No Comment Dept.

(from an ELCA press release dated April 18, 2008):
+ Independent Lutheran organization: By a vote of 18-13,the council acknowledged Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform),as an independent Lutheran organization that relates to theELCA through the Vocation and Education program unit. LutheranCORE applied for the acknowledgment, and the Rev. Stanley N.Olson, executive director, ELCA Vocation and Education,recommended the relationship be established. Before voting,some council members raised specific concerns about the proposal,noting that the WordAlone Network, which has been critical ofthe ELCA churchwide organization and its leaders, is a memberorganization of Lutheran CORE.

Two Kingdoms

As we approach the portion of the process leading to the election of our next president known as the "silly season", I thought this article from Christianity Today (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/aprilweb-only/114-32.0.html?start=1) by a Lutheran journalist was an excellent summary of Luther's "Two Kingdoms" theology. What do you think?

The Silence of God

As we prepare now for the fearsome focus on the cross of Holy Week I want to share with you this article from the online edition of Christianity Today on the silence of God. It's at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/march/29.41.html?start=2 May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit in the week ahead and know God's strength in our prayers and proclamation.

Comment on the First Draft of an ELCA Statement on Human Sexuality

The ELCA's Task Force on Human Sexuality will release the first draft of its statement on March 13th. Want to provide feedback? Here's a link to information on how from Lutheran CORE.

Want to Do Lunch?

First, we had a wonderful gathering at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in La Crescenta, where Gary Heltsley serves as pastor. Our thanks to Gary for hosting, and to Pastor Dennis Nelson of Christ Lutheran Church in West Covina for bring a report from Lutheran CoRe. Some stayed and went on to a little sandwich restaurant afterwards and reported that they had a wonderful time together. Maybe we should do that part again. What would you think about gathering at various places around the synod for a quiet lunch just for prayer and fellowship from time to time? The local pastors would pick the place. Place your comments here.

Web Evangelism Resources

Check in here for a list of evangelism resources on the web culled from a recent (January 10, 2008) online article in Christianity Today by Luis Palau. Are there others you have found helpful? Add them here.