Hi, I am the First Sergeant for the Army Band assigned to Ft. Lee, Virginia and my family and I attend Nazareth Lutheran Church in Hopewell, Virginia. I don’t post often but I do love this blog. (Please let me say to how much we love the new TLSB, it just gets better and better the more we use it and get more familiar with all its different helps.)

Jasper County, Texas

Pastor McCain,

My name is Rob Lyons, and I have been reading your site off and on for years – but more intently in the past six to eight months. I am not a Lutheran – I consider myself a Primitive Catholic on account of my Sacramental, Ecclesiological, and Patristically-centered sensibilities – so I have found a home in a small ecclesial body, the Reformed Evangelical Synod of America. I trend towards the Orthodox and Lutheran views on many things, though because of my affection for the Church Fathers of the Ante-Nicene era, I am a pacifist and do not participate in civil government, which ultimately have kept me out of a confessional Lutheran Church body.

I am the Manager of Chaplaincy Services at Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis, and I am currently working to form a congregation, Saint Boniface Church, in my new home town of Bargersville, Indiana.

I have been married to my wife, Kristen, for 2 1/2 years (we celebrate the third anniversary of our Betrothal at the end of January), and we have a daughter, Clare, who as born in August and reborn through Water and the Word on January 1st. Our home is also the refuge of our dog, CoCo, a black lab / Australian shepherd mix.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
I serve a small ELCA church here.
This is one of my favorite blogs.

Steven Peterson – Knoxville, Tennessee. Grew up in the old ALC/LCA and finally left the ELCA (or did it leave me?) for the LC-MS, which is so much closer to what I grew up with.

Father Robert Lyons :
…and we have a daughter, Clare, who as born in August and reborn through Water and the Word on January 1st.

That should have read ‘born in October’. So many folks in our family were born in August that it’s been my automatic default for far too long!

Rob+

Norman Teigen, 67, ELS layman; Hopkins MN (suburb of Minneapolis); Viet-Nam veteran (Chaplain Assistant, 1st Aviation Brigade); PK; retired (liability claims adjuster); public service volunteer; blogger; married for 37 years to a wonderful wife.

Rev. Joseph Eggleston, sole pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Frederick (Walkersville) Maryland. We are the only LCMS church in county with 27 other Lutheran churches, and busy deciding for ourselves what that means for us as a congregation.

I am a Lutheran pietist (Association of Free Lutheran Congregations) who works for the Bible school and seminary of his church body in Plymouth, Minnesota. Also a slightly published novelist, rejoicing in Pastor McCain’s endorsement, and Norwegian translator. And a sufferer from a shyness disorder.

Dave Lambert, Troy, MI USA. Member of Our Shepherd Lutheran (LC-MS), Birmingham, MI. I follow you on Twitter and Facebook. My wife and I have a blog (http://lambert-blog.com) in which we often link to your excellent blog. “Simul Iustus et Peccator”

Hi Pastor McCain!

I’ve been a long-time reader of your blog (and your Yahoo! group before). I live in Liverpool, NY and serve Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Liverpool and Watertown, NY. Thanks for all your work on this blog and have a blessed Epiphany!

John Maxfield, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Concordia University College of Alberta, in Edmonton. I’ve kept up with your blog off and on for several years. I appreciate very much the devotional and church year materials you post (and esp. those Bach cantatas!).

I’ve known Paul since seminary and through mutual experience with the Luther Academy.

After about 15 years in full-time parish ministry and a PhD in Reformation Studies in the midst of that, I started teaaching at Concordia this fall. For the younger readers out there–this would be great place for a degree in Religious Studies (and many other fields) and much less expensive than in the US, I might add–even with travel costs figured in!

Russel Taylor, Lawton, OK. I’m a member of Holy Cross Lutheran (LCMS).

Tapani Simojoki
Curate (= vicar in US terms)
Our Saviour Lutheran Church
Fareham, Hampshire
United Kingdom

A Finn in semi-permanent, self-inflicted and perfectly contented exile. A life-long Orthodox pietist (i.e. Finnish) Lutheran. Erstwhile missionary kid. Married father of 4. Blogger of sorts – should follow your advice to be less ‘of sorts’.

Have been following, on and off, for some years now. I find this a good place for news, for theological reflection and advice for young theologians.

My wife and I live in Lansing (MI). She’s a retired third grade teacher from Our Savior Lutheran School when it was in Lansing. We, too, have enjoyed the Lutheran Study Bible. I read your blog regularly. It’s in my Google Reader.

I’m a freelance writer, photographer and Missouri Synod Lutheran from Faribault, Minnesota, who just discovered your blog this morning. Yours is one blog I will add to my must-read list. It’s always interesting to gain new insights into topics, especially from a Lutheran viewpoint. This past summer I started a blog, Minnesota Prairie Roots (http://mnprairieroots.wordpress.com) , and have shared my faith numerous times through my writing. Blogging has become a passion for me, as it clearly is for you. Thank you for sharing your God-given talents through your blog.

A confessional and hopefully confessing Spanish Lutheran from Toledo, Spain.

