Pastor PJ's Stuff & Things He Likes

Revelation Sermon Series

2010-05-31T09:58:00.002-05:00

To hear or download today's Sunday message by Pastor Moore click on title below:

"Wanted: Enduring Love" - Revelation 2:1-7 (Listen)
Revelation Sermon Series 03.pdf (Readable Copy)

Revelation Sermon Series

2010-05-25T15:37:00.002-05:00

To hear or download last Sunday's message by Pastor Moore click on title below:

"A Vision of Christ" - Revelation 1:9-20 (Listen)

Revelation Sermon Series 02.pdf (Readable Copy)

Revelation Sermon Series

2010-05-16T15:28:00.002-05:00

Started a series of sermons on the Book of Revelation today. There will be 27 sermons in all, ending with the Last Sunday of the Church Year, November 21st, 2010. I will try posting links to both the audio and PDF file versions each week. Comments are welcome, whether I respond or not. All praise to our Lord and King Jesus Christ. He is coming soon!

"The Time Is Near" - Revelation 1:1-8 (Listen)
Revelation Sermon Series 01.pdf (Readable Copy)

Easter Every Sunday?

2010-04-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

"There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, 'Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.'" —Jeremiah 31:6

“Can’t we do something besides going to church every Sunday?” said little Johnny to his dad. Sure, son, what would you like to do this Sunday? “Oh, I just want to stay home and play video games and stuff,” said Johnny. “But what would God think?” replied his father.
“I’m sure God will be ok without us, Dad!”

Isn’t that close to what we adults even think, whenever we decide to do something else besides get up and get ourselves and others in our family ready so we can all go to church? You’ve heard the story about the mother who woke up her son one Sunday morning saying, “Come on now its time to get up and get ready for church.” “Aw, do I have too! I really want to stay in bed and sleep this morning,” he said. “No, you can’t stay home now,” his mom scolded, “after all you’re the pastor.”

Yes, even the pastor has to make an effort to get to church some times. And, you know what? God would be ok without us, too.

But will we be ok without God? That’s the real question. It’s not like we’re doing Him some favor by going out of our way to be in His House of worship on Sunday morning. Oh, He misses us when we’re not there, at least He misses us being there where He wants us to be: in fellowship with our neighbors and friends in Christ, in thanksgiving and praise which ultimately does us more good than it does Him and in the Bible study that helps us to grow in understanding the role of faith in our lives.

What happens when we’re not there is what happens to us. It’s what we’re missing that feeds our soul and nourishes our spirit. It’s what keeps us alive and renews our sense of purpose and our focus on God’s love for us, and how we can show his love to others.

An old English children’s poem, illustrated with hands clasped and fingers inside except the index fingers raised and touching each other, went like this:

Here's the church, and here's the steeple
Open the door and see all the people.
Here's the parson going upstairs,
And here he is saying his prayers.

The thumbs together were the doors and when opened the inside fingers represented the people. But the way I learned it as a child left out the parson and ended with all the fingers outside the clasped together hands:

Here’s the church and here’s the steeple
Open the door but where are all the people?

Sometimes after Easter and when school is out that later picture seems all too real. This year’s Easter service at Trinity was filled with people and it was a joy to share in the worship with all who were there. But from the time of the Apostles after Jesus rose from the tomb every Sunday became an Easter celebration of the new life we have been given in Christ.

If you were to ask someone who starved himself to death why he didn’t eat, first he couldn’t answer because he is dead, but if he could wouldn’t it be silly for him to say, “I’m sure the cook was ok without me!” No, we must eat for our bodies to live and we must worship that we may live with Christ in our lives. Just as you wouldn’t unnecessarily miss a good meal, why would you likewise miss going to church? Sounds like a “no-brainer” to me, what about you?

FROM DARKNESS TO DAWN

2010-04-19T08:55:00.002-05:00

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." -Matthew 28:6-7

“How dark does it have to get before the night is over?” The question of a small child may seem without importance when one is struggling through a sleepless night. But with moral and spiritual darkness enveloping the night of our age we cannot help but speculate on the present course.

We would seem pointless to merely observe the many indications that such a night has fallen. Too often and too easily we decry what is happening to our nation with its loss of values and absence of leadership. We’re too negative; some will say while they can’t disagree with the prevailing circumstances that affects us all. Indeed, we quickly turn to more positive thoughts giving us hope that the night will soon pass. Are we any different than the unsure child seeking answers and confidence from a loving parent?

Enough with the bailouts and the president’s and congress’s health plan which many feel will lead us further into socialism and a national debt we can’t afford. Enough with questionable political practices behind closed doors of our government. Enough with alarm over encroaching gay rights activities, liberal bias in the media and a multitude of other disturbing trends in our society. “Enough!” we say. Enough! Let us look on the bright side. Let us think positive thoughts. Let us believe things will get better if we just do our job and don’t let our surroundings get us down. Isn’t this how we convince ourselves that the night is almost over—that dawn is almost here?

There are, unquestionably, many streaks of improvised light in this surrounding darkness. In our churches and Christian schools, in our homes and families, even in our jobs and neighborhoods, good people do good things and we enjoy many happy and encouraging moments that give us a degree of happiness and hope for a brighter tomorrow. There are certainly enough opportunities to concentrate our attention on flickering points of light in our lives instead of the outside blackness. And these are not inconsequential. They are not to be disregarded, especially where we see evidence of spiritual and moral influence and where Bible based Christianity still prevails in our hopes and in our dreams.

But there is still a better way to quiet the fear that gnaws against us—a better answer for the hope that lies within our hearts and gives us confidence of a new day. That is the guarantee of resurrection that our Lord Jesus Christ has given us. The hours and days immediately before the dawn of Easter morning were as dark as it can get on the earth. Jesus who brought new light into the world, a light that enlightens any soul from within, was extinguished on the cross. The forces of darkness had overtaken him in his cruel death. Gone was the One on whom anyone could look and be healed of all sickness and disease that inflicts darkness on our bodies, minds and souls. Gone was the life Who was the light of men. It seemed that darkness would prevail perpetually, that there would be no dawn, and that our greatest fear would be realized in the death and entombment of the Christ sent by God to help us.

We know that wasn’t the end, or we would not be here 2000 years later continuing our hope in the Creator’s purpose. The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection foretells the miracle awaiting us all. Our hope for a new tomorrow does not rest on the politicians, nor does it rest in our own feeble efforts at keeping the lights we depend on in our own worlds around us glowing. The dawn we truly await is one of enduring brightness which will remove all fear that night could ever again fall. This is not a desperate hallucination, as some would charge. It is not hope against hope, but it is based on concrete knowledge, concrete facts and concrete revelation which God has poured out into our hearts and minds.

Christ is Risen!!! We have cause for celebration of the Day to come prefigured for us by the Day the tomb was found empty and the risen Jesus appeared to his followers. This is the assurance we need to carry on through the night, no matter how dark it gets. For the reality is, it will most likely get darker before the dawn. But Jesus assures us, “Do not be afraid.” “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” “Go therefore and make disciples ...” The dawn is coming. Look up, for you know not when your redemption comes; but He is coming.
Amen.

LIFE AFTER DEATH!

2010-03-01T14:16:00.001-06:00

“Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
– 1 Peter 3:15

March is an appropriate month for our Lenten observance as we long for winter’s end and the beginning of spring. Lent began in February at the heart of winter as the church renews its focus on repentance looking at the Cross and Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. And an unusual winter it has been. We’ve seen more than our share of cold days and nights and with greater than average snowfalls. Yet it seems to fit the season, and yes ours is mild compared to our friends in the north and northeast. But we are looking forward to spring, new growth in our lawns, gardens and forestations. The warmth of days and nights with longer light with which to enjoy them offer great appeal while temperatures are still dipping below freezing despite periods of sunshine amidst cloudy skies. Our longing reminds us that there is still life after death.
That of course is the message of Easter, now only a month away and by then spring should be in full bloom. But it is never too soon to be reassured of the Savior’s promise. And Holy Scripture gives us all we need for our faith to be kept alive even when the days of our lives are dark, whether due to season or circumstance. God’s Word brings us light and hope, encouragement and insight when we need it most. As Christians, the Bible is our surest source of knowledge and truth concerning this life and the next.

But there is other evidence in support of our confidence as believers in the Resurrection. A recent book by Dinesh D’Souza titled “Life After Death; The Evidence” examines our hope from reasoned, scientifically based analysis apart from the Bible. The author of “What’s So Great About Christianity,” another important apologetic review, D’Souza looks at the latest discoveries in physics and neuroscience, at convincing philosophical deductions and conclusions drawn from anthropology and biology which lend further credibility to the prospect of life after death.
Further, Dinesh shows how the view that death followed by an expectation of life beyond our present has benefited mankind in many important ways: “This means that life after death is not merely a rational and even probable belief; it is also a conviction that sustains and strengthens our civilization.” He is also not absent in urging consideration of the Bible’s claims as the most logical place for one to go to for reconciliation. Four historical facts are accounted for: The crucifixion and death of Jesus by his enemies, the empty tomb, the verifiable appearances to his followers and finally their astounding accomplishments in spreading the faith despite persecution and martyrdom. “These facts are affirmed by the mainstream of modern historical scholarship,” he writes. “In other words, the resurrection is believable because it makes sense of all the other facts listed above,” he concludes.

True, for the Bible-believing Christian (is there any other kind?) research like D’Souza’s offers little to our need for understanding. God has clearly made a more than adequate case in his own Book. But we live in a world of growing agnosticism against ever-stronger atheistic influences. That is reason enough to be armed, for the purpose that we are “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” For our hope, though it includes the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, ultimately rests on one essential fact: our life after death.

Winter is nearly over! Spring is coming!

HOPE FOR A NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T14:11:00.000-06:00

“Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel.” – Colossians 1:5

2010: Is it the beginning of a new decade or is it the last year of the old? Sounds like the argument heard when we entered the new millennium 10 years ago (or was it nine?). Well, anyway, dating things is kind of arbitrary despite the meaning we put into them. January 1st is just another day on the calendar. It happens to be on Friday this year, but that’s only because our measure for years isn’t divisible by 7. Yet we fill it with significance anyway – another New Year, time to take stock, make some resolutions, set some goals and hope this year will be better than last. The Lord knows, and so do we, that last year had its fill of problems seemingly everywhere and for everybody. And of course we always begin with a celebration – a celebration of hope.

But hope can be an elusive thing if there are no foundations for it. A quick search of the Bible on my computer lists 169 occurrences of the word “hope” in 161 verses. The first time it is used is even speculative; Ruth telling her two widowed daughters-in-law there wasn’t much hope for her having new sons for them to marry so they should leave her and be on their way. The Book of Job, with all the tragedies that afflicted this poor soul, lists the word “hope” 19 times. But mostly it is expressed in negative terms as in one verse where he mentions it twice: Chapter 17, verse15, “where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”

This trend is quickly reversed, however, in the Psalms with 28 references. Here hope takes on new meaning, such as Psalm 33:18: “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.” And Psalm 119:81: “My soul longs for your salvation, I hope in your word.” And Psalm 146:5: “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” However, as might be expected usage by the Prophets is a mixed bag, frequently pointing to the false hopes that Israel tended to make. Yet there are a supply of concrete promises, such as in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Needless to say, perhaps, when we get to the New Testament positive references to hope far outweigh the negative. Matthew begins in 12:21, quoting Isaiah regarding the Christ, “and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” Though few in the Gospels themselves, Luke breaks out the word 11 times in the Book of Acts, and for the Apostle Paul it is a major theme, as in Romans 5:2: “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” And 2 Corinthians 3:12: “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” And Galatians 5:5: “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.” Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—.” And finally, Colossians 1:5: “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel.”

Therefore we have hope for a new year after all. The greatest is the hope we have in Jesus. That was what was missing in all the negative references and that is what gives us a positive outlook, regardless of all the reasons why 2010 may end with more disappointments than the year just past. Look up dear friends, our redemption is sure, God’s love is still sure, the grace of the Lord Jesus is always there and we have far more to be grateful for than we have not. May 2010 be one of increasing faith, love and commitment to Christ.

A CHRISTIAN DECLARATION

2009-12-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?”
They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:20-21

The Season of Advent, a new year on the Christian calendar, has come. A time of preparation, consecration, devotion and praise! Our Savior first came to take on our human flesh and blood as an infant, a baby conceived in his mother’s womb by the Holy Spirit, and began an earthly journey that led to his death as a sacrifice on a Roman cross. It is a story that we contemplate every year while the days grow short and the night grows long. Then, in the darkest night of the Northern hemisphere, we celebrate the birth of our hope. Yes, we know that Jesus’ actual birth date was not established by the Church until the 5th century and many scholars place it more likely in the early fall of our year. Others hold fast to the 25th of December in spite of the Roman celebration of Saturnalia which it replaced. Either way, however, it remains symbolic of a turning from darkness to light in the Nativity of our Lord.

Many in our day and in our culture and around the world see again a darkness coming over the world in which we live. It is not a new darkness, but one that cycles throughout human history when morality becomes increasingly and universally more corrupt; when governments grow more intolerant of individual freedom and the free expression of religious faith; when economies decline and lives are lost in poverty and disease and war and terrorist acts. In times like these Christians look up, knowing that our redemption is near. But we must not use that wonderful assurance, we know to be true, as reason for passive resistance when we have been given the means for humanities sake to act responsibly. For as sure as God has given us the Gospel in His Son Jesus Christ, releasing us forever from the bondage and decay of the world; He has also through divine providence given us systems of governance rooted in his Law by which we have access in civil matters to voice our objections and concerns so that right and reasonable laws prevail.

Over the last several months a new Christian declaration has been formed and signed by Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

1. the sanctity of human life

2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife

3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Their website at ManhattanDeclaration.org says the following:

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

It seems to me that in the darkness, as we proclaim the Light who came into our world, the above referenced declaration gives honor and meaning to the Christian faith given to us in our baptism. May you have a blessed Advent and Christmas Season, and at the same time consider your declaration for the sake of our culture. Look up the Manhattan one, read it and if you agree, sign it on line. I did, what about you?

Merry Christmas,

Pastor PJ

INQUIRING MINDS

2009-11-01T15:11:00.002-06:00

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:8-9

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. - C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Inquiring minds want to know. Is there a God who made heaven and earth and everything in it? Is there a final accounting for the life of man? Is there a life after this one where we can look forward to being in a better place? Is there a Redeemer who can save us from our deserved fate in death and give us hope that we have not lived in vain? Sadly, according to Lewis, not many are inquisitive of such things. It is more characteristic of our age to live in ignorance of such questions. The result of which is not only detrimental to the soul, but a cause of deterioration in present affairs.

Where are the minds today who like Peter found inquiry regarding the truth and value of eternal matters both beneficial to one’s present state of being but filled with hope for the outcome of life? They exist, to be sure. Otherwise Christianity would have died completely out long ago, Thanks be to the Word of God which continues to yield its benefit to inquirers of our generation. But trends in our culture of the West and specifically for us, America, leave us concerned. Not for the salvation of faithful inquirers guided by the Holy Spirit through the Word giving faith of our Fathers, but for those who lack interest in such things: Those in our own families, those in our neighborhoods, in our nation, in our government, our media and our schools of learning. How ineffective we have become, overall, and even in the Church to an extent, that Gospel redeeming influence is not making the impact we believe it should.

It is time for us to awaken, to be inquisitive about things that really matter, to ask tough questions and seek real answers pertaining to real and permanent things. It is time to take the Gospel seriously, not just in agreement but in dialogue, in the exchange of thoughts and intentions of the heart pleasing to our Heavenly Father. And this should be done in thanksgiving and expectation with demonstrated love where it counts. For only when Christians thinking of the other world are asking God what He would have us do in this one, will there be effectiveness in all aspects of life.

The believer, who truly knows where he or she is going, when their numbered days are completed and can rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, will make a difference. With Christ at our side, having redeemed us by his blood on the Cross, we will continue our inquiry of those around us, encouraging them with the Word to find the answers for themselves. This is our calling; this is our purpose.

SOMETHING ABOUT OCTOBER

2009-10-18T14:41:00.000-05:00

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” - Ecclesiates 3:1

I love October! Something about the change in climate, the change of season, the change in people when things cool down but don’t get too cold. It’s a beautiful time of year with the color of the leaves and the crispness that fills the sky. The interests of people also take on the flavor of football weekends, baseball playoffs and, in the south especially, the NASCAR Chase.

October is a particularly meaningful time in the church as well. Schools have been session since August, routines for families have been reestablished, vacation absences have subsided and worship attendance starts climbing again in anticipation of holidays soon to come. For us Lutherans we again focus on Reformation themes and our annual remembrance of Martin Luther’s 16th Century contributions to the faith and emphasis on Holy Scripture and salvation by grace alone.

To be sure Christmas and Easter, scripturally understood, concentrate on the major events in the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But October gives its own opportunity for grateful observance of our salvation’s cause in the Person of God’s Son, while in the midst of more ordinary activities connecting our daily Christian lives. It is a time when our faith is exercised in the more normal things of daily life without dependence on the trappings of secularized holiday observance. It is a time to walk and work as followers of Jesus among our neighbors and friends while enjoying the contribution of sports, schools and social activities to our culture. It is a time to live and work, worship and play, all in thankfulness to our Creator and Lord.

