“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.  “He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed” (Luke 1:52-53).

Who is it that moves history forward?  The proud ascend to their thrones and are then thrown down.  The haughty make oaths and declare their supremacy, but they too end up in the pit.  The rich have their fill but are poor inside.  What is it that you want?  Is it not the purpose for which You were created?  The Lord is Sovereign and it is His will that shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Lord, You know how anxious I become over the state of things.  I see the insanity of this age and too often join in the constant celebration of the rich and haughty.  Lead me out of this world’s way of thinking to know that history is in Your hands.  You have called me to live into a new life which humbly follows You, going where You lead me.  Guide me so that I follow You and not the world.

Lord Jesus, You chose to be born in humble circumstances.  You have shown that it is not wealth or privilege which elevates us, but the mercy and grace which You have won for those who believe.  Lead me in this new way of living so that I may become increasingly like You as I live each day.  Guide me to know that in You alone do I have hope and an eternal future.  Amen.

“And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.   “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart” (Luke 1:50-51).

The mercy of the Lord abounds to all people, which is for those who will turn to Him knowing that He is the Lord of all. But there are those who come in the fear of the Lord and those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  You were wonderfully made, but you were not made only for yourself.  Your Creator calls you to Himself.  Sadly, there are those who turn in on themselves.

Lord, I see the difference.  Help me to understand very clearly that at any time any of us can enter into Your mercy, but many will turn away from You and set up themselves as the center of their being.  Lead me out of the mess of my mind to understand clearly that You are the Creator and I am the created.  There is only one kingdom and that is Your kingdom.  Lead me into Your kingdom.  Your kingdom come!

Come, Holy Spirit, and take me out of the proud thoughts I have in order that I may humbly live the life which is of Your creation.  Thank You for the abundant mercy You give which enables me to walk in Your presence.  Help me to learn what it means to live for others and not just for myself.  Guide me to become what You are leading me to become so that I may be a child of the heavenly Father.  Amen.

A Video Conversation between Cathy Ammlung and Ethan Zimmerman

Many thanks to two frequent contributors to Lutheran CORE for this conversation regarding how the daily prayer offices can provide an easy-to-follow way for people to develop their personal worship and prayer life.  Cathy Ammlung is a retired NALC pastor and is well known for the Prayers of the Church and Hymn Suggestions which she offers on our website.  She has also provided many other videos, including her Toolkit for Worship Planners series.  Ethan Zimmerman is a newly ordained NALC pastor and is beginning his first call at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newcastle, Wyoming.  A link to their video can be found HERE.

Cathy writes –

“We discuss the brief prayer offices (Ethan has) created, primarily but not exclusively for middle and high school aged kids. We talk about how having a personal/private WORSHIP format is helpful in deepening Christian formation, and why the structure of the daily prayer offices such as Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline are so valuable. We also discuss how this ‘short form’ worship can be used and modified in small groups, house churches, retreat or youth group settings, and the like. Ethan is a very engaging conversation partner, so don’t miss it!”

Ethan writes –

“Attached are some prayer resources I have started to develop to help increase the frequency and give structure to prayer for those who are new to prayer. The 30 Day Psalm Cycle is lifted from the 2019 BCP (Book of Common Prayer) and the 60 Day Psalm Cycle is an attempt to drag the 30 Day Psalm Cycle out to 60 days. The ‘Daily Prayer Plan’ I made with young adults in mind, specifically one that I have been mentoring here and the ‘Simple Daily Prayer Plan’ is a simplified version (of an already simplified version) of the ‘Daily Prayer Plan’ that I made and distributed to the middle and high schoolers back in July.”

Last month we featured a video by James and Hanna FitzGerald, in which they told about Hanna’s new book, which provides Advent devotionals for young children and their mothers.  HERE is a link to their review.  We are very glad to be able to share that Hanna’s book is now available through Amazon and is featured on the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau website. 

Here is the link to the ALPB website: https://alpb.org/product-category/devotions/

Here is the link to the Amazon page: https://a.co/d/0gOIHvd0

Congratulations to Hanna!  She is a former English teacher who is now a full-time mother while serving her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland (ELCA), alongside her husband, the Reverend James FitzGerald.  The FitzGeralds are the ones who provide the weekly, lectionary-based children’s messages on our website. 

Many thanks to NALC pastor Cathy Ammlung for this fifth in a series of videos intended to provide congregations – especially those with temporary or longer-term pastoral vacancies – with some tools for worship planning.  A link to her video can be found HERE.  A full manuscript of her presentation can be found HERE. 

In this video, Cathy talks about some of the distinctive qualities of contemporary worship and compares and contrasts that with much traditional worship.