My name is Travis Mamone, and I’m from Easton, MD. During the day I work at a public library, and I am a freelance writer on the side. I blog at travismamone.net.

First year seminarian @ Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB.

I live in Florida. I’m a speech-language pathologist who was raised Catholic and converted to confessional Lutheranism. I have degrees in science and philosophy. I’ve written a historical novel on the the fall of Jerusalem and the rise of the emperor Vespasian in the first century. I used to read theology and philosophy the way some people read mysteries and popular romances. Now, I stick with the Bible and Luther. I am in awe of Luther – as a genius, theologian, preacher, and man. There are men, and then there are giants. Luther was a giant.

I am ordained in the LCMS, a former synodical missionary to Macau and Taiwan (was one of the 23 cut in the “big cut” of 2003), and am currently a PhD candidate at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (I live on campus). I hope Lord-willing to be finished with the program in the summer and finally return to service in the Church, ideally somehow furthering the cause of world-wide Chinese confessional Lutheranism.

I am from Aurora, CO, a suburb of Denver, and was baptized in the WELS, confirmed in the ALC, and was not a very good member of a LCMS church for many years. Three-fourths of my ancestry were German and Norwegian Lutherans. I am profoundly deaf with bilateral cochlear implants (see http://www.cochlearamericas.com). I do computer programming and am exploring THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE and have bought copies for my parents and an aunt and uncle (my godparents). I am considering joining a LCMS congregation after not being affliated with any church for some time.

Jen Lehmann, of Accident, MD. I taught 3rd grade in Lutheran elementary schools in San Francisco and Phoenix until I got married and moved to Western Maryland, where the snow keeps piling up. I am an Adjunct Instructor of English at the local community college, and my husband is pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, LCMS.

Chaplain at Lutheran Senior Services at Meramec Bluffs in Ballwin, Missouri. Have been reading for sometime, and enjoy the blog very much. Peace.

Pastor of two rural LCMS congregations in western Wisconsin.
Thanks a bunch for your posts, Paul.

Hello, I am a confessionally Reformed and Calvinist Christian in the United Reformed Churches. I too have a strong appreciation for Dr. Luther. I enjoy this site very much. I would enjoy it more if Reformed theology and Calvinism were more accurately represented. I also enjoy this site for use of the liturgical calendar. My wife and I are thankful for Dr. Luther’s ministry.

I’m currently a vicar just outside Toronto, in my third year of Seminary training (Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon.)

Karen Keil #22–fixing broken link to get rid of a parentheses:

http://www.cochlearamericas.com

I’m a pastor in Northern Illinois. I read your blog for the sound theology, and to keep up on the latest from CPH. Thanks for asking.

@Karen Keil
If you’re still in Aurora, CO, Karen, might I recommend Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora. Pr. Wolfmueller clearly the forgiveness of sins and teaches a good Sunday School class, among other things he does.

LCMS Lifer, Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH.

@Dan at Necessary Roughness

Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora is what I am considering, and its website gave much information that interested me about this congregation. Thank you very much for the recommendation!

I’m a ‘called and ordained servant of the Word’ serving under the mercy of God in the Lutheran Church of Australia. In the last week I’ve moved from Tarrington, Victoria to Toowoomba, Queensland (1721 kilometres!). This is my second assignment in this city (where Pr Kurt Marquart formerly served (c. 1961-1975)). I’ve followed Cyberbrethren since sem when it was an e-mail list.
I’m a former Anglican, Lutheran for 16 years now. I studied Lutheran theology as an Anglican layman largely by reading CPH publications (much to my later dogmatics lecturer’s regret!). For a long time now I’ve been interested in the intersection of orthodox Lutheran theology with modernity, which is why the LC-MS in particular interests me. As well as my home blog I maintain a blog on Sasse and Lutheran catholicity – time permitting.
Which is all probably more than you wanted to know!

Hi, I’m a former member of an ELCA congregation, and this blog and Pr. Weedon’s have greatly helped to heal my spiritual wounds from that experience. Since leaving that church I have gained a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of Lutheranism – I’m rereading the book of Concord, using my Treasury of Daily Prayer, and delving into my Lutheran Study Bible. I wish that my former Pastor was less concerned with politics and more concerned about the Word, but thanks to you gentlemen I know that there are Pastors out there who are truly concerned about their flock. God Bless.

oh, one thing, is there any way we can get a personal sized Treasury of Daily Prayer? About the size of Benedictine Prayer, a Short Breviary (roughly 5 x 7)? I’m afraid that if I carry my current Treasury to work I may throw out my back

Hi Pastor McCain:

I am an elder in a WELS church in Goodyear, Arizona. I really enjoy your website, and check it out amost every day.

I am a confessional Lutheran. I enjoy reading the Bible every day for about 30 minutes (the new Lutheran study Bible is just fantastic!), and I will read Luther for 30 or more minutes everyday also. When you read Luther daily, it seems like most other things out there to read is just plain boring!

I am a huge fan of Todd Wilken and the great Issues, Etc. program. I am deeply grieved to see what is happening in the LCMS. If the conservatives (like yourself, Wilken, Rosenbladt and Weeden etc. are unable to straighten out the LCMS, I would love to see you folks split off from them. The more confessional Lutheran church bobies that we have, the better it is for all Lutherans.

