Mailbox Letters From You
Committed to the Arts
This issue about the arts [Autumn 2011 Response] is phenomenal, for so many reasons, and the timing is spot on! I am in the process of working with the fine arts teachers and other parents at my sons’ school (Cascade Christian in Puyallup, Washington) to unify the arts program, mastermind ways the arts program can glorify the Creator with excellence, and positively impact students, families, and the community.
Kirstin Rich
Lake Tapps, Washington
We have just received the latest issue of your magazine, and what an incredible issue it is. As a visual artist, reading through this was incredibly inspirational and informative. Our grandson is a sophomore at SPU and an outstanding classical pianist, a gifted musician on several instruments.
I know he is struggling through and praying over majoring in music for many of the reasons
stated in the magazine.
Ginny Cole
Littleton, Colorado
God bless you and your work.
I work for CIVA, Christians in the Visual Arts, and it is so great to see what SPU is doing with art and faith on so many levels. Thank you for taking the time to highlight what is going on there — it looks pretty amazing.
Shannon Sigler
Associate Director
Christians in the Visual Arts
Wenham, Massachusetts
A "Relevant Read"
Thank you for the copy of Engaging the Culture, Changing the World. It was a most delightful, inspiring, and relevant read. [SPU President Philip] Eaton does a wonderful job of drawing upon the ideas and philosophies of past writers and his experience to challenge us to think about the role
of the Christian university (and college) in society. To put the truth of Jesus Christ at the foundation of our message as participants in higher education is paramount in a multicultural,
post-Christian world.
I especially appreciate President Eaton’s emphasis on the outward focus in changing the world. We
tend to emphasize the inward orientation, which isolates us from a potential impact where it’s needed. His leadership at SPU is certainly a testament to this approach.
David Martin ’63
Gig Harbor, Washington
The Heart of a Pastor
Thank you so much for kindly sending me a copy of Eugene Peterson’s The Pastor. To be honest, it has been a long time since I have read a book from cover to cover. However, I was so intrigued and fascinated with this author's very personal account of his pastoral perspective that I could hardly put the book down. Chapter by chapter, "Pastor Pete" shares the evolution of a congregation as it seeks to follow God. Chapter by chapter, he also reveals his own very personal evolution as a pastor. I now have a whole new appreciation of those who are called to the vocation of being a pastor.
This book is not only a testimony and witness to pastors but it is also a tremendous testimony
and witness to those, like me, who serve in the business community. Eugene points out in his unique, eloquent way that “getting it right” is not as critical as “getting it lived.”
Signe Taylor Alsin ’80
Redmond, Washington
Eugene Peterson’s book The Pastor was a wonderful view of the heart of a pastor being led by God.
Peterson was transparent and let us readers “go through the badlands” with him, giving us a picture
of what perseverance and faithfulness to a task looks like. The book is full of stories of how God worked in and through Peterson’s life.
Now I understand why his paraphrase of the Bible, The Message, is so easy to understand and makes God’s Word come alive.
Irene Edgar
Everett, Washington
In the Autumn 2011 Response interview with Eugene Peterson, he mentions being the (1953) Tawahsi editor, working with a photographer “who took a lot of pride in his photography.” I was Gene’s photo editor that year, and it was a real joy working with him. He was indeed an artist,
in spite of his denial in the Response article.
Bill Hart ’56
Vashon Island, Washington
Future Falcons
Any chance we can dispense with the “Future Falcons” (baby pictures) section of the Response magazine? These children really mean nothing to anyone except the friends of the parents. If you want to touch more hearts more directly, perhaps you would like to show the parents, not the children.
I like kids, make no mistake. … But there is nothing I can relate to regarding seeing babies whom I don’t know. …
Janet Weybright ’81
Boise, Idaho