Indexes
February 9th, 2010
February 8th, 2010
February 6th, 2010
February 5th, 2010
February 4th, 2010
February 3rd, 2010
February 2nd, 2010
The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.
- Will terrorists be given Miranda warnings? (75)
- Lodi Unified School District president issues warning to speakers over cuts (64)
- President Obama's first year (45)
- Many reject the politics of 'no' (45)
- Islamic symbol in mosaic — what is all the fuss? (44)
- Writer comments on Neely column (42)
- The Home Depot hopes to join Costco at Reynolds Ranch (41)
- Time to shed the convenient sham of 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy (34)
- We need to conduct respectful conversations (30)
- Tasered suspect claims he is Yosemite Sam (25)
ADVERTISEMENT
Fred Jantz, a retired Northern California executive minister, speaks Thursday during the Greater Lodi Leadership Prayer Breakfast at the Woodbridge Country Club. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Leadership prayer breakfast addresses challenges to Christianity
Lodi has participated in four decades of leadership prayer breakfasts, but Thursday's annual meeting of Christian community leaders had more of a political overtone.
Lodi City Councilman Bob Johnson urged the crowd of about 100 people to make their opinions known at next Wednesday's special meeting to retain the city's tradition of invocations at the beginning of council meetings.
"I personally think we should draw a line in the sand," Johnson said at Thursday's breakfast at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club. "I will not vote to silence ourselves."
The city is being challenged by a Wisconsin organization, Freedom From Religion Foundation, which objects to the use of the words "Jesus Christ" in prayers offered by local pastors at City Council meetings. A special council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Johnson said he will not apologize for his controversial statement that Lodi is a predominately Christian community. However, Johnson said the city should do more to invite religious leaders from Lodi who aren't Christian to offer a prayer at council meetings.
The prayer breakfast featured several other speakers, some of them addressing America's Christian heritage.
"We are in a civil war," said Bill Moersch, president of Management Recruiters National, a staffing, resume development and interview coaching firm from Galt. "It's not a typical war over land. It's over the spiritual role of this nation."
Moersch added that 29 of the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence were seminarians, which he said also confirms America's Christian culture.
The prayer breakfast has been held in Lodi, since 1965, except for a couple of years. It was limited to men until 1994.
Fred Jantz, a retired Northern California executive minister, speaks Thursday during the Greater Lodi Leadership Prayer Breakfast at the Woodbridge Country Club. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
In addition to guest speakers, four musicians performed — Devin Nishizaki of Lodi High sang the national anthem, Arianna Brusa of Tokay High sang "The Lord is My Light," and Garrett Daniel, a homeschooled student, performed "Shepherd Boy." Grant Willis of Federated Insurance played the violin as well.
Keynote speaker Fred Jantz, pastor of Quail Lakes Baptist Church in Stockton for 30 years and now an adjunct professor at San Joaquin Delta College, related how his mother gave him hope in life after his family escaped dangerous conditions in eastern Germany (then known as Prussia) during World War II.
Notable quotes
"The Word of God is the foundation of this country."— Bill Moersch, executive, Galt
"We pray that our leaders follow God's will and exert Christian-like leadership in our daily lives."
— Chris Phillips, financial adviser and Bible study teacher
"Even if we (Christians) don't get much respect, that's OK. God knows who we are."
— Fred Jantz, retired pastor
Jantz, his mother and brother had to rebuild their lives after leaving Germany for Los Angeles, where his aunt sponsored the family into the United States. Jantz's father was captured by the Germans because he refused to become a Nazi. He was never seen again.
Describing himself growing up as "a broken little kid," Jantz said, "the church has always been like a surrogate family."
Chris Phillips, who conducts Bible study at Calvary Bible Church in Acampo, said that everyone needs to ask their leaders where they get their vision.
Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.
Garrett Daniel sings "Shepherd Boy" during the 2009 Greater Lodi Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday at the Woodbridge Country Club. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Search for Ads 
Today’s Print Ads 
RSS Feeds
Reader Feedback
Billy Rubin wrote on Oct 2, 2009 12:36 PM:
I must have dozed through it.
Cog, it does no good to keep displaying your drug-addled lies; you either can't, or won't, see it. You are clearly, though, always willing to expand the lie. "
Cogito wrote on Oct 2, 2009 10:03 AM:
Billy Rubin wrote on Oct 1, 2009 3:07 PM:
I can tell you I’m dumb enough to keep giving you, a sanctimonious self-proclaimed born-again Christian, more chances to stop lying, so I guess I’m pretty dumb, huh?
