by Rev. Mark Sell I sat behind the lectern of Springs of Life Lutheran Church, trying to figure out where the service began. The pastor sent hand signals across the altar, and I strained to hear the words of the opening hymn. Got it! Sort of. I had no clue what I was singing. Or did
by Rev. Dr. Greg Wismar Aberystwyth. Alabare. Angelus. Aurelia. Azmon. All of these words that begin with the letter A can be found in most Lutheran hymnals. Why? Because they are the names of hymn tunes that are sung by Gods people from the pages of their hymnbooks. Just as every text that is used
by Dr. Dennis J. Goff It’s not a season you will find on your church’s liturgical calendar, but it is a season of life that affects many families: graduation. Many young people will be heading out this month to commence their college education. Often times graduation exercises are referred to as “Commencement.” However, to commence
The leading editorial of President Matthew Harrison could not have been better focused or more timely. We are lifelong Lutherans–in fact, former medical missionaries in both Asia and Africa–who left the ELCA a year ago to the security and solid confession of Christ that characterizes the LCMS. It was a difficult and wrenching decision for
Thank you so much for the May 2011 Lutheran Witness. The articles explaining the issues facing the LCMS were clear, concise and long overdue. I will be seeking permission to reproduce the entire issue for use in our Adult Bible Class. Rev. John ChristensenCheyenne, Wyo. Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to
Our theme for August is “Lutheran Confession, Lutheran Mission.” Prof. John Pless takes an in-depth look at what makes Lutheranism distinct and why Lutherans are uniquely equipped to share God’s Word with others around the globe.
by David L. Strand With this issue, we say “God speed you,” Carla J. Dubbelde. For the past 22 years, Carla has held a key position: editorial manager of the stitched-in district editions of The Lutheran Witness. As the name implies, these editions are publications within a publication—the monthly news of LCMS districts bound within
by Dr. Jerald C. Joersz A member of my family (raised LCMS) will not allow his children to be a part of anything connected to a church. He wants them to “make their own decisions regarding religion when they are old enough to understand.” How can I approach him about this without causing resentment? Your
Children are a heritage from the Lord—a gift from Him—and that good gift is received, not manufactured or made. In His wisdom and time, God makes mothers of women.
by Kim Plummer Krull Amputees and prosthetics typically aren’t uppermost on the minds of most college students. But for Jonathan Naber and Adam Booher, the quest to develop an affordable prosthetic arm for people in developing countries has dominated much of their time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Naber, 21, is president of
We can’t say enough about the new LW format and content and especially appreciate the theme-based issues. It really helps deliver a complete perspective on the subject matter. Beth and David RitterBrainerd, Minn. Thank you for your outstanding work in reshaping The Lutheran Witness. The design is pleasing and modern, while the content has improved
Several individuals, concerned with the statement, “The chief function of a funeral is to care properly for the body of a Christian after death,” suggested that the chief function is rather to preach the Gospel for the comfort of the grieving. I regret framing the question such that these two very important concerns are put