Arizona California DP Descends from Throne

I have decided not to stand for re-election at this summer's Arizona-California District convention. It has been a privilege to serve as district president and to work with you in this role. After months of thought, prayer, and consulting with others, I am convinced that after ten years as district president, I need to turn my full attention to the place where my heart is: parish ministry. I told Pres. Schroeder of my decision at the Synodical Council meeting today and have also informed my brothers on the COP. I ask you to share this information with the men in your circuits. May God be with you as you care for the people of your congregations and your circuits!

In Christ,

Paul

Pastor Paul Janke
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church
3461 Merle Avenue
Modesto, CA 95355
(209) 551-0563

Lazareth Dead

William Lazareth died. He came from the ULCA side of the LCA. I remember him being the court theologian of the LCA. He taught at the Philadelphia seminary. Philadelphia also hosted the Queen Lane buildings for publishing, so any LCA pastor within that area had a fair chance of being prominent. Lutherans were so dense in Pennsylvania that congregations of 500 were considered smallish.

Lazareth and his associates were among the last in the LCA who could be considered pro-life.

He is now being hailed as making great contributions to theology. He was probably eclipsed completely in the new ELCA 20 years ago.

The most likely ELCA response is, "I didn't know he was still alive."

God punishes old liberals by making them see how their radical spawn reject them, repeating in a downward spiral the same conditions mourned by previous generations. I hope Lazareth had plenty of time in semi-retirement to weep and say, "Those radicals are ruining the church."

The only one who might have missed you in ELCA, Bill, now holds you firmly in his cloven hoofs.