For more than 25 years, the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival has provided students in grades 8-12 an opportunity to grow personally and spiritually, and musically.

Thanks for the excellent January Lutheran Witness focus on Lutheranism. It is sorely needed in our time and should make us thankful for the blessings we enjoy in our church. However, I fail to find even a footnote reminding us that there are lots of non-Lutheran Christians who know Jesus, love the Bible, spread the

Something is missing! As I was considering the statistics listed in the box for “At a Glance: The LCMS Today” (p. 8, January), I realized that one rather important and, perhaps, “telling” statistic was grossly missing: the number of clergymen serving in full-time Synod or district positions. The disparity between “clergy” (9,164) and those “serving

Bravo to Mark Einspahr for “Pounds of Love” in the January issue! As a pastor, I find it important to wrap up and present the wonderful Gospel in different ways. This helps keep the attention of God’s people on Jesus and His cross. I have to admit that I haven’t used the weight-loss-plan approach yet.

A friend, Jay Mabrey, has established a Web site for past members of the Walther League Dixie District. He is interested in reaching members from the 1950s to 1970s. We are looking for members who might have photos or information about JWL (Junior Walther League) activities, conventions, camps, etc. Jay’s Web site is www.jwldixie.com. Also,

This month we can recall the musical ministry of Johann Sebastian Bach, who was born on March 21, 1685. We can also thank God for all those who follow in his footsteps.

Last year, students at Harvard College established the first LCMS student organization in the university’s 372-year history.

A CPA discovers her God-given gifts can be used in mission work.

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

Lutherans in the United States and in Bethlehem are working together to bring hope to the town of Jesus’ birth and to maintain a Christian presence in Palestine.