Letters
Inviting reflection Thank you for a stunningly inviting cover for October and your (Jennifer Younker) first issue. It’s a noticeably refreshing change that made me want to read and try to interpret the contents of the magazine. Having long been both a participant and leader in shaping ELCA resources, I’d love to see a magazine more open to artistic and symbolic expression for inviting reflection and nourishment. Julie K. Aageson Beaverton, Ore.
Practical public witness The ELCA’s body of social statements (October, page 18) could lead some readers to infer an ideological agenda behind the network’s efforts and priorities. I always found priorities framed by our actual work as Lutherans (anti-hunger, affordable housing, creation care, refugee resettlement, international development, human rights, etc.) to be more effective advocacy in congressional offices than our social statement pronouncements as a church. While the statements are helpful educational tools and the general landscape within which we set priorities, elected officials and many ELCA members don’t accept that the statements are in some way representative of the ELCA. Let’s not stumble over our complicated ecclesiology. Representative voice is essential for effective advocacy. Let’s build a new-generation movement for systemic policy change based on the hopeful and solution-oriented work we share as Lutherans. These efforts are a representative, recognized and practical public witness for effective policy change. Andrew Genszler Former director of advocacy (2007-2013) Cleveland, Ohio
Disappearing breed Thanks for good articles about a lovely retired organist and “Pipe organ wisdom” (October, pages 12
On the cover Logan Hill from the Chicken Coop Church, Grantsburg, Wis. Photo: David Joel photography.
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6 DECEMBER 2016
and 40). The two articles highlight a growing concern. Organists are retiring and capable replacements are hard to come by. There’s a great difference between a pianist and an organist. I fear that “real organists” are a disappearing breed. In reality, not many congregations these days can afford even a used pipe organ. But even if they are able, can they find someone to play that wonderful instrument? I love my congregation’s great Reuter 37 rank organ, but in my community I know of several fine pipe organs in other churches gathering dust because of the lack of a capable organist. Harold Everson Billings, Mont.
If only ... alive with history If only the Lutheran church cared enough about its roots (October 2016) ... ... then perhaps a month ago we would not have closed St. Michael in Germantown, Pa., where Muhlenberg organized the Lutheran Church in America in 1748; ... then perhaps the Lutheran church where George Washington’s funeral was held would be more than a blue historical plaque on Fourth Street; ... then the story of the first Lutheran church in Pennsylvania, Gloria Dei, founded by the Swedes, and the ministry of Johannes Campanius who translated Martin Luther’s Small Catechism into the Algonquin language, would not have closed for lack of a pastor.
Of course next year we will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, but how much will not be remembered because it would cost too much money? The Rev. P. Richard Grove Philadelphia, Pa.
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Living Lutheran magazine belongs to the people of the ELCA in all our diversity. The magazine:
• Nurtures awareness of Christ’s presence in our lives and the world.
• Shares stories of God’s people living their faith. • Connects us with the global Christian community. • Provides an open forum for discussion. • Challenges us to bring God’s grace and care to all.
VOICES OF FAITH
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