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Readers Share Their Thoughts

By Don Meyer

CHICAGO, IL (April 15, 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.

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.

Chaplain Goes to Iraq before Retiring

Maria Gonzalez of San Antonio, TX, writes: Thank you for all of your sacrifices and years of service to our country. I am proud to be an Army wife and I am so thankful to people just like you! My family member is currently serving in Bucca and we can't wait to get him home after almost a year.

Betsy Bazzani of Templeton, CA, writes: Anne Krekelberg is my younger sister. She is truly one in a million. Well, make that one in one hundred million-million! She is a dear, loving, wonderful sister - we are extremely close. I and my family are extremely proud of her. Our parents, both in their late eighties, still live in the house we grew up in, and as you can imagine, are counting the minutes until she gets home. Thank you so much for this wonderful article about my amazing sister. She deserves all the accolades that come her way. She has several Navy female “firsts” under her belt, such as being Command Chaplain on the USS Bataan, and should be recognized, I feel, for those things. This article has gone a long way in accomplishing that. Thank you, again, from the bottom of my heart.

Lyn Arroyo of Colorado Springs, CO, writes: Anne and I were together at North Park Theological Seminary. I am thankful for her commitment to the Lord and her dedication to the spiritual care of the men and women who serve our country. Thank you for sharing her story with us.

Services Scheduled for Larry G. Griffin

Andrew Stonina of Stephenson, MI, writes: Larry was a good friend. When I first started seminary at NPTS, Larry was the janitor at North Park Covenant Church. I am glad that I got to know Larry and his enthusiasm for ministry and work with those who are less fortunate. Peace to his memory.

Lester Sheneberger of Council, ID, writes: I got to know Larry on the first seminary Sankofa trip to the South and through work at the Friendship Center (in Chicago). He served with gentleness and will be missed!

Todd Harris of Hutchinson, MN, writes: I've only known Larry for three years or so but treasured his heart for God and caring service to His people. We will all miss him but we know he's home now and we'll soon meet again. Thank You our Father for Larry.

Joan McPherson of Chicago, IL, writes: Rev. Griffin was a great servant leader. His love for ministry was observed daily by his acts of sacrifice, humility, and kindness. His presence in the community as well as with his larger church family will be missed.

Chuck Anderson of Swanzey, NH, writes: I thank God for my brother in Christ and the privilege of serving together on the Board of the Ordered Ministry. I discovered a "gentle" man with a fiesty spirit that cared and fought for the wounded, poor, and helpless. Rest in peace, Larry!

Anna Marie Peterson of Coppell, TX, writes: My prayers for his family and relatives, our Savior's Covenant church, areas of ministry service, and all those he served in obedience to our Father and his Son. He is with our great God of compassion and mercy. I did not know you personally, Larry, but thank you for being a model in service for the Lord.

Rita Kay Lochner of Glen Ellyn, IL, writes: “Gentle giant, humble servant, ethnic and gender bridge, powerful prayer, affirmer of all, lover from the 'City of Brotherly/Sisterly Love', moved slowly, but intentionally" . . . all of these were things said about Rev. Larry G. Griffin - my colleague, classmate, prayer partner and precious friend – at his memorial service. A large group of robed clergy and a multiethnic congregation was gathered to praise the Lord for creating such a wonderful person and to honor Larry's obedience to follow his great Creator.

Church Radically Changes Budgeting Process

Adam Phillips of Chicago, Il, writes: This is a very interesting and inspiring story. Montecito Covenant's work in church budgeting can serve as a model for churches and other faith-based institutions as we all figure out how to live and serve faithfully in the recession. What this strategy does is create a budget that serves the church and God's kingdom, not a situation in which God's kingdom and the church serve a budget. This could be considered even when Covenant bodies like the Annual Meeting gather to determine what are, in fact, our missional priorities. A zero-line starting point allows space for faithfulness and creativity - seeking God's will - to potentially be fully magnified. Thanks!

Covenanter Publishes "The American Church in Crisis"

Nicole Palmeira of Boston, MA, writes: I began reading Olson's book at Midwinter and will finish it when this semester is over. The problem with national statistics is that they never accurately reflect Boston or the New England region. We have been experiencing quite the opposite here for the last 40 years.

Women Ministries Names Ministry Coach Director

Sharon Peterson of St. Petersburg, FL, writes: So pleased to see Karen in this role. We were together in the Spice of Life women ministry going on in the Twin Cities with Daisy Hepburn back in the 1970s as well as Covenant Pines women's retreats. Our local church, Faith Covenant of St. Petersburg, is engaging in a workshop this weekend with ministry coach, pastor Anita Carey from Kingdom Covenant in Miami. We are excited to see what the Lord will do with us and pastor Carey.

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.

39th Bellevue (WA) Live Nativity Draws 1,600-Plus

Diane Grubbs of Sullivan, IL, writes: I am director of music at my church. I would like to do a Live Nativity production next year. I did it when I was a child and it was so much fun. I am looking for the recorded story and music. Can you tell me where I could purchase it? Thanks.

Editor’s note: Those with suggestions for this writer should email responses to newsdesk@covchurch.org.

Drug Use, Prison Time Spark Recovery Ministry

Wade Tonkin of Sedro Woolley, CA, writes: I met Joe this weekend and he is truly a story of the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus Christ. He is an awesome man of faith who is a gifted preacher and is uniquely called to help men who are transitioning from prison or addiction into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The men of Bethany Covenant thank you for joining us and pray for the success of your ministry.

Young Pietists: Rediscovering Our Covenant Roots

David Wyman of Goffstown, NH, writes: Yes, a wide variety of political perspectives, eh? Check back in a few years.

Centering Prayer: Rediscovering God's Presence

Sherry Reinbold of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: I agree with Renee. I would like to recommend visiting websites that show the dangerous philosophies seeping into our church, which are leading us into Eastern Hinduism and Buddhism. We need to stay the course and follow the Word of God.

Youth Group Donates CHIC Trip Funds to Aid Mission

Sung Mun of Pasadena, CA, writes: Amen. God is good, he keeps his promises to all his people, including the first nation people of the Kinistin. God bless everyone in the youth group and MECC. Praise be to God the Father.

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