“We can debate how to do it, not whether to do it,” he stressed.
Penny’s remarks were delivered during a recent Faith and Politics discussion. The evening was part of the church’s Faith and Life series conducted each Wednesday night during January at Bemidji Covenant Church.
The next scheduled presenter was children’s author and athletic trainer Wendy Potratz who was to discuss Faith and Sportsmanship. Her book, Agnes Plays Soccer: A Young Cow’s Lesson in Sportsmanship, is currently being promoted by the National Center for Sports Safety.
The topics tend to be similarly diverse each year throughout the annual series, says Dean Nelson, pastor of congregational life. Past events have included Faith and Education, Faith and Medicine, and even Faith and Comic Books.
Opinions given by speakers and in response are not uniform, says Nelson. The series, he adds, “upholds the Covenant affirmation of freedom in Christ.”
Nelson wants the series to attract community members, and Penny’s appearance “brought in quite a diverse group.” The Bemidji Pioneer also covered the event.
Local teacher Kim Kusler will speak January 23 on how churches inadvertently can be inhospitable to the poor. The presentation is not intended to provide answers, but provide “food for thought” as the congregation seeks to live its faith “in the poorest county in Minnesota,” Nelson says.
Mike Gates, executive director and president of Christ’s Outreach for the Blind, will speak January 30 on Faith and Disabilities. Gates was blinded when a hunting partner accidentally shot him in the face.
All events are free. For more information, contact the church by calling 218-751-369 or visit the church website.
