Readers Share Their Thoughts

Post a Comment » Written on September 16th, 2008     
Filed under: News
By Don Meyer

CHICAGO, IL (September 16, 2008) – 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.

Lisa Orris Named Director of Evangelism

Leonid Regheta of Wheaton, IL, writes: What a great choice! Leanna and I are so excited about this decision. Lisa will be a great person and minister to lead Evangelism to the new horizons. We believe God indeed has many new horizons for you, the department and the Covenant.

Olson Critical of Free Gas Promotions by Churches

Darlene Anderson of Granite Bay, CA, writes: Interesting marketing plan. But, I’m with Dave Olson! Our church does many community outreach events and is very guest friendly. So inviting folks to church is easy!

Steve Bilynskyj of Eugene, OR, writes: I read Dave’s comments first on the CNN website, then in our local paper. I did not interpret his words as “critical” of the gas card offers. I saw it as a thoughtful and more relational alternative to sheer marketing. It made me pleased once again to be part of the Covenant.

Covenant Connections with McCain’s VP Nominee

Elizabeth White of Roanoke, TX, writes: I do hope the Newswire will not flood us with political pro-Republican candidates. I certainly hope you will look for both sides of the question. I certainly feel that there are more important reasons to vote for candidates than their Covenant or evangelical connections, neither of which by themselves automatically makes you a suitable candidate. In this world of ours, being “evangelical” will not be enough to deal with the big issues out there. Being mayor of Wasilla won’t do it for me, nor will being governor of Alaska for one year.

Dick Claridge of New Syrna Beach, FL, writes: Great! Just what we were looking for, to confirm our observations.

Carolyn Jacobson of Batavia, IL, writes: I am glad to hear that Palin exhibits such a strong, ethical faith. However, her dismal record . . . gives me valid ethical reason not to ever vote for her or for McCain, and I am a registered Republican. She reinforces my disillusionment with the Republican Party.

Heidi Winter of Palmer, AK, writes: Nice article. We are very excited about Sarah being asked to run with McCain!

Bradford Johnson of Dennis, MA, writes: I visited Alaska and attended the Eagle River Covenant Church in 2002. I was on my way to represent the State Department at an international conference in Nome. (Yes, states do sometimes get involved in foreign policy.) I remember the vibrant energy at Eagle River Covenant and the great energy of Alaskans I met everywhere I went.

Bonnie Anderson of Robbinsdale, MN, writes: I was extremely disappointed that the national office of the Covenant would put out such a political article, with all but endorsing this individual. I do not see that as the appropriate stance for our church’s national office to take. Please do not disappoint and perhaps divide your congregations by writing such a biased article. Either stay out of politics or stay neutral – this was not neutral.

Deborah Fogel of Canaan, CT, writes: I’m wondering when you will be giving equal time – and equal words of endorsement, for that matter – to the Democrat’s vice presidential candidate? While we all like to celebrate our Covenant connections, this type of political article does not belong on this website.

Tug of War Comes to a Sweet Ending

Paula Coyle of Hutchinson, MN, writes: Rolling in chocolate? It is utterly ridiculous what the Evangelical Covenant is doing in the name of seeker-sensitive/purpose driven.

Marshall Peterson of Omaha, NE, writes: This is so cool! I need to try it with the kids at church.

Ease of Auto Withdrawal Tithing Hasn’t Swayed Most Covenanters

Chet Nelson of Spokane, WA, writes: Rick Hampton hit the nail on the head when he said, “Some reject the idea because they believe that deliberately putting money into the offering plate is an important act of discipleship.” Automatic withdrawals are great for normal transactions. Contributing to God’s work is not a transaction, it’s an act of worship. It’s an act signifying commitment. I can’t express how delighted I am that the idea is not catching on in Covenant churches.

Feeding the Homeless in the Face of Opposition

Robert and Yvonne Hyse of Strathmore, AB, write: What an awesome way that your church is showing compassion, mercy and justice to those whom Jesus called “the least of these.”

Pure Grit Leads Paralympian to Beijing Competition

Kelly Boersma of Harbert, MI, writes: Go Elizabeth! What a great story, for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing it and including the video.

COVENANT NEWSWIRE: To make certain not to miss a single story, sign up for the free Covenant Newswire headline news report at Covenant Newswire.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Report This Post

Leave a Reply

Report This Blog