Letters to the editor


Readers split on responses to seniors Cover, bishop, chaplains, ordinations move readers to write


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AUGUST 2011 www.thelutheran.org $2.50


Sabbath: Being, having


& doing enough 20 Plus study guide 26


Transformed to hope 14 Becoming the leaven 16 Big time wrestling 28 A better world 30 An economy of grace 32 Synod assembly reports 34


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Seniors can both learn and teach, but non-prejudicial listening is required.


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At St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mari- etta, Ohio, Pastor Steven M. Mahaffey’s October newsletter brought up the lone- liness of some of the elderly he visits. He encouraged others to “adopt” those who cannot regularly attend worship and to develop a relationship with them. As a result, Keeping in Touch Ministry was begun, supplementing the informal visits of friends, trying to make sure all are included. This ministry is one way that our congregation reaches out to


older members (August, page 49). Barbara Thode Marietta, Ohio


Listen to elders The church focus is so skewed toward parading the little darlings and show- casing toddler comedy it has forgotten the corpus of worship, especially for the contemplative and seniors. Being over 65 is a mandate to sit down and shut up.


48 The Lutheran • www.thelutheran.org


We still search, read, think and inquire. We still need to question, debate and grow. The reflection of experiences through life has been described as emerging wisdom. Wisdom is a part of eudaimonia, but who in the church listens or cares? Seniors can both learn and teach, but non-prejudicial listening


is required. Irene Nielsen Lindsborg, Kan.


Be prepared to help “ ‘Disastrous’ youth ministry” (August, page 18) mentions that some of its members are also pursuing Community Emergency Response Team training. I’ve been with CERT since 2005, and one of the local high schools will be offering teen CERT classes for those at least 16 years old this fall after the regular school day. The training is the same that we take as adults. Teen CERT is found in several states. I encourage everyone to look into CERT training, both adults and teens, so you can be prepared to help yourself, your family and your neighbors. In most


areas, it’s free training. Evelyn Seitz Morgan Hill, Calif.


Say no to revenge In “Becoming the leaven” (August, page16), I doubt if Pastor Melissa Reed considered the economic impact if everyone joined the “Money Move” idea. It sounds more like revenge on the banks and institutions that “caused” the country’s financial crises. I hardly think revenge fits our Christian prin- ciples. How many local bank clerks and the like will be unemployed if the idea


continues to grow? The Rev. Richard H. Flock Greensburg, Pa.


Got it covered The July cover of The Lutheran is sim-


ply terrific. Elsa Grotefendt Brooklyn, N.Y.


Shout out to bishop We were thrilled to see the “Great expec- tations” cover article (July, page 20). This gives the world the opportunity to appreciate Northeastern Ohio Synod


Bishop Elizabeth Eaton just as we do. Mary Dixon Lucas, Ohio


Soldier on, pastors


The pastor placement cover story (May, page 20) was a great opportunity for ELCA pastors to consider chaplaincy in the U.S. military services. They badly need good Lutheran pastors who rep- resent a sacramental ministry and pres- ence of the gospel. The requirements are easily met by our pastors with the added minimum of three years of postgraduate experience in an ELCA ministry, prefer- ably a congregation. Martin Luther was right when he answered with a resound- ing “yes” to the question: “Can soldiers, too, be saved?” That can only happen when good pastors are willing to stand up and serve God by shepherding his souls


in uniform. Thanks for your support. Scottie R. Lloyd, ELCA Army chaplain, Arlington, Va.


Feed the hungry It appears that with approval of the proposed genetics social statement by the ELCA Church Council it will sail through the 2011 Churchwide Assem- bly (June, page 8). This statement fails to show the benefits of genetics in agri- culture to maintain the sustainability of our natural resources and still meet


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