Comments for First Drafts

Comment on Straight Shooting on Gun Control by David Custis

David Custis — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:37:05 +0000

Brant, Looks to me that members of your panel tend to favor gun control. I find in my discussions on subjects with persons who take a different view from mine, is like “beating my head against a wall”. This includes some of our kids. So to keep peace and harmony, I’ve learned to not discuss them other than to state my position.

News was more positive tonight with more of a groundswell for background checks. Even that would be a step forward.
Dave

Comment on Chewing on Justice by The Village Square » First Presbyterian’s Brant Copeland joins Faith, Food, Friday tomorrow

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:05:06 +0000

[...] We hope you’ll take a moment to read Rev. Copeland’s thoughtful blog post on the topic by clicking here. You can register for the program [...]

Comment on Open Table? by Sue Safford

Sue Safford — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:05:26 +0000

Thank you, and I agree with your suggested wording for the bulletin.

Comment on Open Table? by Joyce L. Crawford

Joyce L. Crawford — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:17:54 +0000

Thank you so much for addressing something that has made me uncomfortable since I joined the church. Some years ago, I visited a Lutheran Church and was told that since I was not a member of a Lutheran Church I could not partake in communion – that it would be a sacrilige! I was very upset and felt this was not what Jesus had in mind when he broke the bread and poured the wine in that upper room. I wrote the pastor of that church and asked him on what Biblical principle he denied anyone to partake. I got a very long reply stating many points from the Book of Luther – none from the Bible. I think the determination factor should be – What would Jesus have said if I/you had walked into the upper room?

Comment on Open Table? by Jennifer Carter

Jennifer Carter — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:51:24 +0000

Bravo! I congratulate your progressive attitude and willingness to think openly. I remember reading “Take this Bread” by Sara Miles with you in the Pastor’s Book Club 5 years ago. I was deeply impressed by her church’s similar approach to the Eucharist. It seemed so radical, yet so right.

Comment on Rendering Too Much to Ceasar by David Custis

David Custis — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:51:21 +0000

Brant, Reading the comments helps me understand the narrow line you walk on this issue. Joan and I have both felt the prayer list is too long. Many of the names listed are persons we don’t know, nor do we know what is wrong in their lives. I personally believe the value of the prayer list for me is the awareness of problems in the lives of members and their loved ones. For example, we were able to follow Rod Westall’s bypass surgery this way. I wish we could keep military personnel listed in the bulletin. I would guess some of them may be in harms way, and some are safety serving out their tour of duty, as was our grandson who was listed for a few weeks. Finally, I guess it is probably best to honor all requests, whether or not I believe the name belongs on the prayer list. Dave.

Comment on Passionate Intercession by Sue Safford

Sue Safford — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:07:25 +0000

Amen. As usual, you frame the issue clearly. Thank you.

Comment on Rendering Too Much to Ceasar by Sue Safford

Sue Safford — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:56:22 +0000

I feel very strongly, and have ever since military personnel have been listed in the bulletin, that not only are they as worthy as anyone else on the prayer list but also that they should be acknowledged verbally, as are others for whom we pray. I do not think that praying for them silently AND aloud in any way supports the militarization of society. I also think that Barbara’s comments are helpful. If I had a child in the military and sat week after week without hearing their names along with everyone else’s, I would be deeply hurt and wonder what might separate him or her from the same consideration. But that is just my opinion.

Comment on Rendering Too Much to Ceasar by brantcopeland

brantcopeland — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:15:09 +0000

Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting that we stop praying for people in danger through military service. I’m just wondering if we can do a better job of conveying gospel values even as we pray for those in service. Barbara’s comments are helpful.

Comment on Rendering Too Much to Ceasar by Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:15:56 +0000

I think you are not giving the congregation enough credit if you think that printing the names of people who are, or have recently been, in harm’s way is some kind of endorsement of increased militarization. Perhaps their names should be there exactly because it causes discomfort; it should cause all of us discomfort that, while we sit in our cozy little lives, (mostly) young people are being sent to distant and dangerous places for reasons that are both noble and ambiguous. If you want to pray for peace, pray for peace. (Don’t we already?) Pray that everyone on that list will come home safely, and that we will all work toward the day when their services are no longer required. The day anyone says to a sister or brother “we’ll pray for your aunt with cancer by name, but not your sister the military policeman” will be a very sad and shameful day.