Friends:

I always enjoy the Luther Colloquy at Gettysburg Lutheran and last Wednesday was no exception. There are always interesting conversations–Dr. Christiansen was telling me more about his new book on the church for example.

This year Dr. Balas in his presentation raised the question of the office we are called to by God.
For me this raised the issue of my own call–how did I get into ecumenical work anyhow [the answer to this is in one of my articles on our website] or more particularly, how am I to continue this work?

Besides personal reflections, I always learn or relearn something about Luther. What sticks with me this time is a point noted by Dr. Balas and Dr. Philip Krey of Philadelphia Lutheran–Luther’s work was motivated by pastoral concern from his earliest days as a reformer to his last days.

Of course Dr. Stjerna, President Cooper-White and many others are always most hospitable during any visit I make.

Peace,
John