My view Take a stand
After reading “On being theologians of the church today,” I’m wonder- ing what exactly distinguishes us as being Lutherans. If we are a church in constant discussion with provisional answers, why even have a separate set of seminaries, candidacy and call pro- cesses, and other Lutheran agencies and offices? If being a Lutheran is simply an ongoing dialogue of several legiti- mate views among scholars who dis- agree, why not simply take the next step and become part of a larger ecumenical
mainline church? The Rev. David Coffin Ada, Ohio
Good news indeed
I have heard many people say “I’m try- ing to find God” or “I’m searching for God.” Marty’s column on “A God bent on relationship” made a very vital point that some of us have forgotten or over- looked, and that we need to hear. I’m looking forward to the next nine col-
umns very much. Thanks. Candace R. Bassat Beachwood, N.J.
Column hits home A thank you to Walter Wangerin Jr. for his article “Of urinals and the least of these” (September, page 30). I shared it with my journaling class and it sparked a lively discussion. We all left more
aware of how our actions affect others. Lillian Strom Gladstone, Mich.
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lutheran@thelutheran.org. Please include your name, city and state. Your letter will be considered for publication unless you state otherwise. The Lutheran publishes letters representa- tive of those received on a given subject. Be brief and limit your letter to a single topic. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Letters must be signed, but a re- quest for anonymity will be honored if the subject matter is personally sensitive.
“My view” submis- sions should be 400 words on a societal event or issue or on issues in the life of the ELCA. All submis- sions are subject to editing. Send to: “My view, ” The Lutheran, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631; e-mail: lutheran@
thelutheran.org; fax: 773-380-2409.
By Mary J. Molnar
The small/rural church ‘It is good for us to be here’
A
Molnar is pastor of New Hope and Zion Lutheran churches in Adamsville, Ohio, a village of 114. New Hope is celebrating its 200th birthday this year.
braham Lincoln said: “God must love the common [folks], he made so many of them.” A paraphrase for this quote could be: “Certainly, God must love the small/rural church because so many of them continue to thrive.”
From coast to coast; in villages, towns and cities; and
nestled in the foothills of mountains and alongside coun- try roads are the small churches of our land, presenting a surprisingly positive countenance and gentle expression of the love of God in times of discord in the world. In no way is this meant to paint a picture of the perfection of the small church. Rather, it is an opportunity to “be still and know” (Psalm 46:10) the strength, beauty and peace that can be found in small congregations. To survive the monumental changes in the church and in the world, rural and other small congregations have had to hold tight to the hand of Jesus—to allow the Lord to guide them as they endeavor to maintain God’s values while continuing to serve God.
Although small churches conjure up the sights and smells of potluck dinners, wiener and hog roasts, the hanging of the greens, Christmas caroling, hymn sings and coffee brewing (there is more to them than these tan- gible features), there is a sense of belonging and com- fort. And there is a sincere concern for other members’ well-being, a collective joy over the birth of a baby or the recovery of a friend from a grave illness. These events are often realized among members even before the pastor is informed. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter exclaimed to
Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here” (Matthew 17:4). This is a sentiment that is expressed, if not verbally, within the hearts of those whose church home is small. “Small” refers to the majority of the churches within
the ELCA. Although in the thesaurus “insignificant” is listed as a synonym for small, it is not a word that applies here—for no member of the body of Christ, either com- munal or individual, is more vital than another. As we gaze upon reaped fields, listen to cowbells and the whistle blowing at noon, feel the autumn breeze, smell the change in the air and taste the bounty of the harvest, let us give praise and hearty thanks to the God who created all of these. And let us remember that, yes, “it is good for us to be here.” M
November 2011 73
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