in this issue
A
mong the estimated billions of planets in the solar system our earth stands
alone. In an article on Our Unique Planet the Rev. Stephen D. Cole says:
“The most important event in the history of the universe took place on our
planet. Of all the worlds in creation, the Lord chose to be born on our earth.”
Why? Because only here could the Word be written and preserved. (Page 399)
The Rev. Kenneth J. Alden offers a comprehensive report on the Council
of the Clergy meetings in Bryn Athyn in June, including papers and discussion
focused on the “women in the ministry” issue. Presentations also included
General Church Outreach, the Academy Secondary Schools and Bryn Athyn
College, and a joint session with the General Church Board of Directors. There
will be follow-up to the “women in the ministry” study from Bishop Brian
Keith in the November-December issue of New Church Life. (Page 405)
Many New Church groups are beginning the latest Journey Program
this fall: What Would Love Do? The Rev. Erik J. Buss offers a complementary
sermon, Fishing on the Right Side of the Boat, which speaks to how we should
serve from love. “For us,” he says, “fishing on the right side means doing
something from affection, doing it from love, not merely doing it because it is
the right thing to do. It means reaching out to people because we want to help
them, rather than out of a sense of duty.” (Page 422)
Sasha Silverman, Content Developer at General Church Outreach and
co-author of the Journey Program with the Rev. John L. Odhner, describes
what this series is all about in Needs and Deeds. The seven-week program is
based on Matthew 25: 35-34, where Jesus speaks of serving “neighbors” who
are hungry, thirsty, sick or in prison – and how to really love them. (Page 427)
We all feel burdened at times but the Rev. Eric H. Carswell offers hope in a
sermon, A Light Burden. “We may all feel we have a right to be angry, depressed,
discontent and bitter because circumstances give us ample justification,” he
writes, but the Lord encourages us to feel otherwise. By following the Lord we
can put off the heavy yoke the hells love to impose on us and instead “shoulder
the light burden that He intends for us.” (Page 429)
The Rev. Coleman S. Glenn asks, How Can We Believe? It is all right to be
a “doubting Thomas” but important to start from the “affirmative principle” –
believing that something is G'VR&V6W6RF