Letters to the Editor 07-09-2002
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Singspiration - Pledge Of Allegiance - Grace Village - Purse Found
Singspiration
Editor, Times-Union:Shame on you, churches of Warsaw, Ind.
While you had a tremendous opportunity to participate in a Christian outreach, touching hundreds of lives in the entire Kosciusko area, with a non-denominational Singspiration, you chose to stay within your four walls.
On Sunday night, June 23, in Warsaw's lovely Central Park, a small group of theologians planned, set up and presented a wonderful community Singspiration. Many attended this inspiring event, giving glory to God and praises to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Joyfully singing without fear of condemnation, our voices could be heard all over downtown Warsaw.
My thanks especially go out to Pastor Daniel Berry of the Warsaw Wesleyan Church, who hosted this event, and their spirited choir under the direction of Pastor Jerroll Lehman. New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, under the pastorate of John B. and Debbie Lowe, presented music by their VBS kids; also two powerful solos by Debbie Lowe and Brandy Knox. (In addition, Pastor Lowe also preached a stirring salvation message during the morning worship service, which New Life hosted.)
Though this event was well-attended from many of different denominations, in the end, all pastors in attendance were asked to come to the stage. Sadly, less than a half-dozen boldly made their way to the front. This was a pitiful representation, when Warsaw can probably claim at least a hundred churches.
Whether non-participating churches were in fear of losing people through this ministry or funds because of the absence of an offering plate, I would venture to believe those pastors who participated and encouraged their people to attend actually gained some.
Though this might seem trivial to you, keep in mind, days later, we learned that the Pledge of Allegiance might have to be altered to remove "Under God," as it is now considered unconstitutional. Little by little, we can see our precious privileges slowly crumbling away. You chose to give up an awesome opportunity that people in other countries give their lives for. What will it take to open your eyes?
Donna J. Werstler
Larwill
Pledge Of Allegiance
Editor, Times-Union:Recently a district court in the West ruled against the use of the Pledge of Allegiance with the words "under God" in it. Once again, reference was made that it violates the First Amendment Establishment of Religion clause. This is not the case if you understand the wording and the intent of the founding fathers and authors of the amendment.
The First Amendment of the Constitution says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
First of all, please note that it cannot prohibit the free practice of religion by any individuals. If this ruling is made whole then those who want to recognize that there is a supreme being/god will be prohibited from doing so. By the way, polls show that from 90-92 percent of Americans believe in a god/supreme being.
Second, this perverts the intent of the framers of the First Amendment, men concerned about there being another Church of England. This was government-supported religion paid for by the taxes of the people. There were also restrictions on certain other religions and their practices. If one would research the statements of the founding fathers and their intent, one would see that they had strong feelings about encouraging religious beliefs as a means toward good and healthy society. For more information, see the book by David Barton, "The Myth of Separation." It is subtitled, "A Look At What Founders and Early Courts Really Said."
The courts have been making this "wall of separation" between the state and church since the 1950s without any legal or past precedence. They have no past precedent from either the authors of the Constitution or the early courts. This includes Supreme Court judges going all the way back to Judge John Jay.
There are four documents recognized that form the basis of American law. They are the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the Northwest Ordinance (1789). The Northwest Ordinance states: "Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
Notice the relationship between religion and the schools. This was during the term of John Jay as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He was also one of the three men most influential in the ratification of the Constitution. Surely it would seem if this idea was contrary to the intent of the Constitution, it would then have been ruled unconstitutional.
Maybe our courts should be more familiar with the history of the Constitution and its intent.
Hopefully sound knowledge of the facts and sound judgment will prevail in the higher courts. Then our kids will be able to exercise their freedom of constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
Don Moffett
Warsaw
Grace Village
Editor, Times-Union:I have lived here at Grace Village Healthcare Facility for over seven years. The Bible says, "To give honor where honor is due," so I would like to thank the staff and caregivers for such a lovely room and for being so nice and kind to me. We are like family here and it is home to me, hopefully for years to come. It's hard to put my thoughts into words, but I do love all of you here at Grace, and please forgive me if I seem harsh at times - as we grow older, our aches and pains cause us to say things we do not mean.
I would also like to thank my pastor, Wayne Whitaker. He is a wonderful man of God, kind and caring.
Rose Ann Williams, Grace Village
Winona Lake
Purse Found
Editor, Times-Union:A purse with money in it was left on the counter of the Cattlemen/Kiwanis Ribeye fair booth on Sunday, June 30. The owner may claim it by calling 267-4458 and identifying the purse and the amount of funds.
Neal Carlson, Cattlemen/Kiwanis Booth
Warsaw
Thanks To Harrison
Editor, Times-Union:
I would like to extend a great big thank you to Harrison Elementary School and all the parents who helped make our Chess Camp a huge success. We are very fortunate to be able to provide this worthwhile experience to our children and appreciate the assistance of many individuals, particularly Deb McClintock and Dick Rooker. We look forward to expanding our camp in 2003 to allow more students the opportunity to attend.
