Changes coming, your opinions matter

‘Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.’ Proverbs 16:20-21, New International Version*

The book of Matthew tells the story of the wedding feast. In the parable Jesus said, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” First Peter 2:9 charges, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.*”

Not all of God’s called, chosen and anointed are leaders in a church. Some by their declarations of love and adoration, live simply as Jesus sharing the gospel in actions as they style hair or work as janitors in public schools. They are secretaries leading bible studies, prayer warriors fighting spiritual battles and evangelists who tell of Jesus in the grocery store or in line at the post office. But for those in leadership at houses of faith, there is a new day dawning at The Daily Iberian and on this faith page. In preparation of transition, this open letter is your invitation to let your voice be heard. 

In days to come, readers will be asked to pose questions about faith. The editorial staff will be posing questions, too, to pastors, clergy, disciples and others about the things on the hearts of Teche Area residents. The Apostle Paul instructed that, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ*.

As Jesus walked from town to town, sat in the synagogues and among the people, he had a sense of what they were saying — true, his divine gifts allowed discernment beyond human ability, and yet, as people of faith, a collective consciousness can give understanding to issues facing people today. 

Jesus answered questions posed by those closest to him, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.*”

How can this dialogue take place unless a line of communication is established? The Daily Iberian is a community newspaper with an emphasis on local news and events. In order to establish a fluid line of communication, the following tools have been in place and are regularly available to every reader and resident willing to take advantage of them. Editorial discretion is used to insure the balance of views are represented and that information is for the common good as well as legally factual, to the best of our ability to confirm and inform. 

Because the Catholic and Protestant faiths are predominant in the Teche Area, the majority of the stories and views presented on this page are Christian. That does not mean other beliefs are not recognized or supported through the efforts of the newspaper, but could be an indication of available information. This invitation is open to anyone with questions or differing views on faith.

As in times past as well as with the forthcoming redesign, starting Sunday, Nov. 25, there are a number of ways the newspaper is available to benefit your church, ministry and organizations.

BE A SUBSCRIBER — From the front pages to the sports sections, reports of faith regularly are reported as well as the featured Friday Faith page. Keep up with what’s happening in the area by reading the newspaper.

SUBMIT CALENDAR EVENTS — Emailing special dates and happenings is the best way to get the news out. With space restrictions, first priority is given to multi-church supported events by date order. Submission is not a guarantee but rather a service to readers who might want to attend community activities. 

SUBMIT PHOTOS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITORS — Each week organizations and individual achievements are highlighted on Monday in ETC. Photos and captions are all that is needed. The Opinion page also is open to the general public as well as people of faith, but rarely used by church groups to support accomplishments of its members. Use these free tools more often.

ADVERTISE EVENTS — Invest in your special events by giving readers a repeated awareness of things happening beyond the courtesy calendar notices that may only appear the Friday of the event. Nonprofit rates provide multiple opportunities for events to be seen and thus attended. One notice is rarely enough to prompt someone to attend, especially if they miss reading the Friday edition until the weekend after an event has taken place. 

Faith is an important part of the life enjoyed by residents of the communities along the Bayou Teche. Communication is a way of encouraging others with the things that bring people of faith strength and hope. The redesign of the Sunday through Friday editions will have some transition in the coming months. We look to you, our readers, subscribers and submitters to give us your news and views to help frame the new Friday Faith page. 

Pastors are invited send an email to TecheLife.editor@Daily-Iberian.com to be included in the Q&A email requests. You may have the answer someone is waiting to hear.

Readers, if you have any questions about faith, also email TecheLife.editor@Daily-Iberian.com or call 321-6734. Thank you for being our loyal supporters.