\n<\/a><\/p>\n‘Talk to Me Grandpa’ \u2013 A Child\u2019s Perspective on Death<\/h5>\n
John Larson<\/em> 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?
\nBooks 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 <\/em>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!<\/p>\nHealth Screening Pays Big Dividends in Mexico<\/h5>\n
Tance Salafia<\/em> 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!<\/p>\nNew Covenant Enabling Residence Set to Open<\/h5>\n
Doug Johnson<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n\u2018In It Together\u2019 Key Theme for Executive Board<\/h5>\n
Kirsten Nelson Wagenius<\/em> 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.<\/p>\nPersecution of Hindustani Covenant Church Continues<\/h5>\n
Laldin Bhatti<\/em> 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.<\/p>\nThe Goal, Not the Finish, Motivates This Marathoner<\/h5>\n
Belva Nelson<\/em> 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.<\/p>\nFocus on Trafficking First in New Video Update Series<\/h5>\n
Wainer Guimaraes<\/em> 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.<\/p>\nEvangelicals \u2013 How Faith Informs Their Politics<\/h5>\n
Paul Hedberg<\/em> of Homewood, IL, writes: There is also a great article by Cho in Fuller University’s Theology News & Notes<\/em>. He speaks highly of the Covenant. I’m pleased that some evangelicals are moving away from being “single focused” in their political stance.<\/p>\nArt Greco<\/em> 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.<\/p>\nGroup Hosting Online Prayer Rally for Election Day<\/h5>\n
John Free<\/em> of Mascotte, FL, writes: Very well done.<\/p>\nMemorial Service Friday for Paul Westburg<\/h5>\n
Marilyn (Sandberg) Grenat<\/em> 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\u2019 house \u2013 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!<\/p>\nVeterans Memorial Honors Church Members Who Served<\/h5>\n
Michelle Grigsby<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n