CHICAGO, IL (October 27, 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, search for the headline.
‘Suffering to Hope’ Art Exhibit at Swedish Covenant
Natalie Salminen Rude of McGregor, MN, writes: What a powerful exhibit. Thanks to Kari Lindholm-Johnson for organizing a show that is sure to bring healing to so many.
I would love to see more images of work that is in the show.
Mission Work in Russia Becoming All But Impossible
Arleen Johnson of Lacey, WA, writes: Leonid says the number of congregations the denomination has worked with has grown from 50 to 2,000. Does he really mean 2,000 congregations, or 2,000 constituents? Editor’s note: Leonid says the numbers are correct – growth has been almost overwhelming, as have the number of responses offering support.
‘Talk to Me Grandpa’ – A Child’s Perspective on Death
John Larson of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: Thank you, Dawn, for writing such a sensitive and compassionate book that helps parents and young children deal with death. All too often we as adults think we have the easy answer to a child who is grieving the grandma or grandpa or other loved ones who no longer holds the or tells them stories. We just tell them they are in heaven, or that God wanted them. We often just want them to be happy! Children need to express their thoughts, even at their young, tender age. “Pat” answers don’t come easily for them – in fact, not always for us adults either. Also, parents often don’t think it is good to have young children attend a visitation because it would be too hard or the child is too young. Yet the questions still are there anyhow, so why not?
Books like Dawn’s help us to begin to realize we can guide our young children in their grief at their age level. I hope Talk To Me Grandpa and other such books are in our church libraries. They are great resources for parents and adults in helping their young children begin to understand death. Thanks, again Dawn!
Health Screening Pays Big Dividends in Mexico
Tance Salafia of Turlock, CA, writes: This is encouraging to me. Every year our church (Cornerstone Covenant) hosts VBS with well over 100 community kids attending. I will be sure to pass this on to the kids this year so they can see the fruit of their labor!
New Covenant Enabling Residence Set to Open
Doug Johnson of Chicago, IL, writes: Another CER being opened is truly a celebration of the compassion of Jesus. Looking back at the conception of CER ministries, we can also pause to thank God for the late Myrtle (Mrs. J. Irving) Erickson whose vision and heart brought much of what is offered today to pass. May present-day Covenanters give themselves and their support to ministries that will bless God’s children in years to come. Praise God for all the saints who from their labors rest!
‘In It Together’ Key Theme for Executive Board
Kirsten Nelson Wagenius of Chicago, IL, writes: Great story! The peek inside the boardroom is essential insight into where the denomination is excited to go and what they wrestle with as potential challenges. Thank you.
Persecution of Hindustani Covenant Church Continues
Laldin Bhatti of London, UK, writes: What I wanted to say that people being killed only for believing in a different faith is deplorable. But what I find astonishing here in UK is the silence or profound ignorance on the part of the media. I have hardly heard it on BBC or any local TV.
The Goal, Not the Finish, Motivates This Marathoner
Belva Nelson of Arlington Heights, IL, writes: Barb is wonderful. Such courage and determination is rare today. She is an example of commitment to everyone that strives to do something worthwhile. I am proud of her.
Focus on Trafficking First in New Video Update Series
Wainer Guimaraes of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, writes: We will join the Covenant voice against human trafficking. We are small, but will add a “Brazilian voice” to the Covenant family to fight against such an evil.
Evangelicals – How Faith Informs Their Politics
Paul Hedberg of Homewood, IL, writes: There is also a great article by Cho in Fuller University’s Theology News & Notes. He speaks highly of the Covenant. I’m pleased that some evangelicals are moving away from being “single focused” in their political stance.
Art Greco of Novato, CA, writes: I agree with what Eugene and others are saying in this article. They are very helpful. I do want to add, though, that because of a president’s power to nominate U.S. Supreme Court justices, he/she could actually have quite a lot of influence on issues such as abortion and same sex marriage. Along with some of the things already mentioned in the article, that plays a big part in the way many vote for president.
Group Hosting Online Prayer Rally for Election Day
John Free of Mascotte, FL, writes: Very well done.
Memorial Service Friday for Paul Westburg
Marilyn (Sandberg) Grenat of Lafayette, IN, writes: Our condolences to Stuart on the passing of your father. Your father has been very important in our lives since his graduation from North Park Theological Seminary and coming to Lafayette. When he first came to his first church, he stayed at my grandparents’ house – the Algot Swansons. He performed the marriage ceremony for my parents, Helen Swanson and Leonard Sandberg, in 1935. He came to Lafayette in l934 after the church had started back up. He and Alice remained friends with my folks all through the years and he came and gave the eulogy for my mother, Helen, when she passed away in 1969. I’ve often wondered where he was and how he was doing. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a marvelous man and we all loved him dearly. May God bless his memory!
Veterans Memorial Honors Church Members Who Served
Michelle Grigsby of Arlington, TX, writes: This could be really damaging to people who don’t approve of the wars these veterans have fought in. And it seems to me that it is intertwining nationalism with Christianity, which can do a lot of damage worldwide. I would see what our missionaries in Sudan and other countries think about this kind of thing. I think it is worth researching what the worldwide Covenant members think. I grew up in this church, and it really bothers me that they did this, especially without the knowledge and permission of all the members of that church, like most of the contemporary service members. This is a very divisive issue and I pray that it won’t do as much damage as I think it will.
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.
Youth Contribute $4,000 to Covenant Tsunami Relief
Morgan Seessengood of Olney, IL, writes: Matt is a very inspirational speaker and is fun to listen to. His drawings are amazing – I want to learn how to draw like that!
Indiana Youth Pastor to Receive Investment Award
Kenneth Corbeille of Lake Station, IN, writes: This was a very nice story about your accomplishments. It was a pleasure to meet you in church yesterday – my son is Brian Corbeille. We really like the new look of how the church is being run. Bringing you to the youth ministry was a blessing.
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