COMMENTARY: BE KIND TO LUTHERANS

By Nathaniel Gamble – This title might seem a little odd. Why are we being admonished to be kind to Lutherans? Did something recently happen specifically to Lutherans? Well, I don’t know about that, but the title makes clear a galling truth: kindness is always specific and particular, but it is so tempting to treat it as an occasional and generic option when interacting with others.

COMMENTARY: HELP FOR THE HOLIDAY BLUES

By NAD Ministerial Department – We can hardly believe it, but it is almost here. The fourth Thursday of November is the official kickoff of the “holiday season,” and with it, we often add more business and stress to an already compounded schedule. The next five weeks can bring more than just fun, food, and fellowship with family and friends. It also can bring increased stress, financial strain, painful memories, grieving, missing loved ones, loneliness, and more.