Prayer service planned for Kim Pegula

[chongli]

12 hours ago, KzooMike said:

Does Kim belong to this church?

 

Unlikely. From what I could find:

 

https://buffalonews.com/buffalo-magazine/the-billionaire-next-door/article_a48f64ac-0e96-5d1b-8f6d-1cf9e7007f47.html

[paywall, and my free views are up]

 

"The billionaire next door

 

May 1, 2015 — Terry was raised Catholic. Kim points to that as something that keeps them grounded."

 

That's why I said earlier it seemed tacky, since this move doesn't appear to have Terry's or Kim's blessing. It's like the church wants to benefit from this in some way.

[SoCal Deek]

1 hour ago, chongli said:

 

Unlikely. From what I could find:

 

https://buffalonews.com/buffalo-magazine/the-billionaire-next-door/article_a48f64ac-0e96-5d1b-8f6d-1cf9e7007f47.html

[paywall, and my free views are up]

 

"The billionaire next door

 

May 1, 2015 — Terry was raised Catholic. Kim points to that as something that keeps them grounded."

 

That's why I said earlier it seemed tacky, since this move doesn't appear to have Terry's or Kim's blessing. It's like the church wants to benefit from this in some way.

I’m not sure where this ‘take’ is coming from. Out of curiosity, I went on the church’s website and found there is ZERO charge for tickets to the event. They appear to simply want people to gather to pray for Mrs Pegula and want to make sure the crowd doesn’t overflow the building. I see nothing wrong with that. Do you know something else? 

[chongli]

1 hour ago, SoCal Deek said:

I’m not sure where this ‘take’ is coming from. Out of curiosity, I went on the church’s website and found there is ZERO charge for tickets to the event. They appear to simply want people to gather to pray for Mrs Pegula and want to make sure the crowd doesn’t overflow the building. I see nothing wrong with that. Do you know something else? 

 

There is no charge, but this will surely attract a lot of publicity and probably more donations to the church while making the church look good (to some at least). They are a big church and staff and seem to want to grow rapidly from their website. They have lots of expenses given their online presence. Their motives are questionable. It's something I would stay away from.

 

It's tacky since you just don't do something like this when the family has been mostly silent about this issue and seem to want people respect their privacy. (Sure, Jessica spoke a little, but the family had to eventually say something.) If the Pegulas did want to do something like this, you think there would be an announcement from them, with a non-denominational whatever. It's like the church is profiting from someone else's tragedy.

 

It's just something I wouldn't do absent the Pegulas official blessing. It's a bad look.

Edited April 16, 2023 by chongli

[BillsFan619]

11 minutes ago, chongli said:

 

There is no charge, but this will surely attract a lot of publicity and probably more donations to the church while making the church look good (to some at least). They are a big church and staff and seem to want to grow rapidly from their website. They have lots of expenses given their online presence. Their motives are questionable. It's something I would stay away from.

 

It's tacky since you just don't do something like this when the family has been mostly silent about this issue and seem to want people respect their privacy. (Sure, Jessica spoke a little, but the family had to eventually say something.) If the Pegulas did want to do something like this, you think there would be an announcement from them, with a non-denominational whatever. It's like the church is profiting from someone else's tragedy.

 

It's just something I wouldn't do absent the Pegula's official blessing. It's a bad look.

The article did say that there’d be a message from the Pegulas at the prayer service so it’d seem like the church has their blessing to do the service.

 

@SoCal Deek

[chongli]

27 minutes ago, BillsFan619 said:

The article did say that there’d be a message from the Pegulas at the prayer service so it’d seem like the church has their blessing to do the service.

 

@SoCal Deek

 

Ok, I misread the article thinking it said a message will be shared to the Pegula family. If they indeed have sanctioned this, then ok, I guess. But I guess I'd like to know what the message is, and if they really did approve or felt the need to say yes. [Kind of like when I was volunteering and mentioned a health issue with to a woman who was a member of this church, and she all of the sudden grabbed my hand and did a vocal prayer. I thanked her, knowing she meant well, but still.]

 

IDK, maybe it's just me, but something still seems weird about this. Just respect their privacy. They apparently (??) approached the Pegulas, not the other way around. Why were they looking for this opportunity?

Edited April 16, 2023 by chongli

[SoCal Deek]

11 hours ago, chongli said:

 

Ok, I misread the article thinking it said a message will be shared to the Pegula family. If they indeed have sanctioned this, then ok, I guess. But I guess I'd like to know what the message is, and if they really did approve or felt the need to say yes. [Kind of like when I was volunteering and mentioned a health issue with to a woman who was a member of this church, and she all of the sudden grabbed my hand and did a vocal prayer. I thanked her, knowing she meant well, but still.]