It is a beautiful time! Enjoy it and be glad!

The Darwin-Luther Connection

2009-09-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

This article by Dr. Ken A. Ham, is printed with permission from “For the Life of the World,” published quarterly by Concordia Theological Seminary Press, 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.

Whether it’s liberal theology, evolutionism, the age of the earth, or moral issues (e.g., abortion and gay marriage), these are all ultimately battles over the same issue. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, the Apostle Paul warns us about an ever-present danger: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Paul, in essence, is warning Christians that there will be efforts to seduce people away from a simple devotion to Christ and His Word.

To understand this text better, we need to go back to Genesis 3:1: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say . . . ?’ ”

From the beginning, the battle was over the authority of the Word of God. The first woman, Eve, followed by her husband, Adam, gave in to the temptation not to take God at His Word. Instead, he relied on his human reason to determine truth. All his descendants inherited a sinful nature that would be prone to refuse to take God at His Word, and instead they would make human reason their supreme authority.

This battle against God’s Word has manifested itself in every era of history. This year, Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is being celebrated, along with the 150th anniversary of his work On the Origin of Species. More than ever, secularists are using evolution to attack the reliability of the Bible.

On every side the Apostle Paul faced skeptics who questioned the clear proclamation of God’s Word. The early church faced several challenges to the authority of the Scriptures, including Gnosticism, which taught that man was his own god.
In the sixteenth century, the Roman Catholic Church’s sale of indulgences for forgiveness of sin and release from purgatory marked a climax in the elevation of human thinking above God’s Word. Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg Church door, challenging such indulgences. This act sparked a debate about whether the Bible or the church is the ultimate authority, and it essentially began the Reformation.

The battle against God’s Word did not cease, as a series of men and events sought to undo the positive effects of the Reformation. Behind these attacks was an effort to make human reason supreme and steer people away from the authority of the Word of God. It was another manifestation of Satan’s attack in Genesis 3:1.

In the 1800s, new speculation about the age of the earth and the evolution of life raised questions about the accuracy of the Bible. The growing doubts gained international attention at the 1925 Scopes evolution trial. The trial marked a symbolic turning point in Christendom and in American society. The media reported that Christians could not adequately defend Genesis. In the decades that followed, increasing compromise about biblical authority in Genesis 1–11 has made the church so weak that the Bible no longer impacts the culture as it once did. The Bible’s influence is largely gone because the church has allowed human reason (including Darwinian thinking) to invade the church and push aside God’s Word.

Today a new reformation is needed. It’s time for a new generation of reformers to stand up and call the church back to trust in God’s Word where it is most under attack: the history of Genesis. Apologetics ministries, including the new Creation Museum, have already issued the call to turn away from the opinions of fallible men like Darwin and stand firmly on the entire Bible.
Believers need to nail Genesis 1–11 on church doors across America! And as we take God at His Word, we can then watch the power of His Word transform lives and influence the culture. Christians should be praying that the Lord will rebuild the foundations of His house that shifted from the firm ground of His Word because of the works of people like Charles Darwin.

Dr. Ken Ham is the founder and president of Answers in Genesis-USA and the high-tech Creation Museum near Cincinnati, Ohio. He has authored or co-authored many books concerning the authority and accuracy of God’s Word and the effects of evolutionary thinking, including the just released Already Gone and the bestselling The Lie: Evolution.

BIBLE STORIES OR FACTS?

2009-08-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

What is happening to our youth in the church today? Or, we might ask, “Where are the youth in the church today?” Several recent studies have been addressing various aspects of these questions, but perhaps the overall problem is, “where is the Christian Church headed today?” The Hartford Institute for Religion Research drew some conclusions about the younger age of those who attend Megachurches, but pointed to the fact that most give little support to the church’s ministries. At the same time younger adults are more drawn to the large-scale, professional, high tech contemporary worship and the variety of activities they offer. Another study by the Pew Research Center highlighted the major differences in points of view of younger people and older people today. Claiming that the generation gap is now the largest since the 1960s, their survey showed disagreements over lifestyle, views on family, relationships and the importance of religion among other things. No big surprise there if one simply gauges the cultural trends of the day. And then there is an article in the Wall Street Journal last month titled “Why Sunday Schools Are Closing,” which describes the diminishing impact a movement little more than 200 years old is now having on the Church’s youngest.

Against these publically reported findings, comes another even more important study in the book “Already Gone – Why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it” by Ken Ham & Britt Beemer with Todd Hilliard. Analyzing a survey of 1000 young people in their 20s who had attended church nearly every Sunday in their youth, but no longer or only on holidays continued to attend, Ken discovered some extremely insightful comparisons. One amazing find was that those who earlier had attended both Sunday School and church were more likely than those with only church attendance to have greater doubts about the truth and authority of Holy Scripture. They were also more likely to accept premarital sex, gay marriage and abortion and less likely to view the church with favor. What a contrast to an expected outcome for youth raised with regular attendance in Sunday School.

One might conclude from these results that a reduction in Sunday School participation can only lead to improvement, but if they are going to leave the church anyway that seems to be a fatalistic approach. No, Ken Ham is rather encouraging and I would urge you to read the whole book which may be obtained from www.answersingenesis.org, a great source for many materials that support the authenticity and authority of God’s Holy Word. But the root of the problem in Ken’s analysis is the lack of authoritative and competent teaching which leads to doubts about the Bible as an accurate, dependable and historically valid record of God’s creation and ultimate loving and fulfilled plan for the redemption of Fallen Man through the person and merits of Jesus Christ. By teaching “Bible Truths” instead of “Bible Stories,” and substantiating the facts as presented in God’s inerrant Word, even in age appropriate ways, it is Ken Ham’s and my belief that we may see the trend reversed. And regardless, we will at least be more faithful in the commission of our task. It begins with Genesis, for if we can’t defend God’s first revelation about Himself how can we insist on the whole truth of Scripture without “undermining every single thing that we say.” (p.90)

Yes, we preach Christ Crucified, about trusting Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins and life everlasting, but we also defend the Word, live by the Word and stand on the Word without compromise. Does this come through to our children in Sunday School and in Church so that they are prepared when they face the doubters and naysayers in their maturing years? The Bible is not a collection of stories, often equated to myth, but is a factual accounting of God’s revealed knowledge to guide us on the path of life—to the Life.

PENTECOST WHAT?

2009-06-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

“You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; ... and you shall teach them to your sons...”-Deuteronomy 11:18,19

June is a very key month of the year. It is the beginning of mid-year for the calendar of the church. The church has now passed through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Easter, all within a six month period emphasizing the great historic and biblical themes about Christ’s birth, death, resurrection and ascension. We now enter the second half of the year, with all six-months under the Season known as Pentecost. We count the Sundays after the Sunday of the Holy Trinity (June 7th this year) as Sundays after Pentecost until we complete our cycle of annual worship.

But for many, it seems, the church year has ended with Pentecost Sunday May 31st. They’ve done their duty, they’ve been faithful throughout the important stuff of the year, like Christmas and Easter, and they’ve been fairly good with their attendance while the kids have been in school. Now its time for a break--a six month long break, except for dropping in occasionally. Or maybe only a three month break, since the kids will be in school again in September.

Of course, summer is a time for vacations and it is a beautiful time to enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors. And most people still have to work through most of the summer, but weekends are a good time to take it easy. Church may not seem to be much of a priority anyway—the choirs don’t sing and there aren’t any major celebrations to attract our attention. So why go to Church and Sunday School, at least so often, in the Season of Pentecost?

Pentecost, however, is as important for Christian worship as all five of the shorter seasons which precede it. In fact the wisdom of the church calendar is reflected in the length of time given to the Season of Pentecost. Such a period and frequency of worship is needed to give adequate balance to the climatic message of the Kingdom of God in Christ upon which we have been so dramatically focused until now.

The themes of Pentecost are as important to our Christian lives as those of Advent and Easter because now we look at our response to the Gospel. Have we been affected by the great truths of God’s Word which we have heard and experienced? Are the vivid images of our Savior’s incarnation and crucifixion imprinted deeply on our hearts and minds so that we carry them with us throughout the year? Does the miracle of the resurrection mean enough to us that we want to celebrate it every Lord’s Day?

The importance of every Sunday in June, July and August lies in the messages and themes that the Season of Pentecost offers. The color of the paraments in the church during this time is green, to signify our growth in the Christian life that has been won for us on the Cross. Our preaching will concentrate on how our lives may be empowered by the Holy Spirit, as were those of the early church under the ministry of the apostles. These lessons are indeed too important for the Christian to ignore or to gloss over just because it is summer time.

We hope this lesson in the meaning of Pentecost for the remainder of the church year will give you added incentive to keep your worship in the fellowship of your church alive and well this summer. For it is a time of refreshing in the wisdom of the Lord when we come together on these quiet Sunday mornings in Pentecost and let our hearts listen to God in the faith we have received.

WITH NO APOLOGY

2009-05-01T14:27:00.000-05:00

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. – 1 Peter 3:15

Easter has passed, though the season is still with us until Pentecost, the last Sunday in May this year. And so we might expect the critics and doubters of Christianity, who come out of the woodwork spoofing and scoffing at our faith in Jesus’ Incarnation and Resurrection, to crawl back until next year. But increasingly it is not to be. Our current decade has seen growing opposition in all forms of media. There seems to be a crusade against historic beliefs subscribed by the Bible and any trust in its accuracy or dependability as the revealed and inerrant Word of God.

For the most part Christians have taken Peter’s advice as only offering passive resistance. We can all wait for someone to ask us personally, which they rarely do, meanwhile doing little to defend our faith except to react negatively upon hearing of an attack. Yet the first part of Peter’s admonition goes unheeded by the large majority of the faithful, which is to “always be prepared.”
This is perhaps most critical among those closest to us – our children, families and friends. A lack of emphasis on why we believe the Bible to be true, and an inadequate understanding of why it is defensible, can easily be communicated as not being of great importance to our faith. And unless our faith, and its subjective qualities, is grounded in objective reality and substance we will be weak witnesses to it. We may even inadvertently be giving support to ideas that are contrary to Scripture and truth.

Recent reports that the percentage of self-identified Christians in America has fallen by 10 points in two decades (Newsweek, April 2005) combine with a survey showing only 55% of American Christians having a strong view of the Bible (Barna.org) to give us cause for waking up in the Church. The progressive liberal education, political correctness and pervading influence of materialism and naturalistic philosophies over several centuries are having an accelerated effect upon our culture and its Christian population.

But can we with “gentleness and respect” defend our position and even perhaps regain some credibility in the public square? Of the first question our answer should be a resounding yes, of the second who knows? But that isn’t our main concern; rather that we not only know what we believe but be able to give a credible answer to why we believe it and why our faith is supportable by rational and factual evidence. In other words, why we know the Bible is true in what it says about the origins of the universe and mankind, how it got spoiled in the Garden, God’s plan to redeem mankind from sin and the fulfillment of that plan through the Cross and our assurance of Christ’s resurrection guaranteeing eternal life to faithful believers in Jesus Christ.

We can begin by studying the Bible as a whole and understanding how this most amazing collection of Scripture has been given to us, the reliability of its human and divine authorship, and its history of transmission through prophets, kings, apostles and Christian pastors and teachers over thousands of years. For if we use the knowledge available to us and to anyone willing to consider it honestly and we know well the Bible’s story, then with guidance by the Holy Spirit and God’s wisdom we will be prepared to give our answer with reason and respect—and without apology!

Consider the effect of those first century Christians, convinced of Jesus’ Bodily Resurrection and the complete reliability of God’s Word. They turned the world upside down and history confirms that they and their followers did. Think what may happen if just American Christians having a strong view of the Bible increased from half to three-quarters or more. Nevertheless, may God’s will be done—with no apology!

CELEBRATING CREATION

2009-04-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. – 1Corinthians 15:22

Celebrating Easter, celebrating Spring, celebrating Creation – what do they all share? So much it is worth our contemplation as we enter April this year of our Lord 2009. And we certainly need something to celebrate this year amid all the doom and gloom that has set in for our country and our time in the world. The apostle Paul said it best, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) When better to apply such encouragement than now as we prepare to enter Holy Week on Palm Sunday, April 5th.

Celebrating Easter may come a little harder for some this year. So much negativity in the air it’s difficult to manage that positive outlook that Easter usually brings. But then we think about Jesus rising from the tomb overcoming death and proving that God’s love for us is still intact and our confidence is restored. Not in earthly things, but the things that ultimately matter most in life, things worthy of praise. Truly, the Resurrection of our Lord is cause to celebrate and to be given our thanks. Here we have reason for joy in our hearts to replace our sorrow for having our sins covered by the Blood of Jesus who died for them on the Cross.

Celebrating Spring has its way of lifting us up, if only after a rather dismal winter with waves of cold temperatures and a few storms we watched pass through with concern. Seeing the greening of trees and grass and the flowering of fields and gardens renews our appreciation that some things return with regularity. This gives us hope that the same may hold for the economy and the American way. Winter for these may be more long-lasting, but nature’s springtime offers some respite to our outlook as we hope for a better future for our children and for coming generations.

Celebrating Creation is also appropriate in a time when God’s divine providence in making the universe and all it contains is given less credence than it deserves and demands. Celebrating Creation has much in common with both Easter and Spring. All are about new life, all are about God’s power and love, and all give us hope of redemption and purpose. Celebrating Creation doesn’t mean to worship the thing created, but to worship the Creator for the fact and evidence of his creating hand over all the eye can see. When we do this on the basis of God’s Word, for He is the only one who can tell us about it—He was there!—then we are giving Him honor, glory and praise. When God completed creation in the beginning as Genesis tells us, He saw everything he had made and behold it was very good!

When we celebrate Spring by thanking God for restoring life that had lain dormant through winter we again recognize his goodness in all that He has made. And when we celebrate Easter by coming to our places of worship praising God for raising his beloved Son Jesus from the dead, we are again acknowledging his goodness to us. The Resurrection of our Lord declares the power of God to make all things new. Not only the newness of Spring and not only our newness of life in the Spirit through our baptism and God given faith, a new creation itself, but a new heaven and new earth in the promise of God at the final resurrection when we will be like Jesus.Truly we have much to celebrate and much to think about when it comes to Creation, Spring and especially Easter. Let us then rejoice in all our Creator has done for us. Happy Easter!!!

WORSHIP

2009-03-01T14:15:00.000-06:00

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. -Psalm 84:10

One of my favorite comments that I occasionally hear is when someone says they appreciate our worship services or that worshiping with us was an enriching experience for them. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that our offering is recognized as giving support to the worship of God’s people in our Sunday services.

Trinity’s regular worship preserves the traditional liturgical heritage of the Lutheran Church. Our form follows to a large degree from Martin Luther who reformed the Mass to ensure biblically sound teaching at the foundation of our faith. Luther, however, didn’t just have one “liturgy” but developed variations suitable to the season and to the contemporary needs of the church. Putting worship into the language of the people was one of his major contributions. Yet Luther was conservative in his approach, wanting to keep that which was beneficial for the heart, mind and soul, rather than making radical changes. Worship was to retain the dynamic sense of God’s presence and to raise people up to the appreciation of his holiness and grace. Participation of the laity was encouraged and hymn singing became as important as liturgical expression.

Central to Lutheran worship are the Scriptures. The opening prayers and absolution follow the Scriptures in form and content. The Introit which welcomes our Lord to our worship is derived from the Psalms. The Kyrie is our cry for the Lord’s help in all the needs of our earthly life, again biblical. The Hymn of Praise (Gloria in Excelsis) reflects the heavenly praise of God’s angels and saints gathered in his holy presence as we will one day experience before the eternal throne of Christ. We are transported to the mountain top and there we listen to God’s Word in the Scriptures and the Sermon of the Day. The Sacrament of the Altar invites our participation in holy communion with the saints of heaven and earth as we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord according to biblical and historical practice. Our worship is completed with prayers, anthems, hymns and spiritual songs as we make melody with our hearts to the Lord.

There is ample room within the form for refreshing variation in style and content, that our worship not become stale or only a rote offering of the flesh. Special services during Lent, Thanksgiving and Christmas also give us opportunities to experience different forms. Our choir and special music add substantially to every form and service, giving us joyful worship experiences to strengthen our daily walk with the Lord.

Some churches have given over completely to other styles of worship (usually called “contemporary”). Others have offered alternatives. Some of these have merit in attempting to reach the unchurched. Sometimes the rich heritage of Lutheran liturgical worship is discarded by the wayside. Our approach doesn’t satisfy everyone, but attempts to retain what is good yet with freedom to enjoy a variety of worship expression. We seek to enrich your worship experience without getting in the way of your meeting the Lord in the process. Sometimes we may succeed. Where we are lacking we pray for God’s guidance and direction. Above all, it is Him we seek to please and to serve. Yet it is for your sake’s that it is important we try. Please feel free to speak to your pastor with your thoughts on our worship practice and above all do not forsake coming as often as possible to worship our Lord together with us.

May we always continue to grow up into Him who is our Head, Jesus our Savior and Lord of all.

150 YEARS OF MISGUIDED SCIENCE

2009-02-02T15:16:00.001-06:00

"Darwin Day is a global celebration of science and reason held on or around Feb. 12, the birthday anniversary of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth."

