UCC Stand for Christ not what the World wants-Gay marriages Dear Dave,I
am from out of state and I saw this on Minonk Talk. I am originally
from here, so I thought I would jump in as an outsider and a former
member when I was a child. The first question should be why do you want
Gay Marriage? Is it God's will or the World's will? The church cannot
serve two masters light and darkness, they do not mix. Who will benefit
from gay marriage God or the World? To marry gay people is the World's
agenda not the Christ agenda. Once the church conforms to the ways of
the World, no longer can the God Head be present with the Church. You
are casting an abomination to yourselves as a Church organization,
whether you allow gay preachers or gay marriages. Some serious
questions should be asked by the church. Is the Church seeking Biblical
Truth or Worldly opinion? Does gay marriage glorify God or the World?
If Christ were to tarry today, what would he say to the Church? What
would you want Christ say to the Church? I believe these are some self
provoking questions that each individual should seek for themselves.
Has the church done away with the Bible? Each individual member should
examine their Bibles and read and find that verse that homosexuality is
a blessing. Sincerely, Arlene Frances (Eilts) Stricker
Why neutrality is important Dear Dave:
Let me offer a short response to a very long topic.
Through
careful study, some Christians are approaching a strong minority
reading that understands the Bible's teaching about human sexuality
differently. This strong minority reading sees that many texts once
thought to condemn homosexuality actually condemn other behaviors
instead. To the extent that this reading is true, we have misused the
Bible when we used it to condemn what might otherwise be moral forms of
human sexuality.
As this reading gains larger credibility, the
Church Catholic will need to learn to discuss homosexuality in the way
we now discuss different theologies of baptism. We each will have our
own sense for what is right without condemning the others as wrong.
Given the progress of the argument so far, a certain measure of
neutrality is the wiser course.
Dan Gansch-Boythe
Class of 56 reunion July 1st Dave,Just
wanted to let you know that the 1956 MDR graduating class will be
holding our 50th class reunion at Georgetown Restaurant in Wenona on
Saturday evening, July 1st, 2006. We are hoping that we will get a
GREAT turn out for this reunion. Alice Lindley Determann Alice L. Determann
s/k/a Mom, Grandma or Aunt
Thanks from family of Dean Quick
I just wanted to say thanks to all who showed their support and
comforting words when dad passed away. Your generosity and kindness
helped myself, my daughter and our family cope through this difficult
time.Thank you all for the flowers, cards and food that was brought in to our home.
Special
thanks to the Lutheran Church Ladies for the luncheon provided and to
Pastor Swenson for his guidance and strength along with Gods grace to
give us peace. May God bless each and everyone of you
The family of Dean Quick
Response to St. Paul's vote Dave,
I
was going to send a response to your editorial, but fortunately Pastor
Dan beat me to the punch. He is far more adept at getting to the point
without interjecting emotion, than I could ever be. I would also add,
however, there are a myriad of reasons why people voted the way they
did. I invite your readers to ask their St. Paul's neighbor why they
voted the way they did if they are curious. Its far better to get
information straight from the horses mouth than getting it second or
third hand. As for the "rift" at St. Paul's, I say its a blessing. It
was nice to see so many unfamiliar faces.
Jeff Geringer
a Still Speaking
St. Paul's UCC Member
St. Paul's response to editorial Dear Dave,
What you would have found if you checked your facts was on March 19th
St. Paul's U.C.C. voted on Janice Megow's motion "to have St. Paul's
U.C.C. go on record as opposing same sex marriage by using a yes/no
ballot." This motion failed in a 37 yes / 97 no vote. What is the
difference? Some members who are against gay marriage voted no on the
motion. Why? They respect the other sides right to have an opinion. On
a variety of controversial issues (capital punshment, abortion,
divorce, school prayer, etc.) most of the members of St. Paul's respect
each others right to disagree. A yes vote meant a letter would be sent
to the national office. A no vote meant nothing would happen.
What
did not happen on March 19th was sentence one of your second paragraph.
There was not a motion in support of same sex marriage, and there was
no vote on that motion. On that vote there would still be controversy,
but the vote count would have been different. There is a fair chance
that motion would not have passed either.
