Ministers in Johnston first gathering

One of the things I noticed when I arrived in Johnston is that there are a dozen good churches.  All of them have an excellent ministry and have a niche in the community.  But I also quickly determined that there was not a lot of ecumenical (inter-denominational) cooperation. As often happens with churches we quickly get caught up in our programs and with a lack of time our churches naturally focus on the needs of their own community.  Sadly that implies that we are not sharing the gospel, or even noticing the needs of our “Neighbors.”

How then to do we do evangelism or care for others?  Is it left to the individual Christian?  Is it only the outgoing pastors who find time and have the gifts to share their faith with others?  How can the, over a dozen, churches in Johnston work together to reach out to our neighbors with the good news of the gospel and care for the needs of those in our midst?

Well, here is an article that followed one of our first ecumenical gatherings.  Check out what was written in the Johnston Register on Thursday of this week.

Euthanasia (Part 2 of To Kill or not to Kill)

Check out this 2008 Time Magazine article on Euthanasia, or Fox News similar article.

After discussing the Death Penalty I thought that Euthanasia would be a breeze.  (But then I realized it had just as many intricate details that had to be thought out.)

Let me remind us once again that we are talking about controversial topics,(Thanks to Adam Hamilton and his book Confronting the Controversies) but we are respecting the views of all.  I invite everyone to this conversation knowing that we will not all agree, but that every perspective deepens the understanding and compassion of the whole.  I would also remind us that these issues are not salvation issues.  No matter what your view on these topics, salvation is only gained through a personal relationship of faith in Jesus Christ, and the grace that he extended to us through the cross.  So let me begin with a scripture text.

To Kill or not to Kill

Capital Punishment is one of those issues that can find many passionate opinions on both sides.  And the reality is that most of us cannot understand the depth of passion that some family members feel.  Recently in Iowa there was a murder and robbery in Algona and Humbolt that brought out many strong feelings of retribution and empathy.

Considering these crimes committed allegedly by Michael Swanson I am sure there are many opinions surfacing about what is justice.  On KCCI’s page you will find the facts and reactions of community and other readers.  This is obviously a boy who made a poor choice that will affect many people.  One victim left 10 children.  Families and communities will struggle to answer the questions; why, and what now?  And although he is only 17 there is already consideration of trying him as an adult, and in some comments I have seen people promote the death penalty.

In Iowa we no longer allow the death penalty.  This web page contains some basic facts about the death penalty in the US. As of 2009 there were somewhere over 3,000 people on death row in the in United States.

As thinking Christians we are faced (as the rest of society) with horrible acts that affect whole communities.  How are we supposed to respond to violent acts like this?  How do we balance the words of scripture and interpret God’s Justice and Mercy?  I hope you will follow the link and vote your opinion on Capital Punishment.