Letters Appreciation Readers share gratitude for God’s creation, theological insights, pastors & more
Keeping informed We are longtime readers of The Lutheran, all of 28 years! We read every word and are inspired and informed every month. Bob and Jo Rod Ames, Iowa
Thank you for the wonderful maga- zine. I especially loved the article “Class on the current” about the students spending a semester on the Mississippi (January, page 12). As a Lutheran, river runner and former park ranger (on the Colorado River), I was delighted to see these students connect to God’s beautiful creation. Thanks for your hard work bringing us hopeful articles. Elysha R. Iversen Seaside, Calif.
Editor retires Daniel Lehmann, thank you for your faithful and steady hand at the helm of The Lutheran this past decade. Our church has sailed through tumultuous waters, especially during your time as editor. Thanks for reminding us again and again of the fundamental nature and mission of the ELCA. The Rev. Herbert W. Chilstrom St. Peter, Minn.
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Exploration of faith For quite some time I have appreci- ated the series “Deeper understand- ings” in The Lutheran as serious explorations of faith. The topics have been far-ranging but always worth reading for their depth and new insights. Even though written by seminary professors, they are under- standable and interesting. Some- times I go back to the articles when I have time to think things through again. I began saving back issues with the “Deeper understandings” pages turned outward, just in case I had a good time to reread them. Please keep those features coming. Clare Gordon Concord, Mass.
Successful sermons The article “168 hours in a week … Preachers: Use your time wisely” (January, page 38) was spot on. We are blessed to have two excellent pastors who frequently follow the recurring themes mentioned. The one barometer I use for a “success- ful sermon” is when the sermon is over, I feel like the pastor was talking specifically to me. Too many public service announcements, commercial messages or homework assignments during the sermon detract from the message. John L. Adair Ventura, Calif.
Cleaning church clutter I enjoyed “Starting fresh” (January, page 16), having been through the process of cleaning out our church. One issue not mentioned is that of people bringing unwanted items to church thinking that maybe they can use it at church. These “donations” usually fall into one of three catego- ries: kitchenware (including food), craft supplies and old books. We have limited storage space and really don’t want that gift assortment of exotic tea that you received for Christmas. Jill Knuth Stanford, Calif.
Grace How’s this for a definition? “Grace” (January, page 3) is something good that comes your way that you weren’t expecting and didn’t deserve, but you got it anyway. The Rev. Roland Zimany Urbandale, Iowa
Showing compassion I greatly agree with Bill Robbins in “Letters” (January, page 49) about sojourners and showing some com- passion to immigrants. When one thinks about it, we almost all come from immigrants. All except for Indi- ans and other native people. Let us all reach out to people in need. Earl Finkler Medford, Wis.
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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