We are a certified chapter of the WordAlone Network. Our mission is to keep our members current with the latest activities of the parent organization along with the activities of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). We do this through monthly meetings held at local area churches and through occasional email notifications.
Papers & Documents —
a collection
This page presents an archive of essays, papers, articles, and other documents we receive permission to use a publish on this website. They are here for your edification and enjoyment. Simply click on the image or "more" to go to the article or document.
“Lutheran CORE - NEWS”
"Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5)
The past couple months since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and Lutheran CORE's Convocation have filled us with a strong sense of hope. The Spirit has stirred up a remarkable outpouring of activity by traditional Lutherans across the country. Congregations are entering into discernment processes to determine their own future courses. Congregations and individuals are refocusing their benevolence giving on faithful ministries. New local and regional renewal movements are being formed almost weekly. Just this past week, we welcomed six new regional affiliates of Lutheran CORE, from Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and the Southeastern US, as well as the Union of Oromo Evangelical Churches and the Seven Marks group of pastors. . . More
“The Untold Stories...”
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”
(Matthew 5:6)
Scripture teaches that human beings are born with an orientation to sin. As Christians, we trust in God’s promise of forgiveness and repentance, knowing that God has the power to truly change lives. Martin Luther wrote in his Small Catechism, to be baptized into the body of Christ means that “our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.”
These are the stories that are too often left untold, of people have struggled with their sexual identity and homosexual behavior, but who have made the difficult choice to strive day-by-day to be faithful to God’s Word. Scripture teaches that human beings are born with an orientation to sin. As Christians, we trust in God’s promise of forgiveness and repentance, knowing that God has the power to truly change lives. Martin Luther wrote in his Small Catechism, to be baptized into the body of Christ means that “our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires should be drowned through daily repentance;
“Loving Our Homosexual Neighbor: What does love mean?”
“What does it mean to love my homosexual neighbor as myself?”
SNIPPET: There are two main questions that face the Christian and the Christian Church with regard to homosexuality: The first is, “Is homosexual behavior contrary to the will of God?” This is the truth question. “What has God said? What does God say?” The Scriptures answer that question, to use Robert Gagnon’s words, pervasively, absolutely, strongly, and counter-culturally. The Old Testament and the New Testament speak with one united and unwavering voice in condemning same-sex intercourse.
The second question is, “What is to be the Church’s attitude toward persons struggling with same-sex fantasies, feelings, and behavior?” This is the love question. The homosexual person is my neighbor. “What does it mean to love my homosexual neighbor as myself? What kinds of places ought our churches be? What is the Lord of the Church calling us as individuals and local churches to be and do with regard to our homosexual neighbor?” . . . more
If you would prefer an abbreviated version of Pastor Glesne's talk, you may download that in PDF
format.
The Future of the ELCA
SNIPPET: I cannot foresee with confidence the future of the ELCA. I can express some hopes and fears and cite some societal trends that I believe will do much to shape the future for the churches.
But first let me state some personal factors that help inform my opinions.
One, I am a solid, loyal, hopeful member of the ELCA.
Two, you may remember that in the 1980’s, while president of the ALC, I expressed the opinion that a merger into what became the ELCA would be fraught with difficulty. It was not that I thought one of the predecessor churches was better or more faithful than the others. Rather it was the awareness that the churches had differing histories, interests and polities that would not easily mesh. I proposed alternative ways to express the unity of the churches without the dramatic upheaval of a total merger. The overwhelming majority of ALC members believed the merger route best. I accepted that judgment and did my best to help the ELCA get off to a strong start.