CHICAGO, IL (July 30, 2007) – 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, search for the headline.
KICY Completes Construction of Two Towers
Julie Eberhardt of Oaxaca, Mexico, writes: It’s great to see pictures of our friends from Grace Community Covenant in Tucson, Arizona. They have done a lot of work at KICY, especially Fred Tuggy.
Eight U.S. Churches Partner to Help Rio Bravo Group
Jean Dudgeon of Monticello, MN, writes: I lead a group of 15 individuals from Edina Covenant Church, and we put together school kits in September each year. We want to know if this is something that groups would want to take with them on trips to Mexico, or if it is something we can send to Mexico. Each kit has one ruler, one pair of scissors, one box of colored pencils, one box of colored markers, two pens and four pencils, a pencil sharpener and some paper. Each kit comes in a one-gallon Zip Lock bag. We are looking for a Covenant outlet for our work, which also includes baby layettes and midwife kits.
Julie Eberhardt of Oaxaca, Mexico, writes: This is wonderful to read! It is great to see relationships built between the churches and not just a one-shot deal of going in to “help out” the Mexican church. I was also glad to read that the Mikruts expect the Mexican church to participate financially and physically in the process as well. How beautiful that the Mexican pastor recognized the young lady who they had been praying for five years! May God be glorified in all this!
Why Do Churches Change Names?
Betty Lynch of Warren, PA, writes: I have very strong feelings against removing the word “evangelical” from church names. Evangelism is one of the most important things we, as Christians, are called to do. Christ’s last words on earth were about soul harvesting.
The Church was established for two primary reasons: to worship God, and to harvest souls. If the name of a church includes “evangelical,” and this is found to be offensive, what happens when society and political influence give a negative image of the words Jesus Christ and God? Do we then accommodate and take these words from the church, also, so we don’t offend anyone?
Evangelism is a call from God to all Christians, to help others find God and share with them the gift of eternal life. Too many churches today strive to make everything pleasant and comfy. We worry more about offending people than offending God. I agree that church names need to change sometimes, but not by bending to society and not by worrying about offending non- or lukewarm Christians. Evangelism should be one of the most important words in every Christian’s vocabulary.
Prayer Service Tonight to Remember John Marks
Cindy Cliff Rockow of Scottsville, NY, writes: I wish the Marks family peace and comfort regarding the death of John (Curtis, as we knew him growing up).
Palmberg Announces Decision to Retire Next Year
William Johnson of Orange, MA, writes: Glenn is a faithful servant to our denomination. Glenn has worked and served as our Covenant president for the last 9 years. He has worked very hard and put in a lot of time and effort on behalf of our denomination. We could not do it without him. May God lead him and his family to the next chapter in his life.
Resolution on Creation-Care
Jesse Slimak of Detroit, MI, writes: This is an excellent resolution. Drawing attention to the point that creation itself glorifies God, and therefore must be protected and nurtured, is a more mature and biblical view than merely arguing for responsible use of it.
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.
Band Sees Success as Opening to Share Faith
Leslie Speyers of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: I am Lee Strobel’s book publicist. Lee saw this article and was honored that his work has impacted a group as talented as The Fray. Lee will be on tour this fall promoting his new book. If they’re both in the same place, Lee would love to meet the band, especially Slade!
Covenant Bible College to Close
Michelle Cabrera of Indianapolis, IN, writes: Will there be any continuing (CBC) alumni website – a place that everyone can go to find out what everyone else is up to and keep in touch?
Robert Auger New Head of CBC-Ecuador
Libby Auger of Chicago, IL, writes: I am Libby Auger, the youngest of the Auger bunch. My thoughts on this story are brief. I just want to thank you all for appreciating the work my parents have done at CBC. Even though we have moved because CBC has closed down, I and my family are grateful for all of the expressions of appreciation. Thank you so much.
Editor’s note: to read a statement from CBC’s acting president detailing the decision to close the school, please see CBC Closure. http://www.covchurch.org/cov/news/item5408.html
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