As a member of a small Mennonite congregation, I found the “Small and thriving” articles (November) very interesting. The editorial, “Little flocks with shining lamps,” provides some good statistics. One obvious factor, the presence or absence of a church building, is evident in all four articles. Morgantown’s building is prominent in two photos, New Holland’s in one and New Creation’s in one. Sioux Falls welcomes three other small groups to use its site. A building enables the congregation to provide a wider range of services to the community. However, Carmen Shenk (in “What if small congregations pooled their resources?”) says, “We need a vision that isn’t centered on buildings and institutional structures.” What is our attitude toward small congregations that are comfortable in rented worship space?

Thomas Lehman, Chapel Hill, N.C.