Covering all the news
of Minonk by yourself is a big job and most of the time you do a good
job. I also agree with your second to the last paragraph. This news
however was "spun" to you by someone with an agenda and I think they
owe you an apology. Sincerely, Gayl R. Wyss Editor's
reply: I apologize if I inadverdantly misrepresented the facts as I was
given them. In any event, I think it is important to clear the air on
this subject so that everyone knows the true significance of the vote.
I agree that it is important to respect other people's opinions.
Response to editorial After reading your editorial Dave, the one and only thing that comes to mind is, are we not all Gods children?
Lisa Zimmerman
Reminder for Youth Football signup
This is just a reminder that this Saturday (March 25th) 10 - 1 at
Fieldcrest South Lobby in Minonk will be the last opportunity to sign
up for Youth Football for (2006/07) 5th - 8th Graders.For Questions Call: Coach Buchanan (309)287-4236
Salem Children'sHome Annual Charity Auction
Salem Children's home is having their 17th Annual Charity Auction and
Horse Sale, Saturday, April 8, 2006. Charity auction 9am. Horse sale
1pm.
The annual charity auction and horse sale raises critical funds for the
ongoing ministry at Salem Ranch. The Salem Ranch program is devoted to
seeing God change and rebuild the lives of young men. Please help
support this program by donating items, volunteering or attending the
auction.
Salem Ranch
15161 N. 400 East Road
Flanagan, IL 61740
www.salemranch.com
Check out the sale items and horses at a special preview night Friday,April 7, at 7 pm. If
you would like to help or have any questions please contact Linda
Lindley (815) 796-4561,ext. 129 or Nicole Nesland (815) 796-4561 ext
155. Thank you and we hope to see you there.
Fieldcrest students need work
The Citizens Advisory Council has dependable Fieldcrest students who
are in need of help in paying for their Spring extracurricular
activities. Anyone who is in need of help with jobs around the house,
(cleaning, painting, yard work, car washing, moving furniture ect...)
please call Monica Kalkwarf at 432-2890. The money earned goes directly
into the student's account.
Thank you,
Fieldcrest Citizens Advisory Council
Fieldcrest Basketball Team, Congratulations
What a wonderful season this years team has put together with an
excellent record of 26 wins and 2 losses. You can hold your head high
and you seniors will have many memorable moments as the years go by. I
remember our 1948 team and know you must be experiencing many
conflicting emotions after your season ending loss. I vividly remember
our regional loss to Henry, a powerhouse who we had eliminated from the
regional the year before. Frankly, we couldn't handle them in the
rematch. Our season ended!!! I am sure you players will remember "your"
loss as vividly and tearfully as we. As each year goes by, and I admit
at age 74, "my" pain still exists. Now, when each of Minonk's
basketball seasons end I am reminded that maybe if I had tried a little
harder I could have made the difference for my "Mohawks". I can only
say that too many tears were shed that losing night as each member of
our team tried to understand what happened. We were beaten and our
season was over! We were all seniors except Willy. This would not
happen again, no rematch!! OK, so its only game! OH YAH!!!!!!!! Tell me
about it!!!!!!!!!!! Albin Johnson class of '48
Vacation Bible School Fundraiser Dave,
Each
summer Minonk is blessed to have a wonderful community Vacation Bible
School - a cooperative project involving adults and children from all
of the churches in town. Some 200+ children look forward to VBS every
year. Because the cost of VBS is approximately twice the registration
donation we ask from the families, we need to do some fundraising so we
have seed money for this summer's school (which, by the way, will be at
the Baptist Church July 31 - Aug 4, 6:00-8:30pm).
The
fundraiser is a Soup and Sandwich Supper which will be held at St.
Paul's on March 11 from 4:00 - 7:00. Tickets are $5.00 in advance
($5.50 at the door). They can be purchased from various VBS volunteers
as well as St. Paul's UCC office, Pop's Sweet Shoppe, or Visions Video.
Menu will be Baked Potato Soup or Chicken Noodle Soup, Avanti's
Gondolas, Homemade Pie and beverages.
