“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, and his mercy endures forever.” I am confident that almost every reader of this blog knows this prayer from memory. You probably pray it every day at your meals. Let’s talk a little about this prayer. First, how is the Lord good to us? Second, how has he displayed his mercy?

One of the traditions in most districts of WELS is that every fall pastors, teachers and staff ministers can attend a professional conference that is specific to their occupation. Is this time well spent? What should we do about those who find all kinds of reasons to not attend? How can congregations enable their called workers to attend the pastor, teacher, or staff minister conferences in their area?

Do we need to go to church to be saved? Martin Luther’s answer is “Going to church will not save you, but not going to church will damn you.” Do you have any comments on this interesting Luther quote?

Is it important or beneficial to carry out church discipline on inactive members? What is our motive for encouraging our fellow members to return to church, Communion, and enjoyment of the means of grace? The writer to the Hebrews in 10:25 encourages us: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Any thoughts on dealing with those who belong to our congregations but do not take advantage of the means of grace?

Every so often a great debate is stirred up concerning which is better for children: attending a traditional school or home school. What is your opinion?