I was disappointed in Dr. Siemon-Netto’s article (“On Words and Vocations” – November 2007) and even more disappointed in your decision to print it. Sounding much like a Lutheran version of Andy Rooney, Dr. Siemon-Netto has served to support the unfortunate stereotypical characterization of Lutherans as a bunch of stodgy old curmudgeons desperately trying to
The December Letter to the Editor (below) titled “Wake Up Call” was so sad to see. The confilct between the beliefs of the Masons and LCMS are clear. What is also clear is Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-17. Has this man been privately apporached to discuss the conflict between the Masons and LCMS? Do we
I would like to commend Susan Senechal for her brief but compelling article, “A Light in a World Gone Dark” (December, 2007). Unlike many of your contributors, Susan began where real life is – often dark and filled with tragedy – then soothingly applied the healing balm of the Gospel. So often your articles strike
by Rev. Ronald E. Nelson Mision Gracia (Grace Mission), East Moline, Ill., is a ministry of the Central Illinois District, partially funded by gifts to Fan into Flame. District Missionary-at-Large Pablo Dominguez directs the ministry. Currently serving the Quad Cities community from a 1,000-square-foot, three-room storefront, the mission is seeking a larger, permanent facility. About
by Rev. Terence Groth “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go.” This poem and song, whose “dapple gray” originally pulled his sleigh-riders through “the white and drifted snow” to Thanksgiving dinner, also has versions where the object of the journey was the pumpkin pie and pudding of Christmas Day. Every
by Theresa M. Shaltanis, M.A., L.P.C. I have a long and complicated medical history. I could have yet another surgery, but I may end up worse than I am now, or even die during the operation. I would rather go on like this than risk dying and not seeing my children grow up. My husband
I was in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, in September serving with the Wittenberg English Ministry. I question Pastor Torgerson when he says it will be wonderful when someone can say, “There is a Lutheran church here” (Lutheran Witness, October 2007). There is a strong Lutheran presence in Wittenberg now. The congregations of St. Mary’s (the Stadtkircke)
M is for the Miraculous gift God gave to mankind. E is for the Everlasting life He left behind. R is for the Richest love He gave to you and me. R is for the Redemption He blessed us with. Y is for the Yearning to meet Him in paradise. C is
Written 472 years ago this Christmas, Martin Luther’s Christmas letter to Prince Joachim remains a testimony to Luther’s pastoral theology.
Our congregation is conducting its annual stewardship drive. In the past my husband and I have given generously, but because of serious concerns about the direction the church and school are taking, we no longer feel we can support them. We have shared our concerns with several elders but nothing changes. Most of our offerings
How do we endure His silence in times of suffering and persecution? The question is a very real and practical one for the Church and for each one of us.
Thinking about Christmas and Christmas gifts, the love with which they are purchased and exchanged, and the sacrifice that often is involved reminds us that these same factors are descriptive also of the greatest gift of all.