Letters: Rebuild Good Shepherd
January 19, 2013 12:00AM
Updated: February 21, 2013 6:14AM
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. His dream did come true.
I also have a dream and wish for myself and many people who believe in any church. This dream of mine has kept me awake, and constantly reminds me of my mission and obligation to, again, write of the quote “Faith can move mountains.”
As a rule, no one should discuss politics or religion. There are many views on these subjects. I agree, but sometimes, someone needs to write or speak out about a need more important than self-opinion.
I write about a church that is needed in our fast-growing village of Romeoville. The church I write about was behind my home since 1960. We moved in 1961. The church was then demolished. This hurt me and many others.
Good Shepherd Church had many people of different faiths. The church had daily A.A., Alanon, Alateen, Scouts, dart ball meetings and more. The Alanon program helped me, and A.A. helped my husband.
Our village has five vibrant, wonderful churches. The past and current people of the church I was familiar with, I honor and applaud. They have a church service in their preschool. They also have a very caring pastor.
Good Shepherd Church needs to be rebuilt. When I discussed this with current members, they say the church is only a building. But, a church reminds you of love, hope, peace and forgiveness. I constantly need to hear these words.
My dream and wish is to rebuild Good Shepherd Church. This would be a rebirth of a building that would stand erect for many years to come. This illustrates a community that is dedicated to God and the future of all residents.
Shirlee J. Pergler
Romeoville
Breaking down barriers
On New Year’s Day I attended the World Peace Day Inter-Faith Prayer Service at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. It ranged from Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist. The theme was “Breaking Down the Mysteries Between Us and Seeking Peace Through Understanding.”
The service, the people and the music were all inspiring. You had a feeling of total unity — a feeling that all are brothers and sisters. They also passed out flier about diversity dinners and a “Women Coming Together” event scheduled for May 18 at the Wheaton Franciscan Tau Center on Roosevelt Road.
If we could break away from our religious barriers and also our ethnic and political beliefs regarding separation, how different the world would be. Dr. Wayne Dyer eluded to some of this in his book, “The Shift.”
In reality, we are all one. May this New Year bring you to an understanding that our spirits are one with the whole.
Dee Philiph
New Lenox
