Thanks for the brief yet delightful article on the National Youth Gathering, “Chosen!” I was pleased to see the colorful images of our youth and adults side by side and to read about the many different ways the Gathering impacts the Church and the community. My deep appreciation to our Synod for hosting and supporting
by Terence Groth More often than not, we Americans today live in an urban or suburban environment that is disconnected from the vocation of agriculture. Our lives are not measured by the cycles of seedtime and harvest. Most of us do not wrestle with nature in order to eat. We simply select a supermarket, fast-food
Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto makes an excellent point about the deformation of the language. Almost 60 years ago, George Orwell wrote a book, 1984, where language was controlled by the government. “Free” could mean “Free from fleas”, but could not mean “political choice.” In that society, people could not voice, or even comprehend, certain issues because words
School Daze All through the month of November, the children at the local school had been learning about the Pilgrims, Thanksgiving, and the many blessings the Creator had bestowed on their country. Bulletin boards, decorated in fall colors, depicted themes of harvest, families, and thanksgiving. There were pumpkins, squash, straw bales, and corn stalks arranged
I read, with great interest “HAVE THE RULES CHANGED.” In fact, I read it over several times and I always was left having the same opinion. While the question was answered quite accurately and succinctly, I couldn’t help but wonder if the writer meant to ask that particular question. By asking “Have the Rules Changed”
by Dr. Leslie (Jack) Fyans My elderly father is at a point where he is becoming confused, and he really shouldn’t be driving his car. My sister and I have gently tried to persuade him to give it up, but he’s a stubborn man. I don’t even feel safe letting my children ride with him.
I was very encouraged to read the article “Is God green?” by Pastor Nelson a couple of months ago. My own graduate studies on the topic of “Christianity and Environmental Ethics” lead me to the realization that conservative Christian denominations such as the LCMS have fallen behind in the way of supporting care for creation
Partner church relationships promote good stewardship. Our partners continue the work we began—unencumbered by language and culture barriers that face American missionaries overseas.
I was perplexed when I read the article about the all white Sunday school class in St. Louis sending literature featuring a white Jesus and other white biblical characters to an all Black Sunday school in Kenya. This on the heels of an article on racism in a previous issue, and even a letter to
Beginning with Advent, our church calendar provides a sacred sequence of observances and celebrations that help us experience the fullness of our faith.
The article about Christian funerals by Pastor Jonathan Watt (Setember 2007) was excellent. I liked his emphasis on “focusing on the cross.” The cross gives peace, certainty of heaven, and comfort at funerals. It can help people answer the question, “Did the deceased go to heaven, and will I go to heaven?” At a funeral,
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a deluge of misery resulted in a deluge of mercy.