The Seasons change

 The seasons change.  The colored leaves fall. The farmers' Market comes to a close. We are in the Baseball post-season. Nov. 5 is one month away. What will the change of seasons bring? 

 From Tanya Wittwer who studied at Wartburg Seminary a couple of decades ago. "Thank you, siblings in Christ. The Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand have voted to allow the ordination of women (and also to allow clergy and members to hold to male-only ordination if that is their conviction.) We can move ahead."

I spent part of a sabbatical in Adelaide where their seminary is located and was invited to speak to a preaching class--but not to mention ordination. A few women came up afterwards and stood there, amazed to see a woman professor. During the week, a professor, and then another, and another invited me to speak to their classes. But still it took decades for the church to say yes to women. Many Wartburg people have supported Tanya. I give thanks for their persistent voices.

Liz and Kamala

 A sight that gladdened my heart. Lifelong conservative Republican Liz Cheney and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris on stage together. Yes, seeing two women was great, but even greater was seeing them speak strongly and supportively, united in their belief that this country that they both love must not elect a dangerous Donald Trump for president. Liz, and her father, former Republican Dick Cheney have both endorsed Harris. Liz: “You may not have supported a Democrat for president before, but we both love our country," Kamala praised Liz as “a leader who puts country above party and above self."

Jimmy Carter turns 100

Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, Oct.1.President Joe Biden heralded Carter as “a voice of courage, conviction, compassion.Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, Oct.1.President Joe Biden heralded Carter as “a voice of courage, conviction, compassion.

Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, is the oldest president in American history. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that his Grandfather was “holding on”  to vote for Kamala Harris. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that his Grandfather was “holding on”  to vote for Kamala Harris. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever. 

Carter, a Democrat, oversaw key milestones at home and abroad, including the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, an and the creation of the Department of Energy and the Department of Education Education. It is perhaps the actions of his post-presidency that have defined Carter’s legacy of service to others, the promotion of democracy abroad.