Spring/Summer 2022
Volume XXXVII, Number 1
In this issue
My summers during my teen years in the ‘fifties were highlighted by weeks at Mission Meadows Bible Camp on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in western New York State. There at camp pastors from the (then) Middle East Conference of the Evangelical Mission Covenant Church admonished us to persevere in the promises we had made to live by the gospel. They also warned us against false teaching and doctrine. In the Covenant Church, as in much of Protestantism in the mid-twentieth century, one important false kind of Christianity to avoid was Roman Catholicism.
The popular academic by Mark Safstrom
A distinction often made in the book market is between the popular book and the academic book, which is as true for history as for theology or any other discipline. The academic book is written mostly for a narrow audience, to specialists in the field, though there are best-sellers even in that category. The popular book is written to appeal to a wide audience of lay readers. Some authors are able to write to both audiences, though not often in the same books.
The English word passion comes from the Latin — to suffer, to bear, and to endure. The journey with Jesus on his final week takes us from the prophetic entry into Jerusalem to the place of execution and finally to the resurrection of Christ. It is a familiar story, and the very heart of the faith we claim and seek to live out. But I think John’s gospel brings a unique perspective, a different voice, as it presents Christ’s passion as ours too — even as we suffer and persevere through life.
Do not be afraid, Jesus said by Gracia Grindal
Book Review – The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ reviewed by Mark Knight
The atonement is the cornerstone of Christian theological understanding. The rest of theology rises and falls on Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. What took place in those fateful hours reverberates throughout history and encompasses everything about who we are as Christians. And yet we need to ask ourselves if it is ever properly and fully understood? Can it ever be?
Shedding light on the ‘sunshine singer’: J. A. Hultman by Tim Hanson
Somewhere around my late forties, a New Year’s resolution to take an introductory Swedish language class started a process of connecting with the Swedish part of my ethnicity. Within a few years, I was singing in the ASI Swedish Male Chorus and with the Salem Covenant Swedish Singers. My interest in Swedish hymnody was launched into high gear after a discovery at the house where I grew up.
Book Review: Power, Passion, and Faith reviewed by Ann Boaden
Emmy Carlsson Evald, suffragist, orator, church leader, mission-builder, tore through her eight-decade-long life like a whirlwind — and changed the world. She was a Swedish-American icon. She was a beloved and feared activist. But above all, she was a woman of faith, called, as she believed, to create a better tomorrow.
Gougeres share the aroma of welcome by Bonnie Sparrman
The title of this column has always been Taste and See, but for a moment let’s consider another of our five senses that is paramount to cooking and making others feel welcome. Let’s focus on our sense of smell.
Use what you have by Steve Elde
Jesus said with a smile, “You give them something to eat…” The story of the five loaves and two fishes from the gospel of John is the only miracle story that appears in all four gospels. It is the story of a lonely place and lots of hungry people and very little to work with.
Conviction plus humility by Greg Asimakoupoulos
Shortly after being called to serve my very first Covenant congregation in Seattle in 1978, I was introduced to the concept of Pietism. Shortly thereafter, I met a man who provided a face to the concept. Gilbert Otteson loved Jesus. He knew God’s Word. He had a heart for people. He spoke his mind unabashedly. He sang with enthusiasm. (Actually, he couldn’t imagine life without music.) He was a Mission Friend.
When the Holy Spirit came in power by Dan Pearson
In the fall of 1985, I was a student at North Park College in Chicago. I was involved in a campus ministry called College Life. Our pastor, Deb Gustafson had invited Steve Nicholson, a pastor from the Evanston Vineyard, to speak at our Sunday evening worship service. I had heard stories of amazing healings that had taken place through that ministry so I was excited to see what would happen.
Let’s ponder “how come?” Let the stories roll. by Penrod
“Why?” “How come?” These questions arise in us at an early age. Many people, parents in particular, have experienced a persistent child’s endless “why?” My friend, Tom Condon, can probably tell us a lot more as to when and how children begin to ask these questions. You and I have our own experiences as data. Remembering and reflecting on how we came into the light of consciousness is revealing and rewarding and interesting. If we are fortunate, we can gather additional data by observing and by being with children.
My evolving understanding of sexuality by G. Timothy Johnson
Because I am both a physician and an ordained minister, I have often been asked about my views on human sexuality. As my views have evolved over the years, my answer to that question has also changed. Now at age 85 I think my understanding of this issue is probably finalized so I will share it with anyone currently interested.
J. Thomas “Tom” Tredway by Phil Johnson
There was a grand party on a Sunday afternoon this April in East Moline, Illinois to celebrate Tom Tredway’s life. A lively crowd of at least 150 gathered at the Bend, a fine party space filled with sunlight streaming through tall windows.