Congratulations on a first issue in the mail. No quibble about content, though one must wonder about depth when writers are so limited by space consideration. Nevertheless, the issue did what I take it was intended to do, open the gates. The Editorial Board’s article says “Each issue will focus on a central topic…” but nowhere in the newsletter are we given an idea of what those central topics will be.
Carl Isaacson
Pastor of Unity, Chicago
Financial concerns moved us to be conservative and print the first issue at eight pages. We hope to keep growing and providing more space. Last minute lay-out problems forced us to delete the announcement of future topics, which we later announced in the Synod Memo. We will put them in this and future issues. – JRS
I just read the first issue of Let’s Talk. Thank you for the good work. I liked the variety around a central theme. And I think the idea of an open forum for all voices is both necessary and opportunity for the whole church. When you get to an issue on education or healing, let me know. I would love to add a few words to the conversation. I have one editorial suggestion. All of the articles continue from page to page, so one has to turn pages repeatedly to finish any article. Would it not be possible to finish one article in one place, and then continue with the next?
Stephen A.Schmidt
Professor of Religious Education, Institute of Pastoral Studies
Loyola University, Chicago
As per many suggestions we will endeavor to keep page jumping for articles to a minimum. -JRS
Thank you for the first issue of Let’s Talk, and for the vision that underlies this new journal. I believe and hope that it will be able to make an important contribution to theological conversation to undergird mission in the Metro Chicago Synod. Indeed, what this journal proposes to do is what has been severely lacking, “…discussion of significant issues…from a theological perspective.” And especially valuable is that “this will not be a vehicle for promoting the latest program or recipe for ministry, but we will critique and debate the fundamental theological assumptions that inform ministry.” We at the Center [for Parish Development] are always enthusiastic about identifying partners who come out of an explicitly theological orientation and are passionate about the church’s present and future witness and mission. Again, thanks for this new endeavor!
Dale A. Ziemer
Senior Consultant, The Center for Parish Development
