Letters
Remember music staff in histories Readers weigh in on social responsibility, environmentalism, God image, more
Mixed messages How ironic that in an issue highlight- ing social responsibility (May, page 16) you chose to feature a couple who chose the ethically questionable option of surrogacy (page 24) over adoption, while millions of children worldwide await homes. Becky Sapp Arlington, Va.
I enjoyed the “Chase your church’s history” article in the May issue (page 34). It’s also important to keep a record of the music staff. When I went looking for that history for my congregation, I could list every pas- tor we’ve had since our founding in 1896. But I had a hard time finding the records of who the organist was or who directed the choir under a particular pastor, when the organ was purchased, who donated the hand- bells, etc. Computers and spread- sheets make keeping more detailed records easy. Not only will all this information be useful for the next milestone celebration but it will keep your congregation aware of the long line of saints who have gone before. I was in an organ loft in Germany and saw the list of organists back to the 13th century. May all of our congre- gations leave such legacies. Valerie Hess Boulder, Colo.
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Wanting another look I want to read about ELCA congre- gations that are exploring ways to expand our image of God beyond that handsome, muscular guy on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. It contributes to the concept that God is a bearded, white guy. I know at least one ELCA congregation that uses feminine imagery and there are some theo- logians exploring such uses. I can imagine the letters if you published an article on the feminine face of the divine. Yet we put God in a very small box when we limit our creator to male imagery. Suzanne O’Dea Eureka, Calif.
Issue came up short I was very disappointed with the April issue. Looking forward to articles on Good Friday and Easter and the meaning and importance of these great events, I found little men- tioning them. The primary work of the church is to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to the world. Especially the April issue should have pointed to Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave as our victory over death and the grave. The Rev. Daniel E. Snider Hamilton, Ohio
Awaiting word As we continue to hear more and more about Christians in the Middle East and North Africa being killed for their faith, could we perhaps have some guidance and even some sug- gestions for prayer to address this issue? Likewise, a statement from the presiding bishop or the Conference of Bishops would be most welcome. The Rev. Bruce Bergquist Fort Collins, Colo.
Start praying May 7 was the National Day of Prayer. What have we done as Lutherans to organize our churches to take part in this special day? Some churches were open all day and members assigned 15-minute periods to pray. The Lutheran church is a sleeping giant. God answers prayer. We have power to move mountains. God is waiting for us to ask. We have been quiet too long. Mildred Grady Pompano Beach, Fla.
Alternative perspectives The examples of environmental activism (April, page 16) were highly informative, yet the issue did not pres- ent alternative perspectives. Fracking has benefited the poor through lower energy prices and resulted in dimin- ished carbon emissions per unit of
Send “Letters” to: The Lutheran, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631;
lutheran@thelutheran.org. Include your name, city and state. All letters are subject to editing. Be brief and limit your letter to a single topic. Requests for anonymity will be considered but not guaranteed.
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