You, who insists the Republican Party and Christianity are one and the same, apparently can’t imagine a religion other than either Republicanism or Christianity. To you, ONLY Christians are religious and those who are religious are exclusively Christians. "
Cogito wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:42 PM:
Billy Rubin wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:14 AM:
However, you lied and were caught lying. In fact, what you were caught doing is bearing false witness against your neighbor.
Now, as always, you try to blame someone else (me this time) for your inherent dishonesty.
But as I said, feel free! Lie as if there is no sin in it. LOL
What a worthless hypocrite. "
Cogito wrote on Oct 1, 2009 7:56 AM:
Robb wrote on Sep 30, 2009 3:37 PM:
I was referring to the "whackjobs", @ the meeting.... but if you have the desire to include yourself... that is not my business.. "
goandmake wrote on Sep 29, 2009 8:40 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 29, 2009 4:21 PM:
Yes, I see that, thanks. And we agree that a cc meeting does not need to begin with a public prayer. The thousands of dollars being put into this campaign sickens me. What a waste. "
Robb wrote on Sep 29, 2009 3:38 PM:
goandmake wrote on Sep 28, 2009 2:55 PM:
Bill was speaking in a spiritual manner and I am not surprised there is push back from those who are not aware of such things. Ephesians 6:12 tells us "For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
This is a spiritual battle and those of us who know God's truth should note those responding foolishly and sincerely pray for them. Remember it's "In God We Trust" not the foolishness of this world. "
Billy Rubin wrote on Sep 28, 2009 12:34 PM:
No.
On the Kinderman Scale your claim is a 1 (dishonest), Cog.
To state, "..."davidd" implied that the founding fathers were not religious men" is a lie on your part. davidd made no such claim. You are, obviously, at your liberty to lie to your heart's content, but the truth - however foreign to you - should still be pointed out. "
Robb wrote on Sep 28, 2009 11:43 AM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 28, 2009 9:11 AM:
rantraves wrote on Sep 27, 2009 11:57 PM:
rantraves wrote on Sep 27, 2009 11:49 PM:
Billy Rubin wrote on Sep 27, 2009 10:50 PM:
Was the comment in which "..."davidd" implied that the founding fathers were not religious men..." one of the many which have been censored by the LNS, Cog?
I thought I was thorough when I looked for it, but was unable to find any such claim made by davidd - can you please point it out?
Thanks in advance. "
Cogito wrote on Sep 26, 2009 11:19 AM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 26, 2009 11:05 AM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 26, 2009 11:03 AM:
So, some say the same as you. What does that have to do with allowing prayer at a cc meeting? "
4CivilRights wrote on Sep 26, 2009 9:01 AM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 26, 2009 1:21 AM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:54 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:53 PM:
"Moersch added that 29 of the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence were seminarians, which he said also confirms America's Christian culture."
...
Now, how does this confirm "America's Christian culture."?
And what about the other 27?
And, btw, a seminarian is not always a Christian. "
MEP wrote on Sep 25, 2009 9:17 PM:
Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 25, 2009 9:04 PM:
MEP wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:45 PM:
Uncle Stinky wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:24 PM:
freedom60 wrote on Sep 25, 2009 7:46 PM:
The sentence you quote from the Treaty of Tripoli is taken as a stand-alone statement and not in the context of the whole document which is misleading.
You are correct in that Benjamin Franklin believed in God but was unsure about the divinity of Jesus.
You are also correct in that many of our founding fathers believed not only in a higher power but in God. I am not convinced that your statement that they were not Christian is true. 29 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence had seminary degrees. I’m pretty certain they would have studied a lot about the Bible and Jesus to obtain a seminary degree.
What I find most disturbing is your judgment of Mr. Moersch’s motives. Since you don’t know Mr. Moersch personally and did not attend the prayer breakfast so did not hear the entirety of Mr. Moersch’s comments your judgment as to his motives are insulting and slanderous.
