tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post4759349550628895380..comments2023-11-02T04:25:49.697-07:00Comments on Northwoods Seelsorger: How Far Apart We Really AreDonald V. Engebretsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13048205066519140869noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post-53157132975252643132009-10-12T07:33:14.548-07:002009-10-12T07:33:14.548-07:00I was baptized a Methodist and confirmed a Congreg...I was baptized a Methodist and confirmed a Congregationalist. In order to be confirmed I had to be on the softball team. Everyone got Communion in the pews and received grape juice. This is probably why Closed Communion is such a hot button issue.<br /><br />Liberals got abortion laws into the books one step at a time. If we start allowing variance from Lutheran doctrine, the same could end up happening to our synod, and they already have a foot in the door.Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06726228114378693192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post-17627178877597025252009-10-11T15:26:22.660-07:002009-10-11T15:26:22.660-07:00Your situation does not sound so very different fr...Your situation does not sound so very different from my own. I think that this struggle goes on in more parishes among more confessional pastors than any are aware of. The public statement by this ELCA pastor resonates with people because it 'sounds' so sensitive, seemingly putting people first. But it is never in people's best interest to water down the confession, as that last member you mentioned indicated. Many of our people want a clear confession. They need a clear confession, and even more in our increasingly confused and conflicted world. <br /><br />Thank you for your comment and observations!Donald V. Engebretsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13048205066519140869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55727507006016944.post-20397404007019122122009-10-11T10:04:30.687-07:002009-10-11T10:04:30.687-07:00Oops. Where have I heard that before "We want...Oops. Where have I heard that before "We want to have a more welcoming church"? Oh yeah, it was at our last congregational meeting. Oops. Had a member say last week that he hopes our next pastor is more inclusive. Translation, bring back open communion. Oops. Another feels anyone should be allowed to attend Elder meetings. Oops. On the plus side, I also talked to a member this week who wants to be certain we do not stray from our doctrinal beliefs.Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06726228114378693192noreply@blogger.com