Cathy writes –

Whereas the structure of traditional worship may “flow” like a river, much contemporary worship has more of an “ebb-and-flow” quality, like waves on the shore.  Its emphasis on the interplay of word and music may provide challenges, but also great opportunity for services that draw us into Spirit-led encounter with God, worship and praise of God, and being formed as true worshippers.  There are some suggestions for planning contemporary worship, and they take note of the fact that some churches do not have regular pastoral leadership.  In addition they may have members and planners that are not well versed in contemporary worship style and song.  There is even a brief section describing my “adventures with AI” in selecting songs fitting a specific theme! In her first video Cathy discussed the whole issue of why worship planning is important.  In her second video Cathy talked about the church year, including festivals.  The third video covers the lectionary. The fourth video covers more traditional hymnody and the most common Lutheran hymnals.    

One of the greatest joys that I have experienced while serving as Executive Director of Lutheran CORE has been working with a wonderful Board of Directors.  Over the years many different people have served on the Board, but they consistently are a group of people who have a deep love for and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, the Great Commission, and mission of the church to make disciples of all nations. 

This month we say a big Thank You to Chris Johnson, associate pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, Wisconsin (ELS), who is going off the Board, and a Warm Welcome to John Mohan, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (NALC), who is coming onto the board.

Chris writes –

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Lutheran CORE board for almost 6 years and being a part of Lutheran CORE for even longer.  I served as the board secretary for most of my time on the board.  Going back a bit further, Lutheran CORE provided a ‘shelter’ and ‘voice’ for me while serving in the ELCA, providing a solid group of colleagues in my early years of ministry, and a solid group of believers to converse with while on the board.  It is sad to ‘refrain from embracing’ the board now, especially as they meet in sunny Arizona soon, but God willing, there will come another ‘time to embrace’ in the future.  Until then, I know the board is in very good hands and is led by faithful, sharp, and incredible caring Christians, including Dennis Nelson, CORE’s Executive Director. 

“Being a part of the board has led me to meet some great people, many (perhaps all) who have contributed articles to the CORE newsletter.  All of them, like us here at Zion in Wausau, have also been through the sanctifying experience of witnessing to various pockets of the ELCA whether in person or in writing – bishops, fellow conference pastors, synodical leaders, and laity. Listening to many stories of their resolve in speaking ‘truth to power’ but also speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) shows to me that the board is in good hands and that the Lord continues His work in plucking others out of the fire (Jude v. 23) through such faithful witnessing.”

John writes –

“I was born and raised in Iowa by faithful parents.  I humbly say that there hasn’t been a day in my life when I didn’t know the love of Jesus Christ.  My wife, Melanie, and I were married for 30 years and became parents to two beautiful girls by adopting internationally from Colombia.  My wife died in 2021 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  Beginning with my second call, my focus for congregational ministry became evangelism and discipleship.  My experience has confirmed the importance of discipling but also revealed the challenges present within congregations and denominations.  At this point, I believe congregations don’t know how to make disciples, and denominations cannot effectively help.  Lutheran CORE, I believe, is uniquely positioned to offer congregations help with discipling ministries.  Using confessional theology to explore renewal, Lutheran CORE can help congregations embrace ‘discipleship’ that is rooted in Word and Sacraments, lived out within individual vocations, that then leads to renewal of a congregation.”  

No doubt you’ve heard that the median age of the U.S. population keeps going up.  It is currently estimated to be 39.  And yet the median age of those who attend church is much higher: 57.  My guess is that the median age of Lutheran congregations might even be pushing 60.

However, there are some definite advantages when it comes to church members who are in their late 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond.  First of all, there is the matter of their faith maturity, which has “stood the test of time”.  And speaking of time, there is the amount of discretionary, volunteer time they often give to their church and community, especially when they are healthy enough to qualify as “active retired.”  Last, but not least, there is the matter of their financial stewardship and generosity.  Many are mature Christian disciples who are old enough and mature enough to realize that when it comes to their wealth, “they can’t take it with them”.

Perhaps you have heard of the “great wealth transfer.” This is the estimate that Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation will be leaving behind $84.4 trillion (that’s “trillion” with a “T”) in assets between now and 2045.  The great majority of this wealth will of course be left to children and grandchildren.  (And who am I to judge as to whether these heirs will spend their inheritance responsibly?)  But an estimated $12 trillion will be going to charitable organizations.

