CHICAGO, IL (October 18, 2006) – 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.
Asia Gathering Offers Glimpse of Kingdom to Come
Les Nordlund of Mercer Island, WA, writes: Yes, indeed – a glimpse of God’s Kingdom. Could anyone put me in touch with Brando Barantes, a lay pastor in the Philippines? I assume he speaks English.
Michigan Covenanters Celebrate Two New Churches
Pat Bos of North Fort Myers, FL, writes: We read with great excitement the news of the new church plants in Michigan. Having been members of First Covenant Church back in the 1980’s we had the privilege of being a part of planting Fellowship Covenant and remember the excitement and joy of that experience. We know these will be wonderful times and, yes, even challenging but very rewarding. God bless you all as you take on the Great Commission of reaching out into your own community, making disciples and teaching them all Jesus taught. We will be praying for you as God begins to “add to your numbers daily.”
Greg Boyd: ‘Judgmental Attitudes Keep Christians from Loving’
Brad Zetterlund of Pleasanton, CA, writes: I really enjoyed Greg Boyd’s article, “Judgmental Attitudes Keep Christians from Loving.” It came at the perfect time for me. Recently I was asked to leave my church, NOT by one of the pastors or staff members, but by someone who didn’t like my political opinion. I have voiced my opinion of President Bush and other elected officials with letters to the editor and short articles. How ironic that someone wants me to leave the church because of my political views. In no way does that mean they can’t go to the same church as me. We need to hold elected officials accountable and at the same time respect the opinion of others. Pastor Boyd hit it right on the head with his article and at the right time considering what has been happening in our country and in the church. And no, I’m not leaving my church because of different political opinions.
Ali Hasan of San Jose, CA, writes: Pastor Greg is right on point as reflected in his opening comment “ . . . every person you meet was worth Jesus dying for them.” This is totally our agreement with God. It is our modus operandi within the Kingdom of God. It is the Christian’s call and witness to the reality of the image of God in all of human creation. This ultimately translates into our relationships with each other, especially those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It is also why the church must be very intentional about moving from judgment to discernment in all matters of “image bearers.” We will see the power of God much more in and through our churches if we are deliberate in becoming a loving community of faith reflecting God’s heart for a kingdom mosaic, and jettisoning those things that keep us bound with the “traditions of men.” Thank you very much Pastor Greg for such astute observations and your willingness to speak out!
Randall Johnson of Des Plaines, IL, writes: It is too bad that often the prevailing “M” word is often meanness and not mercy.
Keene (NH) Congregation Eager to Complete New Ministry Center
Garth McGrath of Swanzey, NH, writes: Thanks for your great article on the web concerning the Monadnock Covenant Church building project in Keene.
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.
100-Year-Old Ridgway (PA) Time Capsule a Surprise
John Lundberg of Chardon, OH, writes: I am looking for early Ridgeway history from around 1870 thru 1894. Does anyone have suggestions as to where I may look?
Elgin Covenanter Receives Humanitarian Award
David Diaz of Calama, Chile, writes: I’m glad to hear of such a wonderful nomination, especially when it deals with a Chilean pastor to the Covenant Church. We feel honored about this blessing to our brother, Henoch, and of course to the church. Blessings and love in Christ.
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