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From the Back Pew Blog

The shape of a cross and “Lent” spelled out using ashes.

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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Why We Worship: Part Two

July 31, 2023

Earlier this summer, we examined “Why We Worship” in the first part of this summer blog series. 

We explored what worship is… which is a declaration to God and an important part of our relationship with Him. Worship is a way to express our love, adoration, and gratitude toward Him.

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A person depositing a red heart in a coin slot.

How to Be More Charitable

July 26, 2023

An important tenet of Christianity is loving our neighbors as ourselves. After all, Jesus gave his life so that we could be absolved of sin and saved. Charity, or “agape (self-sacrificial love)” as it’s often referred to within Lutheran theology, is a fundamental element of the Christian life. As Lutherans, we believe in serving others and […]

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Silhouette of a person’s head with question marks floating around it.

Who Are Some Famous Lutherans?

June 5, 2023

Since Martin Luther first nailed up his 95 theses on October 31st, 1517, people from all backgrounds have been drawn to his brand of rebellious but deeply  personal Christianity. Over the years, countless protestant artists, celebrities and athletes have joined the fold – many of them household names.  Minnesota has had its share of famous […]

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