 

IDK, maybe it's just me, but something still seems weird about this. Just respect their privacy. They apparently (??) approached the Pegulas, not the other way around. Why were they looking for this opportunity?

It’s now ‘weird’ for people to gather in prayer for a public figure who is ill? No offense, but I hope I never get to the point where I either assume or feel that way. 

[Goin Breakdown]

I know the Kelly's are connected to one of the churches in the Buffalo area and have spoken at a few of them. Maybe there's a connection there. Maybe the pegulas were encouraged by the outpouring of support for Hamlin. 

[Beck Water]

On 4/14/2023 at 4:34 PM, DrDawkinstein said:

 

More likely there is a new project that popped up, like needing some roof and steeple repairs, and this is just fund raising by the church to pad their coffers while attendance is declining.

 

On 4/14/2023 at 10:13 PM, chongli said:

 

What they are doing seems tacky.

 

12 hours ago, chongli said:

 

There is no charge, but this will surely attract a lot of publicity and probably more donations to the church while making the church look good (to some at least). They are a big church and staff and seem to want to grow rapidly from their website. They have lots of expenses given their online presence. Their motives are questionable. It's something I would stay away from.

 

It's tacky since you just don't do something like this when the family has been mostly silent about this issue and seem to want people respect their privacy. (Sure, Jessica spoke a little, but the family had to eventually say something.) If the Pegulas did want to do something like this, you think there would be an announcement from them, with a non-denominational whatever. It's like the church is profiting from someone else's tragedy.

 

It's just something I wouldn't do absent the Pegulas official blessing. It's a bad look.

 

I understand the skepticism, because of all the stories there have been about mega-churches misappropriating funds and pastors of mega-churches misbehaving (and misappropriating funds).  We have our own family stuff against "prosperity gospel" here.

 

But of all the things in the world to be critical of or concerned about, a church holding a prayer service lifting up someone who's injured or ill seems low on the list.

 

It says they're sharing a message from the Pegulas, so there must be some kind of Pegula family approval.

[Mango]

13 hours ago, chongli said:

 

Ok, I misread the article thinking it said a message will be shared to the Pegula family. If they indeed have sanctioned this, then ok, I guess. But I guess I'd like to know what the message is, and if they really did approve or felt the need to say yes. [Kind of like when I was volunteering and mentioned a health issue with to a woman who was a member of this church, and she all of the sudden grabbed my hand and did a vocal prayer. I thanked her, knowing she meant well, but still.]

 

IDK, maybe it's just me, but something still seems weird about this. Just respect their privacy. They apparently (??) approached the Pegulas, not the other way around. Why were they looking for this opportunity?

Going off off of @Draconator and his post about the church building a subdivision.  In 2023, anytime a church physically builds a residence/community around it in an affluent area of town, while skimming off of the top, we should all be skeptical of all of their events. 

[BillsShredder83]

Proof life isn't fair. If you want to live a long healthy life, be an ahole, cause this stuff always happens yo the wrong people

[chongli]

3 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

It’s now ‘weird’ for people to gather in prayer for a public figure who is ill? No offense, but I hope I never get to the point where I either assume or feel that way. 

 

I personally would choose just to respect their privacy, but it's fine you and others feel differently. It's just me.

[Nextmanup]

1 hour ago, chongli said:

 

I personally would choose just to respect their privacy, but it's fine you and others feel differently. It's just me.

I'm with you.  

[Shaw66]

1 hour ago, chongli said:

 

I personally would choose just to respect their privacy, but it's fine you and others feel differently. It's just me.

The thing is that people have feelings about people like the Pegulas, and they need to do something.   It's not about giving something to the Pegs or violating their privacy; it's about satisfying the needs of others to do something to help themselves feel better. 

[Mikie2times]

4 hours ago, Beck Water said:

 

 

 

I understand the skepticism, because of all the stories there have been about mega-churches misappropriating funds and pastors of mega-churches misbehaving (and misappropriating funds).  We have our own family stuff against "prosperity gospel" here.

 

But of all the things in the world to be critical of or concerned about, a church holding a prayer service lifting up someone who's injured or ill seems low on the list.

 

It says they're sharing a message from the Pegulas, so there must be some kind of Pegula family approval.

