When we were kids, my brother and I received identical Christmas gifts. Every year. From everyone. Mom and Dad. Grandma Clements. Grandpa and Grandma. Uncle Bruce. Two of everything were wrapped up and placed under the Christmas tree. Of course, we had to open our gifts at the exact same time too, lest one of us spoil the surprise for the other. It could only have been worse if we were twins!I do not know who imposed the rule. Perhaps it was intended to prevent tears and fist fights. Come to think of it, my mother still lives by the rule! I wonder if Mom is to blame!
Last Wednesday, my brother called and had something of a Christmas morning glee in his voice. His new Lutheran Study Bible had just arrived from Augsburg Fortress. I have been waiting patiently for its publication, but now my brother had his copy and I did not have mine. He had unwrapped his treasure before I had even seen a package. The kid inside me wanted to cry “foul!”
Fortunately, I received my new Bible later that day. Like most pastors I have lots of Bibles and I cannot say that I actually need another. However, I have long been looking for just the right resource for teaching and leading Bible studies in congregations.
In the past week, I’ve been using Lutheran Study Bible for my reading and devotions and so far I really like it a lot. It has a number of useful articles and lots of helpful study notes. I especially appreciate the Lutheran perspectives in the study notes. It is my personal opinion that Lutheran Study Bible will be a real asset to our ELCA members in their studies at church and in their private devotional reading.
Have you gotten your copy yet? If so, what do you think? If not, are you considering it? I would like to know! --JC
Thanks for letting us know about the new study Bible. Zion Lutheran's Bookstore (Rockford) will offer them for $25. You can place your order by calling 815-962-3340 or emailing spitzer001@comcast.net. All orders must be picked up at the Bookstore, 925 5th Ave Rockford, on or after March 29th. The Bookstore is only open on Sundays from 8am-12pm.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog. I, too, received my new Lutheran Study Bible. I do like it, however, I wished they included a magnifying glass for these 65+ eyes! Some of the print is really tiny. Maybe there's an "Old Lutheran" magnifying glass available? Take care and I hope your sabbatical is going well.
Marge A., St. Paul, Dixon
Hi Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI have always hesitated to comment on your blog. Replies from your brother just look like pity posts. But mom said I should comment on this thread, as long as I didn't say, "Nyah, nyah! I got my Bible first!"
Sibling rivalry aside, I am loving my Lutheran Study Bible. I'd love to see one in the hands of every Lutheran. They should be useful in new members classes. Maybe they could be given as congregational gifts to new member families.
I'd suggest giving them to confirmands, too, but I understand that Augsburg Fortress has a youth oriented Study Bible in the works, too.
Rev. Brant Clements
St. Paul's, Nachusa
Hi Jeff! I've been thinking about ordering the Lutheran Study Bible but, like you, hesitating because I really don't NEED another Bible. Your comments, however, are breaking my resolve! Perhaps I'll check out the Augsburg website...just to see...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog--I love reading it!