Carol Lyn Jansen
Warsaw
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Singspiration - Pledge Of Allegiance - Grace Village - Purse Found
Singspiration
Editor, Times-Union:Shame on you, churches of Warsaw, Ind.
While you had a tremendous opportunity to participate in a Christian outreach, touching hundreds of lives in the entire Kosciusko area, with a non-denominational Singspiration, you chose to stay within your four walls.
On Sunday night, June 23, in Warsaw's lovely Central Park, a small group of theologians planned, set up and presented a wonderful community Singspiration. Many attended this inspiring event, giving glory to God and praises to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Joyfully singing without fear of condemnation, our voices could be heard all over downtown Warsaw.
My thanks especially go out to Pastor Daniel Berry of the Warsaw Wesleyan Church, who hosted this event, and their spirited choir under the direction of Pastor Jerroll Lehman. New Life Christian Church and World Outreach, under the pastorate of John B. and Debbie Lowe, presented music by their VBS kids; also two powerful solos by Debbie Lowe and Brandy Knox. (In addition, Pastor Lowe also preached a stirring salvation message during the morning worship service, which New Life hosted.)
Though this event was well-attended from many of different denominations, in the end, all pastors in attendance were asked to come to the stage. Sadly, less than a half-dozen boldly made their way to the front. This was a pitiful representation, when Warsaw can probably claim at least a hundred churches.
Whether non-participating churches were in fear of losing people through this ministry or funds because of the absence of an offering plate, I would venture to believe those pastors who participated and encouraged their people to attend actually gained some.
Though this might seem trivial to you, keep in mind, days later, we learned that the Pledge of Allegiance might have to be altered to remove "Under God," as it is now considered unconstitutional. Little by little, we can see our precious privileges slowly crumbling away. You chose to give up an awesome opportunity that people in other countries give their lives for. What will it take to open your eyes?
Donna J. Werstler
Larwill
Pledge Of Allegiance
Editor, Times-Union:Recently a district court in the West ruled against the use of the Pledge of Allegiance with the words "under God" in it. Once again, reference was made that it violates the First Amendment Establishment of Religion clause. This is not the case if you understand the wording and the intent of the founding fathers and authors of the amendment.
The First Amendment of the Constitution says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
First of all, please note that it cannot prohibit the free practice of religion by any individuals. If this ruling is made whole then those who want to recognize that there is a supreme being/god will be prohibited from doing so. By the way, polls show that from 90-92 percent of Americans believe in a god/supreme being.
Second, this perverts the intent of the framers of the First Amendment, men concerned about there being another Church of England. This was government-supported religion paid for by the taxes of the people. There were also restrictions on certain other religions and their practices. If one would research the statements of the founding fathers and their intent, one would see that they had strong feelings about encouraging religious beliefs as a means toward good and healthy society. For more information, see the book by David Barton, "The Myth of Separation." It is subtitled, "A Look At What Founders and Early Courts Really Said."
The courts have been making this "wall of separation" between the state and church since the 1950s without any legal or past precedence. They have no past precedent from either the authors of the Constitution or the early courts. This includes Supreme Court judges going all the way back to Judge John Jay.
There are four documents recognized that form the basis of American law. They are the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the Northwest Ordinance (1789). The Northwest Ordinance states: "Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
Notice the relationship between religion and the schools. This was during the term of John Jay as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He was also one of the three men most influential in the ratification of the Constitution. Surely it would seem if this idea was contrary to the intent of the Constitution, it would then have been ruled unconstitutional.
Maybe our courts should be more familiar with the history of the Constitution and its intent.
Hopefully sound knowledge of the facts and sound judgment will prevail in the higher courts. Then our kids will be able to exercise their freedom of constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
Don Moffett
Warsaw
Grace Village
Editor, Times-Union:I have lived here at Grace Village Healthcare Facility for over seven years. The Bible says, "To give honor where honor is due," so I would like to thank the staff and caregivers for such a lovely room and for being so nice and kind to me. We are like family here and it is home to me, hopefully for years to come. It's hard to put my thoughts into words, but I do love all of you here at Grace, and please forgive me if I seem harsh at times - as we grow older, our aches and pains cause us to say things we do not mean.
I would also like to thank my pastor, Wayne Whitaker. He is a wonderful man of God, kind and caring.
Rose Ann Williams, Grace Village
Winona Lake
Purse Found
Editor, Times-Union:A purse with money in it was left on the counter of the Cattlemen/Kiwanis Ribeye fair booth on Sunday, June 30. The owner may claim it by calling 267-4458 and identifying the purse and the amount of funds.
Neal Carlson, Cattlemen/Kiwanis Booth
Warsaw
Thanks To Harrison
Editor, Times-Union:
I would like to extend a great big thank you to Harrison Elementary School and all the parents who helped make our Chess Camp a huge success. We are very fortunate to be able to provide this worthwhile experience to our children and appreciate the assistance of many individuals, particularly Deb McClintock and Dick Rooker. We look forward to expanding our camp in 2003 to allow more students the opportunity to attend.
Carol Lyn Jansen
Warsaw
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092