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
Thank you for your outstanding work in reshaping The Lutheran Witness. The design is pleasing and modern, while the content has improved markedly. I will be encouraging my congregation members to subscribe. Rev. Christopher S. EsgetAlexandria, Va. Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood
by Adriane Dorr When people want to poke fun at Lutherans, their jokes usually involve a Minnesota accent, men named Sven and Ole and a line or two about a propensity for sitting stoically in the church’s back pew. But being Lutheran is more than that. It’s not about geography, background or ethnicity. It’s about
A recent USA Today article, published May 16, 2011, forewarns the Church that “change” is on the way. That is no surprise to the holy Christian Church since “change” is at the heart of her confession.
The LCMS has a rich history in sharing the Gospel around the globe, but what makes Lutheran mission unique?
by Kim Plummer Krull Over the next four years, our nation will observe the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. While many Americans have ancestors who lived during that epic struggle, Frederick “Fritz” M. Upham is one of a dwindling few who can say, “My father fought in the Civil War.” At age 90, this witty
Imagine going to church every Sunday but never having a hymnal in your own language in the pew.
Throughout Russia and Eurasia, Lutheran missionaries are using the musical compositions of Bach and Luther to share the Gospel.