Welcome to Beautiful Messenger, the online journal of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Rahway, NJ. The mission of this journal is to share God’s love – revealed in the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth – with one another and with our neighbors by publicly speaking to matters of Christian faith and practice, service to our neighbors, discipleship, and the witness of Scripture. Articles may explore a variety of issues and are expected to offer a diversity of ideas and ruminations, but will always be consistent with our stated mission. The journal is not intended to be a “register” of official positions of this congregation, of the New Jersey Synod, or of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
While free to explore issues, contributors – and those leaving comments – will be expected to exercise that freedom consistent with St. Paul’s understanding of Christian freedom:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Gal 5:13-14)
All that we do, including what we write, should produce the fruit of Christ’s Spirit. And, as St. Paul reminds us, the fruit of the Spirit “is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23) This precludes disparaging or maligning individuals, as well as gossip or innuendo. Additionally, this journal will not permit campaigns to disparage or undermine the witness and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its affiliated ministries, or of the New Jersey Synod, or of our congregation.
To monitor the content of Beautiful Messenger, and any comments in response to postings, the Congregation Council of Zion appointed an editorial review board consisting of three members of the congregation. The review board will judge submissions to the journal based on compliance with the expectations given above, but will not require that content be in agreement with the board members’ personal views on the issues or topics, or with “official” positions of the ELCA or of this congregation. Comments must be respectful and relevant to the posting to which they reply. Nothing will be published without being reviewed, so comments will be subject to delay between the time of their submission and the time of their publication. The review board will not ordinarily contact commentators if comments are rejected for publication.
As this is a new venture for us, we expect to learn from experience. So, from time to time, you may see changes to the site format and policies, and we welcome suggestions for improvements.
Love God, love your neighbor, tell the world – and Christ’s peace be with you always!
