I have been reading with interest the letters Rev. F. Dean Lueking and Helen Mildenhall have been exchanging in this paper. Ms. Mildenhall's honest and heartfelt questions are universal. Is there a God? How can we not wonder? Haven't we all asked this question?

I think a part of Pastor Lueking's recent response is that we begin by following and, in that, we may discern the answer for ourselves. In searching, we find out things about ourselves and our God. And sometimes we need the comfort of other believers when we cannot believe ourselves. Lutheran World Federation President and ELCA Bishop Mark S. Hanson writes in his new book, Faithful and Courageous:

"In the Bible, God's people struggle with the question, 'How do we live as people of faith when God seems absent?' One of my seminary professors said, 'The existential question that is most pervasive in the Bible is not, how do we live in the presence of God? But, how do we live faithfully in the seeming absence of God?' In those moments I need to be surrounded by the community of believers that intercedes for me and announces God's merciful presence.

"As a parish pastor, I often noted that people found church attendance most difficult after they had experienced wrenching losses - a divorce, trauma with a child, loss of a job, a death in the family. To such people I would say, 'Come and be surrounded by the people who will sing the songs for you, pray for you, confess the creed on your behalf, who will be the community of confession and absolution when you feel totally isolated by your sorrow, your grief, your fear.'"

While I would not know if Ms. Mildenhall has suffered a loss, she writes that she has doubts as to God's existence and mercy or perhaps is certain that God does not exist. One way for a person who is feeling doubt is to find a place where you are surrounded by others who are searching as well.

Grace Lutheran hosts the Diakonia program for lay people who are searching. It is a series of classes for people who are looking to understand their faith, find their spiritual gifts, and to become closer to God. Pastor Lueking is one of the teacher/leaders in the program. The program meets on Saturday mornings. It is a wonderful opportunity for people of any faith to explore some of the questions that have been discussed and others as well. People at different places in their lives come into the program to talk, pray, listen, and learn. This program will begin again in September.

I hope I have not misspoken when giving a reflection of Pastor Lueking or Ms. Mildenhall's thoughts. If so, I apologize. Thank you for your words and letters!

Rebecca Dahlstrom