CHICAGO, IL (January 14, 2011) – Hardly a week goes by that we do not receive a few comments from readers on stories published as part of the Covenant online news report.
We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the “comments” link attached to each published story. This kind of feedback is very helpful to our Covenant News Service staff as we seek to identify and publish stories of great interest to a broad spectrum of online readers of this report.
Following are comments relating to recently published stories, edited in some cases for length. To read a particular story of interest, click on the headline.
Services Pending for E. Lincoln Pearson
Michael Lindenmeyer of North Aurora, IL, writes: For the past eight years since my mother died while a resident in the Michealson/Holmstad community, I have sung weekends at the Michealson Kaffee Klatsch. Lincoln and Marion Johnson were my constant and faithful accompanists. When I last sang with ‘Linc,’ I offered to provide a better selection from the Christmas songs and hymns we shared with the residents. He told me he would not be playing any more, and I asked him if he were planning on ‘going home.’ Little did I expect that he would be leaving so soon. He was a wonderful, faithful soul with a wry and deeply intellectual sense of humor. I will miss him greatly, but I know he is getting things ready for me when my time comes.
Stripping Away Stereotypes, Knitting a Friendship
Sandra Colagiacomo of Jamestown, NY, writes: I have always been proud of my Covenant roots – teachings that never included bigotry or hatred. I applaud these ladies for their wonderful ministry and for listening to the voice of our Lord!
Magui Guimaraes of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, writes: What a beautiful story! It absolutely touched my soul. So encouraged to see God’s love being so freely given and poured out. An inspiring example to action.
Kristi Garza of Carrollton, TX, writes: This story is awesome! I am an ex-dancer and I know the feeling of being looked down on. And as the women there have no self-esteem, they don’t think they can find any other kind of job. They really only want to be loved for US, not what we look like. I think and wish they had something in Carrollton that reached out to the dancers. As a dancer from age 17 to 25, I am now a blood-bought child of God. I would love to show them that Jesus loves them and sees their true beauty – and that they have worth. I love this story – keep it up.
Bob Britz of Walnut Creek, CA, writes: Outstanding! Touching all individuals in society is easier than thought. What a way to spread God’s word in an appropriate and well-received way.
Midsouth Conference Offers ‘Covenant Connect’ Event
Bruce Larson of Batavia, IL, writes: I think this is a vital need throughout our denomination. I am very pleased to see it begin. I hope this will be offered in the Central Conference as soon as possible. Hope to hear some feedback on how this first one goes.
Sandy Lund of Minneapolis, MN, writes: I’m thrilled to learn of the initiative of Garth Bolinder to expose people in the Midsouth Conference to the history, ministry and mission of the Covenant Church. I have a growing concern with the speed in which churches and pastors become a part of the Covenant. Hopefully this experience of the Midsouth Conference will set a precedent for other Covenant conferences. God bless!
A Miracle Birth of a Different Kind
Gayle Franck of Batavia, IL, writes: Thank you so much for bringing this inspiring story to our attention! This was truly a gift from the Lord himself – baby Jonathon, his mom’s health, the church, and the New Birth of a new believer. Praise God!
Japanese Missionaries to Work in Great Lakes Conference
Doug Wooten of Sierra Vista, AZ, writes: This is really cool! I’m thanking my dear friends Gary and Pauline Carlson whom I’m assuming had something to do with getting this outreach off the ground. Karen and I will be praying for the Miyamotos that the Lord will use them mightily, not only to the Japanese, but to link with other local clergy and churches for their encouragement and “welcome” that they should receive. Jesus said, “They will know us by the love we have for one another. By this shall all people know that we are his disciples if we have love one to another” (John 13:34-35).
Marlowe Shoop of Mercer Island, WA, writes: This is wonderful. While in Dublin, Ohio, doing a church plant (Sawmill Covenant in Powell), we had many contacts with families of Honda employees from Japan, through the wives and children who were living in the Dublin area while the busy husbands were working at Honda in Marysville.
‘Flash Mob’ Surprises Mall Shoppers with Christmas Classic
Janet Ziegelbaur of Yaounde, Cameroon, writes: I’m moved to tears just reading about it – can’t wait to download the video and see it. This type of thing has been circulating on Facebook, but it’s fun to see a Covenant church has organized one.
Carol Noren Johnson of Plant City, FL, writes: Wonderful what an email can do! Reminds me of one day in heaven when we will all sing his praises.
Thomas Robinson of Renton, WA, writes: Praise God for his evangelical “flash mob” that were willing to lift him up in the midst of all the shopping. Job well done, church!