In addition to hungry
eaters on March 11, we are in need of volunteers from the VBS community
to help with the supper. We need pie bakers, servers. dishwashers, bus
people, set-up people, and clean-up people. Volunteers should call
Stephanie Fuchs at 432-2615 to sign up for one or more of the two-hour
shifts.
We would very much appreciate your help in publicizing this event as well as the need for volunteers. Thank you so much!Pastor Pam
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Website should not be a forum for bickering
I personally feel that this web page should be about people needing to
get there fundraisers advertised and for people to know what events are
going on around town. Not as a forum for bickering and belly aching or
a typo or misread facts. A lot of people on here are older than I am
and should act like it. And leave the web site space to causes that
need to be on here not things that you can do up at your coffee shop.
Heather Peiffer
Should we be neutral on a moral subject? Dear Dave,
I
would like to know why there was a such a vote at the Saint Paul's
Church anyway? God has clear laws that we are to live and abide by and
He clearly states that marriage is between one man and one woman.
I
don't understand why everyone is justifying this by saying we are all
God's children, which we are, but we aren't judging the sinner we are
against the actual sin. If a church tries to accommodate everyone and
does not take a stand on certain subjects where does that leave the
church? Saint Paul's church in their many emails said that they stand
neutral on this subject, even though it does not appear that way to me,
but even if they do should the backbone of society stand neutral on any
moral subject? Also, it upset me to see that one of the Saint Paul
members was unclear about judgment day when it should be very clear in
all churches, no matter how liberal, exactly where you are going to go
and how you will get there. Sincerely,
Jason Timmerman
Owe St. Paul's an apology Dave,
I
feel you owe the people of St. Paul's U C C an apology in EDITORAL
FORM, just as you put the MISINFORMATION out there in bold print.-not
just a little blurb like editor's reply.
Also -letters to the editor must be signed to be published.
Where are the signatures on you misinformation ? Where did you get it? Should the same apply?
Joy Longman
Editor's
reply: Since you seem to pretty upset with this situation I am sure you
already know who the source is anyway. Do you want me to publish the
person's name so we can continue this childish bickering? My motives
for writing the editorial was to clear the air and help bring the
church back together. The fact that I worded it wrongly was my fault.
That didn't change the vote any. I have already apologized for not
reporting the issue as a vote not to send a letter to the national
synod taking a stance against gay marriage rather than as a vote to
support gay marriage.
Comment on St. Paul's Dave,The
St. Paul's vote, etc has stirred up a hornet's nest it seems. This is
good, and what MinonkTalk should be all about. My grandfather's picture
hangs in the basement of the church, on what I'd like to call
"Preacher's Row". I'm not taking sides on this issue, because I'm not there to cover my A- -. If you know what I mean. However,
I just got to thinking what these preachers would think about the whole
matter in the span of time they were there. Back in my grandfather's
day, the gay issue was in the closet, then as we progressed as a more
"liberal" society, the closet door opened at crack and kept on opening
little by little until we're where we are today; heading for full
acceptance of gay rights. Yes, we are all God's children, and He's always with us, putting us to the test. Stay well! Art Kettelhut
Response to editorial on gay marriage Dave,As
an active member of St. Paul's UCC, I feel I need to respond to your
editorial on the Gay Marriage Controversy at St. Paul’s. Please
note that throughout my email I will use the term same-sex marriage
instead of gay marriage, as I feel that the term "gay" is somewhat of a
slang term. First
of all, the vote that was taken at St. Paul's UCC on March 19th was not
about whether we (the congregation) support or object to Same-Sex
Marriages. On January 15, 2006, our annual meeting was held. During the
meeting Janis Megow requested that the members of St. Paul's UCC take a
vote to decide whether or not to send a letter to the General Synod
that stated, "We the members of St. Paul's United Church of Christ,
Minonk want to go on record as opposing Same Sex Marriages." Therefore,
the vote was not about whether we support same sex marriage or not. It
was about whether to send the letter or not. St. Paul's United Church
of Christ has not gone on record supporting gay marriages. It was
clearly stated that, a "yes" vote meant that the individual wanted a
letter to be sent and that a "no" vote meant that the individual did
not wish to have a letter sent. So, just because an individual voted
"no" did not necessarily mean that they support same sex marriages. On
