By Don Meyer

CHICAGO, IL (April 9, 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.

Putting Feet to Faith – How One Church Did It

Dan Brannen of Seattle, WA, writes: I’ve had fun telling about Feet to Faith to pastors and other Christians here in Japan. I could not enjoy the experience of being with you last Sunday, but I have the joy of seeing how Christians in Japan have been encouraged by this story.

Two ECC Leadership Appointments Announced

Rod Toews of Redwood City, CA, writes: Evelyn Johnson is a great fit for her new ministry. Having served on the Christian Education and Discipleship (now Christian Formation) board with her and on committees in the Pacific Southwest Conference, she fits the vision that President Walter shared. Congratulations!

Covenant Team Teaching Camping Principles in Thailand

Lynda Delgado of Downey, CA, writes: John, thinking of you there and praying for your work and travel there. May God continue his work through your camping ministry in Thailand as he uses you here in the Pacific Southwest Conference.

New Column Explores Factors Shaping Covenant Future

Kurt Peterson of Chicago, IL, writes: Christ died and was resurrected in the past . . . and we remember those events sacramentally in the present as we look forward to the ongoing mission of the church. I hope that as the Covenant leadership takes a “decisive turn to the future,” it does so with a concomitant sense of rootedness in the past, grounding us in the death and resurrection of Jesus as well as the Covenant’s theological tradition, spiritual heritage and generous spirit. Not only as Covenanters, but as Christians we dwell eschatologically and simultaneously in the past, present and future. Losing ANY two for the one would be tragic. Let us not juxtapose heritage and mission, but embrace both – as Christians rooted sacramentally in the Christ event and committed missionally to our exciting future.

Tom Erickson of Clifton, KS, writes: The denomination is not the denomination of my great-grandparents. It is becoming just another progressive Christian group, untethered by scripture. Sad.

Dorothy Balch of Seattle, WA, writes: The story on the “Shaping of the Covenant” in the future . . . with President Walter instigating it is very exciting. I know he and his committees on this are certainly aware of Karl Olsson’s excellent book on Covenant history. I have read it cover to cover, and while it may not have a great deal regarding the future, it certainly has about as much as any source about the past of the Covenant, and may be the “stepping stone” or bridge to what could be coming in the future of our great Covenant denomination.

Chile Congregations Reaching Out to Help Neighbors

Robert Johnson of Lindsborg, KS, writes: Great to hear about Chile. I hope to hear more details about the condition of the Concepcion church and parsonage (I helped build the church). It is thrilling to hear how active the church is. Praise the Lord!

Falling Tree Damages Pilgrim Pines Chapel

Jeff Nilsen of Hebron, IN, writes: Sorry to hear and see this. I remember when the chapel was built. My dad helped put the roof on along with a number of other conference men and friends. I was only about seven years old when this occurred.

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.

Wallace (MI) Church Celebrates 125 Years of Ministry

Pat Revord of Marquette, MI, writes: Does your church have records for the 1800’s? I am researching a Charles Anderson who married Mary Christianson. He was killed in a hunting accident. Then she married Theodore Wallenslager. All of our relatives are from Wallace and your church is mentioned many times.

Living Portraits Tell the Easter Story

Donald Robinson of Detroit, MI, writes: This is awesome. Is there a way to review this whole segment presentation online? I would love to show it to my church.

Agape Plans Expansion to Reach More Youth

John-Mark Gladstone of Denver, CO, writes: Steve and Nina – what a joy to read about your work in Chicago on the net. Thank God for his faithfulness. Hope you are all doing well.

North Park: A University for Social Justice

Randy Daugharthy of Sugargrove, PA, writes: As a member of the church, I have some serious concerns about . . . involvement with Sojourners and Jim Wallis regarding social justice. My concerns are related to the socialism that is rapidly moving into U.S. society and politics. I think the church should make a clear statement on where it stands on social justice so members and churches are clear. There is a major debate coming.

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