Thus states the Institute for Humanist Studies website for organizing celebration events in memory of Charles Darwin and his instrumental work On the Origin of Species first published in 1859. Answers In Genesis, a Biblical Creationist organization, in their January-March issue of Answers magazine encourages all Christians to dig a little deeper in their understanding of the issues and evidence regarding the “science” of evolution that itself has evolved since Darwin’s theoretical propositions. This emphasis is particularly important at present in view of the growing indoctrination in our public media, schools and government at all levels and in every area affecting our knowledge and beliefs.

We are seeing more and more a hardening against anyone who holds to the necessity of a Creator or who incorporates a belief in the Bible into their views on scientific evidence and the origin of life or species thereof. Increasingly anyone who criticizes Evolution of its essential validity, despite many weaknesses and unsupported conclusions, is considered ignorant, fanatic and out of touch with reality. All true scientists, it is claimed, accept the general theory as unquestionable and voices to the contrary are rightly subject to ridicule.
The basic tenets of Evolution are that science can only deal with nature and matter and these can only be evaluated in terms of time, chance and Nature’s laws. Good enough, but the overriding bias that we see today is the importance of eliminating God or the possibility of an outside intelligence in the equation at all. In effect for all practical purposes Evolution has become a faith based universal religion that is not to be questioned.

However, on the other side the Christian should know that they are being maneuvered into a corner, they are being dismissed as irrelevant and that even their values are being questioned and in many cases discarded. The victims will be our children and grandchildren, if not including ourselves. The most significant evidence of this is the effect on national policies favoring abortion of unborn children and embryonic stem-cell research.

Yes, the Christian community, i.e.: people in our churches, need to wake up, dig in and try to understand the issues and the facts concerning the glorifying celebrations they will be hearing about in this Year of Commemoration for Charles Darwin. There are scientific disputes by true and legitimate scientists who disagree with Evolution’s consensus. There are alternative scientific theories of beginnings and the development of life on our planet that do not contradict Christian beliefs and the Bible that supports them. But you will not hear much about them, either in public media, our schools or institutions of government. You will have to dig for it – but its there and in abundance. Just remember, if you hear only part of the evidence and believe it you have been indoctrinated. But if you examine all the evidence and then you make a decision, you have been taught.

CHRISTMAS – DID IT HAPPEN?

2008-12-16T18:45:00.004-06:00

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

“The birth of God’s Son was no accident; it was not the result of unforeseen or uncontrollable events. The all-knowing Creator and Sustainer of all things is never caught off guard. God does not respond to human events; He superintends them. Nowhere is this divine omniscience more clearly seen or more profoundly delineated than in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Marvin J. Rosenthal, Not Without Design)

Also pointed out by Rosenthal and others is that though many great men of history are remembered with holidays on their birthdays, none have both their birth and death commemorated as is Jesus Christ. Yet as we approach the celebration of his birth as the Incarnation of God’s Son we again face the challenges of skeptics and humanists who want public observance curtailed if not removed. The increasing nature of these complaints in media, advertising and the courts lay stress upon a Christian celebration that has been practiced for many centuries. For true and faithful believers it may only be a distraction. Our devotion to Christmas is only a seasonal tribute to our Holy Savior whom we revere and adore not only for his Birth but his Death and Resurrection as well. The Incarnation is central to our core beliefs; otherwise his sacrifice would be meaningless. Probably this is why the secularists want to take Christ out of Christmas.

Last year a number of large retail chains backed off in not allowing their salespersons from greeting their customers with “Merry Christmas.” It again was given to personal choice as it should be. This December the American Humanist Association is running ads on Washington, D. C. buses with the theme: Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake." The subliminal message is of course, “there is no God and celebrating his Son’s birth is merely fostering superstition.” There is also a sort of “evangelical” spirit to their message of disbelief, which they have a right too as much as we with the Christian Gospel. But let us not be willing to back off in the public square with our message either. God in Christ sent his beloved Son Jesus to be born of a virgin, laid in a manger, glorified by angels appearing from heaven and worshipped by shepherds and by Wisemen from the East. For we have substantial and verifiable evidence in recorded history that these things happened. One may refuse to accept them, but no one can disprove them.

Did Christmas happen? Did God look down upon fallen man and see that the time was now ripe for the Savior He had promised to Adam and Eve, Moses and Abraham, prophets and kings to come into our human flesh, live and die but without sin. We say a resounding YES!!! He did! Alleluia! You want proof? You want evidence? Then be willing to accept it. Confess that we are sinners in need of grace, then accept and rejoice in the new life given to you as a gift from God in Jesus’ birth. Then truly you will be good for Goodness sake!

Election Concerns

2008-10-28T18:43:00.006-05:00

OK, I've avoided getting political with the impending national election until now. I have forwarded some emails to family and friends that pretty clearly identify me with a certain campaign. Most already know my preference among the canditates for president and vice-president. I have a McCain/Palin sign in my yard and stickers on our two vehicles. The fact that I am a diehard Reagan conservative is well-known by most who know me very well. But as a pastor of a congregation I do try to respect the fact that there are differing political views among Christians that have nothing to do with their faith or my proclamation of the Gospel. I will not and I cannot preach according to my political or candidate preferences although I have no compunction against the same about matters of moral conviction. I will and have preached and taught against abortion, gay marriage and homosexual preference as much as against sexual perversion or marital unfaithfulness, lying, stealing and murder. These are issues for which clear biblical inference and application can be made and fall clearly within my pastoral responsibilities.

But I am concerned enough about the outcome of next week's election that I am compelled to address the reasons why I am convinced this is the most critical determination American voters will make in my lifetime. This is not only a political issue, but I believe it is a religious one as well. Why might I say that even though the protections in our constitution and the rule of law in our society seem as adequate as they have ever been to assure a reasonable result with qualified legitimate winners representative of a democratically chosen government?

My problem is not with the process per se, but with the electorate itself. We live in what is called the "information age." One might think that this assures a positive outcome. Never before in history has there been such access to ubiquitous information as we have in our day. But with it also come the greatest opportunity for spin and subtle manipulation ever seen. And the main concern I have is how misled and deceived voters of all ages and interests can become via advertising, political speech and constant repitition of mantras intended to evoke an intended response. Talk about tax cuts for the middle class instead of for the rich, universal health care and spreading the wealth as if these are panaceas for our social problems are obscuring the real concern of electing a president empowered by an unchecked Legislature that will consider itself licensed to remake our nation in their own image.

The fear I have which is shared by many of my political persuasion is that we begin down the slippery slope where government again becomes supreme in its own eyes of being omnipotent, omniscient, beneficient to all and the final authority in all matters of life and purpose. This is a return to the ideal of pagan cultures of the past, a world in which Christiandom and the Reformation have delivered us culminating in a kind of government unique in the annals of history advocating freedom from tyranny and opportunity for all.

I am not completely satisified with John McCain's political views and have my own concerns about his potential administration. I do favor his desire to end our wars in the Middle East with victory, but I do worry about his desire to find compromise with those "across the aisle" and what that may lead to. But in terms of his commitment regarding judicial appointments and his economic principles and his commitment to maintaining American values and security in international affairs, I believe our future will be safer for Christian values and our purposes for the expansion of the Gospel with his administration.

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S

2008-07-18T15:48:00.004-05:00

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.” – Luke 21:25

The following is a recent press release from NASA:

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft has created a video of the moon transiting (passing in front of) Earth as seen from the spacecraft's point of view 31 million miles away. Scientists are using the video to develop techniques to study alien worlds.
"Making a video of Earth from so far away helps the search for other life-bearing planets in the Universe by giving insights into how a distant, Earth-like alien world would appear to us," said University of Maryland astronomer Michael A’Hearn, principal investigator for the Deep Impact extended mission, called EPOXI.

When I came across the above announcement while checking headlines from the Fox News Gadget on my Google Homepage, I was reminded again of how foolish and shortsighted most scientists and their followers are when they examine the universe with their sophisticated equipment. My first impression when viewing the video online and watching the moon passing over the earth was one of awe and appreciation for God’s magnificent creation in which we live. Their primary interest is in the vain search for any kind of extraterrestrial life to substantiate their idea that our life and our planet are not unique, the product of billions of years of random chance. Though some might postulate the possibility of a Creator or superior intelligence affecting our existence, most seem unconcerned in their quest for validation of their preconceived conclusions.

I am certainly not against space exploration of any kind for the sake of gaining knowledge or seeking usefulness and resources for our human needs. The efforts themselves, though at considerable cost, are likewise fruitful and have yielded many benefits to our lives as earth-bound people. My early career in aerospace engineering and manufacturing gave me an appreciation for scientific exploitation and its practical effects. But what a shame when the beauty of God’s Creation is not appreciated for what it really is: His loving provision for living creatures made in His image that the Bible calls man, “male and female he created them.” And then he gave us authority to rule over all the earth and over all living things.

Yes, we human beings have made a mess of things and we can expect that sinful man will continue the process, especially among those who fail to appreciate what our Heavenly Father has done for our reconciliation and welfare. Sending his Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and give us new life in Him further shows the purpose and intent of his beautiful creation.

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

The End of Our Journey

2008-06-28T16:47:00.001-05:00

On Friday we stayed at the campground relaxing until evening when our group held a potluck at the campground pavilion. Then we gathered again in a central location for a campfire before heading off to bed.

Today, Nelda and I left the campground with no specific plan but did stop at Uncle Bill’s Flea Market, strung out on the highway as we headed toward Dillsboro. Bought a couple items, including an Elk Ridge pocket knife for me and a Rooster embossed hot plate for Nelda. Have to find out from Butch if I got ripped off on the knife! Then we stopped in Dillsboro at a craft store, then on to nearby Sylva just looking around. There we found the Heinzelmannchen Brewery where we enjoyed a beer tasting treat of 6 or eight different brews (who’s counting?). The young assistant to Braumeister Dieter Kuhn gave us directions to the Mill & Main Restaurant nearby where they served their beers on tap. It was a delightful lunch and after several glasses of Heinzelmannchen Kilted Gnome Scottish Ale (a High Gravity 7.5% ABV ale, “wee bit lighter than most with a hint of smoked peat flavor, balanced maltiness and a lingering hop note with a warming alcohol finish”) we came back to camp where I was ready for a brief nap, then a quick cold swim in the pool.

Tonight we will join the group a last time before leaving in the morning for home. One of the ladies is sharing a pot of beans and rice, which is probably all we’ll need to eat after our filling lunch. It has been an enjoyable time, meeting new friends, seeing new sights and just getting away for a few days. But we are ready to go home and pick up where we were and continuing the ministry that the Lord has given us in his mercy and grace.

Trail of Tears and Other Things

2008-06-28T16:44:00.001-05:00

Cherokee NC is only 10 miles from our campground, so Nelda and I took off to get our tickets for the play without knowing where to get them. Several years ago when we went to Robbinsville with Butch and Mavis they took us to Cherokee as we saw the sights in the area. That was when the Indian in one of the shops told Nelda she was supposed to let the man walk ahead of her and for her to get behind me as we left his store. This trip she definitely didn’t want to go back to that shop, but not to worry—we would never be able to distinguish which of the many such shops in the town it was. A young Indian maiden in a local convenience store gave us directions to the Mountainside Theatre which we found easily enough but with the ticket office closed. We then located the ticket office in town, got our tickets and a Subway for lunch before heading back to the campground.

About 4:30 p.m. we joined the other Dixie Chapter folks in a caravan and headed to Sylva for a delightful supper at B’Regards then on to the theatre for the drama. We all sat together with our red “Dixie Chapter” t-shirts in the General Admission section and waited for the show to begin. Then the rains came, not much but enough of a thunder shower we headed for shelter above the seating area until it passed. Meanwhile the show was underway, first with a choir and comedy skits, then a fourteen scene play that depicted the whole history of the Cherokee nation with emphasis on the Indian Removal Act under President Andrew Jackson whose life had previously been saved by Junaluska, one of the Cherokee warriors that helped the U. S. Army at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. This was the traitorous act as seen by the Cherokees that led to the Trail of Tears with the loss of many lives as they were forced to migrate to the Indian Territories—now Oklahoma. It was a moving drama which we thought well done, but not to the same quality for some who had seen it in years past. All in all it was a very entertaining evening.

A Ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

2008-06-26T14:21:00.001-05:00

Wednesday we took the Tuckasegee River Excursion on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad from Dillsboro to Bryson City and back. Dillsboro is a small mountain tourist town near Sylva and only about 4 miles from the campground. The trip along the river takes about an hour and a half each way with about the same time at Bryson. At the train stop is a museum of Lionel trains with a large and extensive display of model trains in full operation on a beautiful scale mountain table setting. We splurged on the Club Car tickets and enjoyed our beer and wine in comfortable chairs along the way with a large picture window to view the scenery. Lots of rafters and kayaks full of waving participants and other pictures I’ll share later.

Back at the campground we put some Johnsonville Brats on the grill and relaxed a while before going down to the Dixie Chapter campfire and joining our new friends for an evening of tall tales and good conversation. Met some Dixie members from the LCMS church in Foley who are looking for a new pastor, but I told them we still like Gadsden. It’s a small world after all! Anyway, tonight looks like we may go to Cherokee with the group and see “Unto These Hills,” the outdoor play about the Trail of Tears. Let you know more later.

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN VACATION

2008-06-25T08:16:00.002-05:00

Relief from heat and beautiful surroundings in the mountains of North Carolina, what better way to enjoy a week of vacation at the Holly Cove RV Resort campground? Nelda and I arrived safely pulling our TrailManor camping trailer through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests to the Great Smokies near Bryson City, N.C. This trip was planned to meet other TrailManor owners of the Dixie Chapter Trailblazers having a Get-Together this week.

After an uneventful trip up I59 to Tennessee, I24 through Chattanooga and briefly on I75 to Cleveland, TN, we began our trip along the Ocoee River on US74 through the lush forests and scenery leading to Whittier, NC, and our campground. Along the way we saw many rafters on the white water rapids and the frequent blue busses carrying the rafts back to their head waters. We also found a nice roadside table for our lunch and a later very attractive rest stop near Andrews, NC. Much of the way was 4 lane, but in the heart of the National Forests along the rivers was winding 2 lane and slow going. But we arrived in mid-afternoon after 5 ½ hours got checked in, set-up and began enjoying the cooler fresh mountain air at an altitude of about 2600 ft. We also met a few Trailblazers who had already arrived, but most were coming in the next two days.

Tuesday, we hiked one of the trails from the campground, met some more Dixie members then went off to Sylva and nearby Dillsboro to check them out, get our train tickets and find the local Wal-Mart for a few supplies. Nelda found a Cross-Stitch shop in Dillsboro that carried other craft supplies and bought some sock yard to add to her knitting time. Then back to camp and a quick swim (the water was cold) before back to our site and a Taco Salad supper with appropriate adult beverages. The campground featured an informal white elephant Bingo game in the Pavilion which entertained us until we gave up and began our hike back up the hill to home. Along the way we stopped to meet and visit some Trailblazers who recently arrived then relaxed listening to the Angels and Braves games on XM (Angels won, Braves lost). Wednesday we are taking the 4 hour train ride from Dillsboro on the Great Smoky Rail Road. Should be a good trip.

Lutheran Videos

2008-06-13T09:15:00.001-05:00

Lutherans and Lutheranism on Youtube

Hot & Humid in Alabama

2008-06-07T14:19:00.004-05:00

It's another hot and humid but dry day here in Alabama. Not much to write about except some musings of here and there. Looks like the Democrats have finally settled on their candidate for the presidential race with Hillary giving her concesssion speech (finally- oh, I already said that) today. Only other big news will be the outcome of the Belmont Stakes race and if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown or goes lame from his cracked hoof.

Did hear from son Pat in California with news concerning his employment options. Hope it works out for him.

Sermon for tomorrow is done, just need to go over it some more before tomorrow. The message is on Christian hope based on Romans 4:18-25. I will post it at the church's website http://www.tlcgadsden.com/ when we get home. It takes me about 15 minutes to copy from my Olympus voice recorder to my laptop and upload it to the website. Christian hope is a very important benefit of Biblical Christianity as the Apostle Paul demonstrates from the story of Abraham in Genesis. Having done two funerals in the last 10 days I am especially reminded of the value having hope in Christ gives to us.

I'm still reading Dinesh D'Souza's book What's So Great About Christianity. I find his arguments very compelling and supporting my own conclusions in 40 years of studying the Christian religion. My only departure is his acceptance of a general view of evolution without Darwinian influenced conclusions that lead to atheism. His support for intelligent design is commendable, but I still see no scientifically determined absolutes that preclude a young earth creation as inferred from an inerrant Word of the Creator - the Bible. Dinesh is a good writer, however, and very thorough in his research. I appreciated some years ago his biography or Ronald Reagan, which I did complete and holds a key place in my home library collection.

Well, it's nearing race time and though I have no money riding on the race, curiosity needs its fulfillment.

IT’S JUST POLITICS!

