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This logo was used during the Easter Sunday service at Bethel Open Bible Church. The church used the popularity of the hit TV series to entice people who normally don't attend church. (Ross Farrow/News-Sentinel)

Local churches hold quirky Easter services

By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Monday, April 17, 2006 7:11 AM PDT
Comments (107 comment(s))

It wasn't your average Easter service at Bethel Open Bible Church. Many of the hundreds of people who attended the two services on Sunday were dressed rather informally, and they listened to some ear-splitting rock music, full of guitars, drums and loud amplifiers.

And the theme for the Easter service was based on a hit TV series. The South Ham Lane Church called Sunday "CSI:Lodi," in an effort to attract people who don't normally attend church.

Pastor Mark Wood told worshippers that everyone should strive to reach their fullest potential, because God wants everyone to do just that.

Wood spoke about the times he visited the gold rush country and looked at each town's cemetery to learn about the people who lived along Highway 49 in the 19th century.

"How many of those people have gone with unfulfilled potential?" he asked. "Books unwritten, songs unsung. How many great teachers and leaders didn't step up?"

Before Wood gave his sermon, two members of the congregation were in their pajamas lying in bed together — right on the stage. Ron McDonald, a board member at Bethel, portrayed a man experiencing a mid-life crisis while wide awake at 1:30 a.m. eating some ice cream at the foot of his bed.

He ended up waking up his wife, portrayed by Diane Prince, and telling her about how he needed his life to have more meaning than having a good job and family.

"Somehow, I need to know that what I do matters," McDonald said.

That led to Wood's sermon, one of almost 60 that pastors gave in Lodi. Easter services were also held in Galt, Lockeford and other communities.

The heavy rain spoiled some outdoor services, including three sunrise services with no sun. The sunrise services took place at Bear Creek Community Church on Lower Sacramento Road, at Lodi Lake, where First Baptist Church had its service, and a community service at Galt Community Park.


Ron McDonald, a board member at Bethel Open Bible Church in Lodi, portrays a husband going through a mid-life crisis with his "wife," Diane Prince, during an Easter Sunday service. (Ross Farrow/News-Sentinel)

Other churches moved their Easter services to accommodate larger crowds, such as Heartland Community Church, which had three services at Hutchins Street Square, and Horizon Community Church, which conducted two services in the Galt High School gym.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

First published: Monday, April 17, 2006

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Realist wrote on Apr 29, 2006 11:18 AM:

" We attend church to grow, and to learn not to judge others, to learn how to love. To worship and praise God and thank him for loving us. Many are at the beginning of their journey. "

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Realist wrote on Apr 29, 2006 11:14 AM:

" People in our churches are not perfect, in fact we are the farthest thing from it. We attend church to learn to live life the way we were meant to. "

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New to Bethel wrote on Apr 26, 2006 10:36 PM:

" How many other Easter services around town are still being talked about. The truth is the message was powerful and reached at least one person - Me! Pastor Mark, if you are not proud, you ceartainly have the right to be. Thank you. "

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Gotcha wrote on Apr 26, 2006 5:23 PM:

" Hey, maybe I just will someday! "

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To Gotcha wrote on Apr 26, 2006 4:05 PM:

" Maybe you should spend some time at Bethel and give up the internet. "

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Gotcha wrote on Apr 26, 2006 3:00 PM:

" I'm sure Bethel is a wonderful church. "

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Gotcha! wrote on Apr 26, 2006 2:59 PM:

" We're not angry and hostile, this is just the internet! LOL! It goes to show how gullible some people are..... "

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MISUNDERSTOOD wrote on Apr 26, 2006 11:57 AM:

" I guess you wouldn't defend the church that you attend if people were saying stuff about it? I defend my church because I love my church and the people there, and we are trying to do the right thing! I guess we will have to agree to disagree. "

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MISUNDERSTOOD wrote on Apr 26, 2006 11:55 AM:

" I don't have a problem w/feedback, I have a problem w/feedback that is not relevent because it is from people who were not in attendance on Easter....that is why I asked if you were there! "

