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Where's the Church in this time of crisis?
9/21/01 | me

Posted on 09/21/2001 8:41:59 AM PDT by dubyagee

I am a Christian, but even before this tragedy I was seriously disillusioned with the "church" as a whole. Where are the churches now?? Scrolling across the bottom of our television screens are names of companys and actors, who've donated millions of dollars to this cause. Where are the churches? Falwell and Robertson, where's the money?? Talk is cheap if action is not taken.

Firefighters, mayors, police, and the like have all been hailed as heroes. And rightly they are. But again I ask, where is the church? Is it out there, and we're just not hearing about it. Or is it truly still asleep after the wake-up call we've had?

If you've heard of anything the church has done through this, please post it here. I'd love to know the church is not as complacent in this time as it seems to be. Christ's church should be the light of the world all the time, but especially at a time like this....WHERE IS THE CHURCH?


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1 posted on 09/21/2001 8:41:59 AM PDT by dubyagee
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To: dubyagee
The Catholic Archdiocese of New York opened all its hospitals and other facilities for the treatment of the wounded and the housing of the displaced.

My parish and parishes around the country have taken up special collections to aid in the relief effort. Thousands of area Catholics (myself included) were exhorted from the pulpit to volunteer our time and money in solidarity with our priests, many of whom drove in from miles around to offer counseling.

Cardinal Egan of New York was on the scene of the disaster within 45 minutes with a gas mask on to help offer encouragement to the wounded and to assist EMT crews in evacuating victims.

I've also heard that many Baptist congregations from around the country have been sending volunteers, money and food. Given the media's ideology I am not surprised that I saw Jennifer Lopez' gift of $25K on the news while I saw no coverage of the Cardinal working with the rescuers throughout the night.

2 posted on 09/21/2001 8:52:07 AM PDT by wideawake
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To: dubyagee
My church is right across the street where it's always been, I can see it from here. Seems to have been full, often lately.
3 posted on 09/21/2001 8:53:31 AM PDT by ChadsDad
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To: dubyagee
Churches aren't quiet...most are simply satisfied to serve outside camera range.

Blessings!

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief: Sept. 20 cumulative status report
Sep 20, 2001
By Staff

Click to download Hi-Res Photo
Delivering help
Members of the Tennessee Baptist Convention's Disaster Relief team greet employees of UPS in New York City. The team from Tennessee is preparing food in the back parking lot of the UPS warehouse. Photo by Jim Veneman
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers continue as the major supplier of hot meals to the American Red Cross for distribution to search and rescue workers and others in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Volunteer chaplains and pastoral counselors also are at work alongside other Disaster Relief units and in a variety of other locations.

Following is the latest information regarding Southern Baptists' response as of 9 a.m., Sept.20:

Total Volunteer Days: 1,553

Meals prepared: 87,529

Locations and units activated:

-- Pentagon parking lot, Washington, D.C. North Carolina mobile kitchen.

-- New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn. Mobile kitchens from New York and
Virginia. Mobile shower unit from North Carolina.

-- United Parcel Service terminal, Manhattan. Mobile kitchen and shower unit from Tennessee.

-- City-owned warehouse, Brooklyn. Mobile kitchen from Kentucky, shower unit from Tennessee.

-- Raritan Baptist Church, Edison, N.J. Staging area for all incoming volunteers, staffed by a communication unit from Georgia.

-- Chaplains are assigned at various locations in New York, including the Comfort Center for family members of victims and the morgue adjacent to the World Trade Center site. Thirteen chaplains are currently in New York, including teams from South Carolina and Oklahoma.

-- Donors from 35 states have given more than $77,872 for the disaster relief, most of which has come from donations online at www.namb.net/dr. One hundred percent of those gifts will be used for disaster relief in the field, not for administration. Checks designated for Disaster Relief also may also be sent to NAMB by mail to P.O. Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543. Phone inquiries may be directed to 1-888-440-6262.

The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief network, which includes more than 20,000 trained volunteers, is coordinated nationally by the North American Mission Board in cooperation with state Southern Baptist conventions. For more information and updates, visit www.namb.net/dr.
--30--
(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: DELIVERING HELP.

4 posted on 09/21/2001 8:56:29 AM PDT by Johnstone
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To: wideawake
$25,000 from Jennifer Lopez is like me giving a nickel. What a farce.
5 posted on 09/21/2001 8:57:03 AM PDT by Ipberg
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To: dubyagee
"Where are the churches? Falwell and Robertson, "

I believe that Falwell and Robertson delivered a message and promptly got creamed. People want to believe what makes them feel comfortable. Any other message falls on deaf ears.

6 posted on 09/21/2001 9:00:01 AM PDT by Don Myers
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To: wideawake
I read a POWERFUL article about a priest giving the last rites to dozens of firemen before they went in.
7 posted on 09/21/2001 9:00:54 AM PDT by RonDog
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To: ChadsDad
Seems to have been full, often lately.

