In June, we marked the coming of Pentecost with a cover story on the Holy Spirit. This month, we focus on another aspect of the season: Jesus preparing His Church for its mission in the world.

Jesus spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell in men, giving them a new birth into the kingdom of God. And come the Spirit did, in a most miraculous way, among 120 believers gathered on that first Day of Pentecost. In June, we focus on Pentecost, the birthday of the church, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

With this May issue of The Lutheran Witness, we focus on “The Shepherd of Your Soul” in the cover story.

With this issue, The Lutheran Witness unveils a fresh, new look in its design. Eight years have passed since our last major updating— going to full-color in April 1998.

This issue of The Lutheran Witness explores a variety of Lenten themes, from Christ’s own forty days in the desert to the role a Lutheran understanding of vocation helps us understand God’s gifts even in times of spiritual drought.

The transfiguration of Christ is receiving heavy emphasis in this month’s issue of The Lutheran Witness.

Why do people make New Year’s resolutions? The fact is that we all need new beginnings—every day.