I think for some people the thought of a church using it's forum or somebody like Kim who has been through hell,  as means to possibly increase publicity or branding is about as low as it gets. It's so low that even the faint risk of the intent not being pure is enough to draw a strong reaction. A lot of us don't exactly trust churches to not be this way. Perhaps the church called them and said we would like to do a prayer service for you, do you have anything you would like to say during the service? I doubt it could have been more than that. If you don't want to be skeptical about the intent that's up to you. As some have said, it seems a bit weird. If she was a member at that church it wouldn't seem weird at all. If that seems weird to you so be it.    

[4merper4mer]

17 hours ago, chongli said:

 

Ok, I misread the article thinking it said a message will be shared to the Pegula family. If they indeed have sanctioned this, then ok, I guess. 

You guess?  Would it have been better if Terry reached out to you for prior approval?

[LABILLBACKER]

18 hours ago, chongli said:

 

There is no charge, but this will surely attract a lot of publicity and probably more donations to the church while making the church look good (to some at least). They are a big church and staff and seem to want to grow rapidly from their website. They have lots of expenses given their online presence. Their motives are questionable. It's something I would stay away from.

 

It's tacky since you just don't do something like this when the family has been mostly silent about this issue and seem to want people respect their privacy. (Sure, Jessica spoke a little, but the family had to eventually say something.) If the Pegulas did want to do something like this, you think there would be an announcement from them, with a non-denominational whatever. It's like the church is profiting from someone else's tragedy.

 

It's just something I wouldn't do absent the Pegulas official blessing. It's a bad look.

You absolutely don't organize a prayer service without the blessing of the family.  Rule #1.

[BillsFan2313]

Me ex wifes cousin goes to this church. I guess it is more of a born again christian church

[papazoid]

jessie pegula's message to the players tribune was lengthy and heartfelt. it's obvious kim is not doing well and has a difficult road to recovery.

 

a prayer service at any house of worship can bring comfort to friends and family...ive been to many denominatations...they all take up a collection and encourage donations.....nobody is forcing anybody to give anything.

 

why anyone would find something negative in any of this is beyond me

 

 

Edited April 17, 2023 by papazoid

[DieHardBillsFan]

On 4/15/2023 at 10:53 PM, chongli said:

 

Unlikely. From what I could find:

 

https://buffalonews.com/buffalo-magazine/the-billionaire-next-door/article_a48f64ac-0e96-5d1b-8f6d-1cf9e7007f47.html

[paywall, and my free views are up]

 

"The billionaire next door

 

May 1, 2015 — Terry was raised Catholic. Kim points to that as something that keeps them grounded."

 

That's why I said earlier it seemed tacky, since this move doesn't appear to have Terry's or Kim's blessing. It's like the church wants to benefit from this in some way.

Why does support have to only come from their church? I am pretty sure her impact goes well beyond that as many have explained. People still believe in prayer.

[sonyab1974]

What?!?!! She passed away?! 😵

[C.Biscuit97]

I love Kim and hope she is doing alright. 

[Beast]

23 minutes ago, sonyab1974 said:

What?!?!! She passed away?! 😵

What are you talking about? 

[Dr. Who]

1 minute ago, Beast said:

What are you talking about? 

Poster read the thread title and made a hasty and presumptuous conclusion.

[Beast]

Just now, Dr. Who said:

Poster read the thread title and made a hasty and presumptuous conclusion.

Glad to hear that because it had me immediately searching for news.

[mannc]

1 minute ago, Beast said:

What are you talking about? 

It’s an understandable reaction.  When is the last time you heard of a church holding a “prayer service” for someone who is still alive? This whole thing is bizarre…

[Dr. Who]

Just now, mannc said:

It’s an understandable reaction.  When is the last time you heard of a church holding a “prayer service” for someone who is still alive? This whole thing is bizarre…

Seems rather odd to me and I am someone sympathetic to prayer and the role of religion in the public square. If a local church wants to include someone in their offering of prayer, that is certainly a valid expression of care and concern. Making some kind of publicized event of it goes beyond that and I suspect that is where some of the suspicion and feeling that something is not quite right is coming from.

[Beck Water]

14 minutes ago, mannc said:

It’s an understandable reaction.  When is the last time you heard of a church holding a “prayer service” for someone who is still alive? This whole thing is bizarre…

 

It's not that uncommon in these parts to have a prayer service organized for a church member with a serious medical condition - someone in a coma, or being treated for cancer, or otherwise seriously ill.  It's usually just the family and "Church Family" and sometimes friends outside the church.  A lot of Midwestern church denominations believe very strongly in the power of prayer for healing and it makes a lot of sense to pray for someone while they're still living, from that POV.  And for a serious illness, to feel that a bit more focus and duration than the normal call for prayers during a regular service might be needed.

