Misquoted on the unchanging word of God

Dear Editor:
First, I would like to thank the Aurora News-Register for publishing last week’s article concerning our name change to “Westside Covenant Church.” Our congregation is diligently working to reach out to an ever-changing world. I appreciate the News-Register’s willingness to highlight our efforts.
Second, in that article I was unintentionally, but dramatically, misquoted concerning the nature of the Word of God. This misquotation put into my mouth words that are completely opposite of both my own personal beliefs, and also the beliefs of our congregation.  
Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).  Scripture, God’s Word addressed to us, is perfect and is not to be added to, or subtracted from (Revelation 22:18-19). The unchanging nature of God’s Word is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the unchanging message of forgiveness and salvation, passed down to us through the unchanging Word of God, in order that we might present this Good News to a constantly changing world. Like our brothers and sisters in Christian churches throughout Hamilton County and beyond, we at the Westside Covenant Church are striving to be faithful in this joyous and challenging calling.
Third, I very much appreciate the efforts of the News-Register to correct last week’s article. Other publications might be willing to let such a misquotation stand. The commitment of the News-Register to “set the record straight” is a testament to their concern for accurate and accountable journalism. Thank you.
Blessings,
Karl B. Larson, Pastor
Westside Covenant Church
        
Article stirs memories of Swedish Mission Church
Dear Editor:
I always enjoy feature or human interest articles, and reading about the transition of Westside Covenant Church particularly interested me as I grew up in what was originally the Swedish Covenant, or as we knew it, the Swedish Mission. When we moved to town my family started there around 1935. It was truly a mission church and though I was of Swedish decent with many relatives there already, that’s where we went.
The S. S. was a blend of many kids who did not otherwise have a church home and were invited to attend and join with the Swedes. I have many fond memories of that time and the many friends I made there. I opted to join St. Peter Lutheran here in Hampton when I married as that was my husband’s church home and we would be attending there. That was over 70 years ago.
I have one correction to make in the article. It was located on the northwest corner of M and 11th Street, across from where the Senior Center now stands and Roe Buick parking lot. The site of the Cinema was always a Safeway store and then Lee Miller’s Coast to Coast before the Schneider family purchased it. When C.A. Newman built what is now Roe Buick and paved the parking lot, they had an outdoor dance to celebrate, and that lot is still there, a good 75 years old.
Directly south of the church was a small house which became the Aurora Vet Clinic when the Doctors Hadley and Wiltfong came to town. My older brother W. E. “Red” Carlson, became their office manager and remained with them until retiring. The northeast corner had no building and at one time had been a dump of sorts as we often found “treasures” there. There was a produce station, “Pete Pedersen” where the youth center stands. I wrote checks and candled eggs for him on Saturdays. South of the alley was “De’s Cafe” and later Dick Carlson TV and Repair. Lots of water under the bridge, but also plenty of memories.
P.S. I think I got carried away with memories, and forgot to explain the early church.
My grandfather, Gustaf Carlson, emigrated from Sweden with a wife and their first child around 1885 and settled northwest of Aurora in the Monroe precinct. They attended the Siloa Church or as it was also known – East Monroe. The cemetery remains near where the church was located. I have a cousin (whom I never knew) buried there. The Swedish Mission replaced the old church when it disbanded and some went to West Monroe and some came to Aurora -- probably mostly the first generation who by then lived in town. I think the denomination was known then as “the Free Church,” of which Mamre near Marquette was also a member.
The Swedes were no different than other early settlers -- the church was very important to them. I remember having special services in Swedish, and I learned a few words which now wish I knew more of. My sisters and I sang in choir or alone, and my grandpa taught us one song to sing in Swedish. “If I Gained the World but Lost the Savior.”  
Thanks for listening. I’m glad they kept the stained glass window and the original organ, which Lorie Wadell plays so beautifully.
Noni Troester,
Hampton