2008-01-26T15:01:00.000-06:00

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. – Romans 13:1

Here we go again, it’s another election year! Super Tuesday is February 5th. How ironic the next day, when we may find out who are the most likely Democratic and Republican candidates in the fall elections, is Ash Wednesday. Of course Ash Wednesday for Christians is an annual call to repentance and cleansing in the Blood of Christ. Would that our elected government officials could focus their attention along the same lines! Not to mix religion and government, yet a parallel cleansing of national interests would add a refreshing tone to the politics of our national elections. But, alas, the personal attacks and dirty tricks have become an inherent part of the game and election strategy on both sides of the aisle. It will be a rough year as the campaigns for each candidate become more desperate for our votes and our support. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand that their authority exists and has been given by God’s administration, but it’s a good point to keep in mind. As it is said, people usually get the government they deserve. Perhaps that should guide us to stop blaming the politicians so much and examine more closely what might improve the results for what we deserve.

In other words, shouldn’t we be looking inwardly as much as we look outwardly? Or, to coin a phrase, all politics begin inside of us (not just at home!). King David, a politician of a different era, prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” And his example has been at the heart of Christian renewal as far back as the church begun. What effect do you suppose would happen, not just personally but corporately as well, if a majority of people in our churches seriously took David’s words to heart? And what effect do you think that would have on our nation? And what effect might it have on the world? One can only imagine, but one thing is for sure: for there to be any effect at all it must begin in me and you. For if the motivations and desires that guide our lives and propel our votes come from God cleansed hearts, then regardless of who wins the nominations and elections that govern our land, in God we can still trust.

One of course must fulfill their civic duty as well, especially in our country where we are free to vote for those we believe will serve us best in the authority God has given them. And that in itself is an awesome responsibility, for it is more than a popularity contest. We are forced to look below the surface and avoid the pressure of media and movements, but as objectively as possible consider the merits of each candidate in the face of grave and serious national and human interests. Our criteria in this endeavor are what separate church and state. Our civic interests should always be compatible with the purposes of our faith, but must first be concerned with America’s strength as envisioned by its founding principles and conserving it for the generations that follow us.

But let it begin with a grateful heart for all we have received and enjoy through faith in Jesus Christ who for our sakes and the forgiveness of our sins went to the cross to give us a greater freedom than any nation or government on earth can offer. And to our God who through divine providence has given the people of America great privileges in electing those who govern our lives here on earth.

2008: A Time for Faith to Grow

2008-01-26T14:59:00.000-06:00

“. . . a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:2b

I’m looking forward to a good year in 2008, how about you?
What will 2008 bring? What might we see happen that could bring the kind of happiness we hope for? In general terms related to the world we live in, it should be an interesting year at least. With the improvement seen in our military success in Iraq we are hopeful that fewer of our soldiers will be needed in the Middle East to secure a complex and dangerous political situation there. We hope also that greater security from terrorist movements will lessen the threat to our homeland. But then there are major political issues that will be at the heart of an election year sure to become at the center of our expectations for the future. It will truly be an interesting year indeed.
There are always a good many external events of which we have little control except in their aftermath that will also affect the coming year. Weather, human tragedy and institutional failure will all take their turn in bringing their own affects upon communities and individuals across our land and possibly including ourselves either directly or indirectly in major ways.
But whatever happens, and we can never depend on our knowing beforehand, we can be sure of the most important and essential thing that should matter the most to us, and that is God’s love for us in Jesus Christ and what faith in Him can bring. This can become a great year for us under any circumstances if we allow our faith to grow. There are many ways we can contribute to this growth process, all of course dependent on God’s Spirit and grace as the enabling power making it work. Devotions and Bible study are key activities requiring only a little self-discipline to be effective. Start with the Portals of Prayer booklets that we give out at church. There are also some good on-line resources and email lists that can be of help for those of us who spend a lot of time in front of a computer. A daily reading plan such as found on page 299 of the Lutheran Service Book hymnal coupled with a review of Luther’s Small Catechism is another helpful way, and there are many other such tools that can help us. Just reading and reflecting on a portion of Scripture each day will help your faith to grow. Of course these times are useful for fellowship with the Lord in prayer. As James tells us, the prayers of a righteous person have great effect, and we are made righteous by faith in the Lord Jesus that grows while we are in the Word and pray.
There are a lot of people who say they don't attend a certain church or they don't go as often as they should. But then how can you be growing in the Lord without a church to feed you in the Word? If you don't water a plant, it will wither and eventually die. The same is true of our walk with the Lord. We can grow complacent and immune to the ways of the world far too easily without being held accountable and being fed with His Word on a regular basis. Besides, your regular participation in church will bring you fellowship with other believers, vital to permanent growth in your faith. There is nothing like having that special "bond" with a fellow brother or sister in the Lord with whom you share a spiritual relationship in your church when you need a shoulder to cry on, advice, or encouragement in your life.
So make 2008 a year of growth, for you and for your family, and may God continually bless you in your commitment to him and in your endeavor to see your faith in Him grow.

PEBBLES IN THE SAND

2007-10-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

Sir Isaac Newton, after his sublime discoveries in science, said, “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem only like a boy playing upon the seashore, and diverting myself by now and then finding a pebble, or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lies all undiscovered before me.”
—Foster

Newton apparently had nothing on us after all, except of course his great intellect. Most of the time we, like him, are like that boy on the seashore finding pebbles in the sand. That is, we are so preoccupied with our own interests and thoughts that we pay no attention to the greater realities around us. Our circle of truth encompasses only what our short attention spans seem able to handle in a given moment. But though most of what is true escapes us even as we touch on it with great frequency in our meanderings, there are truths and realities that we are compelled to consider from time to time. Jesus draws our attention to one such significant truth; one which brings light, knowledge and wisdom to the most basic problem that faces all people whatever age or circumstance they may find themselves in.

Invariably one of the pebbles in our life that we pick up and examine is an act or attitude of our own doing or being that wants to lead us to guilt or remorse. For some that pebble is like a hot potato and it is dropped immediately and quickly forgotten as something more attractive gains their attention. For others it is like a rough and heavy rock that is hung around their neck as a burden that weighs on the conscience and hard to remove or ignore. For these latter Jesus spoke his words of comfort and release, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Only He, the Son of God, can forgive us and remove the burden of sin that we carry, but not only must we be willing to give honest scrutiny to that ugly “pebble” in our way we must also be hearing him and abiding in his word. So the Gospel tells us very plainly.

We are now approaching the end of another church year and a new Advent season. Soon our thoughts will be focused on celebrating our Savior’s birth, another significant truth to believers in the Christian message. But in the midst of our meanderings, another pebble we can pick up and examine carefully is the opportunity to give special thanks to our loving and gracious Heavenly Father God; both for the goodness we enjoy in our nation and for sending his Son Jesus to set us free from sin and death so that we are free indeed. Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. we encourage all who can to join us at church – another way we can abide in His word. May you enjoy His grace as you continue along the shore of life and truth, picking up pebbles and pretty shells.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” –John 8:31-32

LIBERAL CONSERVATISM

2007-10-16T08:15:00.000-05:00

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Conservatives are often considered roadblocks to progress. Sometimes that may be the case, but not necessarily. In fact, they may represent the most progressive elements of society. Indeed, “Christian Conservatives are linked by the Media with the much to be feared “Religious Right” as the most radical segment of the voting public today.
But the true meaning of conservatism is to preserve what is good, reliable and useful while being liberal in the extension of benefit to the largest possible number of recipients. The heart of today’s political debate is over the role of government in extending those benefits. But, at least for the church, our objective and attitude should be that of the true conservative: preserving God’s Word and its application and extending its promise to the widest possible extent.
That this conservative purpose can have much effect for positive change in the world can be shown in just two examples: the world of the Apostle Paul and the world of the great Reformer, Martin Luther. But in both of these cases, the changes first occurred within the church, before their impact on the broader scale was felt. What seems lacking in today’s religious influence is the right balance of the true conservative’s principles in the spirit of biblical and reformational Christianity. These principles may also be expressed as Law & Gospel, both the heart of Paul’s and Luther’s influence upon first the church and then the world.
In Paul’s time it was the Jewish Church that needed the Reformation and the Roman world that needed the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Luther’s day it was the Roman Church that needed the Reformation and Western Civilization that needed the Gospel preached throughout. It was the extent of commitment in their respective churches that produced the effects of their outreach. And though its primary purpose was for personal salvation and the fruits of the Spirit with those in whom the seed of God’s Word was sown, secondary civil and social benefits were clearly accrued for all people.
In our time it may be said that the Protestant Church, the church of Western Civilization, is the one needing Reformation before a more global world can be reached with the Good News and both its primary and secondary effects can be produced. But that needed reformation must be formed on the same principles of true conservatism as those advanced by Luther and Paul.
The problem with the church which Paul was Called to reform was that it had become Law centered, pushing out the refreshing spirit of the Gospel. The same is said for Luther’s church. For each of them the Gospel gained prominence, not by replacing the Law but by keeping them in their proper relationship. This is what gives Christianity its unique and overwhelming value, conserving what is good, reliable and useful; but extending its benefits to the greatest numbers of people.
Unless the Church of our period in history is able to regain the true principles of conservation, making the benefits of the Gospel our goal while keeping it in balance with the Ten Commandments, offering salvation and hope without giving up our moral values and the authority of God in our own daily lives, then we will fail in the commission we have received.
All our endeavors, political and otherwise, will accomplish nothing except further abuse and despair if we don’t take the right course. That course is: Reformation within and Gospel without. Order here is essential. Try to do it backwards, as some in the Religious Right seem to be doing, and neither the church nor the world will benefit. Rather let us be true conservatives and we can be used to change the world for Christ!

Visit To The Creation Museum

2007-08-25T19:20:00.000-05:00

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
– Genesis 1:1-2

On our vacation this summer, we visited the new Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, that opened on Memorial Day this year. What a wonderful exhibit it is, telling the real story of God’s creation and God’s truth about the creation of the universe and everything in it. Not only is it factually based and in total agreement with the Bible, but they have done a fantastic job of showing the comparison of what God’s Word teaches versus the view of human reasoning that discounts or ignores biblical revelation.
With the theme “Prepare to Believe” the museum takes you through beautiful displays showing representations and actual artifacts that illustrate and describe all of the major events of Genesis chapters 1 – 11. There is also a fantastic planetarium show that puts all the galaxies, constellations, stars and planets in context with the Bible’s account of creation. The many rooms of exhibits then explain in scientific terms how what can be observed and proven fit very well with the Genesis account and why there is a difference of interpretation by modern evolutionary based scientific theory. “Same Facts, but Different Views… Why?” are demonstrated regarding such topics as dinosaurs, coal and oil formation, speciation in animal and plant life, recent creation and evolution, our first human parents, the universal flood of Noah and the Ark, Flood Geology, the Ice Age, survival of dinosaurs as the basis for dragon mythology and many more.
I was also impressed with the non-sectarian content and view taken with the museum. Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians and Catholics, indeed all Christians having only in common a complete acceptance of all the canonical books of Holy Scripture would have no problem with anything viewed or described. Only the skeptic, agnostic, atheist or non-Christian would be uncomfortable, as in fact many such critics have already expressed themselves. I also appreciated the inclusion of a display figure of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Church Door. In fact one lady hearing my expression that Luther was my hero volunteered to take my picture along side his image in the Biblical Relevance Room.
Perhaps most fulfilling of all was seeing the thousands of people there that day viewing and appreciating the work that had been done in making this a very professional first class museum of the finest quality suitable for its high purpose and glorifying the Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. The last feature after seeing all the display rooms was the Last Adam Theater, beautifully telling the Gospel story in a tasteful and appealing way. That’s the climax to the Creation as the Bible tells it, Jesus Christ fulfilling it all by going to the Cross and dying for our sins so that we might enjoy the new Creation to come forever.
By all means go see it if you can. Every Christian and especially every parent with their children needs to visit this museum. It is a beautiful story told in a beautiful setting with nature trails and gardens and lakes surrounding it. Teenagers especially, about to enter high school and college should have this presentation before facing the secular and brainwashed teachers and professors they will soon come across. The museum doesn’t force your agreement with its viewpoint, but lovingly, accurately and convincingly it will reinforce your faith. Go to www.creationmuseum.org to plan your trip and when you get back let me know what you think. May God bless you as you Believe in Him!

RELEVANT CHRISTIANITY

2007-05-25T10:44:00.000-05:00

How relevant is Christian faith and practice to the world we live in? By that I don’t just mean its relevance to your life or my life, or even its relevance to the church – our church or your church. Lutheran theology has always recognized a two-kingdom approach to understanding our Christian life and responsibilities in this world. In other words we each live in two realms at the same time: one of civil authority and the other under Christ. And we owe each its proper allegiance. But under Christ what do we owe civil government? Only our civil obedience and our voice and vote when given opportunity to elect government leaders or approve certain laws or propositions, or can we go further on moral and biblical issues?

The concept of “separation of church and state” has evolved to the point in our day that Christians may feel an intimidation against their speaking out publicly on matters affecting their Christian beliefs based on Holy Scripture. This is especially true when there is conflict with publicly held dogma as in the evolution versus creation debate.

The recent passing of Reverend Jerry Falwell reminds many of the impact his “Moral Majority” had in the political concerns of the ‘80’s. His religious exuberance and appeal was offensive to “liberals” and of some concern to many “conservatives,” But in the aggregate one might recognize certain achievements in highlighting a number of Christian concerns while living in a freely elected civil state. Debate on subjects of abortion, marriage, homosexual lifestyle and others ensued, resulting in the success of some candidates favorable to a Christian worldview, despite some possible excesses that were not as helpful.

The better approach seen by the faithful is the evangelical one: preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, testifying to our faith by our words and by our actions and raising our families in connection with a Bible based church. These are, of course, obligations to our Lord and His Kingdom done out of gratitude for the forgiveness of our sins, his spiritual gifts and our life to come. But as the relevance of the church diminishes in our culture there may also be a loss in the affect Christianity is able to have in the realm of civil affairs. Christians need to be engaged on both fronts if we are to remain relevant in a world for which Christ died for all. Indeed we must stand up for the truth of the Bible reflected in honest, but loving Christian faith, regardless of the cost, and in the public arena as much as in the religious one.

Having just studied “Christianity, the First Three Centuries,” a video series by Dr. Paul Maier, at our Wednesday night Bible Study, we were impressed with the struggle of those early believers. Many died as martyrs for the faith in the face of fierce opposition from the Roman state, but through perseverance the church flourished and prevailed. The opposition we face is nothing in comparison with theirs. Should we not just as vigorously engage our world both with the Gospel and with our citizenship as Christians in the freedom of an America still under the blessings of God?

MERRY CHIRSTMAS 2006

2006-12-11T12:51:00.000-06:00

Christmas Greetings to Ya’ll,

2006 has been an eventful year for us as we near completing three years in our Alabama home. We feel we have settled in nicely here and continue to enjoy our new friends in our church, general good health (for our age!) and all the blessings of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We enjoyed camping with our Jeep & Trailer on several trips this year despite a little accident on the way home through Kentucky. Spent some time in Chattanooga, Nashville, Washington D.C., Ohio and Kentucky. Went to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to help Jeanne & Ken* renew their 50th. Pomeroy had LCMS meetings in Jacksonville MS, Baton Rouge LA and St. Louis MO. Nelda has really gotten into knitting and helped start a class at church. We both visit the gym several times each week and with our closest church friends we usually “lift one” at a local pub and have Friday dinner at El Tapitio Mexican Restaurant each week. We continue to enjoy our daughter Liz living with us and the holiday visits of Sheri and her family when they come down from Kentucky. We do miss our other children this year, Tim in Utah, Pat & Jeri in So. Cal. But we hope 2007 will see us all get together at least once during the year.

We hope and pray that you too know the blessings of Jesus and his forgiving love and that you have a very merry little Christmas wherever you are. God bless you now and in the new year. May He come soon!

Love from the Heart of Dixie,
Pomeroy & Nelda Moore

* Pomeroy’s sister & brother-in-law living near the area we grew up in.

Merry Christmas !!!

GENEOLOGY IS FUN

2006-07-20T08:37:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has enjoyed looking into his or her family history knows that one’s genealogy can turn up some interesting results. Last month I reported on some events at the conclusion of Nelda’s and my vacation that were unexpected, unpleasant and unfortunate, but which left us unharmed and grateful. But the vacation itself to that point was very delightful and enlightening. Not only did we visit many important sites in and around Washington D.C. that reinforced our appreciation of American history, but a number of places connected with my genealogical history. Beginning with the Moores of Prince George County Maryland arriving in the 17th century we followed their migration westward as pioneers to Fayette County Pennsylvania and to Adam’s County Ohio. We met Moores in these places that were able to show us where our ancestors lived, fought, farmed and raised their families. They became good friends even if our relationships might be somewhat obscure. The surprise of it all, however, was after our return home and hearing from a niece also researching our history that we may not be descended from these Moores after all, but that my grandfather was likely adopted by one of them later living in Illinois. Perhaps this explains why my Y-Chromosome DNA test results don’t fit well with most of the Moores of which I could compare. Oh well, I still consider myself a Moore by the legitimization of adoption as well as their family history, traditions and values.

