The LCMS
A great suggestion

My comment is for Diane Strzelecki who wrote “Bringing a Nativity Set to Every Home” (December). This is a great idea—I’m happy to see it publicized in The Lutheran Witness. In the past, I have included, along with the nativity set, a child’s book of Jesus’ birth and the story of Christmas to go along
Supporting church workers

I commend the letter which appeared in the December Lutheran Witness and suggested that congregations consider assisting pastors with their educational debt. The average educational debt that 2008 seminary graduates carried into the pastoral ministry was more than $27,300. Since this is the average amount, there are many new pastors who have much higher educational
Whom May I Commune?

I ask this question as a Roman Catholic who by way of marriage is related to many Missouri Synod Lutherans. I am, in fact, a eucharistic minister, and I have been asked by members of my extended family to commune elderly Lutheran relatives residing in assisted-living facilities. I have refused based on my understanding of
Thinking economically

Several years ago, my congregation, a bedroom community of upper-middleclass people, wrestled with the idea of continuing blanket subscriptions to The Lutheran Witness for all members due to your huge increase in price. At the same time, I noted that you began using glossy, heavy paper, which surely added considerably to your costs. I submit
Answering ‘Why?’

by Theresa M. Shaltanis God has blessed us with a son who is a hard worker, talented, and compassionate. He is also gay, and he has questioned why God made him this way. I told him I don’t know the answer, but that God doesn’t make “junk,” and that I will always love him. I
More Dr. Siemon-Netto, please

We have enjoyed reading Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto’s articles in The Lutheran Witness. We have not seen any in a while and would like to see more of them. They are thoughtful articles, very meaty and powerful messages. Robert and Marie Heckmann Richmond. Va. Dr. Siemon-Netto is working on a story that is schedule to run
Shedding Some Light

Thoughts for the New Year The most important thing in communication is to listen for the things not being said. Happiness comes through doors you didn’t know you left open. When someone says, “That’s a good question,” you can be sure it’s a lot better than the answer you’re going to get. Don’t expect God
Sharing our faith

I thank God that the Holy Spirit led Kathy Reed (“An Accidental Missionary,” December) to witness to her faith, speaking carefully chosen words in her “difficult situation.” The prophet Jonah (chapter 1) also faced a difficult situation. After the mariners “each cried out to his god” they confronted Jonah for his action of going into
We Have Seen His Majesty

by Rev. Jonathan C. Watt Read 2 Peter 1:16–18. He was an eyewitness. St. Peter said he saw the majesty of Jesus. The word majesty is a kingly word. It has to do with greatness and power. Glory is another word for majesty. That’s what Peter says he and the other disciples saw. He recalls
Questionable advice

I am not a licensed psychologist; rather, I am a family sociologist with 25 years’ experience in university classrooms, teaching about marriage and family relationships. I disagree with the December Family Counselor advice given by Dr. Jack Fyans to the woman who struggles with guilt over an affair that occurred a decade ago. Although she

Scroll to Top