‘Thank you for your time’
To Daniel J. Lehmann: Thank you for your time, efforts and service as editor of The Lutheran (December, page 4). I enjoy reading the articles and broadening my knowledge of what Lutherans around the globe are doing. I especially look forward to Peter W. Marty and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton’s articles. I usually read the magazine cover to cover as part of my private devotional time. The magazine is handy to throw in my suitcase when I’m traveling. May God bless you in your retirement and thanks for being in the hot seat. Well done!
Sonia Maassel Jacobsen
Roseville, Minn.
A valued friend for 10 years
I believe we don’t know each other personally, yet I do consider you a valued friend over the past 10 years as you have navigated the life of The Lutheran as editor over some challenging circumstances. Thank you for your exemplary service. As a retired pastor of nearly 60 years, I have enjoyed and benefited from The Lutheran in so many ways, including your editorial insights and oversight. Clearly you and the magazine have had many challenges and I, for one, certainly have appreciated your balanced approach. I have read each issue with anticipation and have been informed and challenged by its welcomed monthly visit. I earnestly thank you for your service to the church and to each of us (including my wife, who bargains with me to get to it first upon arrival). Blessings on you and yours as you anticipate this next chapter of your life. God bless!
The Rev. Luther Olson
Rochester, Minn.
A faithful editor
I express my appreciation to you for being such a good and faithful editor, though I have waited to do so now that you have announced your retirement. You have never avoided hard issues over the last decade, including those that faced religious publishing in general and The Lutheran in specific. You attempted to rally ELCA people to support The Lutheran in spite of the “terrible threesome for any publication” none of which were your fault. Your editorials were thoughtful, straight forward and faith-based in their style and content. Thank you for your service. You have been a blessing to everyone who has read your words.
The Rev. Bill Lehman
Stoughton, Wis.
Good art
Thanks for the art used in the “Our favorite Bible characters & stories” (December, page 16) piece. Such lovely work from such diverse parts of the world and epochs added immeasurable to my enjoyment of the article. It’s also heartening to see that biblical material can continue to inspire such work even in our own time.
The Rev. William Heil
Petoskey, Mich.
Power of the Bible
The article about “Our favorite Bible characters & stories” was uplifting and inspiring. Reading the different and intriguing perspectives deepened my appreciation for the power of the Bible. But it was also a reminder that we need to be ready to listen to different ways of looking at what the Bible offers us. This was a terrific article. Keep up the good work.
Jane Jakoubek
Decorah, Iowa
Sweeter smiles
I have never seen sweeter smiles than those belonging to the children hugging their special dolls crafted by Amy Jandrisevits in “Dolls with missing limbs comfort recipients” (December, page 30). Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.
Mina Kerr
Wheaton, Ill.
A difficulty in Christendom
“Do science and religion conflict? It’s all how you ‘see’ it” (December, page 10) points out a great difficulty in Christendom. We have imposed on the Scriptures a halo that it never intended to wear. For 500-plus years, we have been privileged to examine the ways in which our earth and universe really exist, quite in contrast to the version of such contained in the Bible. It’s time to rejoice in these great insights.
The Rev. James R. Swanson
Onamia, Minn.
Good information
In 2011-12 our church was involved in a tumultuous time concerning the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly decisions. I was and still am a council member at my ELCA church. My brother in Colorado gifted me a subscription to The Lutheran, saying it had a lot of good information. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated all the correct information I gained in The Lutheran. I have referenced The Lutheran in many meetings. It helped growth. The Lutheran is and always will be an important part of my life.
Larry W. Johnson
Valley Springs, S.D.
Common sense
A few questions regarding the Rev. David Hansen’s article “168 hours in a week …” (January, page 38): Is his advice on being genuine when preaching, avoiding delivering sermons too short or too long, using one’s body language to better communicate one’s message, and boldly proclaiming the gospel not all standard instruction in seminary homiletics classes and during vicarages? Is his advice not a matter of common sense? Might not a good number of pastors already practice these preaching tips instinctively?
The Rev. Alan J. Watt
York, Pa.
Rare occasions
On only rare occasions do we safe and well fed actually have to face the injustice, to look into the refugee’s eyes, to see the child being carried by a parent escaping war. On only rare occasions do we get to ask, have to ask, what will we do for that person, for that child, for that parent. Often as not we find no satisfactory answer, comfortable hotel room or home. But God help us if we are not changed by the encounter. God help our souls if we do not ask what we can do, even if no answer is evident. What will we, the well fed in safe places, do about those hungry and at risk? We will not change the world, but can we change a life? And if so, must that change not start with our own life?
Don Ray
Colorado Springs, Colo.
