by Rev. Dr. Greg Wismar Many people keep names and address lists either electronically or in more conventional ways, such as on file cards or in some kind of notebook. These lists constantly change as new people are added to the circle of one’s relationships or old friends are rediscovered as time passes. The Calendar
Kudos on the great articles that The Lutheran Witness has been cranking out the past few issues. It kind of snuck up on me how great this magazine is. Darren Harbaugh San Francisco, Calif. Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis,
As time goes by During a recent shut-in call to members residing in the Alzheimer wing, I struck up a conversation with the recreation director, who was entertaining a group of residents, reading stories and telling jokes. After sharing an Ole and Lena joke of my own, I told the director that I had recently
It was with joy that I read the “10 Minutes with Rev. Glenn F. Merritt.” As a member of his former congregation in Hamilton, Mont., it was good to catch up on what he has been doing since he left, knowing that [he is] working . . . in a part of the world where
by Rev. Jared Melius A new practice in Lutheranism that has become popular quickly is the Service of the Imposition of Ashes conducted on Ash Wednesday. The sign of the cross is smeared upon the forehead while the words of Gen. 3:19 are repeated: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Kudos to Dr. Albert Collver for his lucid exposition of our present emphasis on Witness, Mercy, Life Together. This theme promises to provide a strong framework, to fire our hopes and to sustain us in our efforts. Compliments are due, also, for the new look that the Witness is sporting. The first impression made is
by John Murphy Ball St. Patrick’s Day has little liturgical significance. Outside of Ireland, it isn’t even a national holiday–I don’t know anyone who gets the day off. However, if there was ever a man who deserved to have a day named in his honor, it is Patrick. He was a Christian hero of incredible
The article by Albert Collver III on the threefold emphasis of the church (Jan ’11) was very insightful. The imagery is rich and the rationale is solid. However, I was disappointed by the omission of another vital component of the church’s emphasis. Didache or “teaching” was not mentioned anywhere in the article. The church’s role
The story, from Daniel chapter 3, of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the burning fiery furnace is not included in the Scripture readings appointed to be read on any Sunday of the Church Year. As a result, it seldom serves as a text for sermons. Most of us are familiar with the story either from Sunday School lessons or from our personal devotional readings. But it is a story that is most appropriate for each of us.
It was good to see the “In Memoriam” included in the monthly Lutheran Witness with a bit of detail. Now we see only birth and death dates— like cold tombstones. How many of our not-computer-savvy are going to quickly go online to check out greater details on the death of a pastor or teacher? How
by Rev. Ken Lampe A dog was sitting in a railway station inside a large crate. Obviously he was supposed to be sent somewhere, but no one put the crate on any of the trains. Finally, one passenger said to a clerk, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sadder dog. What’s the problem?” The
Society tells us sin doesn’t matter. Does God really expect us to follow His Law?