I have for many years been convinced that “delayed gratification” is a sign of emotional maturity and wisdom; while “immediate gratification” is often an indication of impulsivity and a lack of maturity.  However, current IRS law—in this year of 2026—offers an exciting opportunity to experience immediate gratification through a specific act of generosity.  This is possible due to Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), which allow for nontaxable distributions by a direct transfer of funds from a traditional IRA, in 2026, to your church or charity. And this is definitely a giving opportunity that more church members need to hear about.  When it comes to an IRS provision that has been “under the radar,” this is it!  My wife and I only learned of this provision (and granted, she understood the details far sooner than I did) within the last two years.  But we have now started using Qualified Charitable Distributions as our primary way of giving offerings to our home congregation.

However, before getting into the details regarding QCDs, a caveat: I am not a tax professional, nor—as the saying goes— “have I even played one on television.” (To reference a very old TV commercial) So the following information is something you need to run by your own professional tax accountant, who will definitely know about QCDs.  (And in the unlikely event he/she has no idea what they are, you will need to find a new accountant.)  Also, your state of residence might make a difference in some of the details regarding QCDs, but your local tax professional will know if that is the case.  Furthermore, what I am about to share, while accurate for any contribution made in 2026, could possibly change next year.  After all, when it comes to tax law, it’s hard to predict what the US Congress might or might not do.  And one more caveat “up front”: Qualified Charitable Distributions can only be made by taxpayers who are seventy-and-a-half years of age or older.

Here is some additional introductory information about QCDs:

1. QCDs allow those who are seventy-and-a-half or older to transfer up to $111,000 in 2026 directly from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to an eligible charity.  (Churches, of course, are eligible charities.)  When this is done, up to 100% of your contribution can offset your IRA distribution for that year. 

2. Also, QCDs can go towards satisfying the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) that begin at the age of 73.  (Those RMDs would otherwise be added to your taxable income.)

3. QCDs cannot be made from ongoing employer-sponsored IRAs — like 401(k)s — but only from certain qualified Traditional IRAs.

4. While the maximum limit for a QCD donation, for an individual taxpayer, is $111,000 in 2026; for a couple filing jointly where each spouse makes distributions from their own IRA, the upper limit is $222,000.

5. This is important: The QCD must be a direct transfer from your IRA custodian to your charity of choice.  This amount will then, dollar-for-dollar, reduce your taxable income for that year.  For QCDs going to your congregation, you might want to notify your church treasurer or bookkeeper to be expecting this contribution.

6. If your retirement total income for 2026 is getting close to a higher income tax bracket, a large QCD donation can result in your remaining in your current tax bracket.  (Or, in rare cases, you might find yourself in a lower tax bracket due to a substantial QCD donation.)

QCDs present a relatively unique and exciting opportunity to make one or more substantial donations to your church this year.  And these contributions (again) will reduce your taxable income by the same dollar amount as your QCD donations.

Next step?  Contact your tax accountant to confirm the information above and then contact your IRA custodian regarding the contribution you would like to make.  For those of us who are already in this age category, it’s time we start considering the use of this QCD strategy to financially support the on-going mission of Christ’s church.  And don’t forget: “You can’t take it with you.”

Note: Lutheran CORE is a 501(c) (3) charity.

HUMAN SEXUALITY

One of our ministry goals as Lutheran CORE is to provide resources for those who want to learn more about and/or want to inform their congregations about what the ELCA is actually doing. 

The task force that is reconsidering the 2009 ELCA social statement, “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” has released a study guide that focuses on the whole issue of bound conscience.  They are asking for responses by September 30.  Here are links to two articles which I have written recently that can help you evaluate, respond to, and lead your congregation in understanding and responding to this study guide.

For our July 2026 newsletter I wrote an article which gave an overview of the reconsideration process and evaluated the study guide as developed by the task force.  I described their work as “An Obvious Attempt at Damage Control.”    

An Obvious Attempt at Damage Control: – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

For my August 2026 letter from the director, I wrote an article that zeroed in on the whole concept of bound conscience, which is the focus of the work of the task force between now and the 2028 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. 

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR – AUGUST 2026 – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLIES

In our May 2026 newsletter I gave a long list of articles that I have written regarding the ELCA covering the period of time between the 2022 and 2025 Churchwide Assemblies along with a summary of the major points from each of these articles. 

What’s Next With The ELCA? – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

Here is a link for those looking for a shorter and more condensed version of the above.

ELCA 2026 SUMMARY DOCUMENT

And here is a link to a document that focuses on actions taken and decisions made by the 2019, 2022, and 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assemblies.

ELCA 2019-2026    

Finally, my June 2026 letter from the director contained a list of questions that you can use if and/or when your synodical bishop or another synodical representative visits your congregation.

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR – JUNE 2026 – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

I hope and pray that these resources are helpful for you in understanding and in communicating to your congregation what the ELCA is doing and the direction in which it is going.    

