Twenty years ago, Lutherans and Catholics celebrated a joint declaration on one of the most controversial issues of the Reformation, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. In San Antonio, the local Catholic archbishop came to a Lutheran congregation to celebrate the event with our synodical bishop. Since then Methodists, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians have also signed the document.
How was this event celebrated in the valley?
Both Bishop Eaton and Bishop Briner have suggested congregations not have remote or virtual Holy Communion services. I suggest First Lutheran abide by this advice and not have Holy Communion services
The poncho-like vestment worn at most worship services is to be worn by the presiding minister at Holy Communion. Since there was no sacrament, the vestment was not worn.
Church signs with message boards like the one at First Lutheran Church in Edinburg can create some interesting situations. Sometimes the sign does not communicate what is intended. Following 9/11 at