March 19, 2006, I voted "no." Personally, I'm not for sure how I feel
about same sex marriage. However, I do not feel that I am one to judge
someone for the way that they choose to live their life. I know that I
have committed sin in my life as I'm sure that many others have and
although, I have repented for my sins, I'm unsure where my place will
be when my life here on earth is over. Does anyone really know what
will happen on judgment day? We are all children of God and I feel that
we need to treat one another that way. I
feel that the separation within St. Paul's United Church of Christ is
not just due to the issue of same sex marriage. Over the years, I have
noticed that there are many different reasons why people come to church
or why people stop coming to church. I'm not specifically referring to
St. Paul's UCC, because I believe that it happens in other churches as
well. People come to church for many different reasons, such as to
worship, because times are bad or because others want them to. On the
other hand, people stop coming to church for many different reasons,
such as they don't care for the ministers, they believe that they don't
have the time, because they don't get along with other members of the
congregation or because they don't agree on issues. Members come and
members go. But is it really about what "we" want? Your
statement, "What plays well in San Francisco will not always play well
in Minonk." Are you labeling the people of San Francisco? I'm pretty
sure that they are all children of God also. I
agree with your statement, "It comes down to a person's interpretation
of the Bible." If there was a room of 10 people and you gave them each
the same scripture and asked them to write down what it said to them.
Do you think that each one of them would interpret it the same way? I
also agree that is unfortunate that St. Paul's United Church of Christ
is at risk of losing some of it's members. However, the individuals
that are so bothered by this one issue from the General Synod meeting
are not even what I would consider active members of the congregation.
Some of them do not attend services regularly, send their children to
Sunday school, or volunteer their time in different areas of the
church. This group of members also sent mailings out to some members of
the church. However, they just signed them "the concerned members of
St. Paul's UCC." If they felt so strongly about their stance on this
issue, why did they not state their names? Did they not want to be
judged? I've got a pretty good guess as to where your information came
from and that is fine. But, it seems to me that you did not get the
whole story. And Dave, since you are a member of St. Paul's United
Church of Christ and felt compelled to write an editorial about the
church, why did you not look into the issue a little further? Why
weren't you at the annual meeting on January 15th or the congregational
meeting on March 19th? I
am very proud to be a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and
I am very proud to be a part of a congregation that joyfully accepts
anyone who wishes to attend.
Many good things have happened to St.
Paul's United Church of Christ in the past few years. Are you aware
that we have a mid-week program that ministers to approximately 30
children each week? Junior and Senior High Youth Groups that have
approximately 30 youth participating. We also have another program that
ministers to the community. It is called Study Buddies and it was
organized to help children with their homework after school two days a
week. Many of our members are also very active in the Vacation Bible
School program and the food pantry. I don't know about you, but I am
proud of all these things and proud that I am a part of such a
wonderful church. It
has been said and noted on paper that St. Paul's United Church of
Christ will be known as the "Gay" Church. Should we, as Christians
really be acting this way? Sincerely, Stephanie Fuchs Editor's
reply: I realize when I wrote the editorial that I would probably evoke
strong responses. My objective was to get members of the church not to
over react. Also, I may have been playing devils advocate but I felt
that because of all of the coffee shop talk that by writing the
editorial people would have a chance to make their positions known. I
think the rest of the community now has a better idea of the church's
stance and the coffee shop talk can subside.
Response to gay marriage editorial Dear Dave:
Let
me quote the exact motion the St. Paul's United Church of Christ
congregation voted on at its meeting on March 19, 2006. The minutes
read: "Xxx made a motion to have St. Paul's UCC go on record as
opposing same-sex marriage by having a yes/no ballot vote."
The
clear sense of the motion is this question: Should we "go on record" as
a congregation? The vote was 97 to 37 opposing the motion. The only
meaning of the vote was this: that as a congregation we take no stand
together on the issue. Each individual member is encouraged to study,
pray, and come to her or his own understanding about this issue.
