LivingLutheran
Editor & director, content Jennifer Younker
jennifer.younker@elca.org
Content editors Megan Brandsrud
megan.brandsrud@
elca.org
John Potter
john.potter@elca.org
Erin Strybis
erin.strybis@
elca.org
Manager, content services Andrea Pohlmann Kulik
andrea.kulik@elca.org
Copy editor Bruce Helland
bruce.helland@elca.org
Manager, graphics Michelle Goodman and artistic direction
michelle.goodman@elca.org
Graphic designer Karen Dersnah
karen.dersnah@
elca.org
Print production specialist Colleen Dorner
colleen.dorner@
elca.org
Manager, digital Dan Michel media strategy
dan.michel@elca.org
Digital media Kris Koskinen
kris.koskinen@elca.org
Brett Nelson
brett.nelson@
elca.org
Will Nunnally
will.nunally@
elca.org
Tracie Watkins
tracie.watkins@elca.org
Strategic communications Barbara A. Fletcher coordinator barbara.fl
etcher@elca.org
Advertising Mark K. Brewer
mark.brewer@
elca.org
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LivingLutheran.org
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Living Lutheran is the magazine of the ELCA. Fulfi llment is managed by Augsburg Fortress, Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440. (ISSN 0024-743X USPS 322080)
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Peace It’s the time of year where I catch myself humming along to Christmas songs, driving through the neighborhood in awe of sparkling lights, fi ghting crowds to fi nd that perfect gift and making plans for every moment. Then on Dec. 26, I collapse realizing the season has come to an end and I haven’t had a moment of peace. I admittedly ignore that feeling in the pit of my stomach, that nagging thought that something is missing, that something more is happening during the Advent season—the peace that comes from awaiting the birth of Christ.
Advent invites a time for refl ection, examination of that uneasy feeling that overshadows the hustle and bustle, and an opportunity to focus on the presence of God’s Word among us. “Six ways to fi nd peace this Advent” (page 26) off ers ideas to cultivate peace during this hectic season. Frank G. Honeycutt refl ects on the importance of “Keeping watch” (page 32) of the revelation of God’s promises taking on fl esh and blood.
The cover story, “The face of the church is changing” (page 14), follows three nontraditional worshiping communities and the peace found within and outside walls by building relationships and reconnecting communities while gathering together as the family of God and redefi ning what church looks and feels like. On the cover, a “chicken cooper” happily invites us to discover the Chicken Coop Church’s vision of church and community in the spirit of the season.
At this time of year, let us not forget the peace and comfort that comes from participating in long-held traditions. “Praises sing to God the king” (page 28) showcases the Lutheran tradition of music by recognizing several of our ELCA-related schools and their highly anticipated Christmas concerts.
I wish you and your family a blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas and, most of all, peace in your hearts and your communities.
Living Lutheran is the magazine of the ELCA 4 DECEMBER 2016
We would love to hear from you. Contact us at
LivingLutheran@elca.org.
EDITOR’S
NOTE By Jennifer Younker
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