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Where did the Love go? wrote on Apr 26, 2006 10:48 AM:

" I can not believe the anger and hostility in people today. God must be ashamed. "

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Franklin wrote on Apr 26, 2006 8:39 AM:

" Hey these so called Christians that go to church can be among the worst to judge others, so really ya'll don't have room to talk. If you all say you've never judged people in your whole life, you are a liar! "

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Second that wrote on Apr 26, 2006 6:08 AM:

" I agree with Support for Bethel. I don't thik I've ever seen so many people this qiuck to judge something they aren't involved in, except for the VCMS message board. "

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hippocrite wrote on Apr 25, 2006 8:41 PM:

" I love you "

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Franklin wrote on Apr 25, 2006 8:37 PM:

" Ha ha ha! "

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Support for Bethel wrote on Apr 25, 2006 7:50 PM:

" I said I don't even attend Bethel so don't call it my church. I just think it is a good church. You are being judgemental, though, and that in itself is mean and rude. "

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To: Bible pusher wrote on Apr 25, 2006 7:33 PM:

" If you are so confident about your church that's great, but you shouldn't have to defend it so much if that is your true faith. Actually you don't even seem like a nice person, so I would never attend Bethel, if this is how YOU PEOPLE ARE ! "

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To: Bible pusher wrote on Apr 25, 2006 7:30 PM:

" I give up, you win! It's obvious to me that you can't handle any feedback about the church, but yet feel the need to personally attack someone who has a different outlook on things. You call yourself a Christian? You sure don't act like one. "

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Support for Bethel wrote on Apr 25, 2006 4:16 PM:

" Oh, and Catholic Guy, I am ashamed to be of the same denomination as you. I would have never eexpected to hear that. The Catholic Church believes that we should not beat down other churches. Come on! "

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Support for Bethel wrote on Apr 25, 2006 4:16 PM:

" They just chose the name because CSI is about solving a mystery and this service was about uncevering who you are. There are so many judgemental people here who know nothing about the church, it sickens me! "

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Support for Bethel wrote on Apr 25, 2006 4:16 PM:

" Bethel is a great church that I have visited numerous times for their youth group. I have many friends who attend there. Are any of you thinking? This is not a TV show. "

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Where did the Love go? wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:40 PM:

" I did not feel pressured. I did not feel looked down upon. I felt welcomed and loved. I was impressed with Bethel Church and the people that go there. "

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Where did the Love go? wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:38 PM:

" I was at the service and Bethel had lots of wonderful people there to answer all kinds of questions. They did not judge me and they accepted me with open arms for who I am. "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:29 PM:

" were you at our church service on Easter? "

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Where did the Love go? wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:29 PM:

" We should love each other as Jesus showed us how to. Regardless of our background or our current morals. "

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Where did the Love go? wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:27 PM:

" Jesus loves the people lacking morals and pastors who try to reach those people and even those who put these pastors down. Bethel and thier members showed love to every person who walked into thier church on Easter Sunday, whether they regularly attend or not. "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:24 PM:

" that we all have a past and we need to accept people where they are....? You disagree w/me and then you say the same thing? I don't get it. "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 2:23 PM:

" "I have not lived a sheltered life, but I find a lot of "Churchgoers" have, and are unable to see life from other's point of view." hmmmm...isn't that what I was just saying???? "

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I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 1:02 PM:

" My vision is not narrow, as I do see "outside the box". I have not lived a sheltered life, but I find a lot of "Churchgoers" have, and are unable to see life from other's point of view. "

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I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 12:58 PM:

" Maybe it was a good service, but everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether or not YOU agree.If you as a Christian want to continue to disagree and push the issue, then you are commiting a sin yourself. Are you a Christian? I hope you practice what you preach. "

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I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 12:53 PM:

" Well I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one judging. You don't know anything about me, where I came from, but because I beg to differ, you already have your mindset about me. I'm not a bad person, I just don't agree with some things I see. "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 11:45 AM:

" I'll gladly let YOU throw the first stone! "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 11:43 AM:

" it isn't lowering our standards to play more upbeat music in our worship to God, and it isn't lowering our standards to reach out to people who need to see and feel the love of God and to feel accepted no matter where they come from...we all have a past! "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 11:41 AM:

" Who did Jesus spend his time with when he was on the earth? THE SINNERS! I'm sorry that your vision is too narrow to see the whole picture that God has put into the hearts of his people to reach the lost... "

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I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 11:14 AM:

" But then again, I guess if they went back to tradition, and enforced a few moral standards, they would lose members and the MONEY! "

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I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 11:13 AM:

" You want to accept people for who they are, but does your church support young girls that show up to Sunday Service dressed like a street walker? Miniskirt, boobs hanging out, etc. I've seen it all at local churches, and they SHOULD enforce SOME ethics and self respect. "

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I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 11:11 AM:

" But a church shouldn't have to lower their standards, to try and accomidate to "a certain generation". I guess if you don't get enough members, your church loses money, huh? Because that is was makes up most churches these days. It's always about the money! "

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The reason that we are trying to save the lost? wrote on Apr 25, 2006 9:03 AM:

" Because that is what we are called to do, "we are the salt of the earth"...why wouldn't you want to reach the lost w/the hope of the world...JESUS! He is the answer! "

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Question: wrote on Apr 25, 2006 9:01 AM:

" How many people does your "traditional" church service reach? The generation X as you call them, how many of them are going to want to go to your "traditional" service....that is who we are trying to reach, we are not trying to reach people who already attend church. "

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To: Bible pusher wrote on Apr 25, 2006 8:52 AM:

" The reason churches try to SAVE the lost is because children now days are harder to bring up "the right ways". You have children raising children, with little or no morals. They are called Generation X. They pretty much have the freedom to say and do whatever they want. "

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To: Bible Pusher wrote on Apr 25, 2006 8:47 AM:

" I attend a local Christian Church. I have also been to Bethel Open Bible as well. Personally, it's not my cup of tea. I thought the service was wierd! Has the thought ever occurred to you that some people like a more traditional church? "

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to: I wrote on Apr 25, 2006 8:42 AM:

" I'm sorry, I guess I just don't understand how you could have an opinion about something that you haven't experienced first hand??? You are making an opinion about someone elses opinion, it is not even your own thoughts.....come and then make a decision for yourself "

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I wrote on Apr 24, 2006 4:14 PM:

" Well then take it up with the Sentinel, who published this article and allowed us to comment on it. "

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to: TLC wrote on Apr 24, 2006 11:20 AM:

" It's all about the word of God reaching the souls of people who need Him in their lives! "

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to: TLC wrote on Apr 24, 2006 11:19 AM:

" I don't have a problem w/people have an opinion about our church service, I do have a problem w/people who weren't even at our church service having an opinion....and the bible is what it's all about, it should be quoted more often "

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TLC wrote on Apr 24, 2006 10:59 AM:

" Whether or not people agree with THIS TYPE of church service, people are still entitled to their opinion. People need to stop quoting the bible, because they too are JUDGING anyone who didn't care for it. If this is truly a good church, there should be no need for justification. "

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Are they talking like this about any other churches right now? wrote on Apr 24, 2006 9:09 AM:

" God is front and center in Bethel's hearts, loyalty and services. Pray in thanks for the attention that God is getting in Lodi right now..which was the point of Bethels service from day one. "

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Get over it... wrote on Apr 23, 2006 6:58 PM:

" Jesus said "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I haven't come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17-NIV)." If you 'righteous' are mocking this church, what did YOU do to help the sick, on the resurection day of our Lord? You hipocrates! "

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I wrote on Apr 23, 2006 3:08 PM:

" Hmmm....Why hasn't the LNS deleted this comment? Don't they have any administrators? "

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kv wrote on Apr 22, 2006 10:39 AM:

" I think fresh ideas bring people into the fold. "

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TO wrote on Apr 21, 2006 4:30 PM:

" Amen! And Lord please forgive Leonard for his unruly horrible comments and bad heart he is so lost and confused, bless him Lord so that he may see the LIGHT he truly needs your help right now In Jesus' name Amen "