In the same way, all of us who believe in the testimony of Jesus Christ are legitimized as God’s children, descendants of the Christian family of faith and true heirs of all that our adoption as son’s guarantees. We don’t have to go through court records, census data or cemeteries to research our genealogy in the Faith, all we have to do is go to God’s Word. For there it is clearly established in the only court that really matters, the court of the Kingdom of God’s Son. Ephesians 1:3-6 is just one of many places in the Bible where this promise is recorded:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

The value of this spiritual and eternal genealogy is also found in the relationships that we enjoy. Other members of our family with the name Christian become true friends and with them we can enjoy our common genealogy, for we are all adopted, we are all brothers and sisters sharing the same family history, from the Bible and the history of Christ’s church on earth. With them we can live, work, promote the Kingdom and enjoy the spiritual fruits of our faith in Christ.
So, whether you are interested in your own family’s genealogy or not, and it can be fun, take especial interest in your Christian name and family tree.

That can be a lot of fun too.

EARTHLY GOODS LET GO

2006-07-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile things happen in life to remind us of what’s important. These are necessary reminders, for without them most of us would just get carried away with the way things are and our daily effort to maintain the status quo. I was struck by this last week while preparing for Sunday’s sermon on Jesus’ calming the storm. His disciples were doing something very ordinary in taking a fishing boat across the Sea of Galilee – something very usual and familiar in their way of life. It was so normal and comfortable that Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the back of the boat. But suddenly things changed – a vicious storm arose to threaten their earthly lives and their earthly goods. Then in their distress they called out to Jesus to save them.

What gave me pause to look again at the personal implications of this familiar Bible story were the events of the previous Sunday when suddenly things happened that were unexpected and life threatening. We were returning home from what had been a very delightful vacation trip, making new friends and seeing new sights, learning about our nation’s history and some family history too. Then the first wave struck, while we were still sleeping in our camping trailer. Thieves broke in and stole some expensive and valuable goods from our Jeep tow vehicle as it was still attached to our portable home on wheels but, alas, unlocked. That was enough to cause distress, for with the loss of my laptop computer and digital camera hours and months of labor were lost, not to mention all my vacation pictures except for several rolls from Nelda’s camera. But our little storm wasn’t over and when a light rain fell on a twisted narrow highway in Kentucky we were left skidding across the road into a granite hillside bank on the other side. Needless to say we were shook up but were not hurt. God had preserved us from what could have been a fatal end. Like the disciples, who suddenly found that the storm had been stilled, we were left standing beside the road alive and well despite our scare.

Some things, of course, had changed. Damage to our Jeep and trailer will have to be fixed. Extra trips to retrieve them will be needed when ready. Many hours of rebuilding lost data and steps needed to prevent identity theft and fraud if files on my computer are misused. But the best change is to realize that none of these earthly matters matter in the real scheme of things in this world. Only our faith in the living God and trust in Christ our Savior and life with the indwelling Holy Spirit are the things that ultimately matter. That was the lesson for the disciples in the boat and that is our lesson anytime we are brought to realize that earthly goods can be let go and we cannot be destroyed by such losses. Even if our lives had been lost in a head-on collision as we crossed the centerline of the highway or a cliff had awaited us instead of a solid bank, our life with Jesus had been secured forever. This is the joy of true Christian faith, not that we will be spared of problems and threats, but that whatever happens we will in the end see Jesus in the Promised Land.

Sunday Was Not As Planned

2006-06-22T20:50:00.000-05:00

Throughout our vacation we had been blessed with cool weather, beautiful days and a modicum of rain while we slept and one day in Maryland as we rested. But Sunday morning, preparing to make our leg to visit daughter and family in Danville Kentucky, began with an ominus awakening. Making ready to collapse the trailer and load the Jeep still hitched and ready to pull us on the road, I was startled to notice something wrong. Stupid me I forgot to lock the Jeep and had left some valuable equipment aboard as I was tired and done after a very busy and productive visit to Adam's County. Then I noticed my laptop computer was gone, also my new Cannon digital camera, my portable XM satallite radio and our very helpful companion and navigator "Jane" the voice of my Tom Tom Go700 GPS. Well, it was early Sunday morning in a small rural river resort town and by the time I was able to get a sheriff's deputy to write up my theft it was noon before we left in a most dejected manner our final stop in public facilities. Never in 35 years had I lost anything camping like the sudden loss of that day. But that wasn't the end of it.

Not having much further to go in Kentucky we headed toward Lexington, then around to the US68 and KY33 south. A light rain was beginning, but the Jeep was doing fine pulling the trailer as it had through mountains and valleys for two weeks without any problems. But then as we began the winding twisting road southwest of the city we slowed to almost stopping at several places and then, suddenly, we were out of control sliding across the highway, off the shoulder and finally stopped by a granite bank. The road was slick and wet and we simply hydroplaned, unable to brake at all. But the rig was almost stopped, enough that the air bags did not deploy and we neither suffered any damage nor bruises, climbing out down on the passenger side and finding the trailer still upright and hitched, though the front bumper of the Jeep was hanging down by the wheels. We called 911 immediatly and got two sheriff deputies and two tow trucks, called Sheri who got there in about 30 minutes and by 4 pm the Jeep was on its way to a Chrysler/Jeep dealer in Nicholasville and Sheri's neigbor had our trailer in tow to her house with his truck. Of course there was much more to be done and many loose ends to clear up, but we were safe, unhurt and it can all be fixed. So we have much to be thankful for and we are!

Came home on Wednesday in a rental, left the trailer in the driveway until we can come back get the Jeep and take it to the manufacturer, which just happens to be on the way in Knoxville, TN. We'll leave it for its repairs (minor but significant) and get it sometime later. By then we'll be ready for a nice quiet trip to Guntersville State Park only 45 miles away.

The Moore Pioneers On the Move

2006-06-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

Friday morning, the 16th of June after a breakfast of eggs, sausage and toast, we struck out again on Interstate on our way to Ohio, picking up US50 at Clarksburg and crossing the river at Parkersburg. Then we dropped down on OH32 to the Lazy Dog Camp-Resort 4 miles east of Jackson. This was a neat camping stop with a lake, well run facilities and clean pull-through RV sites. We also got there early and enjoyed an afternoon of relaxation at the pool and the gazebo with the rocking porch swing by the lake. Then we went into town for a nice dinner at an Irish Resturant/Pub. Refreshed we left early Saturday for West Union in Adam's County, the next Moore stop and our final geneological destination.

Arriving at the Adam's County Geneological Society building and Heritage Center a little early we enjoyed another beautiful day while waiting for it to open for my research. We were expecting Bart's family to join us in the afternoon and take us on a visit to the old Burkitt Cemetary near Brush Creek and the area that Aaron's son Hosea and his family came to live. This they did after I had some time to puruse the rich store of records and files on the Moore's of Adam's County. They were among the first residents, Hosea having been given a land grant for his war service. Son Newton David married Rebecca Burkitt and remaining today is the cemetary where Hosea, Isabelle his wife, son Newton and wife Rebecca were buried. All the grave markers and monuments are in good condition and the cemetary still in good maintenance. A Moore reunion is planned for July 9th this year, unfortunatly after we will have gone. But it was still a very interesting visit, and great to meet a cousin decendant from my great-great grandfather Newton. His son John moved to Cole County Illinois to a farm bought by his father for him near to Mattoon where my grandfather Thomas Moore became a business man in the early 20th century. We sincerely enjoyed Bart and family, including Uncle Bill and his wife who shared the old Moore family Bible and other records with us.

Leaving West Union we headed to a campground on the Ohio River advertized in the Adam's County Visitor Guide. It was convenient and pleasant, but little did we know what was ahead.

Aaron Goes West and So Do We

2006-06-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

Leaving Prince George's County Maryland we headed out the Beltway west to I270 then north to Frederick in Washington County where Aaron and Mary Prather Moore made their way with wagons and mules or horses. We didn't make any better time with the traffic than they but once we left I495 we made good time. Frederick is where Hosea was born on Christmas Day in 1763 as his family headed toward Springhill Township, Fayette County Pennsylvania. Actually we traveled on I70 & I68 through Northwest Maryland and West Virginia, up and down the Appalachians to Morgantown were we made camp by noon at Sand Springs Camping Area, a rustic campground in the mountains and trees northeast of the city. That gave us the afternoon to detach our trailer and take the Jeep north into Pennsylvania on 857 (same CR in WV & PA). Crossing the state line in just a few miles we were greeted by a sign stating "Springhill Township, Fayette County" and behind it "Welcome to Pennsylvania." Now we had to find "George's Creek," the only identification I had of Aaron's farm. Then crossing over to US119 at Smithfield and taking the road to Ruble Mill we continued to find a bridge over a good fresh running creek and next to it a municipal plant sign declaring it as "George's Creek." After taking our pictures we crossed the bridged and followed the gravel road along the creek for several miles, viewed an old abandoned house (Aaron's??), then back to the 857 and our traveling home. It felt good having been at least in the area of Aaron's property where he raise his family and called home as he fought in the Revolutionary war for the new republic of America that his father George had given to his decendants.

We had a quiet evening with no TV to interupt the sounds of night in the Appalacian mountains before heading west again next morning.

Our Last Day in PFC & DC

2006-06-14T19:07:00.000-05:00

Well, the plan was to go up the Washinton Monument today, since we couldn't get into the White House, but to no avail. It too was sold out for advance tickets and we didn't arrive in time for same day, so it was a good time to visit the National Archives. Good thing we were early for by the time it opened at 10 the line was out on the sidewalk around the corner. We were the 7th & 8th people to get in and enjoyed the exhibition that included the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independance, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Then guess what, Nelda wanted to go back to the Natural History Museum (third time!) to get a copy of the Hope Diamond Necklace. I don't quite get the facination, but glad to make her happy with such ease. We skipped the Atrium, had a smooth last trip on the Metro system and got back to the campground early. Tomorrow we leave for Morgantown, WV and a visit to Springhill Township in Fayette County, PA. That's where Aaron son of George migrated to before his son Hosea moved to Adams County Ohio, our stop on Friday. More on that later. It's been a good trip here to Prince George's County. Excellent campground, wonderful new friends, mind boggling informational overload and lots of fun. Someday we'll have to come back to refresh our experience and do some things in more depth that we only touched on the surface. Glad we still have another week of vacation.

The Capitol Tour - Days Four & Five

2006-06-14T18:36:00.000-05:00

Our plan was to take a day off to take it a bit easier on Monday and the weather cooperated very nicely. We had been having clear and mild weather making our walkathons as pleasant as possible. Monday we awoke to rain that lasted until mid afternoon, perfect for catching up on laundry and rest. Also called Senator Sessions' (Alabama) office to request a tour of the Capitol. Told to arrive about 10 a.m. we were a little early allowing time for our bus/subway trip into town. We became experienced Metro riders, even transferring from the Green to the Red line and ending at Union Station, closest to the Russell Senate Office Building. Union Station is a shopper's delight, but we were satisfied with some good coffee after an hour plus riding. When the other two families arrived we left the office with the secretary and three interns going to the basement for a ride on the Capitol underground tram. That was a fun beginning to an informative tour including the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Rotundra of course and the gallery of the senate which was in session, but very limited participation. We thoroughly enjoyed an hour and half tour then ventured back to the Natural Science Museum to get some gifts for our girls (Nelda saw them before, but of course didn't get them while there). After another lunch in the Atrium then walked over to the White House Visitor Center to see if we could get into the White House tour on Wednesday. But it takes six-weeks advance notice for a security check so that was out and we headed back to the Metro, this time leaving from the Archive building stop. Tuesday evening we met Jim & Madeliene again when they came to the conference center in the campground for sqare dancing with their group. Jim had brought me more material for my geneology study. He is the most informed person on early Maryland, the Moore's and others of interest and the local sites and history of the area in and around DC. Again a blessing to our trip.

Sightseeing with Friends - Day Three

2006-06-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Two days on our own and now it was time to be treated to a guided tour. Our new friends Jim and Madelien picked us up at 8 a.m. Sunday for a drive to the National Mall. Parking was free, available and close to our destination - the Lincoln Memorial. On the way we visited the Vietnam Wall, which is one of the most visited memorials on the mall. Seeing the names in simple display is a powerful and meaningful tribute to the sacrifice of noble servicemen. Lincoln's statue enclosed with majestic columns is unsurpassed by the many other representations of this great president. From there we passed and viewed the Korean War Memorial on our way to FDR's and Jefferson's, returning by way of the WWII Memorial and a hot dog stand on Constitution Avenue near our parking spot. Next we drove down to East Potomac Park at Hains Point where we stopped to view "The Awakening," a statue of body parts representing a giant emerging from the ground - a facinating work of art in a rather bizarre fashion. From there we went north on the Potomac to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for a view of the Great Falls and the old Canal Tavern and lock house. Though the water levels were down from lack of rain the rapids were still flowing sufficient to attract several kayak enthusiasts. It was interesting to see the preserved locks and the canal barge replica awaiting replacement for operational demonstrations. We ended the day with chinese takeout and several games of Train dominoes. Our thanks to Jim and Madeliene for a great day to remember of our vacation 2006,

Mt. Vernon & Arlington - Day Two

2006-06-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday we decided to provide our own transportation and took the Beltway in our Jeep looking for Mt. Vernon. We went East around to Alexandria and missed the off ramp to the Mt. Vernon Parkway, but finally found it - arriving at the home of our first President ready to enjoy our visit. But by then the line going into the mansion was half a mile long, or so it seemed. So we skipped that part and began walking the rest of the grounds. Actually we saw so much and enjoyed the scenary of the park and the Potomac enough to satisfy our interest. With lunch at the visitor center we were ready to find Arlington. This was a breeze compared to our earlier drive, taking the highway along the bank up to Alexandria then cutting over to Jefferson Davis Highway on up to the cemetary. After considerably more walking we made it to the Tomb of the Unknowns, then watched the army sentinel making his vigil of 21 steps in each direction followed by the ritual changing of the guard. It is a very moving and impressive display of military honor to unkown casualties from WW I, WW II and Korea. But again our feet and Nelda's knees were begging relief so that ended our visit and we returned to the campground for a swim and and jacuzzi bath.

Sightseeing in and Around DC - Day One

2006-06-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

After spending my first day visiting Moore geneoligical sites, Nelda and I ventured out on Friday to explore The National Mall via the Metro system. The Metro bus from Cherry Hill begins in the campground and took us to College Station on the Green line for 60 cents each. Having bought two Senior Fare Passes for $10 each we entered the turnstiles for the subway and were soon on our way to the Metro station behind the National Archives building. Our first visit was to the Smithonian Air & Space Museum which was impressive if a bit tedious. From there we walked over to the Capitol steps and saw an openinng ceremony for the National Crime Investigators Runathon. A military honor guard, a solo rendition of the National Anthem and a welcome by Miss America provided a captivating show. Then we made the long trek back to the National Museum of Natural History where we had lunch at the Atrium before visiting the dinosaur boneyard and tributes to evolutionary theory explaining all ancient and historical lifeforms, compete with Neanderthals, charts and graphs as needed to support the presuppositions of modern science. Upstairs the star attraction was the Hope Diamond on display in a rotating glass case. Fortunately next door was the American History museum, afterwhich we dragged our aching feet back to the Metro station for transportation back to camp. With a transfer and as seniors there was no charge for the return bus ride so our total transportation cost was $2.90 apiece including the intial fee for the bus. Not bad when gas around DC is $3.11 a gallon.

Prince George’s County & Washington DC (click for pictures)

2006-06-12T14:37:00.000-05:00

Our 2006 vacation is well underway and haven’t had much time to update the old blog ‘till today. We arrived DC area on Wednesday to Cherry Hill Park, a very nice campground with onsite bus access to Metro system.

Thursday I spent the day with James Moore enjoying visits to places and properties where George Moore, my first ancestor to the American Colonies, is believed to have come. James has done considerable expert research on the Moore’s of Prince George’s County in the 17th & 18th centuries. The best reconstruction at present is that George, older brother William and younger John landed at Mt. Calvert on the Patuxent River with their parents, John and Mary Moore, sometime around 1695 when about 15. Visiting the site we saw the likely landing spot below the brow of a hill where Jim’s ancestor James Sr. operated an Ordinary (tavern &general store) a few years later. John and his family may have come from Barbados or the British Isles and stayed with James Sr. at a nearby property named Four Hills. John died within a short time of his arrival and Mary remarried Martin Faulkner, then after his death Hugh Ryley.

George apparently went on his own after 1703 and in about 1715 married Elizabeth Lucas. We visited St. Barnabas Church on Leland Road west of US301 northwest of Mt. Calvert. The current Episcopal/Anglican church stands where the older brick church was located at the time when George and Elizabeth were possible married there and where two or more of their children were baptized. Inside we saw the painting of the Last Supper and the Baptismal Font preserved from the old church that was there when George and his family attended.

Then we went to the Patuxent Research Refuge and were given a tour that came as close as we could go to the location of Moore’s Industry, a 100 acre property owned by George sometime before 1723. We couldn’t go exactly where the property was on the west bank of the Patuxant between Duvall Bridge and Cash Lake because it is currently in a Whooping Crane protective area, but looking down the river from the bridge I could picture it close by. We were guided by the Refuge director Nancy Morrison who very graciously drove us to a number of sites on the preserve, including the Snowden cemetery and nearby ruins of Birmingham, Richard Snowden III's home and whose iron foundries and land holdings were the source of the Snowden’s wealth and prosperity.