That's a wonderful thing but....Falwell was quick to point out the flaws in America, of which I don't totally disagree, but was he as quick to pull out the checkbook? Robertson, Hagee, Copeland...have they coughed up the almighty dollar? I hope that they have. My hope is that a biased media simply doesn't choose to report what the church has given in time and money. But my fear is that it is otherwise......
8 posted on 09/21/2001 9:01:00 AM PDT by dubyagee
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To: dubyagee
I know of at least 4 churches in the NC Triangle area that have sent money to NY and DC. Churches have provided counceling for survivors and rescuers. The only coverage I have seen about the church involvment was on FOX News where a Baptist Minister was interviewed at Ground Hero. You should know, by now, that the main stream media is not going to give much coverage to Christians doing what we are lead to do. If you want to know what "The Church" is doing check locally. There is a Church from Sanford, NC taking baked goods, cards, letters etc. up to NY this weekend. This is for no other reason than to encourage the rescue workers. Jerry Falwell & Pat Robertson are leaders of individual ministries, but they are not "The Church". The Church is not an organization it is an Organism. It is made up of people with different talents and callings. If you have an itch and your right hand scratches it that does not diminish the foot or the back. They are all part of the same body. That is what the church is. Hope this clears up some of your misgivings.
9 posted on 09/21/2001 9:01:59 AM PDT by bibarnes
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To: dubyagee
I believe the local Churchs have done well. Here in Texas, the Baptist churchs are outstanding. I can't speak of other denominations as I do not attend them. THe real Church is alive and well and helping.
10 posted on 09/21/2001 9:02:25 AM PDT by Texas_Jarhead
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To: Johnstone
BUMP!
11 posted on 09/21/2001 9:03:37 AM PDT by RonDog
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To: dubyagee
The Salvation Army (to which I've donated $100) has been in the forefront of offering relief in this disaster. As of a couple of nights ago, TV news reported that the Sal Army folks had already served nearly a half-million meals to the rescue workers.
12 posted on 09/21/2001 9:04:27 AM PDT by ArcLight
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To: bibarnes
Format Correct?
13 posted on 09/21/2001 9:05:57 AM PDT by Leonard210
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To: dubyagee
Our church - the Episcopal Church is responding directly through its parishes in lower Manhattan - and through our National Church Disaster Relief fund.

I know a number of clergy who have been on site since the beginning of the attack both in DC and in NYC and who are quietly supporting the work being done.

Perhaps a number of Churches are heeding Jesus' words about not calling attention to your acts of kindness - so that others may praise you.

14 posted on 09/21/2001 9:06:56 AM PDT by waspguy
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To: dubyagee
I don't mind you asking that question, (I think it is healthy to ask ourselves questions such as that one). The church (Speaking of the church at large) has responded and is responding. My own denomination (Church of the Nazarene) is collecting money for the relief through "Nazarene compassionate ministries." The Salvation Army (Which, by the way is a church) is raising much money for the relief effort. Catholic Charities, I guarantee you will be there. Southern Baptists will be there.

I believe (No, I can't remember where I found this) that churches raise more money by far than all other charities.

I am a pastor and we will be taking an offering the next few weeks for this effort.

15 posted on 09/21/2001 9:07:21 AM PDT by MKJust
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To: dubyagee
Please don't take this as sarcasm, but... Where should the church be? Why aren't you there?
16 posted on 09/21/2001 9:07:37 AM PDT by foolish-one
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To: dubyagee
Our church - the Episcopal Church is responding directly through its parishes in lower Manhattan - and through our National Church Disaster Relief fund.

I know a number of clergy who have been on site since the beginning of the attack both in DC and in NYC and who are quietly supporting the work being done.

Perhaps a number of Churches are heeding Jesus' words about not calling attention to your acts of kindness - so that others may praise you.

17 posted on 09/21/2001 9:07:44 AM PDT by waspguy
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To: dubyagee
The Episcopal Church and its brethen, the Anglican Church had special services in most churches last week in memory of the victims and to denounce terrorism and the slaughter of innocents!

This Sunday in most Episcopal Churches was a followup. Letters from Bishops all of the world were read in our churches. These letters condemned terrorism and backed President Bush, his cabinet and the American people! The reading of letters from Bishops all over the world offering their support and sorrow was incredibly moving for all of us. There were no dry eyes during this part of the service! The choir and their director/organist led us in several patriotic songs/hymns!

I'm sure that some liberal Episcopal Bishops are not opening supporting President Bush and his cabinet in ending terrorism, but they are in the minority!

The only problem that I have is the bishops decided to send all of our donations to the Red Cross. I would have preferred contributing to the Bishops in the DC area and NY and then the money would be sent down to the local priests and vestry to use where it was really needed. However, we didn't argue, we wrote a check as most of our members did on this past Sunday! That money has been sent to the Red Cross and earmarked for relief work in NYC and the DC area!

A few members were a little upset with our bishop and priest asking all of us not to take out our anger on American Arabs. This has to be a constant message from our clergy to us!

That is where and how the American Episcopal Church has responded and the Anglicans in the rest of the World! As a conservative I was very pleased and impressed with our church's response!

18 posted on 09/21/2001 9:08:25 AM PDT by Grampa Dave
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To: All,Texas_Jarhead
I believe the local Churchs have done well.

So far, from the posts I've seen the local churches have done wonderfully. Maybe the big "corporation" churches will follow suit. It's very sad though, that the main item in the media has been Falwells ill-timed comment. It doesn't speak well of Christianity in general. Maybe I was out of line for posting this, but the silence has been deafening.
19 posted on 09/21/2001 9:08:47 AM PDT by dubyagee
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To: dubyagee
ALL Churches should be praying for GOD's protection in this time of tribulation. I am not a big fan of shouting your good works from the mountain top. GOD sees and THAT is ALL tht matters.
20 posted on 09/21/2001 9:09:08 AM PDT by marty60
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