The ancient Romans called the spirit that guides something and gives it its character a “genius.” [Luther’s] view of God and human beings served as the “genius” for his thinking.

Audrey Kletscher Helbling’s “Something Old, Something New” (June/July 2008) brought back memories of our wedding dress. However, our dress never had “something new.” Our dress remained the same for all of our weddings. When Mom and Dad Brandt bought the dress, they never dreamed that it would be worn seven times! … by Evelyn (Brandt)

I greatly appreciate Rev. Kevin Palmer’s letter (August 2008) in which he acknowledges “the first time [he could] remember seeing a pastor prominently displayed [on the magazine cover] wearing the full Eucharistic vestments.” Rev. Palmer went on to applaud the accompanying comment of the featured pastor, Rev. Dien Ashley Taylor, “on the need for a

I was pleased to see the Family Counselor column, “Confronting Suicide,” in the August 2008 Lutheran Witness. Thank you for covering so sensitive an issue. As one who suffers from severe major clinical depression with suicide ideation, I applaud the answer that Theresa Shaltanis gives. Families suffer along with their loved ones who have a

“Shedding Some Light” in the August issue reminds us of the importance of a nativity set in our home at Christmas. Does your church give gifts to the poor at Christmas—toys, food, or clothing? Why not purchase an inexpensive nativity set at a craft store or dollar store and add it to the family’s gifts?

Your article in the August issue on inspiring children to make music in the church was well done for the most part. I saw the DVD that was produced by the Commission on Worship and have only positive things to say about it. However, I take issue with you bringing into the article the “decline”

“What about the Children” in the August issue reminded me that a few years ago one of our congregation members, Baker Kittelson, in cooperation with Director of Christian Education Bob Brantsch, was instrumental in forming a Prevention of Abuse of Children (PAC) Committee, which resulted in a policy manual for our congregation. I would invite

Christopher Mitchell’s article, “God’s Design for Marriage” (August), was very good and a much-needed perspective of God’s will for our married lives. However, Dr. Mitchell misquoted when he wrote that “one holy catholic and apostolic church” comes from the Apostles’ Creed. It is, as Dr. Mitchell would agree, from the Nicene Creed. Thank you, Dr.