George obtained several properties from Richard Snowden, including Moore’s Industry and Moore’s Rest located on the western side of the Little Paint Branch (creek) about five miles north of Cherry Hill Road where our campground was located. Jim and his wife Madeline had taken us on a hike along the Little Paint near the campground on our first day here. I managed to walk into several patches of Poison Ivy along the bank while taking pictures, but with no ill effect after washing my legs with soap and water soon after.

There was more to the genealogical information, insight and familiarization than I can relate in this report, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all and cannot say enough about the help, guidance and understanding and documentation supplied by my friend Jim. He and his wife have been most hospitable and helpful in all we’ve done and seen while here in Prince George’s County – the home of my family’s American roots.

On The Road Again

2006-06-05T18:09:00.000-05:00

Here we go again - vacation 2006. I know some people (you know who you are) don't think pastors should take vacations, but boy do we need it. Our people are great and gracious, but most of them know we need a break now and then and we really do appreciate it. Helps us to concentrate on the church the rest of the time.

Enough, this year we are taking our trailer in tow with our Jeep Liberty and heading toward Washington DC. Right now we are half way there, staying two nights at a KOA in Wytheville, VA. Left at little after 8 a.m. CDT and got here about 6 p.m. EDT for a total of 388.2 miles. Not bad considering Nelda never saw a rest stop she didn't like. At least I got away with ignoring her recognition of every Cracker Barrel along the way.

Today was a beautiful day for travel. Temperature in the 70's, blue sky with white cumulus clouds and wonderfully green terrain. Came up I59 and I24 to I75 then I40 to I81. We'll take I81 on Wednesday to I66 then the beltway I480 around to the north where Cherry Hill Park Campground is located. From there we will sightsee DC, visit some properties owned by the first Moore's in my family tree to migrate across the sea, spend some time with some Moore's who have researched our geneology and enjoy a week of living in our home away from home.

That's all for now. Tomorrow we just rest up for the next leg of 311 miles on the interstate dodging all the trucks. Nelda is fixing our dinner so here's to all our friends. Pickle, this one is for you as promised.

NASHVILLE

2006-03-22T14:20:00.000-06:00

After planning a camping trip to the Cheaha Resort State Park with our trailer in March, we changed our plans since thunderstorms were forecast for the time we planned to go. So instead we went to Nashville, where I think Nelda really wanted to go in the first place. Stayed at a Good Sam Park close to Opryland and had a great time. Took the backstage tour of the Grand Old Opry on Friday, then went to the early show on Saturday evening. They had a shuttle from the campground so didn't have to find parking at a sold out show. Pam Tillis and Little Jimmie Dickens were the MC's and the show was a lot of fun. Two hours of good entertainment and when we got home the next week we got to see part of it again on the GAC channel. Sunday night we went to a dinner show at a theater next door to the campground. It to was a great program and the food was pretty good. Opryland is on the outskirts of Nashville where Grand Old Opry moved in 1974 from the Ryman downtown. They still do shows at the Ryman in winter but had already moved back to the newer theater complex when we were there. Did try to visit the Ryman and other downtown sites but the NCAA SEC Basketball championships were going on and traffic was crazy and no parking anywhere so we gave that up for another time. There also is a huge outlet mall called Opry Mills adjacent to the Opryland theater complex so spent some time, but not much money, there. Our weather turned out great. Rained the first night after we got set up and didn't rain again until we got home Monday. Then Monday night we had our first severe tornado threat warning. All prepared to go to our "safe room" a a solid brick windowless basement room under our deck, but the storm fizzled out and bypassed us at the last minute.

The Liberty does a great job pulling the trailer. No problems so far and we make it up the grades no problems. A little larger wheelbase and engine would be better I'm sure, but the trailer trails very nicely with the anti-sway bar hitch assembly. I'm quite happy with it and we love the Jeep. I had just got a TomTom GPS that mounts on the dash and it guided me through all the interchanges around Nashville and directly to the campground just fine. I also have a portable XM radio that I had professionally mounted in the Jeep but which I can also use in the house, office or trailer. The Jeep came with SIRIUS but then they dropped Fox News Channel in December, so decided to change over to XM before renewing SIRIUS for another year (the first year was included in the purchase of the Jeep). Of course, after doing all this SIRIUS picked up Fox again but too late. Besides I like the portablility of my XM radio. I can even clip it to my belt and listen although the built in antenna isn't as good as the car and home one's are.
Oh yes, while in Nashville we attended services at an ELCA church near the campground. It actually was a good service, much like TLC Anaheim and a "male" pastor who seemed quite biblical, conservative and competent. Enjoyed the service and the sermon. Nelda said it reminder her of Cursio. Communion by Intincture with choice of wine or grape juice. We, of course, chose the wine!

XM Radio Better Than Sirius

2006-02-05T16:36:00.000-06:00

Well, I went and done it. Actually I did it yesterday--bought an XM satellite radio. I had been looking at them on the web trying to figure out the best one for the best deal. I decided that I should get one that could work at home and in the car and if was portable enough for camping or office. I still have a few months left on my SIRIUS subscription that came free with the Jeep, but I really missed Fox News and several other talk programs that were canceled from their lineup. Also, XM offers MLB and NASCAR. Anyway, decided on the Delphi XM MyFi / xm2go portable which comes with kits for home, auto or Walkman style use. The list had dropped to $224.00 and XM is offering a $50 rebate for this model. Then stopped at Rex and that was their price as well. Then found an interesting website called xmfan.com that had lots of discussions on the various models and sell the same kit for $149 before rebate. Almost ordered it, but at Walmart with Nelda I checked and found they had it also for 148.88 before rebate. I couldn't wait any longer so brought it home and installed it with the home kit, which includes a stand, AC adapter; separate home antenna and cable to connect it to my AM/FM radio. It works great.

Next, this afternoon I tried putting it in the Jeep. It comes with a seperate cradle and several different mounting brackets, a separate car antenna that attaches magnetically to the roof and a DC plug in power adapter. I put the antenna just above windshield on outside of roof and routed wire around windshield in the crevices and into the dash area using black electrical tape to keep wire in place. The problem was figuring out how to mount it on my dash. Not real pleased with any of the brackets that they supply but settled on a clip on that fits over one of the dash air vents. Again radio works great, played it through the FM radio on 88.7.

Finally tried it with the ear buds and internal antenna walking around the yard. Not so good as it drops out when turning away from southern sky. But if stationary it works ok. From the discussion web they talk of a clip on antenna that provides a better signal, so may have to invest another $20 on that.

Bottom line is I like it but need to find a better way to mount it in the Jeep. Probably need to go to place that installs audio systems in cars and have them look at it. What we go through to keep up with technology!

CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY

2005-12-27T16:11:00.000-06:00

"...We must say as clearly as we know how that underlying the pages which follow there is a profound conviction that the Christian Gospel is God's supreme act on man's behalf and that the history of Christianity is the history of what God has done for man through Christ and of man's response."

Latourette wrote over eighty books, many of them on church history and missions. In the above statement he describes his point of view in the writing of his classic work, "History of Christianity." Few modern historians give such unqualifying credit to the Christian Gospel in such terms, let alone the recognition that it has been significant in its effect on the history of mankind.
Today the common theme of historical commentators and analyzers is more likely that of synthesizing all major religions and their histories in such a way as to claim a blend that thus represents God and his desires upon our lives. An example is the best-selling author of the book, "Where God Was Born," Bruce Feiler. In an interview on Fox News “Special Report,” Feiler expresses the view that God throughout history and especially with Abraham as a common ancestor to three major religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, seems to be trying to establish a relationship with Himself that respects any faith-based approach. It is an appealing ideal, but is it valid or just another attempt to accept the “many ways to God” version of politically- correct religion? "The only force strong enough to take on religious extremism," he concludes, "is religious moderation."
But if we are to take Jesus at his word, surely he advocates no “moderation” in our religion, either believed or expressed. Yes, Christianity claims exclusionary rights and privileges. To “moderate” them would mean to lessen the intensity or extremeness of our view. Is that appropriate to faith? If moderation in behavior is all that is intended, then we agree to the extent that we should love our neighbors, treat them as we wish to be treated, respect them as persons and accept them as far as we can without moral conflict. There are limits to the expression of our faith as witnesses too. We are not called to brow beat or berate those who do not wish to hear the Gospel, assuming they know what it is. We are to exhibit the truth in love. But we should be careful not to accept the idea that it doesn’t matter what one believes.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. What we believe really matters. And the truth that God has revealed throughout Scripture and especially in the Gospels is for everyone, whether they know it or not. And though we may be uncomfortable and will certainly be challenged by many who think us wrong to make insistence, we have been called to the very purpose of proclaiming the exclusionary message of Jesus Christ. He is the only Savior. He is the only way. His is the only life that will live forever in the grace and forgiveness of an Almighty God who wants everyone to come to the truth and be saved.

See you in Church,

IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME

2005-12-10T18:37:00.000-06:00

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
– Galatians 4:4-5

“In the fullness of the time, when the fairest flowers of science and art had withered, and the world was on the verge of despair, the virgin’s Son was born to heal the infirmities of mankind. Christ entered a dying world as the author of a new and imperishable life."

Philip Schaff (1819-1893), the renowned German-American theologian and church historian, wrote the above words in his monumental History of the Christian Church, Volume I, Chapter 1 – Preparation For Christianity In The History Of The Jewish and Heathen World. As preface to his statement, Schaff examines the history and contribution of many cultural aspects and events leading to the fullness of time reported by the Apostle Paul. It was a time of spiritual darkness, but God’s Spirit was yet influencing the hearts and minds of many different peoples in readiness for the appearance of God’s Son as the world’s Savior Redeemer. Even in times of great despair, globally, culturally and personally, God is at work on behalf of his beloved creation to bring about the effects of his grace through Jesus Christ, born as a babe in Bethlehem, “that we might receive adoption” as his children.

Advent and Christmastide remind us again of God’s love for the world resulting in his Son coming to earth so that we might believe in Him and have everlasting life. Despite the attempts of many in our own culture to diminish this truth, to marginalize the purposes of our faith and to discredit our right to voice it in public display, God will still be heard. He will be heard through our constant refusal to stop wishing people a Merry Christmas wherever we are in the season. He will be heard through the ringing of church bells, the display of Christ centered symbols and decorations in our homes and lawns. And he will be heard through the singing of favorite Christmas Carols, choir cantatas, Sunday School programs retelling the Christmas story and in a full array of Christmas expression.

But God will be heard even more completely through our Spirit enlivened love that causes us to give. Our giving to community needs for those in poverty, giving to the Church and Christian organizations that spread the message of Christ, and, yes, our giving to one another within our families and congregations that reflect the love of Christ within our closest relationships—all speak of God’s love in the greatest Gift we have received. These all, along with our celebration in the public square, cry out above the sounds of commercial exploitation and critical opinion that there is One whom we worship and adore responsible for all that is good and who stands at the door to be received that we may enjoy all the privileges of our heavenly Father as his dear children. He came as the Son of the virgin to heal the infirmities of mankind and he died on a cross to save us from eternal death. The fullness of time extends to include each Christmas, including this one, as we proclaim the birth of Christ.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

Merry Christmas!

Pastorpj

A Happy Thanksgiving in Alabama

2005-12-04T16:12:00.000-06:00

This year being our second in Alabama was especially treated with most of our family able to come for Thanksgiving. This was Tim's second trip to visit us, coming the Saturday before and staying until the Friday after. He now works for Thrivent in Salt Lake City and has just finished his tests for licensing as an investment and insurance agent. Pat arrived the Monday before and stayed for nearly two weeks, leaving yesterday back to California where he lives with Mr. & Mrs. Bury and works for Chipotle Resturants. Sheri & the grandkids arrived Wednesday just in time for Thanksgiving Eve Service at our church and Sean joined us late Thursday night, having to work at his Cracker Barrel in Danville for Thanksgiving. They all stayed till after church on Sunday and left after treating us for lunch at the local CB resturant.

For Thanksgiving Dinner this year we did two turkeys. One the traditional Nelda way and the other I fried according to Southern preference. Both turned out great, but the fried turkey went the fastest! After being taught by the master, Chef Chuck Baldwin, and getting his recipe for injecting the marinade and borrowing his fryer I managed to get-r-done without burning down the house. Although I did have a little more oil than I needed, it was boiling near the top, no damage was done and the turkey was done just right.

All in all it was a great Thanksgiving week. Liz's boyfriend Dan got to meet her brothers and they all had some entertaining times together - after I was long in bed each night. Nelda and I enjoyed both boys and the family times we had with Sheri and hers as well. The only sad part was the absence of Jeri & Rachel, but hope they will be able to come see us soon. Now we are back to normal (almost) and looking forward to a less crowded but still with part of our family (Sheri & her brood) for Christmas. We were and still are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for all He has given us through our family and through our church and our many friends.

A Very Nice Little Trip to North Carolina

2005-11-02T11:43:00.000-06:00

Last week Nelda and I got away again for a few days, this time with our friends from church, Butch and Mavis. They took us to a beautiful place they had visited many times, often taking their Miata to drive the winding roads in the mountains and hills of the Southeastern rim of the Great Smokeys. This time we road in their sedan and we stayed in a cottage at Phillips Motel in Robbinsville, leaving on Monday morning the last full week of October. We will have to go again. Might even take the trailer sometime as we saw a number of campgrounds along the way. What follows is Butch’s description of the trip, which turned out quite well:

Had a marvelous time even though the weather didn't cooperate. Rained all day Tuesday. Undaunted, we set out to drive the Cherohala Skyway Tuesday morning. Everything was fine till we got a little above 3000 feet and we began to drive in the clouds. A little above 4000 feet we ran into some snow on the road. At 4900 feet we really ran into some snow and had to turn around. We were thinking how lucky we were that there was no traffic on the road but us. As we started down, we did a bit of sliding but made it safely. Met a snowplow headed up the mountain, which confirmed our decision to get back down to the valley as quickly as we could. Went over to Cherokee and tromped around the stores for a bit and talked with some interesting people.

Left this morning around 8:15 for the trip home. All went well until we approached the Ocoee River area. Cars that met us were flashing their lights. We thought they were warning us of a cop. Then, some 8 or 10 miles into the curvy road area, we came to a line of stopped vehicles. We found out from some guy behind us in a delivery van that an 18-wheeler had turned over and spilled 40,000 lbs. of flour. They were expecting a wait of several hours. We turned around and headed back to find an alternate route home. Found an intersection and turned south and drove into GA to Blue Ridge. Found a Chamber of Commerce building and got a GA map. Came down across NW GA to Calhoun and Rome and finally got home. Strangely, it was a very nice drive. Might drive back up there sometimes by that route.

Ablazing Grace & Panama City Beach

2005-08-06T14:24:00.000-05:00

Our next big outing included camping at the beach with Laura our DCE and three "Yutes" from our church. Left Sunday after church and with trailer in tow and Laura driving a rented KIA van we got to Campers Inn about 7:30 p.m. Got dark before we got both trailer and five-man tent set up, but all in good spirits staying up rather late before hitting the sack.

Unfortunately we didn't get the rain cover put on top of the tent properly so with the early morning rains guess who got wet. You got it, one trouper DCE and three "Yutes." Also the door to the trailer apparently got accidently locked (guess who!) so they couldn't get in out of the wet tent, but two of the "Yutes" managed to sleep in the van.

By the time all were up the rain had stopped and after fixing them breakfast we managed to get ourselves together and make it over to the Bay Point Marriott where the Southern District of our synod was holding an Intergenerational Gathering under the name Ablazing Grace. Laura was teaching a seminar session and the kids enjoyed the game room set up for the conference. For lunch we stopped at a Wendy's on our way back to camp and Laura and her troop spent the afternoon at the beach. I bbq'd some hotdogs for supper and we headed back to the hotel for the evening program.

The A_G_ program, "Circles of Grace Celebration Eventwith Happy Fun Time, Peder Eide, Jeff Burkart," was very entertaining and fun. Peder led the singing with songs of his own, Jeff told of his spiritual encounter with a taxi driver named Harold and a college group did some very funny improvisational skits.

Monday night went much better than our first night. I had fixed the rain cover, which worked pretty well, and it didn't rain until late morning. Tuesday morning we went back to the hotel and Nelda joined the choir rehearsal while Laura and I attended an Interest session on "Fanning the Ignition in Your Church with Greg Finke." The kids hung out in the game room. For lunch we stopped at Captain Hook's restuarant, shaped like an 18th century pirate ship, then back to the campsite. Even though it rained lightly all afternoon the kids with Laura hit the beach while I worked on my laptop and used the dial-up at the campground to check and send email.

Tuesday evening, having had a large lunch we postponed supper and returned to the hotel for "Places of Grace Celebration Eventwith Happy Fun Time, Peder Eide, Jeff Burkart," similar to the night before but with a grand finalle led by Peder and using lots of glow in the dark glasses and sticks as necklaces and bracelets. The kids had a great time with that, as did most of those present. Of course they were hungry when we got back to the campsite so we bbq'd some hamburgers before they began their card game. I managed to get to bed by 10 and don't know when the rest of them called it quits.

After another dry night and a quick breakfast we began Wednesday morning taking down the tent and trailer before going to the "Ablazing Grace Festival Worship Celebration" that ended the gathering. Then back to the campsite to finish packing, off to Zachby's for lunch and then the highway home. Got home about 7:30 p.m. safely and with some tired but I think happy campers. We all had a good time together and though we did it "our way" we were glad we attended the district gathering at Panama City Beach. Maybe in three years we'll be ready to go again!

