CHICAGO, IL (October 29, 2009) – 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.
Tickle: Changing the Church – Like a Giant Rummage Sale
Teena Stewart of Hickory, NC, writes: I know many people who are very dissatisfied with what the church has become – and they are trying to go back to the roots and find a way to have the community and simplicity that the early church had. We are doing that through our new ministry. Your article does a great job summing up what many are experiencing.
Beverly Sellnow of St. Cloud, MN, writes: Very interesting ideas. As I enter the “older generation” description of my place in society, I realize that we need to change – the world has changed so much that the church per se no longer seems relevant to many.
Jeff Stewart of Hickory, NC, writes: Thank you. We’re not insane after all.
Asian American Churches Find Covenant a Good Fit
James Perry of Belmont, CA, writes: This has old roots. While hosting the OMF Annual conferences for several years at Peninsula Covenant Church, many cross connections with the Covenant and Asian Christians were recognized. A few names: Jim Gustafson, Alex Smith, David Adeney.
Baptism Service Plus Vacant Storefront Equals VBS Program
Mel White of Sequim, WA, writes: Just out of college in the early seventies I tried to get an urban ministry going at First Covenant and got nowhere. Didn’t think of a VBS, but the older I get the more I think that children’s ministries are the way to revitalize a church. First Covenant just got back on my prayer list! Keep up the good work.
Physical Abuse Happens in Christian Homes, Too
Susan Falcetta of Manchester, CT, writes: The demons tremble when dark secrets are brought into the light! Our women need to hear from you, my friend. I am so glad that you are our speaker for the East Coast Women Ministries retreat this year. I pray that God gives you the message and the freedom to speak what he lays on your heart. We are already praying for you.
Glen Morden of Patterson, CA, writes: Wow, this is eye opening! Thanks Yvonne for sharing your story.
Armfield Reflects on 30 Years of Ministry
Kirsten Wagenius of Minnesota writes: Finishing well is such a gift to both the individual and the church, but often not easy to do in the last months. Congratulations, Pastor Armfield!
Rich Dewey of Newton, KS, writes: What a joy to read a success story centered in the service of Christ! The love and devotion demonstrated by the church family is an effectual witness to the world . . . “you will know them by their love for one another.” Steve, you have served well since our Westmont College days. May the Lord continue to bless you as you take your next steps with him! Congratulations!
Church Renovation in Tough Area Inspires a Community
Linda Reed of Chicago, IL, writes: I live in Hyde Park. I do service work in the Woodlawn Area. Is there any activity for the homeless in the area?
Editor’s note: One Woodlawn organization that works directly with the homeless is The Living Room Cafe – their primary work is to provide meals in a restaurant style setting for low income and homeless people who could not otherwise afford them. There also is Sunshine Gospel Ministries who work more directly with youth. Our thanks to Debbie Blue and the Department of Compassion, Mercy and Justice for this information.
‘Blessing of Backpacks’ Signals Start of Another School Year
Stacey Greely of Superior, WI, writes: This is so great! What an incredibly practical way for churches to bless their communities! Gloria a Dios!
Award Honors New Jersey Covenant Church for AIDS Work
Judith McCullough of Dennis, MA, writes: I heard Peter Ahn speak at the East Coast Conference Annual Meeting. The story of the Metro Church is truly an inspiring one. This congregation is a real inspiration for all in seeing what is possible with a vision and some work. I am so glad this ministry was recognized.
Community Responds to Church’s ‘Great Giveaway’
Jack Nichols of Farmington Hills, MI, writes: This is a great example of community outreach!
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.
Heartsong More Than a Memory—A Ministry Legacy
Steve Dean of St. Petersburg, FL, writes: This is a great story that brings back many memories. I remember Heartsong visiting my church (Faith Covenant). I was working with the youth when they visited and I remember how exciting it was for them to be encouraged and challenged by this group of young people. I feel as if things have come full circle now. I am still at Faith Covenant and serve on the church council. Rick Carlson has now come as our new senior pastor. His coming is an unexpected blessing from the Father. Abundantly more than we can ask or imagine . . . that’s just how our Father in heaven works!
Church ‘Walking to Kenya’ as Lent Observance
John Njaranba of Nairobi, Kenya, writes: It is good to learn that there are people somewhere thinking of us as Kenyans. God bless you much as we pray for the young church in Kenya to grow.
Not Your Ordinary Garage Sale – Stuff Is Free!
Mary Kuss of Steele, ND, writes: I was excited to hear another church was also ministering to their community in this way. This is a huge undertaking (we had a sale, too) – lives have been changed because of this, not for just the people coming in to the sale, but for the workers as well.
Norquay Church Dedicates Former School as Church
Jean Anderson of Norquay, Canada, writes: I was raised in Norquay Covenant Church. The Covenant Church in Norquay was the original founder of the former Covenant Bible College. One of the most memorable teachers I had teaching me was Wendel Anderson. Being a former pastor of the church in Norquay, he imparted so much knowledge in class as well as serving as a choir director. I was a student while it was in Prince Albert. For the first time away from home, it taught us to make the right choices. My grandparents – the Charlie Anderson family – helped build the church on the hill, known for our smorgasbord. I would like to know how to contact my C.B.C classmates to know what they are doing now. Can anyone help me with this please? I can be reached at P.O. Box 504, Norquay, Saskatchewan, S0A-2VO.
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