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Comments by Pamm - 13 Apr 2008

In Reference to: 13 April 2008 - When Is a Church Not a Church?

Bless you for today's sermon.

I enjoy and find hope in all of your sermons, as well as the inspiration and spiritual renewal I find on the All-Creatures site, but today's sermon was particularly uplifting for me. I miss not having a community church home and the accompanying fellowship. At the same time, I came to a point where I could no longer find peace, comfort and spiritual renewal within a body of worshipers who not only turned away from the message of compassionate living for all creatures but also refused to even listen to the message.

I grew up in the Methodist church and my parents were loyal and active members. My father was one of the people responsible for bringing "The Walk to Emmaus" retreats for both men and women to Michigan. I often heard our ministers speak out against smoking and drinking and it was never, ever allowed within the church or on church grounds. Whether individuals drank or smoked was a personal decision. To my memory, no one ever questioned or debated these teachings. No one ever smoked or drank at church or even asked for a champagne toast to be allowed at a wedding reception at the church.

I never, ever heard any of my ministers speak out against eating meat, animal cruelty, or other animal industry cruelties. To my memory no one ever questioned or debated these lack of teachings. Not only was it allowed at church functions but was actively promoted, as it seems that almost every social, fellowship and even fundraising activity involved, if not focused on, the consumption of our fellow creatures.

It took a long time for me to admit the "error of my ways" and to convert to vegetarianism and then to the vegan way of living. I gained far more than I lost, but I still miss having a church home.

Your work through All-Creatures has helped in a great part to fill that void. Today's sermon has been particularly special and an inspiring renewal of faith. It provided hope and faith that I am not the only person who believes that it is not enough to just say that one believes in Jesus Christ and that Christ Himself moved on to those who might listen rather than to continue to preach to those who turned away. I am grateful that you are here for those of use who desire a church fellowship, spiritual guidance and a renewal of our faith, hope and Christian purpose.

Thank you for your uplifting words for today.

May God bless you both and keep you in His Grace and Service,

Pamm Banduric

Go on to:  Comments by Frank and Mary Hoffman - 13 Apr 2008

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