ELCA NEWS SERVICE September 18, 2003 'Lutheran Voices' Series Introduced; Online Discussion This Month 03-171-JB CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A 12-volume book series focusing on Lutheran theology, what it means to be Lutheran, and how Lutheran teachings can enrich and guide congregations and members is available through Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Several books in the new "Lutheran Voices" series were published this summer and introduced at the recent 2003 Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee. The first book in the series, "Reclaiming the 'L' Word: Renewing the Church from its Lutheran Core," is the subject of a month-long discussion on LutherLink, the ELCA online conferencing ministry. The author, the Rev. Kelly A. Fryer, Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, Lockport, Ill., is participating in the online discussion. Other books in the series will be the subject of similar discussions in October and November. Information about the online discussions is available at http://www.lutherlink.org/books on the Web. The idea for the series began with the 2002 "Asking for Directions Tour," in which Beth Lewis, Augsburg Fortress president and chief executive officer, visited leaders throughout the church when she began her tenure with the publisher. During the tour, Lewis learned of the need for Lutheran-specific materials that would inform, teach, inspire and renew, according to an Augsburg Fortress news release. The Rev. Scott Tunseth, creative development director, Augsburg Fortress, was named to spearhead the project. Reclaiming the 'L' Word was released April 1. Augsburg Fortress met its goal of introducing the complete 12-volume series by the 2003 Churchwide Assembly. "This new venture allows us to partner with prophets and preachers, politicians and pastors, educators and scientists, caregivers and counselors, professors and students, scholars and homemakers -- people who have new things to say to the larger church," Tunseth said. Lutheran Voices is a forum for their reflections on being Lutheran today." "With Lutheran Voices Augsburg Fortress wants to dramatically emphasize its commitment to the ELCA and its rich theological heritage, as well as helping its many gifted voices speak," Tunseth continued. "We are proud to present this new book series in a timely way. In this increasingly diverse church challenged by issues that tend to divide, we need to listen to the voices among us -- voices that challenge and clarify, calm and heal, inspire and encourage." Books in the Lutheran Voices series are: + "Reclaiming the 'L' Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core" by the Rev. Kelly A. Fryer + "Listen! God Is Calling! Martin Luther Speaks on Vocation, Faith and Work" by the Rev. D. Michael Bennethum + "On a Wing and a Prayer: Faithful Leadership in the 21st Century" by the Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White + "Let the Servant Church Arise!" by Barbara DeGrote- Sorensen and the Rev. David A. Sorensen + "Our Lives Are Not Our Own: Saying 'Yes' to God" by the Rev. Harold W. Eppley and the Rev. Rochelle Y. Melander + "Water from the Rock: Lutheran Voices from Palestine" by Ann E. Hafften + "Who Do You Say I Am? 21st Century Preaching" by the Rev. Susan K. Hedahl + "Signs of Belonging: Luther's Marks of the Church and the Christian Life" by the Rev. Mary E. Hinkle + "Speaking of Trust: Conversing with Luther on the Sermon on the Mount" by the Rev. Martin E. Marty + "Will I Sing Again? Listening for the Melody of Grace in the Silence of Illness and Loss" by the Rev. John McCullough Bade + "Connecting with God in a Disconnected World: A Guide for Spiritual Growth and Renewal" by the Rev. Carolyn Coon Mowchan and Dr. Damian Vraniak + "Give Us This Day: A Lutheran Proposal for Ending World Hunger" by the Rev. Craig L. Nessan -- -- -- Information about Augsburg Fortress, including ordering information for books in the Lutheran Voices series is at http://www.augsburgfortress.org on the Web. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news