By Don Meyer<\/p>\n
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.
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\nWe will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the \u201ccomments\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lisa Orris Named Director of Evangelism<\/a><\/p>\n Leonid Regheta<\/em> 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. Darlene Anderson<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n Steve Bilynskyj<\/em> 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. Elizabeth White<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Dick Claridge<\/em> of New Syrna Beach, FL, writes: Great! Just what we were looking for, to confirm our observations.<\/p>\n Carolyn Jacobson<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Heidi Winter<\/em> of Palmer, AK, writes: Nice article. We are very excited about Sarah being asked to run with McCain!<\/p>\n Bradford Johnson<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Bonnie Anderson<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Deborah Fogel<\/em> 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. Paula Coyle<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Marshall Peterson<\/em> of Omaha, NE, writes: This is so cool! I need to try it with the kids at church.<\/p>\n Ease of Auto Withdrawal Tithing Hasn\u2019t Swayed Most Covenanters<\/a><\/p>\n Chet Nelson<\/em> of Spokane, WA, writes: Rick Hampton hit the nail on the head when he said, \u201cSome reject the idea because they believe that deliberately putting money into the offering plate is an important act of discipleship.\u201d Automatic withdrawals are great for normal transactions. Contributing to God\u2019s work is not a transaction, it\u2019s an act of worship. It\u2019s an act signifying commitment. I can\u2019t express how delighted I am that the idea is not catching on in Covenant churches. Robert and Yvonne Hyse<\/em> 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.”<\/p>\n Pure Grit Leads Paralympian to Beijing Competition<\/a><\/p>\n Kelly Boersma<\/em> of Harbert, MI, writes: Go Elizabeth! What a great story, for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing it and including the video.<\/p>\n COVENANT NEWSWIRE:<\/strong> To make certain not to miss a single story, sign up for the free Covenant Newswire headline news report at Covenant Newswire<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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\nOlson Critical of Free Gas Promotions by Churches<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nCovenant Connections with McCain’s VP Nominee<\/a><\/p>\n
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\n<\/a>Tug of War Comes to a Sweet Ending<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nFeeding the Homeless in the Face of Opposition<\/a><\/p>\n