I love God’s Word and our great Lutheran tradition. I am a regular blogger on the Riddleblog website–always defending Lutheran theology and the Biblical truths therein.

Keep up the great job!

Blessings.

Husband and father of two boys, checking in from Columbus, Indiana… here is our church’s page:

http://www.stpaulcolumbus.org/

Thank you for your blog Pastor, we read it daily!

Wheaton, Illinois. Life long LCMS member. Excellent site. Keep up the great work. Thanks

Hello Pastor McCain,
I visit here almost daily, a truly great blog. Much to read and learn and so little time it seems. I am a lay member of ELCA congregation. We have severed our relationship with the synod due to the apostate decision last summer. Probably will eventually join CORE or similar group. My primary spot for devotions is and has been for years is the Fellowship of St. James, FSJ.org.
Thanks for your service.

Pastor McCain:

I am an attorney and life long Lutheran (baptized and childhood LCMS/teenage years ALC then ELCA) living in Dearborn MI. I have joined CORE, desire to leave my ELCA church, explore LCMS, but do to family situation cannot leave my ELCA congregation at this point. I have enjoyed reading your blog on daily basis for past 18 months. Continue the good work.

In Christ
Chris Forsyth

LCMS from Deer Lodge, Montana. Pr. McCain.

I am a wife, mother, and ELS Lutheran out in Washington. A friend pointed me to your blog months ago. I can’t remember why, but I have been a faithful reader ever since. I love Bach too.

I’m a 4th generation member of St. John Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Salem, Oregon. I came across your blog about a year ago. It was very timely, as I soon went through rough times. Thanks for your occasional support by email! Also, it was through this site I became aware of the Treasury of Daily Prayer and TLSB. I know have the complete T.E.L.L.! I read my Treasury nearly every day, and have been totally amazed by the new Bible. I just got the new CD that goes with the Treasury and am listening to it right now. It’s wonderful. Thank you for all your posts. They are thought provoking and very helpful to me personally.

Pastor McCain,

I was born into the Lutheran Church (ALC), but was not catechized as a youth. I attended several conservative, bible-believing churches throughout my life where I heard the gospel and trusted Christ. Because of my study of Lutheran doctrine (BOC, Koehler, and other doctrinal books) and scripture, decided to come back to the Lutheran Church, specifically the LCMS. My wife and I were confirmed as adults at St. Luke Lutheran in Clinton Township, MI. I currently attend Living Hope Lutheran in Stafford, VA.

I read your blog almost every day!

Blessings in Christ,

Russ Moore

Pastor McCain:
I had forgotten to identify my church location. We are the Good Shepherd Lutheran, located in Buena Park , Ca. The church had its start in Knott’s Berry Farm.

A former Baptist and Anglican. Lutheran since Easter 2008 and living in central New Jersey. I appreciate the biblical clarity of Lutheran teaching and the quality of pastoral care — both locally and extending over the net. This blog is one of my favorites.

Phoenix, AZ. My lovely bride of 33 years and I are members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran. LCMS. I have enjoyed your blog for quite sometime. Thank you.

My husband and I are newly minted LCMS Lutherans in central Texas (became Lutheran about a year ago). I grew up Methodist, then spent 20 years as an evangelical. There’s a C.S. Lewis quote that sums me up pretty well: “I believe that many who find that ‘nothing happens’ when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand.” – C.S. Lewis. That’s me in a nutshell – less the pipe!

I really appreciate and enjoy your blog. It’s thought-provoking, and full of great information. I also appreciate the news from CPH. It seems you guys are always hard at work coming out with great stuff. Thanks for all you do!

I am from McKinney, TX – lifetime LCMS Lutheran. Pastor McCain, I enjoy your entries, and your articles about CPH resources. It seems CPH has come a long way from 20 years ago in presenting sound Christian doctrine, readable to the lay people.

I am Lee Barnes Deacon at Faith Lutheran Church Cicero, NY.
As Will Rodgers once said “I do not belong to any organized political party; I’m a Democrat”
Well that’s what being a Lutheran to me. Even within Lutheran Churches, of the same Synod, there is several opinions on any matter.
If one looks at the beginnings of Christianity, Even Peter and Paul disagreed. So at least things haven’t changed much in 2000 years. I find I spend most of my time getting people to accept the reality, there are many roads to salvation, but only 1 guide. We each must search Scriptures to find the way, and travel the road to Salvation as we there find it. There is no “one way” to God, only by Grace of God are we saved. Just how we find that grace, that truth that rule and guide is different for each individual
I wish you all the Grace of God,
Lee

I am from Victorville, CA. I was born and raised Roman Catholic but converted to Lutheranism in 2007. I attend a WELS congregation here in Southern CA. Keep up the good work, Pr. McCain. Cyberbrethren is one of my favorites and the only blog I check daily!

I’m from Baltimore, now living in snowy Manitoba with my pastor husband and two little ones. Former Baptist, turned Lutheran in 2004. Once sent a Box of Concord your way in appreciation for all the good work you do, on the blog realm and elsewhere!