Letters
“I am grateful” I am overjoyed at receiving recent issues of Living Lutheran, which are so lively and pertinent. I have been happy to observe the “radical” change in the publication. Thank you. Your (Jennifer Younker) thoughts on gratitude (Editor’s note, November, page 4) resonate with me. Now in my 95th year, I realize how I have been blessed in being a member of the ELCA. Therefore, now instead of responding with the cliche, “I am fine,” when someone asks me how I am, I respond: “I am grateful.” It is true and it opens
up meaningful conversation. Blessings on your work! Margaret Pederson Glenwood, Minn.
Veterans’ recognition Thank you for your excellent features on veterans in the November issue (pages 12 and 22). It was my great honor to lead a brief veteran’s recognition at our Sunday service on Nov. 6. In attendance was my youngest son in his Air Force uniform. He was home on leave in between completing his training and his
first duty assignment. Scott J. Dahlquist Richfield, Minn.
Serving rural congregations When I read the Rev. Thomas Batterman’s letter in the November issue (page 6), I said, “Alleluia! Finally the issue is out there!” … I eagerly and lovingly served small rural congregations for 30 years. I fear our church at large is out of touch with our problems. It is focused on issues that, to quote Pastor Batterman, “would not make the top 10 list” of these church families. Could we hope for serious dedicated help
for these struggling congregations? The Rev. Joan Ewaldsen Cherokee Village, Ark.
Editor’s note: Living Lutheran has received many comments in support of Thomas Batterman’s November letter. This month, “Small congregations share strengths, struggles” (page 40) includes thoughts from Batterman and a selection of small congregations. Throughout the year, Living Lutheran will feature additional stories on small congregations in the ELCA.
On the cover
Martin Luther illustration by Melanie Hall.
Looking for stories from this issue on
LivingLutheran.org? Articles from the print issue (as well as other new content) are uploaded daily to the site throughout the month.
6 JANUARY 2017
Word of thanks Yay to a new Living Lutheran. “The face of the church is changing” (December, page 14) is an essential “view-in” for all readers. And “At the intersection of theater and church” (December,
page 22)—so hopeful. Thank you. The Rev. Mark and Carol Ramseth Bozeman, Mont.
Gift of Christmas concerts I read with interest your story “Praises sing to God the king” in the December issue of Living Lutheran (page 28). You say “several schools are recognized for their Christmas concerts” and go on to mention five. The fact is that more than 20 of the ELCA colleges host Christmas concerts and all but a couple are that same first weekend in December. These concerts are a wonderful gift of the colleges to their alumni and countless friends in the communities where the colleges are located. Many, many thousands attend. I’ve often said that if you stood quietly almost anywhere in the country that first weekend in December you likely would hear music from one of these performances. They are a treat to experience and for many attendees
they mark their beginning of Advent. James M. Unglaube Bloomington, Minn.
Keep the Reformation in focus As plans are made for Reformation anniversary events, dissecting and analyzing the multifaceted personality and theology of Martin Luther, I feel it important to keep things in focus. The Reformation
is actually not about Luther—it’s about grace. Gloria L. Evenson Chicago, Ill.
Submit a letter to
LivingLutheran@elca.org. Include your name, city and state. All letters are subject to editing.
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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