To the editor:

We are writing in regard to Mark Jakubauskas’ “Christian irony” letter published on Aug. 26. Mr. Jakubauskas misunderstands what is happening with churches expanding in Lawrence. While unable to speak for all of these churches, we can say something about the plans of Lawrence First United Methodist Church.

Growing the church is part of the Christian mission. When Lawrence FUMC decided to expand a second campus into west Lawrence in order to grow the church, we looked for community needs, including physical and material needs in addition to spiritual ones. Hence the gymnasium, soccer fields and classrooms, all of which will be available for public use. We hope the whole community will feel welcome to use all of our facilities.

Mr. Jakubauskas seems to believe that local churches do little to help the needy of Lawrence. However, FUMC hosts the Jubilee Cafe, participates in LINK, purchases school supplies for low-income children in Lawrence each school year, contributes money and volunteers for hurricane and tsunami relief, and sends members on mission trips throughout the world. These are just a few of the missions in which members of our church participate. Growing the church will help in expanding these missions, giving us more people and resources for mission work.

As to who is a good Christian, we do not get to decide that for anyone; God will be the judge. Concerning oneself with the piety of others is fruitless. Remember Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not … .”

Ben and Kristin Abbo,

Lawrence