We're Home!

2005-06-30T08:46:00.000-05:00

Wow, we made it. Our first real vacation since moving to Alabama and our first camping trip through the southeastern United States. It was a great joy to visit some historic sites and then to end our trip with visiting our daughter Sheri and family in Kentucky. We had almost perfect weather the whole time we were on the road. Didn't get hot until Friday when we arrived at Sheri's and no rain to speak of until the last night when we stopped at a KOA south of Knoxville, TN, before coming home. Had a lot of pitter-patter on our aluminum roof in the trailer as we slept. You get used to it though and next day was a short trip to Gadsden with clear skies.

We're glad to be home and have some things to do. Glad to be back at the church and getting ready for Sunday. Glad we've so many good friends, both here and those left behind. Glad that the Lord Jesus Christ loves us all and that he forgives us all our sins and strengthens our faith. Glad to be able to worship with the Herndon's at Our Savior Lutheran (LCMS). And glad we can now refreshed serve the Lord and his Church and his people at Trinity.

Across the Cumberland Gap

2005-06-24T18:10:00.001-05:00

We made it to Sheri's, traveling from Bristol through the Cumberland Gap then up to Danville in Kentucky. US25E is an interesting drive, including a mile long tunnel into Kentucky from Tennessee. Got here about 1:30 p.m. and set up camp in the driveway. We like their new house. I'll get some pictures tomorrow and post them on my family album at www.pastorpj.com. Had dinner at Cracker Barrel and saw my son-in-law hard at work while we enjoyed his employee discount in the dining room. Also got some things at Lowe's to help with the old house/new house transition. They had pretty much got everything moved in so won't have too much to do. Need to get their dryer hose hooked up so Nelda can do our laundry. We've both run out of unmentionables. Plan to go to church at Our Savior Lutheran in Danville, our daughter and familie's church on Sunday. Then may come home Tuesday or Wednesday. Will see how it goes. It's been a great vacation, but I'm ready to come home and get back to work (believe it or not). Nelda would likely keep on going if I were a mind to. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Trinity. I know Laura has done a fantastic job taking care of everything while we've been gone and all the help she has gotten from the good people there. God bless and Hasta laVista!

Looking forward to El Tapitio with the gang as well! See you Friday,

Traveling through Virginia

2005-06-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

Left the Lynchburg TT campground about 8:30 this morning, Thursday, taking US24 to Roanoke, a more scenic route through the hills and towns, woods and farmlands of central Virginia. Then took I581 north to the I81 taking us to Bristol near the Tennessee border. Tomorrow we will take US25E from I81 and go to Sheri’s, picking up I75 in Kentucky to US150 and Danville, their new home.

Again we avoided a commercial campground at Bristol. We were looking for Exit 7 that went to a campground I had identified from the Internet before leaving home, but found signs taking us to Sugar Hollow Park, with a city owned campground near the freeway but in the woods and isolated from the mainstream. We almost have it to ourselves, a perfect spot for our last camping night of our vacation. It is a dry campsite but with power and well graded, also near a clean comfort station with hot showers. Guess that’s it ‘till we get home. Hopefully I can post this and our Lynchburg report when we get to the Herndon’s.

What's to do in Lynchburg VA

2005-06-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

Arrived at the Lynchburg Thousand Trails campground yesterday (6/21) about 1 p.m. having traveled from Chesapeake Bay through Richmond to get here. Getting through Richmond from I64 to US360 was a challenge but we made it without much trouble. Rand McNally sent us on several parkways with tolls. They not only toll you to get on but also at the off-ramps. Will say nice roads though. Cost me $3.20 to make the transition. The rest of the drive was through very nice green rolling countryside. Set up in the campground went well. First time I had to back into a campsite. We had hand held walkie-talkies so Nelda could guide me in. She did fairly well; I only had to get out twice to see what she was talking about. After checking out the campground we decided to try the pool and the spa, but the water in the pool was cold and the spa was out of commission so we just hung out at the campsite, had tilapia and rice with a salad for dinner and retired early. This is probably the smallest of the TT campgrounds we have ever visited (out of 12 or more in 22 years). Very quiet in middle of week with no activity except kids in the pool (cold water doesn’t stop them.)
Today, after fixing us a pancake and bacon breakfast, we headed into Lynchburg about 20 miles NW of the campground. Went to the visitor center to find out what the major attractions might be. Not much. We took a look at historic downtown Lynchburg, which was similar to downtown Gadsden only bigger and hilly. Had coffee at the Commerce Center where booths are set up like an indoor flea market, drove through the cemetery and then headed out of town for Walmart to get some supplies. Here we are back at the campsite, Nelda working on her pictures which she got 1 hour development at Walmart and me writing this blog for uploading whenever I can get to an Internet access point. I am also preparing some more digital photos for my website. Did check email this morning. Had to go to Ranger Office to use their dial up, but they are only available from 9 to 10 a.m. and we will be gone by then tomorrow. Our cell phone has no signal in the campgrounds, so we can only call when on the road or in town. Understand that the Herndon’s are in their new house so we go there on Friday after stopping tomorrow night in Bristol, VA, near the Tennessee border. So much for now, more later, I’m sure.

Time to Kick Back

2005-06-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

The trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg wore us out on Saturday, so today and tomorrow we'll just kick back and do as little as possible. Did attend the service in the campground. It was pretty good singing with the folks. Got a message on the Prodigal Son about fatherhood. Mostly law but a little gospel too. Enjoyed it. Had to go to town for a few supplies this afternoon, but that's it except for some swimming, eating, reading and relaxing. Tuesday we'll head west to the next Thousand Trails campground near Lynchburg, then Friday we'll get to Kentucky to see Sheri & Sean's new house. Hope they've got it all unpacked by then! Bye now till probably Wednesday.

Where America Began, Jamestown

2005-06-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

After the National Park Service memorial to Yorktown, we were anxious to visit two more Colonial sites today: Jamestown and Williamsburg. We got an early start, arriving at the Jamestown Historical National Park at 9 a.m. using the Colonial Parkway from Yorktown about 20 miles away. It was a nice drive, lots of trees and views of the York and James Rivers. Reminded us of the drive in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington, but much more developed and longer. The first point of interest is the excavated site called the Glass House, unearthed remains of the glass making kilns used by the early Jamestown pioneers trying to develop products and resources for the Virginia Company. There was also a replica where glass making is demonstrated using 17the Century techniques. Bought a couple examples, including a vase for Nelda and a shot glass for Liz (She has a collection).

Then visited the Jamestown site, including the remains of the original fort still under excavation by archeologists. A period costumed interpreter representing one of the wives gave a very interesting description of life in the colony. Then we walked through the remains of the original town site and the memorials and statues including Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. The rebuilt town church was also very interesting. The Anglican Episcopals were about to hold a church service and we went inside to listen to the choir and observe the preparations before continuing our walking tour.

Leaving the park we noticed the masts of the ship replicas at the nearby Jamestown Settlement, a large commercial memorial having a full size replica of the fort and an Indian village from the period. Though the National Park exhibit was more interesting we did enjoy the Settlement too (but not the $21 entrance fee). The NPS tours were without admission because of the Golden Age Pass. Oh well, they had a nice café too and it was 1 pm and time to eat.

Next we took the Colonial Parkway back to the Williamsburg exit to see what we could see there. Being cheap skates we bypassed the admission tickets required to visit the museums and enter the buildings situated in historic Colonial Williamsburg, but we did walk the streets and caught the flavor of a town in the pre-revolutionary war era. Anyway we were getting pretty tired and ready to get back to the campground.
After a swim and some time to relax it was time to BBQ some steaks that we had bought in Lexington, so with that we are ending our day. Tomorrow we plan to attend the church service here at the campground. We will sing with the Baptists and thank the Lord for giving us a great vacation. There is an ELCA church in Gloucester, and we would try it but it will be fine to just enjoy the people around us. God bless you ‘all out there and hope you found time to praise the Lord wherever you are!

Our visit to Yorktown, Virginia

2005-06-17T19:40:00.000-05:00

Another very interesting day on vacation near the Chesapeake Bay. Started out with Nelda doing laundry at the campground and me posting pictures on my website and checking email. Then left for Gloucester, a short trip from here and to check out some of their historical sites including the Colonial Courthouse, Debtor’s Prison, Jail and other buildings dating back to the Revolutionary War. Then we headed further south on US17 for Gloucester Point to look at Rev. and Civil War trails and campsites in Tyndall Point Park. Stopped for lunch at Oceans 17, a seafood café, and then couldn’t find the park. Signs were missing and it seemed closed so headed on across the York River to the Colonial National Historical Park at Yorktown. Wow! Now that’s an interesting place to come, seeing the battlefield where Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans (with help from the French) and was the last major battle in the War for Independence. We did the whole thing, watched the 15-minute movie in the Visitor Center, and walked to the battlements and down to the town. Saw the Victory Monument and the Nelson House, then drove the auto tours of the battlefield, encampments and the Moore House where terms of surrender were made between Washington and Cornwallis’s 2nd in command (Cornwallis got sick and couldn’t make it himself). We really enjoyed our day and look forward to going to Jamestown and Williamsburg tomorrow. Oh yeah, my Golden Age Passport that I got when Liz worked at Crater Lake got us in free again. That was 10 dollars well spent. Check out our new pictures added to our vacation album at www.pastorpj.com.

Left North Carolina for Virginia

2005-06-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

We left Forest Lake Campground on Thursday, a day earlier than scheduled, a drove to the Chesapeak Bay TT Campground near Gloucester, VA on the Planatank River. Its a beautiful campground with a couple lakes and a boat ramp and fishing docks on the river. Lots of trees and our campsite is overlooking one of the lakes. The drive yesterday was about 300 miles, that's long enough through Greensboro, NC, and Petersburg and Richmond, VA. Took I85 to I95 then East on I64. Exitedon VA33 to Glenns and took VA198 to campground. We're getting the trailer setup and takedown pretty well. More trouble than the motorhome, but still like advantages of travel trailer and Jeep. Enjoy being able to sightsee with the vehicle and towing the collapsed trailer is no problem. Expanding it gives us plenty of room and good facilities.

Got here about 3 p.m. yesterday and was in the pool after setting up camp by 3:45. We did stop at Petersburg yesterday for lunch. Tried to find a Cracker Barrel from signs on the interstate, but couldn't locate it when we got off. Didn't want to keep driving around with the trailer in tow so gave up and tried the All American Buffet. It was ok, but nothing special.

Its about 8:30 a.m. EDT and Nelda's doing laundry while I'm in Adult Lounge using the dialup service that is provided to members. Plan to go into Gloucester and look around and have lunch. Tomorrow we will go to Williamsburg and Jamestown. There is a Lutheran church in Gloucester that we'll check out and see if we want to go there on Sunday or worship here at the non-denominational service at the campground. Thousand Trails is very Christian friendly. At Forest Lake they were planning a VBS for both campers and the community.

Check out the pictures we took on the way here.

Our Day in Lexington, NC

2005-06-15T14:58:00.000-05:00

Today is our first full day on vacation without traveling. We are at the Forest Lake Thousand Trails campground near Lexington. After fixing pancakes and eggs for Nelda and I we left to see the sights of Lexington. Its a nice little city not unlike Gadsden in many ways. Found a CVS to get Nelda's Fosomex refilled then went downtown to the Candy Factory, a store filled with candy of all kinds and sorts, and antique collectibles. Bought a box of sugar free chocalate assortments, then went to the Black Chicken Coffee Shop for a Mocha Coffee Frappe. About 10 a.m. and temp was up to 88 so a cold drink tasted real good. Then we went out to the Bob Timberlake Gallery, a local artist with national reputation. His paintings are beautiful colorful realist pictures of the simple life in North Carolina in scenes of all kinds. Reminds me of Thomas Kincaid but a different style and less impressionistic. Anyway, too expensive for us to buy, but enjoyed a fantastic array of his art and many other things. Definitely recommended as a place to see. Well, about noon local time and getting hungery, it was time to find a good North Carolina BBQ place for lunch. There are 21 BBQ resturants identified on the visitors map, but with local recommendations went with Lexington BBQ. The place was overflowing and the parking lot was packed, but the line moved quickly and we were soon eating the best BBQ, cole slaw and hush pupppies I've tasted since coming to the South. Butch was right! Lexington is known for its Annual Barbecue Festivalin October. They say the streets are filled and I believe it. Everywhere you go downtown are statues of pigs (fiberglass replicas) on the sidewalks in front of the businesses. They auction them off every year at the festival. Well, full of pork we next stopped at Childress Vineyards for a tour and some wine tasing. The vineyard is fairly new and features an impressive list of wines. Its owned by Richard Childress of NASCAR fame who also has Racing Museum nearby. We didn't make it to the museum, but headed back to our campsite to get ready for an afternoon swim. More later, maybe.

2005 Vacation

2005-06-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

Nelda and I are finallyon our first real vacation since moving to Alabama a year ago last February. With our new rig (Jeep Liberty + TrailManor trailer) we left home at 8:10 a.m. on Monday the 13th of June and traveled to Greenville, S.C. in beautiful dry weather. Arlene was well past and it was a great day for driving in an air conditioned car. Went through Atlanta and made transition from I20 to I85 with no problems. Stopped at first S.C. rest stop and got maps and stuff then asked about campgrounds near Greenville. Very helpful staff gave us directions to Paris Mountain State Park where we spent the evening and night, leaving this a.m. for Forset Lake Thousand Trails campgroung about 8 miles north of Lexington N. C. on the Yangst (sp?) River. Will stay here 3 nites before heading to Chesapeak Bay, VA. This is a beautiful campground with adult pool, jacuzzi and lodge and all the facilities TT has to offer. Went swimming and now will go back and have a happy hour before bbqing some chicken and corn on the cob. Well so much for now. God bless y'all now, y'hear!

First Trip with New Trailer

2005-05-17T19:12:00.000-05:00

A successful shakedown cruise with the new trailer. Went to Lake Guntersville State Park where we went last August in our last camping trip with the motorhome. All went well. No problem getting trailer up the driveway and on the road. The campground is only about an hour from our home so it makes a good short term getaway. Did have help with Liz's friend Dan hooking up before leaving home, but Nelda and I got it all set up on our campsite in under 30 minutes. Not bad, though more involved than was the motorhome. But pulling the trailer with the Jeep was not bad at all. Noticed a little sway because didn't snug up the sway bars enough. Did better on the way home.

We left home Sunday afternoon about 4 p.m. after visit with Jamie, Wendy and two daughters. They came over from Atlanta for church and stayed with us for lunch to catch up on things. We enjoyed our day Monday. Went into Guntersville the the morning and did some shopping, then just kicked back with new book, several walks and fire ring. Liz and Dan came to the campground after work on Monday. Got there about 9 p.m. This morning we packed it up and left about 11 a.m. Got home no problem. Took a bit to get it down the driveway but went better than first time. Nelda and I did it ourselves and trailer now conveniently parked on driveway pad. Good trip, good time, looking forward to going again soon.

Getting Re-rigged for Camping

2005-05-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

Well, we finally got a new rig for Nelda and I to go camping. Our 1992 22' Flair Class A Motorhome served us well for 12 years through many memorable camping trips with family, friends, church groups and just the two of us. It also got us to Alabama and to our new church and home. But it was time to make a change, and after a year of unsuccessful attempts to sell it decided to trade it in on a trailer.

So first we traded our 1999 Mustang in on a 2005 Jeep Liberty. That was an experience in itself, getting the one we wanted with the equipment needed to tow a trailer. Picked the Liberty because we had already decided what trailer we wanted and needed adequate tow rating. The Jeep has 5000 lb rating and the trailer is about 3000 lb. Had to make several trips to Pell City to get the Tow Package installed and fix a couple things, but meanwhile begain negotiating on the trailer.

That too was an experience, requiring several trips to Huntsville and having to rerig the Jeep for the brake controller for trailer towing. But yesterday we picked it up and pulled it home. One delay was due to the Jeep spare requiring an extended ball extension on the weight distributing hitch to allow enough clearance with the tire. That caused the saftey cables to be too short, so stopped at Lowes in Albertsville and picked up two short pieces of 7/16 chain and removable links to give enough slack. That worked fine.

Then my biggest worry was backing the trailer down my 12 degree sloped driveway onto the pad in front of my garage. I had planned for it extensively with scale drawings and preparing two 2x12 8' ramps to soften the bottom angle. That worked ok, but still scraped the skids at the back of the trailer on the concrete pad. No damage though, so we made it, unhitched and pushed the trailer into its storage location next to the garage.

Now we get to open it up and get it prepped for camping. More later. Boy that hitch is heavy!

Check out my pictures:

http://www.pastorpj.com/Camping/New%20Jeep.htm
http://www.pastorpj.com/Camping/New%20Trailer.htm

New Website for Trinity Gadsden

2005-02-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

After a year I finally got started on a new website for my new church. Its still in a preliminary state and updates should be available soon with input from others. But its a beginning under our new domain name: www.tlcgadsden.com. let me know what you think.