Legos – Great Tool for Teaching Kids About Creation
Jack Nichols of Farmington Hills, MI, writes: This is a very creative outreach program, especially in that it is reaching fathers as well as kids.
Volunteers Needed for Taiwan Summer Program
Kevin Moher of Bedford, NH, writes: Am interested in the Taiwan trip in July 2011. It was suggested I contact Kim Crawford and get “put in the system.” Thanks!
Editor’s note: Kim can be contacted by email at kim.crawford@covchurch.org or by telephone at 773-907-3309.
Food Pantry – Reaping More Than Is Sown
Judy Inglis of Thief River Falls, MN, writes: This was a great story. It set my mind to thinking of other ways a person could to things to help the local food shelves that are hurting in our economic mess. We will be looking for a farmer to do something similar – we are too far north for corn. Thanks.
Kurt Peterson of Chicago, IL, writes: RE: Thomas Erickson’s (Clifton, NJ) comment regarding the news story “Johnson: Fast Action Needed to Avoid Healthcare Crisis”: Thomas, ad hominem attacks and intellectual insults do not have a place in thoughtful, civil dialogue. When you say that Dr. Johnson has “no clue about the morality of the pro-life issue,” do you think you might be specific and relate your comments to an argument that we could discuss together?
Faith, Not Revenge Compels Search for Former Captor
Chanthan Nhem of Killeen, TX, writes: I just thought this story is very touching because my parents had went through the same thing as Chamron went. I only wish Cambodia would get better in spite of what they went through.
Reaching Out – The True Thanksgiving Spirit
Jeanne Hoyt of San Luis Obispo, CA, writes: In our town, the ministerial association has signed up 12 churches to take one month and house the homeless overflow in their church buildings. Each church provides two or more people to stay all night and make sure they are served a breakfast before they leave in the morning. We rarely have exceptionally cold weather here; however, we find that there are many single mothers and some families that come to find shelter all year long. Cots and other amenities are provided and moved to each church as their turn comes. This is appreciated by those who find themselves without a place to live.
Pastor: ‘We Look Like Jesus When We Are Serving’
Edward Arroyo of Asheboro, NC, writes: After this event was over we began discussing our next outreach, and we are hoping to serve food at two different sites. We will cook the food at our church and serve at the church and at the Daily Bread soup kitchen located a mile away. I sensed there was a certain amount of shame involved as those folks came walking up to the church. I believe serving there in their neighborhood side by side will make it more of a community event and less like us helping them or coming to their rescue.
The ‘How’ of Teaching Important, Too
Steve Weihsmann of Duluth, MN, writes: So what do the new Christians do about polygamy? Maybe the answer will help us in America know how to deal with different, but equally challenging issues.
Service Wednesday for Camp Director Chuck Frasier
Paul Hedberg of Homewood, IL, writes: My deepest sympathy to Chuck’s family and the entire Central Conference family. His ministry has had a powerful impact on so many. God’s peace to all who mourn.
Older Stories
Occasionally we receive comments about stories published some time ago. Most often, readers come across them while topically perusing search engines or when visiting the online Covenant News Archive maintained by Covenant News Service. We appreciate reader comments at any time about any story that has appeared as part of our online Covenant news report.
Proposed Resolution on Criminal Justice
Gloria Smith of Dublin, OH, writes: Outstanding story! I am a criminal defense attorney and pastor an AME church. My doctoral project at United Theological Seminary is on the very topic.
Prayer Paths Nurture Bonding with New Ministry Site
Donovan Grenz of Thornton, WV, writes: I have 42 acres and am planning to build a prayer path with numerous stations. There are several paths established and am looking for photos and ideas to detail the stations for a meaningful experience. Thank you in advance for any assistance. God bless you.
New Racial Righteousness Curriculum Available
Catheirne Harrison of Torrance, CA, writes: Awesome article!
God’s Promises Are More Than Just Words
Carol Brown-Hatcher of Chesapeake, VA, writes: I thank you and give God the glory for what Jesus Christ did. This was meant to bless me – I was seeking a word from him. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Services Set for Retired Pastor Willard Berggren
Harriett Campbell of Bethlehem, GA, writes: I still miss this dear, dear man. He was my pastor in a little place that was called God’s country – Horse Hollow in Jonesville, Virginia. He married me and my husband in 1970 at the Mt. Washington Covenant Evangelical Church in Horse Hollow. We all adored this wonderful man and his lovely family. I still miss him after all these years. I just wanted whoever is reading this to know that Rev. Willard L. Berggren was loved by many back in the hills of Virginia.
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