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forgetmenot wrote on Apr 21, 2006 3:47 PM:

" Catholic Guy, we are all in the same boat with different paddles my brother. By the way, do you tithe? Think about your comment. To the Ladies and Gentleman post, If you weren't there how could you know that? Blessings/prayers for the Church and for Bethel Open Bible. "

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forgetmenot wrote on Apr 21, 2006 3:44 PM:

" . and my question to Leonard is, what would cause you to desire to know a personal God who meets you right where you are? That is what the illustrated sermon was all about. "

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forgetmenot wrote on Apr 21, 2006 3:41 PM:

" I would like to put my two cents in here. Leonard wrote that he would "like to know what denomination this so called Church belongs to". Ans. the Church belongs to Jesus not a denomination. It is a sum of all Christians on the planet. "

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TO: LEONARD wrote on Apr 21, 2006 3:30 PM:

" once again Leonard...always Leonard, you are truly unbelievable! Do you have a job? You were prob one of those kids who got picked on alot hu? "

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sadwrecker wrote on Apr 21, 2006 9:08 AM:

" PASTOR MARK WOOD AND ALL INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF THIS SERVICE SHOULD BE PROUD OF WHAT THEY DID.GOD BLESS AND ALL GLORY TO GOD!! "

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sadwrecker wrote on Apr 21, 2006 9:05 AM:

" I ATTENDED THE SERVICE AND CAN HONESTLY SAY IT WAS AWESOME! I THINK WE NEED TO BE MORE LIKE CHRIST AND LESS LEGALISTIC IN THE WAY THEY TRY TO REACH THE UNSAVED. IT AMAZES ME HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OPINIONS ABOUT THE SERVICE THAT WERE NOT IN ATTENDANCE. "

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I wrote on Apr 21, 2006 8:42 AM:

" Thank you, same to you. "

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Freedom of Speech wrote on Apr 20, 2006 10:47 PM:

" Dear I, Sending lots of prayers your way. "

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I wrote on Apr 20, 2006 8:11 PM:

" Well...This is what we call "Freedom of speech" so it's really not anyone's fault unless you blame the people who wrote the constitution. "

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just wondering wrote on Apr 20, 2006 8:42 AM:

" Ross Farrow I realize you were disappointed with the Sunday Services at Bethel but why did you feel like you had to publish it in the LNS. The normal person would have just continued their search for the church of their choice? "

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Happy ! wrote on Apr 20, 2006 8:16 AM:

" WOW!!! God Bless You Pastor Wood and Bethel. God didn't say it would be easy in these last days. And that's exactly where we are at. I am praying for you. Look at the positive side LNS just provided you some free advertisement. "

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question for Leonard wrote on Apr 20, 2006 12:27 AM:

" "not wattch some fat man with a bad hair piece cavort on a cheap stage." who are you talking about? pj guy? LNS says -it's 1:30am. why not call LNS and have them take your picture at 1:30am - that guy was acting, you're bedhead would be real. "

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unchurched wrote on Apr 20, 2006 12:16 AM:

" skilos...for churched people obviously resurection is celebrated...for people who "don't normally go to church" they are searching for a purpose, probably much less ready to celebrate something they don't understand. Rock on Bethel...and churches reaching people that aren't ready to jump through the hoops of 'religion' to meet God. "

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Skilos wrote on Apr 19, 2006 11:09 PM:

" There is no truth more powerful than the realization that death could not hold Jesus. On Resurection Sunday no other message should even attempt to compete with this eternal christian truth. "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:09 PM:

" If that drives the traditionalists away from the church, then they don't fully understand what they are supposed to do as a Christian. "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:08 PM:

" Do they sing the same old hymns? No. Is that what the lost want to hear? I'm sorry but no. I understand wanting to keep tradition but the whole purpose of the church is to reach out to the lost. "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:07 PM:

" It was trying to end some of this institutionalized church in Lodi, which should be done everywhere. And to touch the whole "ear-splitting rock" issue, look at some of the most successful worship groups out there right now. "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:07 PM:

