By Don Meyer

CHICAGO, IL (February 12, 2010) – 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.

Sale of CBC Property Makes Possible New Seminary Center

Jeff Telker of Barnum, MN, writes: I was a 1973 grad from CBC in Prince Albert, SK. What a great experience that has carried me through many years of service to him. I grew up in the Mahtowa Covenant Church in Mahtowa, Minnesota, 30 miles south of Duluth. CBC prepared me to be a leader.

Funeral Service Monday for Wesley Nordstrom

Duane Grace of Alamo, TX, writes: I have many good memories of Wes. We attended the same high school at Barnum, Minnesota. We played football and basketball at the same time, although Wes was a couple of years older. He visited with us at our cabin on Park Lake and at Covenant Park Bible Camp many times over the years. God will bless his memory.

CWR Director Outlines Response to Haiti

Jeffrey Jones of Biwabik, MN, writes: I would commend New Missions on the Leogane Plain in Haiti as a possible partner, if they are not already. They have been doing work there for a long time and they responded well after the quake. I visited the mission in the 1980s through a North Park mission trip.

Robert Fiscus of Shelton, CT, writes: In developing a long-term approach to Haiti, is any consideration being given to a rebuilding effort similar to that which took place in Louisiana following hurricanes Katrina and Rita?

Formula and Transformation – ‘They Don’t Equate’

Jim Harrelson of Osage City, KS, writes: This is great stuff! The point is the relationship, not a set of rules; and yes, we must discipline ourselves to keep working at the relationship, but it is a relationship for goodness sakes, not a project. Jesus is just like all of us in that way. None of us likes to be somebody’s “project,” and neither does he! What a blessing to hear this kind of spiritual sanity!

Efrem Smith Nominated to Lead Pacific Southwest Conference

Johnna Hayward of Brussels, Belgium, writes: WOW! I do not know Efrem Smith, but everything I have heard about him and Sanctuary makes me smile that he was chosen. I have heard him preach and was challenged and inspired by it. I am praising God for the discernment process of the search committee. I have a lot of respect for this process and those involved. A young pastor with a heart for a “mosaic mission” as he describes will breathe new life into the conference and build on the foundation that Evelyn and others before her have laid. Thank you, Evelyn, for your faithfulness. Thank You, God, for your people and for the family you have given me in the Covenant!

Donna Peterson of Hutchinson, MN, writes: NO, NO, NO! We don’t want to lose Efrem from Minnesota! I first heard about him from youth at our church who heard him speak at MUUCE a few years ago. They thought he was great! I met him in person in the elevator at Green Lake a couple of years ago at the Feast. I haven’t had the chance to hear him preach, but I’ve always wanted to. I’m just glad he isn’t leaving the denomination. I look forward to hearing good things about him in his new leadership role.

Students Urged to Accept God’s Call, Leap into Action

Robert Hedstrom of Turlock, CA, writes: As Pastor Smith clearly spelled out, the message must be declared. But at the same time, it does not mean the beat of the world must be brought into the Christian Church.

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.

Bethesda Covenant to Close After 130 Years

Robert Norberg of New York, NT, writes: Was this church once located in its own building on East 50th Street in Manhattan, say in the 1940s and ’50s? My father and my uncle attended there until they moved on to other churches, and I remember them lamenting that the building was torn down and replaced with a parking facility. Incidently, both men are included in your photo in your archives of the Radio Choir.

Dwight Lind of Sierra Vista, AZ, writes: Very interesting third photo of the choir. I see my dad, Milford Lind, my grandfather, Herman Lind, my uncle, Bob Nordberg, and my Aunt Doris Lind Liljegren. I was the one who ended up in radio and TV – at HCJB in Quito, Ecuador, for 30 years!

Glenview (IL) Covenant Conducts Final Service

Don Ardrey of San Angelo, TX, writes: Brad Hill helped me in a great way with his article “Any Given Sunday” in the July/August edition of Rev! magazine. Can you please pass on my words of thanks to him for his encouragement. Editor’s note: Ardrey is senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in San Angelo. Consider the message delivered!

Nancy, Jerry Reed Honored During Annual Meeting

Sharon Kent Needham of Caldwell, ID, writes: I can’t believe it, Jerry – you look almost the same. Haven’t changed that much. Nancy is still lovely. If only I had looked you up like this before dad died. I didn’t know where you were or which church you were with. Fifty years is a long time – actually, it’s been more than that, but I believe you did visit the folks up here in the 1970s, didn’t you? Maybe I just can’t remember. Of all the young men my dad loved in the Lord, you and John were his favorites, especially you. He was very proud of you – still is, I’m sure. He’s watching up there on his huge video screen all those he loved.

New TNIV Bible Translation Center of Controversy

Brian Pittman of Needmore, PA, writes: I know and understand the fact that a line has to be drawn in the worthiness of different translations. But, wow. I was just in a Christian bookstore and asked if they had any TNIV bibles. They were the ones to tell me about a controversy, and that they discontinued the TNIV. The thing I don’t understand is that the Message Bible is not discontinued. I would think it would cause a bigger stink than the TNIV.

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