Jan 22, 2004

Reader looks forward to learning more about neighborhood churches

Editor,

I am writing to thank Lorraine Gabbert for her recent article on the LDS Church. I first noticed her sitting at the back of our congregation during our opening Sacrament Meeting. We then met when Ms. Gabbert joined me and our young men during a discussion on how to prepare to serve a mission.

Ms. Gabbert questioned with real interest in our beliefs; she listened in a way that communicated her genuine respect. Above all, I believe she observed with an open heart and open mind and was thereby able to capture the spirit that turns a building into a church and a group of people into a community of faith. That sensitivity was professionally portrayed in her article. I commend your paper for recognizing the important role that faith and religious practice play in the lives of Almaden Valley residents, and I look forward to learning more about our neighborhood churches.

Steven T. Hayden
Bishop, Almaden 1st Ward
The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints

Correction: In last week’s edition of the Almaden Times Weekly, the mountain lion tips should have been credited to the Santa Clara Valley Water District.