If you are really interested in what our founding fathers believed I suggested you do some research at wallbuilders.com. "
dogs4you wrote on Sep 25, 2009 7:08 PM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 6:19 PM:
Robb wrote on Sep 25, 2009 4:23 PM:
It is soo refreshing to know that the thinking in That room, is the minority... "
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 3:32 PM:
Is that what they're callin' them these days? ;-) "
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 3:24 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 3:10 PM:
dogs4you wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:58 PM:
voter wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:47 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:26 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:21 PM:
Well, at least Curves knows they are catering to women for a reason. Most men know they are not women and would freely admit it. It seems the CCC, up until 1994, must have thought that only men were interested in Christian concerns. Did they not know women were Christians too? Know your audience. ;-) "
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:12 PM:
So, everyone is distorting? "
iambic grape stomp wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:09 PM:
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:06 PM:
I agree. "
Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2009 2:04 PM:
Who's stopping you from praying to Jesus? "
dogs4you wrote on Sep 25, 2009 1:57 PM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 1:14 PM:
voter wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:46 PM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:25 PM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:22 PM:
davidd wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:19 PM:
1.The risk of a lawsuit is too great for a city that is strapped for cash and is already busy with too many legal battles.
2.Lodi is a city of many religions, and allowing prayer -- which history shows us will be mostly Christian -- is a divisive decision.
3.Prayer can stir emotions and ill will in those who have lived through persecution and seen the hate that many religious people foster. To many, prayer reminds them of excommunication from families, Prop 8, oppression of women, sexual abuse, and other examples of intolerance.
4.Citizens who wish to pray have a multitude of venues in which they can do so. A tax-funded building, in a public meeting, for government issues, intended for all citizens is not a venue for prayer.
We believe that all Lodi residents should feel welcome at City Council Meetings. You can likely sympathize with those who feel uncomfortable when a prayer of a different denomination is given.
Taken from:
http://www.lodiunited.org/why.html "
anthropis wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:13 PM:
basp wrote on Sep 25, 2009 11:35 AM:
Curves is a private business and can choose to do business with who ever they want. The city council meetings are public and mandated to be inclusive. "
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:47 AM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:45 AM:
anthropis wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:36 AM:
wtf wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:24 AM:
The irony is, while the "good" Christians were all for tormenting the Muslim people simply because they **were** Muslim i.e., religious persecution, now they're saying they're fighting a 'war' to preserve their faith?
Geez! "
4AStrongLodi wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:14 AM:
And women weren't allowed at the breakfast until 1994? Huh?
This group is all out about exclusion...and igonrance. "
anthropis wrote on Sep 25, 2009 10:04 AM:
Bush never ever rounded up people based solely upon their religious affiliation, your claim is a falsehood! "
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 9:33 AM:
wtf wrote on Sep 25, 2009 9:12 AM:
And while we're on the subject of persecution....where were all you rabid Christians when the Muslims were being rounded up as "terrorists" during Bush's regime?
Oh, that's right! You thought rounding people up based solely on the RELIGION was a **good** idea.
Hypocrites! "
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:49 AM:
Leave it up to those who hate God (and those who love Him) to distort the man's comment. "
Mazie wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:23 AM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:21 AM:
Cogito wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:18 AM:
Jenn H wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:12 AM:
Robb wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:07 AM:
Please take the time to educate yourself to the truth that surrounds you.
It make no difference whether you "pray" to allah, god, jesus, whatever...
//like anyone is listening anyway// "
davidd wrote on Sep 25, 2009 7:50 AM:
"The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
That is directly from the Treaty of Tropoli, signed in 1797 by John Adams and unanimously by every senator at the time.
Or this quote, from Mr Benjamin Franklin:
"I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some doubts as to [Jesus's] divinity".
http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2002/03/ben-franklin-quotes.php
Mr Moersch, our Founding Fathers may have believed in a higher power, but they were most certainly NOT Christian.
How dare you take their flee from persecution and use it for your own religious advancement. The irony is sickening. "
davidd wrote on Sep 25, 2009 7:26 AM:
Lodi United is made up of Lodi citizens, and people who work and shop in Lodi. We are of all religions. And we do NOT want to hear tax-payer funded prayer at city meetings.
A moment of silence is a perfect compromise. If you agree, please join us at www.LodiUnited.org. "
yeah you wrote on Sep 25, 2009 7:16 AM:
Mazie wrote on Sep 25, 2009 6:59 AM:
voter wrote on Sep 25, 2009 6:53 AM:
Funny, I thought we were having civil public discourse about a topic important to the community. It's always the fundamentalist who are just itching for a war. "
Comments on this story are now closed.