This
is what is factually correct. As a congregation, St. Paul's United
Church of Christ neither affirms nor opposes the General Synod 25
Resolution regarding same-sex marriage.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel A. Gansch-Boythe
Senior Pastor
St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk
Thanks from St. Paul's church Thank you from St.Paul's United Church of Christ Youth Fellowship!!
Yes, it may be belated, but it is heartfelt. Thank you sooo much for
the support that the community and businesses showed our youth group in
our very first Chicken Fry. >
Without Paul Steinhilber, Brian Decker, Dee and Don Ragusa, Don
Schmillen, Jim Fewell, Bill Knack, Jess's Pub, Third Base Tap, (anyone
else I forgot) and everyone who purchased chicken dinners it would not
have been possible.
We leave on on our trip to South Dakota on Thursday, June 2nd. Because
of your kindness and support we will be able to help many children who
have very little.
We will post a picture when we return from our trip!
Thanks again, Suzie Schertz
St.Paul's United Church of Christ
Youth Leader
Chili dinner reminder Dave,
We
would like to remind the public that the Chili/Hot Dog
Dinner-Raffle-Bake Sale Fundraiser for Mikalie Stalter is being held
tomorrow, March 26. This event is being held at Fieldcrest South Gym
from 11:00am - 2:00pm. Mikalie is a martial art student who has been
invited to China to study with Grand Master WuBin. Grand Master WuBin
has a world wide reputation in the martial art of Wushu and has taught
such people as Jackie Chan and Jet Li. It is a huge honor to be invited
and an extraordinary opportunity for Mikalie. All proceeds will be used
to help fund this trip for Mikalie and her mother. In addition to the
chili and hot dog dinner, there will also be a great raffle table and
bake sale table available. There will also be martial arts
demonstrations by Mikalie and others at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. We hope
everyone can come support this great cause! Event Organizers,
Julie Schmitt and Barb Hahn If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute to this cause, contact
Julie 432-2681 or Barb 432-3003
Tickets for Fieldcrest fundraiser
The Citizens Advisory Council still has a few tickets left for the
Fieldcrest Extracurricular Draw down being held this Friday, March 17th
at the Rutland American Legion. A porkchop dinner will be served from
4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The draw down will be from 7:00- 11:00. Tickets are
$50.00 and include 2 meals and drinks. The organizations/teams have put
together some great gift baskets for the evening. We also have some
"big Ticket" items for the silent auction. Thanks to all who have
already purchased tickets and made generous donations. If
you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please call Tracy Schultz at
309-432-3959, Monica Kalkwarf at 432-2890 or Paula Wiesenhofer at
309-432-2331. Come out and celebrate St. Patrick's Day while supporting
Fieldcrest Extracurricular Activities!
Fieldcrest Citizens Advisory Council
Be a part of building Knight football tradition
Be a part of building Knight Football Tradition and signup for
Fieldcrest Youth Football. Signup will be on Saturday March 18th from
10:00 - 1:00 and again Saturday March 25th from 10:00 - 1:00 at
Fieldcrest South Lobby in Minonk. Kids going into 5th - 8th for the
06/07 school year. First time players bring your insurance card and
info along with a copy of your birth certificate. Returning players
just have to bring your insurance information and card. Playing fees
will be $45 which will cover equipment and secondary insurance. Don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Fieldcrest Youth Football Team. For Question Call: Coach Jason Buchanan 309-287-4236.
Burning of the ditches ritual I do wonder, Dave, about that "burning of the ditches" ritual ...
Eliminates the last vestiges of habitat for the wildlife in the area, with the fields empty. Seems a pity in a way.
The waterways and railroad right-of-ways seem to be the only places where wildlife can find habitat in Central Illinois.
Lynn Tweedt-Rabinowe
Citrine Golden Retrievers
& Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Citrine Kennels at Big Meadow Farm
Deer Island, Oregon
Editor's note: Lynn, unfortunately, you are right. In corn and bean
country, elimination of weeds and grass takes precedence over providing
wildlife cover.
Basketball DVD's available
If anyone is interested in any or all of the Fieldcrest Basketball
games that aired on Channel 13 this season, please Contact Jason
Buchanan at jason@superdvdproductions.com. They will be available in DVD format.
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