" And stopped, they then build churches and become a “national park,” when the church as a whole should have continued on. So the whole "CSI: Lodi" thing was trying to do that. "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:06 PM:

" using an analogy of a national park and a wild jungle. The creators of the church went into the jungle and then eventually stopped, turned around and said, "Look at what we have created. We've done great." "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:06 PM:

" another way and having it not so "churchy" (as one may think) they made it appealing to the unreached. I have heard a pastor talk about how the church, as a whole, has made it so protected from the "grime" in the world, "

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Jungle Dweller wrote on Apr 19, 2006 7:05 PM:

" Let me help some of you out to understand why the service was not the norm for every church. The whole purpose is to bring people that don't know the Lord to him. Some of you may say that the skit wasn't needed but it helps communicate in… "

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Realist wrote on Apr 19, 2006 6:10 PM:

" You all need to go see it for yourself before you judge. God calls on us to bring more people to him, for him to love, for him to save from going to hell. Applaude this church for bringing Americas "Hollywood" culture to know God. "

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Leonard wrote on Apr 19, 2006 4:19 PM:

" If I wanted to watch CSI, I would turn on the TV not wattch some fat man with a bad hair piece cavort on a cheap stage. "

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hmmm....funny wrote on Apr 19, 2006 3:17 PM:

" who are you to say what God thinks? or what God would do? Jesus was persecuted when he was on the earth for speaking to tax collectors and such, I guess he wasn't doing what God wanted him to do, huh? "

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Save The Drama For Your Mamma wrote on Apr 19, 2006 1:15 PM:

" I don't think God would call unto people to run a church like a Circus Act. I'm just waiting for a pastor to start acting "Ghetto" and strut his head around, and tell his fellow members to "Talk to the hand" Yeah, that would really be reaching out to others!!! "

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hmmm....funny wrote on Apr 19, 2006 11:38 AM:

" God moves in different ways in different people, who are you to judge the way God has called certain people to reach others, just because God hasn't called you in that direction? "

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hmmm....funny wrote on Apr 19, 2006 11:38 AM:

" In the bible, Jesus was sent to the theives, the liers and the prostitutes, not to the "Holy" so to speak, judge not lest you be judged... "

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Ladies and Gentleman... wrote on Apr 18, 2006 8:40 PM:

" Thanks to the LNS, The Bethel Open Bible Church is now exposed to what it truly is. Jesus has left the building! "

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Angie wrote on Apr 18, 2006 7:58 PM:

" Jesus said the Laodicean Church thinks it's rich, in need of nothing, yet it doesn't know how poor, naked, wretched and blind it is. The bible forewarns: in the last days perilous times will come & men will be lovers of SELF & pleasure more than lovers of God. "

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Randi wrote on Apr 18, 2006 7:46 PM:

" I sat through our churches transformation years ago from sound preaching to drama and a concentrated effort to make everything upbeat. We became like other non-christian organization out their who smile on the outside but are literally dying inside.I am to the point of never entering another church. "

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aok wrote on Apr 18, 2006 4:44 PM:

" interesting "

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John wrote on Apr 18, 2006 3:48 PM:

" This forum demonstrates state of church today: everybody gives their thoughts on subject and then reader comes to conclusion based upon those opinions. Our "sense" is to come from the Bible (Proverbs Chapter 1 -- compare Judges 21:25). Please examine: Jeremiah 23:1, Second Thessalonians 2:11, Revelation 18:4, many others. "

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Catholic Guy wrote on Apr 18, 2006 3:38 PM:

" One more reason why I'm Catholic. The so-called Christian Churches are no more than pop culture events made to lighten your wallet! "

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OH MY GOODNESS! wrote on Apr 18, 2006 3:24 PM:

" all of this is making me laugh...who would have thought all this over a church who is encouraging people to find their purpose and potential in life!... "

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Whatever! wrote on Apr 18, 2006 11:29 AM:

" WOW!It doesn't take much to get those "religious" panties in a wad!I think the point of the service, was for those who are not saved to think about what their full potential could be through Christ.Should one seed sown grown that would be one less lost soul! "

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Embarrassing wrote on Apr 18, 2006 7:20 AM:

" Why even go to church anymore? I can get better, less silly and ridiculous entertainment on my television. I don't even like CSI. And isn't using the logo a copyright infrinement? "

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That's a church? wrote on Apr 18, 2006 12:19 AM:

" After seeing this, I now believe there is no longer a viable church in Lodi. Bethel needs to pray for God's mercy and forgiveness. "

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NuBee wrote on Apr 17, 2006 11:41 PM:

" all this condemnation for a church just trying to be relevant? Seems to me like we've got some scribes and pharisees in Lodi... (they're in the Gospel of Mark too.) "

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LoveLodi wrote on Apr 17, 2006 11:05 PM:

" Hmmm...doesn't exactly make me want to attend this church. I go to worship God, not to have my eardrums blasted. "

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Skilos wrote on Apr 17, 2006 9:51 PM:

" I fail to comprehend just how such a service is relative to Christianity's Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe CSI would be more compatible with His Passion on Friday. "

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Old Testament Rules! wrote on Apr 17, 2006 8:55 PM:

" This will entice people who normally don't attend church? I think this would scare people from church. "

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Lame wrote on Apr 17, 2006 8:53 PM:

" This is really a lame ad. The picture alone looks like a scene from America's Most Wanted! I once had church ladies at my door who asked me,"Have you found Jesus?" And I said, "Yes, he was at my house for dinner the other night!" Scared them off. "

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Soup wrote on Apr 17, 2006 7:20 PM:

" Welcome to Laodicea. "

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Jay wrote on Apr 17, 2006 6:41 PM:

" Just another poignant example of how patient and enduring God is toward our sin and the rank apostasy growing in the church today. Endured with grace by the Almighty so that in the meantime yet more will be saved elsewher before the Judgement call is ushered in. "

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Leonard wrote on Apr 17, 2006 6:28 PM:

" I wonder what denomination this so called "Church" belongs to. "

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Leonard wrote on Apr 17, 2006 6:26 PM:

" Gabe: I have to assume that I am one of the "lost" whom you are trying to attract and I have to tell you that CSI Lodi leaves me with absolutely no desire to attend you church. To be honest, the very idea seems stupid and juvenile. "

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CheckedReality wrote on Apr 17, 2006 4:49 PM:

" ...it's too easy these days...there is no more frontier left... "

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CheckedReality wrote on Apr 17, 2006 4:47 PM:

" A lot more people reached their potential back in Gold Rush days than they do now. It's the whole reason anyone is in Lodi now, those people... "

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Tim wrote on Apr 17, 2006 3:52 PM:

" These guys are awesome! What a great way to try and get people to understand who God is by using references to something today's culture - television! Way to go! "

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Gabe wrote on Apr 17, 2006 3:51 PM:

" I this day and age all we should care about is reaching the lost. The lost dont care about how Godly you are just how much you LOVE GOD. I think Pastor Mark went outside the box and aimed for the lost. Thats what Christ did. Go get em. "

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Tony wrote on Apr 17, 2006 2:30 PM:

" Church growth movement insanity. "

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Chris wrote on Apr 17, 2006 1:37 PM:

" Why not? This is fairly cool. As far as "abominations" and what not, you may need to do a bit more hermeneutics before making anymore accusations. "

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Thoughts to ponder wrote on Apr 17, 2006 12:01 PM:

" "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand..." Gospel of Mark--what does not belong in the church? It's happening now... "

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Leonard wrote on Apr 17, 2006 10:23 AM:

" I am trying hard to imagine what CSI could possibly have to do with Easter. What, were they going to do an autopsy on Christ? Frankly, this all sounds like it was in poor taste. "

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95242 wrote on Apr 17, 2006 10:18 AM:

" What a travesty of the Christian church. I believe God is placing judgment onto today's church with nonsense such as this. It's best to worship at home anymore. "

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Newdow Says wrote on Apr 17, 2006 9:11 AM:

" Feed that collection plate and keep supporting your pastor, even though some can't feed their own families. "

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IMO wrote on Apr 17, 2006 8:51 AM:

" i'm amused. have a great day! "

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