Five centuries of Lutheran hymnals
History winnows the hymns we sing, with half of the hymns from the first Lutheran hymnal still being sung today. Of all the hymns that are printed in hymnals, some…
My Christian life: Making music as a family
A husband and wife sing praises to God at hundreds of churches and schools. What do you get when a communications major and a vocal performance major meet in a…
My Christian life: Finding real Christmas joy while in the hospital
A hospital stay during Christmas helps a pastor focus on real Christmas joy. “Please, Lord, please let next Christmas be different.” On Dec. 12, 2020, I was admitted to the…
Parent conversations: How can families use the hymnal in their worship life at home?
True confession: I’m not much of a singer or musician. Yet I enjoy belting out a great hymn of praise, and it makes my heart soar when I hear my…
A hymn for all ages
It is not too often that a third-grade boy is impressed by a hymn as long and deep as “Behold a Host, Arrayed in White” (Christian Worship 550). My Lutheran…
Amen, Amen
Some psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs make a lasting impression on you at a certain time in your life. Different events or situations in life can leave you hanging onto…
For the Lord’s glory – Part 1
The new WELS hymnal is moving into production. Michael D. Schultz Something has been going on in Israel. It was no small thing. A noble cause King David established a huge endowment fund…
Parent conversations: What does your family’s bedtime routine look like?
I was considering titling this month’s column, “How can I get my kids to bed without screaming (me) and crying (them)?” but that wouldn’t fit in the title space. You…
