Give

From the Back Pew Blog

Sculptural relief of Martin Luther playing music with his family.

A Brief History of Lutheran Church Music

June 11, 2024

From the earliest days of the Reformation, Martin Luther recognized the power of music to stir the soul and spread the Gospel message. As he famously said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should […]

Read More...
A small wooden church in rural Minnesota.

Top 10 Historic Lutheran Sites in Minnesota

May 15, 2024

Minnesota is rich in Lutheran history. From majestic churches to noteable educational institutions, there are numerous historical and cultural sites across our state that highlight our Lutheran roots and tell stories of faith and community.  Whether you’re a history buff, a faithful congregant, or simply curious, these top 10 Lutheran sites in Minnesota offer a […]

Read More...
A woman covers her face in a blurred crowd of people.

Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Stress

April 9, 2024

Stress manifests in our lives in millions of ways. We experience it in fleeting moments during challenging situations and prolonged periods while facing significant life changes. Jobs, relationships, parenting and finances are all common triggers. While a small amount of stress can be motivating, too much can overwhelm us, affect our happiness and impact our […]

Read More...

Lent and Temptation: Find Meaning in the Season

March 6, 2024

Lent and temptation go hand in hand. During his 40 days in the desert, Jesus fasted and prayed so that he could achieve greater closeness to God. While testing his own self-discipline, he was visited by the devil three times and tempted with food, faith and power. Jesus overcame these temptations through faith in himself […]

Read More...
The sun sets on a Bible with a cross and a dove in the background.

Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses About Peace

January 12, 2024

In a world where news of conflict and unrest seems ever-present, the idea of peace can feel discouraging, if not hopeless. As a Lutheran church nestled in the heart of Woodbury, Minnesota, we understand the importance of promoting peace in our individual hearts, in our community and across the greater world. We hold fast to […]

Read More...

Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses About Hope

December 8, 2023

No other season symbolizes hope and new beginnings like Christmas. As we end one year and look optimistically to the next, let’s reflect on the profound importance of hope in our lives. Hope is what keeps us going each day. It motivates us to improve our lives and leave a better world for the next […]

Read More...
An older woman sits alone on a park bench with fall colors around her.

Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses About Loneliness

November 6, 2023

God is always with you, even during your loneliest moments. While loneliness is a profound emotional state that most of us experience at some point in our lives, you can find comfort and support in the Bible, in the church and in your community.  When you feel disconnected, isolated, or misunderstood, turning to the Word […]

Read More...

Why We Worship: Union Gospel Mission

October 25, 2023

Worship is an important part of the believer’s relationship with God. It is our way to express love, adoration, and gratitude towards Him. After all, God seeks those who will worship Him with sincerity, authenticity, and intentionality. Romans 12:1 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies […]

Read More...
A lone figure stands at the end of a dock on a gray morning.

Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Grief

October 5, 2023

Grief is our soul’s natural way of processing the changes that touch us at various moments in our lives. In essence, it is the emotional pain we feel in response to loss, especially the death of a loved one. It ebbs and flows, taking us through various stages from disbelief to anger to acceptance. Yet, […]

Read More...
A woman sits with her head down on her couch.

Be Still, Breathe: Bible Verses for Anxiety

September 15, 2023

Anxiety, as defined by medical professionals, is an intense, excessive and prolonged worry or fear about everyday situations. Spiritually speaking, anxiety can be considered as a disruption to the peace and calm that we aspire to feel in our daily lives. It can manifest in various ways: sleepless nights, nervousness and even physical symptoms like […]

Read More...