, peace, joy, and love that prepare our hearts for Christmas. This article explores the meaning of Advent, the Gospel of Luke, the joy of waiting, and a heartfelt farewell after 26½ years of ministry.

To celebrate this special time of Advent, we would like to share with you a brief series of short stories about the prelude to the coming of Christ as it may have appeared to the people of that era.

Elizabeth thinks about her life as she waits for Zechariah to come home from work.

Zechariah comes home with big news but can’t speak.

Mary comes to visit Elizabeth.

The birth and naming of John the Baptist.

Joseph discovers his betrothed is pregnant and tries to decided what to do.

Joseph has a vision which prompts him to marry Mary and take him with her to Bethlehem.

Over the past twelve weeks, I’ve had the privilege of co-leading an in-depth Bible study on the Book of Acts at the Presbyterian Church in Milford. As we studied the remarkable growth of the early church, one chapter in particular that stood out to me was Acts 15. It’s a remarkable story about conflict, compromise, and ultimately, Christian unity. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 In Acts 15, the ea

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Greetings in Christ! This month we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day we set aside to give God thanks for our many blessings. Thanksgiving Day is a day of reflection, family gatherings, food and fellowship. Thanksgiving in America began back in 1620, when a group of brave men and women ventured across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a better life. The voyage to America took two months a