In my last article for Lutheran CORE I reflected on the fact that the animating principle of the Lutheran Reformation was ad fontes—back to the sources of Christian faith.  I also recounted how the formal principle of the Reformationcame to be sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone was to be the standard by which all Christian teaching and practice was to be measured.

The Lutheran take on sola Scriptura is radically different from that of Reformed (Calvinist) theology.  Calvinism operates under what it calls “the regulative principle” of Scripture, which may be roughly summed up as “what is not commanded (in Scripture) is forbidden.”  Using this hermeneutic (reading perspective), Scripture becomes the source of all Christian revelation.

Luther, on the other hand, seeking not to reinvent the Church but to re-form it, turned to the Scriptures with a completely different set of assumptions.  Sure, the medieval Church had gotten off track and out of alignment with God’s revealed will, enshrined in the Scriptures, but the Scriptures could not logically be the source of Christian truth, for there were several decades’ worth of Christians before there was a New Testament.  No, the source of Christian faith is the Apostolic proclamation “Christ is risen!” but the standard by which Christian faith and practice was to be measured were the canonical Scriptures, which were a “snapshot” of the Apostolic mind, inspired by God “so that nothing was written down that should not be.”[1]

Thus, in Lutheran usage, a Christian belief (like the word “Trinity”) or Christian practice (like making the sign of the cross) need not be found in the Scriptures to be authentically Christian; they need merely be measured by the standards presented in the Scriptures.  An authentic Lutheran hermeneutic for reading Scripture is “what is not forbidden is permitted.”

At first blush this may seem to be a distinction without a difference, but its implications for Christian faith, life, and church practice are staggering, especially if we are seeking to ground our witness in the tradition of the Church catholic, as I argued that we should in my last article.  The modest Lutheran approach maintains continuity with the Church across time while allowing for necessary course corrections when error seeps in or new missional needs are encountered as the Spirit leads the Church “into all truth.” (John 16:13)  The Calvinist approach not only permits but nearly commands each generation to reinvent its faith and practices, searching the Scriptures to justify their choices.

The Calvinist approach is fundamentally anti-tradition.  The Lutheran approach is cautiously optimistic about Christian tradition.  This has serious consequences.

Here is an example from my own pastoral experience.  At a recent meeting, a well-meaning layman, influenced by the incipient Calvinism of American Evangelicalism, presumed to teach theology at a Christian Education Committee meeting.  I had proposed a blessing of the backpacks as a kickoff to the school year.  This person declared, “Jesus didn’t bless things, He blessed people.  We’re not blessing any backpacks.”  Because I was not present at the meeting, his opinion carried the conversation.

He meant well.  He was trying to be faithful, but his most influential theological formation had come at the hands of a quasi-charismatic parachurch ministry.  His theology was so infused with the Calvinism nearly inescapable in American Evangelicalism that he put me in the position of needing to reeducate people in a Lutheran church on established Lutheran practice, found in our own worship resources, which were crafted by highly trained and experienced Biblical and liturgical theologians.

Of course, Jesus did bless—or consecrate—things if He was a faithful Jew conforming to first century Jewish practice… I confess, I wonder how the person in question missed Jesus’ blessing the bread and fish in Matthew 14 or the elements at Passover!  Still, the point I am trying to make is that because he couldn’t immediately recall to mind a positive instance of Jesus’ doing something, it meant that Christians should not do that thing either—his approach to sola Scriptura was Calvinist, not Lutheran.  Rather than asking, “Are Christians permitted to bless things?” (is that a valid development of Christian practice based on not merely Jesus’ actions, but Old Testament instruction) his instinct was to ask, “Are Christians commanded to bless things?”

The relevance of these two different approaches to Biblical interpretation is manifold for Christian life and faith, and I leave it to Lutheran CORE readers to work out its implications in your own mission context, but one thing I think is worth noting; it was my conviction for the last eight years I served in the ELCA that the theological distraction, dissipation, and dissidence that I saw overtaking the denomination had been built into it from the beginning by its own constitution, which stated that the canonical Scriptures were the “authority, source, and norm” for the church’s life and faith.  In my estimation, the word “source” represented a Calvinist incursion into a Lutheran context, permitting the church to eventually do whatever it wanted theologically without regard for Christian tradition, for as Cyril of Alexandria wrote to John of Antioch in the wake of the Council of Chalcedon, “those who love to upset sound doctrine pervert … words to their way of thinking. … remember that the followers of every heresy extract from inspired Scripture the occasion of their error.”

[1] Here I am defining the inspiration of Scripture apophatically, in the same way the union of Christ’s human and Divine natures was defined at the Council of Chalcedon as being “without confusion, change, division, or separation.”