 

I've never before heard of such a service publicized like this, or done for someone who is not a regular member of the church. 

 

Course there's a lot of stuff I've not heard of so. 🤷‍♂️

 

Edited April 17, 2023 by Beck Water

[Beast]

48 minutes ago, mannc said:

It’s an understandable reaction.  When is the last time you heard of a church holding a “prayer service” for someone who is still alive? This whole thing is bizarre…

I suppose. But don’t you think there would be a thread title saying she was no longer with us if that was the case?

[mannc]

Just now, Beast said:

I suppose. But don’t you think there would be a thread title saying she was no longer with us if that was the case?

To me, "prayer service planned for ______________" means that person has died.  As I said, just a completely bizarre situation.

[RiotAct]

Just now, mannc said:

To me, "prayer service planned for ______________" means that person has died.  As I said, just a completely bizarre situation.

nah I’ve seen prayer services for people in rough shape but still alive all the time.  Now, the term “memorial service”, on the other hand…

[Jukester]

20 minutes ago, mannc said:

To me, "prayer service planned for ______________" means that person has died.  As I said, just a completely bizarre situation.

Agree. That was my first thought when I saw the thread title. 

[Captain Hindsight]

10 minutes ago, Jukester said:

Agree. That was my first thought when I saw the thread title. 

Mine too, I did check google right away

[sonyab1974]

On 4/17/2023 at 10:31 AM, Beast said:

What are you talking about? 

There is a service for her. I'm so confused.

On 4/17/2023 at 10:35 AM, mannc said:

It’s an understandable reaction.  When is the last time you heard of a church holding a “prayer service” for someone who is still alive? This whole thing is bizarre…

Yes! Exactly! Thank you!

[sonyab1974]

On 4/17/2023 at 11:59 AM, Captain Hindsight said:

Mine too, I did check google right away

I did too!!!!

[SoMAn]

I don’t understand the need for communal prayer as opposed to anyone who wants to independently pray in solitude.
Does a group prayer somehow boost the signal to the creator to ensure it doesn’t end up in the ‘missed messages’ bin?  

 

I got the impression from Jessica Pegula’s public message that Kim is still recovering, but we probably shouldn’t expect her to ever be 100% back to where she was prior to her cardiac and stroke episodes. I think it’s likely she’ll always have speech and mobility issues. She’s lucky to have survived. God bless her. 

[pkwwjd]

Let me address a couple of points, since I am an ordained pastor in the Wesleyan Church (the same denomination as Eastern Hills Wesleyan).

 

First, Kim (Kerr) Pegula's family has a long history in the Wesleyan Church denomination, especially in WNY. Her dad has served in lay leadership positions for many years and Kim graduated from Houghton College (now University) which is one the five Wesleyan Church denomination schools for higher Ed. Yes, it is from the Methodist line of churches, definitely not prosperity gospel or super charismatic. While some larger churches have more revenue, typically our denomination sets the basic budget for pastoral salary, and it is not exorbitant (typically think around $600-700/week). I don't know any Wesleyan pastors that are rich according to American standards. Now relative to the rest of the world, we're all extremely wealthy ...

 

Secondly, it is not common, but also not unheard of, to hold a prayer service for those in serious health conditions. My church held one for a member who was intubated during the worst of COVID. She recovered and the family was supported through that time because of that service.

 

Lastly, why would we assume we pray for someone after they pass? From a Christian standpoint, the time that God could typically intervene is before they pass. King David, in 2 Samuel, fasts and prays fervently for his newborn son. When his son passed away, he got up, washed and ate some food. His servants asked why he was no longer "mourning" (by fasting and praying) ... David's response was essentially while the boy was living there was still a chance that God would show his grace and heal his son. Once he died, the matter was settled.

Edited April 19, 2023 by pkwwjd

[Marcus Aurelius]

I will pray for her with one of my mother's favorite verses in the Bible:

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43  And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44  She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45  'Who touched me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.' 46  But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.' 47  Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48  Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.' (Luke 8:40-48, NIV)

[Momma Pecoraro]

I know a Lutheran who converted to Catholicism last year at 59.

 

That’s all I got.

[boater]

11 minutes ago, Momma Pecoraro said:

I know a Lutheran who converted to Catholicism last year at 59.

 

That’s all I got.

Dad converted to Catholicism at 75. He found great comfort in it in his passing days. I'm considering the same.

 

That's all I got.

[Dan in Owego]

22 minutes ago, boater said:

Dad converted to Catholicism at 75. He found great comfort in it in his passing days. I'm considering the same.

 

That's all I got.

Might want too consider Orthodox

 

Know a couple who have later in life as well