Riverdance

2005-01-30T20:22:00.000-06:00

Today has been very full with much to do and much to enjoy. First went to Talladega to conduct the worship service at Our Redeemer, our mission congregation. Then back to Gadsden as usual to worship at Trinity. We have a new Organ just installed several weeks ago and it sounds great. Its an Allen Renaissance 230e but similar to the Rodgers we installed at Anaheim when we built the new sanctuary there. We have also upgraded the sound system and improved it a lot over what we had before. New speakers, a new mixer console, new mics for the choir and in the chancel. Our church is very supportive and we really appreciate the people here.

Then, today, after service we went with some friends from church to see Riverdance at the Birmingham Jefferson Concert Hall. It was a facsinating show and we really enjoyed it. After the show we had dinner at Jim 'N Nick's BBQ in Trussville on our way back from Birmingham. Great meal and good fun. Butch and Mavis, Chuck and Mary, and Paul and Diane are great people to enjoy their company.

Got home and Nelda talked with Sheri to tell her all about our day and find out about hers. Check out Sheri's Blog at http://sherndon.blogspot.com/ to get an update on her condition.

Today is also an historic day with the elections in Iraq. Our prayers are for our men and women serving over there, there families and the Iraquies themseleves. May God use their sacrifices to bring peace to the world in order that the Gospel may have free access and Christians in the Middle East may freely worship the Lord and serve him openly.

Safely Home - Full Week Ahead

2005-01-29T19:39:00.000-06:00

Made it home with Nelda today despite warnings of freezing rain on the return trip. We got rain all the way, but missed the icing that dumped itself on Georgia rather than ourselves. Was kinda foggy and cold through the Smokies in Tennessee but most of the trip was made in good time.

Sheri begins her chemo next week and will follow with radiation and other therapy, but we pray that by August she will have it behind her, including any traces of cancer. Pray with us that the Lord will give her the healing and help she needs and that her family will enjoy having her with them for many years to come.

Bad news on return regarding Jim Elmore's dad's passing this morning. Know he is with the LORD in heaven and will greet us all one day. He was a really good man, loved the Lord and faithful. He will be missed by his family. Glad Jim and his family could be with him at the end.

Lots to do this week, getting ready for Lenten services and planning for the new year. Want to involve the leadership and the congregation in helping all our members become regular in their worship and more active in fellowship in the Word and in fellowship. We have a great congregation and with our energy and faith I'm confident that Trinity will meet the challenge to faithfulness.

Meanwhile I'm glad to have Nelda home again. We (Liz, Nina and I) really missed her.

Nelda Coming Home

2005-01-27T19:02:00.000-06:00

Yea! After 3 weeks absence Nelda will come home from staying with our daughter during her recovery from surgery. Tomorrow a.m. I will drive up to Kentucky and on Saturday we will return to Gadsden. Weather could be a problem as an ice storm is forecast over the weekend that could extend all the way back, however I should miss most of it on the way up. We are grateful for all the prayers for Sheri and Nelda and for my trip to bring my wife home. Nina will be glad to see her!

A New Year Update

2005-01-23T20:57:00.000-06:00

My New Year's Resolution: Update this blog more often (among other things!).

A lot has happened since last Fall. Of course a great season of Thanksgiving to our Lord, a beautiful celebration of our Savior's birth and a lot of responses from our many friends to our Christmas greeting and letter. We have reported to many about our daughter Sheri's diagnosis of cancer and her subsequent surgery. We were glad to have her and her family visit with us for Christmas and worship with us before having the surgery. Nelda is still with them in Kentucky but will be returning home soon. We are encouraged and hopeful that Sheri's treatment will be 100% successful in eradicating any traces of cancer from her body and we praise and thank God for his strength and healing power.

May God bless all our friends and family in this new year of 2005.

Here We Stand

2004-11-12T19:36:00.000-06:00

Here We Stand
Here's an interesting blog that may deserve following.

Post Election Recovery and Other Things

2004-11-12T19:14:00.000-06:00

We have much to be thankful for: as a nation, for our church and in our lives. The election turned out in our favor and with a surprising outcome. It appears that Christian values are alive and well among our citizens and for that we can be thankful. But the margin, though significant, isn't overwhelming by any means and what the outcome will be next time around cannot be taken for granted. The real message is that God has not turned us over to our enemies for chastisement yet. It is a warning however, that as in Israel of old God's people need to be faithful to our purpose in the redemption and message of Christ. Let us pray that the renewed administration of our civil government will give us greater opportunity through the gospel to seek and save the lost. Our churches will need to respond not with legalism and fear, but in faith and love, while we have been given more time in which to reap the Lord's harvest.

Praise the Lord for the 14 new members we received at Trinity last week. May He continue to bring those to us whom he chooses to give us strength to do his will. Also, may He bless our work at Our Redeemer through the new people who are coming and more that we are given to reach. We also thank him for the financial benefits recently received and may they further increase our spiritual growth.

These are my thoughts as we enter into a time of thanksgiving and celebration this season of the Lord. May God bless us all.

Reformation & Elections: A Quandry

2004-10-31T18:57:00.000-06:00

As we head in to the national election on Tuesday I am struck by the importance of reformation in the church for the sake of our nation's immediate future. As Lutherans we embrace the two kingdom view of theology that says God has ordained both the church and the state with separate but mutually interdependant roles affecting his people. It is important that we view them separately but it is also important that we participate in them conjointly. As a Christian I believe that what happens in the secular realm is a direct result of God's actions on behalf of his faithful people and his plan and purpose for the Gospel of salvation through the message of Christ. As a citizen of a country that at least provides for freely exercized religion I believe that I have a responsiblitiy to practice my citizenship in such a way that it is supportive of my faith and Christian life. This is why I support the election of George Bush.

My support of the president isn't one of blind party affiliation, but in view of the the two alternatives that this election is about. President Bush has likely misjudged the course that he has followed in his tenure but, nevertheless, I think he is sincerely trying to do and achieve what is best for all our citizens in a way that conforms most closely with my convictions as a Christian. I am very concerned that a president Kerry will not be guided as carefully by these same principles.

A reformation in the church requires, as it did in the 16th century, a return to the faith and practice prescribed by the Bible. I believe that a reformation is needed in our national life as well. Not that I would expect it to be dictated or determined by Scripture as would the church. That is niether logical or practical. But our nation must be guided by principles and with leaders who's basis is consistent with our constitution. For just as the church should be formed by its God-breathed founding documents, so should America be formed by its God-ordained civil responsibilities.

Let us pray that God will intercede again for his people and our nation in providing that form of government that will fulfill his purpose, whichever way the election turns out.

2004-09-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

Southern District LCMS New Pastor Orientation - New Orleans 2004

Enjoying the Big Easy

2004-09-30T19:51:00.000-05:00

Hi from New Orleans, Nelda and my first trip to the Big Easy. We came here on Tuesday to attend the Southern District (LCMS) orientation for new pastors and vicars to the district. Got to our hotel near Six Flags on Interstate 10 then went to the district president's home in Slidel back across the lake for a wonderful BBQ dinner and fellowship as an introduction to hospitality Louisiana style. Wednesday was spent in our meeting sessions until 5 p.m. then we were free to site see on our own. We went with a young couple, Pon and Amy, who are recently moved here from the seminary in St. Louis. Pon is the new Vicar at St. John Lutheran located right on Canal Street. We parked in the secure parking lot at the church then took the streetcar down to Bourbon Street. There we walked down Bourbon St. to a restaurant called Desire where we enjoyed Jumbalya and local refreshment before heading back to our car. It was a fun evening.

Today we fininished our sessions at noon and after a nice lunch provided by the staff we once more ventured down Canal St. taking the streetcar all the way to the river, went to the Riverwalk Mall then strolled back on the boardwalk and took the ferry across the Mississipi and back. Again we enjoyed the companionship of Pon and Amy and had a wonderful afternoon. Tomorrow we will head back home. We did really enjoy the orientation and meeting all the new pastors, vicars and their wives, along with the district executives and staff. It was very helpful and will prove so I believe in my years ahead as pastor of Trinity in Gadsden. But we also enjoyed our visit to a historic area of our nation that we had not been to previously. I'm sure we will enjoy revisiting the area from time to time and will enjoy our futher contacts with the many fine dedicated servants of the Lord with which we delighted in their company.

Ivan passes us by

2004-09-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Ivan is gone and left little damage to Gadsden, Etowah County. We lost neither electricity, water or trees though plenty of rain and wind. But by 7 p.m. last night it was pretty much gone to the Northeast. Anyway we're glad we were spared, but our thoughts and prayers are for those near the coast who have much cleaning up and rebuilding to do.

Hurricane Ivan Welcomes Us To Alabama

2004-09-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

Well we are experiencing our first hurricane even as I write. Actually it is now downgraded to a tropical storm but still packs a punch throughout most of the state. At 5:30 pm central daylight time Gadsden is in the middle of the storm watch. We've had some pretty good thunder storms and our trees have swayed mightily in the winds, but we're still standing. Probably only a couple more hours to go before the storm moves out of our area.

We did all the preparations: Got extra water bottles and jugs from the store, filled bathtub (so we have extra water and can flush our toilets if the water is cut off), got lots of comfort food and drinks and cans of soup and chili, got instant coffee if we lose power and, of course, lots of spare batteries of all sizes. The grocery store closed at 10:30 this morning, after I made our last run. Wasn't able to get C batteries for portable radio yesterday, but found some at CVS this morning.

So today is mainly staying at home and watching the TV and out the windows. Some concern about tornados but don't know if we had any here this far north or not. Been on alert since 10:30. Did go to church this morning and finished sermon preparation for Sunday. Hoping that our mission congregation at Talladega is still standing when I get there Sunday morning. Its a double wide trailer next to state hiway 77 and the report is that the storm did a lot of damage in that area. Oh well, its in God's hands.

Thanks to all who called or emailed asking about us. I'll add more when its over and I've got a chance to see what Gadsden has been through.

God bless you'all

Camping Again - Lake Guntersville State Park

2004-09-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, Nelda and I finally got to do some camping again after living in Alabama for six months. I have been trying to sell our motorhome over Internet, RV Trader and local newspaper but with no luck. Just a few nibbles and "lookie loos". So Sunday after church the week before Labor Day we took it out to Lake Guntersville State Park and stayed for two nights. It was great and the campground is beautiful, only an hour away from Gadsden on the Tennessee River, we camped right down near the lake and with very few neighbors. Of course the next weekend would be the busy one and people were already saving campsites by putting up tents and rigs before we left on Tuesday. We were going to stay until Wednesday, but the Republican National Convention was in progress and we had no TV. I've been told that something is wrong with me. Anyway we really did enjoy a relaxing two days. A few pictures are at my website www.pastorpj.com. Click on the title above. Liz and Nina stayed home and watched the homestead for us.

We might just do this again soon, since the motorhome is still available. Alabama has a lot of nice campgrounds in their state parks and many are located here in Northeast and closeby.

Our Tour of Birmingham

2004-08-04T20:38:00.000-05:00

Since Nelda and I have moved to Alabama we have been given a few local tours to some of the sites and places but hadn't gotten down as far as Birmingham just to see the town. So today with Tim and Liz we drove down to check it out. Visited the Aviation History Museum out by the airport and found it interesting. They had an SR71 Blackbird prototype on the field nearby along with a number of jet fighters from the cold war era. Inside was mainly examples from the early days of flight in the U.S.

Then we visited the Jazz Hall of Fame Museum in the old Carver Theater. Many of the early jazz musicians from the 30's up to the 90's were from Alabama. From there we went to Five Points near downtown - a five point intersection with some local shops and resturants. Had lunch at the Five-Point Grill then went out to the Summit Mall East of town on I549.

Got home about 4, barbequed some Bubba Burgers then went to Bible Study at church. It was a good day.

2004-08-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

Tim & Liz on a hike

2004-08-01T19:48:00.001-05:00

Northern Alabama View: Liz, Tim and Friends Hiking

2004-08-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

Tim and Mom Jammin in the Living Room

Sightseeing in Alabama

2004-08-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

One thing about having guests, you get to do a little sightseeing yourself. Tim is here and will be gone to soon next Saturday. I think he is enjoying his visit with mom, dad and lizzy. Friday we went to the Wills Winery in Duck Springs. Nelda, Liz and I had visited once before. It's a little family run place out in the country not too far from Gadsden. They grow their own Muscadine grapes and make several varieties. We thought to get some of their dryer red wine but it was still in the vat waiting to be bottled, which they intended to do that day but hadn't got to it yet. This is the South! Did purchase their last bottle of Ruby Red and a bottle of white table wine. Will have it tonight for our Salmon BBQ which is just minutes away.

Yesterday we went to the highest point in Alabama, Mt. Cheaha, at 2,407 ft. above Sea Level. These are mountains here in the South. Really! It was beautiful though and with a gorgeous view of Northern Alabama. It is hilly country with lots of trees and interesting back roads. On the way back we went on down to Talledega, which we hadn't actually seen yet though we go to our mission church 3 miles north every other Sunday. The town was larger and more impressive than I expected. Maybe our church will make it there.

Today Tim, Liz and a friend of hers from her work came to church at Trinity. Tim said the service was cool! Liturgy pretty close to what we were used to from Anaheim, with a Missouri Snyod twist on the tunes. It's slow work but I'm catching on. After church the kids went hiking to another "mountainous" area north of town. Nelda and I came home and took naps.

Now it is Marguerita Time and the potatoes are in the oven. Time to refill my glass and pitch frisbee with Liz before Salmon is ready to grill. Tim and mom are Jamming in the "living room." I'll put a picture in later.

God bless everyone and may you have a great day in the Lord. Bye Y'all!

Some Interesting Reading

2004-07-25T18:21:00.000-05:00

Sunday evening here in Alabama, expecting a thunder shower but no show so far. Been reading some interesting fiction of late. Started with the autobiagraphy of Henry VIII: with notes by his fool, Will Somers: a novel by Margaret George. It is a very entertaining hypothetical account of one of history's most intriquing characters. The author remains faithful to the historical data, but of course imagines the conversations and much that is left to the imagination. What interests me is the relationship to the Reformation period and the frequent references to the "Lutherans" and Henry's opinion of Luther. I also read "Dissolution: a novel of Tudor England" by C.J. Sansom. It too gives an insight from a fictional viewpoint on what happened when the protestants gained a foothold in England as Henry challenged Rome for national supremacy. Then I'm now on my second novel by Karen Harper who wrote several mysteries with Elizabeth as the heroine detective who with her immediate staff solve the various conspiracies that history records in her ascendancy to the crown and her reign as Queen of England. Though written as fiction incorporating history of the period you get a real sense of what the period was like.

Anybody have any suggestions to follow up these readings. I particularly like historical fiction and the subject of how the Protestant Reformation developed in the 16th century is very interesting to me.

Good News - Bobble Heads Found

2004-07-24T15:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while rummaging through the TV cabinet in my home office I found a box that hadn't been opened yet that I had thought was lost in our move. Sure enough, safely wrapped inside were all my Anaheim Angel Bobble Head Dolls. I couldn't believe it. I thought I had looked everwhere and had given up that we had gotten them here to our new home in Alabama. I apologize to all the unknown people that I blamed for their loss. But you can see they were necessary to complete my Angel Shrine on the wall across from my desk. Now we can continue rooting for the Angels without any dark thoughts and remembering fondly the many game's we attended while living in Anaheim and at which we stood in line early to get those dolls. Tim Salmon, Garrett Anderson, Brian Downing and Rod Carew. Don't they look great up on my shelf?

2004-07-24T15:12:00.000-05:00

I'm still an Angel Fan in Brave country

2004-07-23T16:23:00.000-05:00

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Talladega, Alabama

2004-07-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Nelda and I are enjoying having our daughter Liz staying with us. She has a job with an inventory company so her hours are rather sporadic right now. She usually works at night or early in the morning and sometimes both for several days in a row. She will be registering soon for her Fall classes at Gadsden State.

We are looking forward to Tim's visit next week. He will be flying into Birmingham Airport on Monday afternoon and will here for 11 days. We hope to show him what Southern living is about. We are enjoying living here. It's been warm and somewhat humid, but not unbearably so.

The church is doing well. Attendance was up last week and the people are great. We have several members in the hospital with serious illnesses, but they are improving and God is raising them up. Many are praying and our prayers are being answered.

I am still going to our mission in Talladega every other Sunday morning before our services at Trinity. We are planning a major mass mailing to try to get some more people attending.

God bless whoever reads this. We appreciate hearing from our friends and family.

2004-06-08T19:32:00.000-05:00

Just returned from a fast trip to Portland to meet Liz at airport and drive back here so she can enroll at Gadsden State College for the Fall. Left on Memorial Day and made it to Nampa ID on first day. Tuesday went to Pine Bluff Wyoming after a steak dinner at Outback in Cheyanne. Wednesday went to Sweet Springs MO and Thursday to Nashville. Got home on Friday and saw Sheri and kids who came down to help Nelda get my car back from Atlanta airport parking lot. They left for home in Kentucky and we got back for usual Friday night at El Tapitio and of course for church on Sunday. All went well except for ticket in Nebraska. Oh well, my first ticket in 25 years. Good to be home. The Lord is good and we thank him for good weather all the way across the country and for a safe trip.

2004-05-29T18:45:00.000-05:00

Time to update again: Just returned from Stanford, Kentucky, where we attended our grandson Jacob P. Herndon's graduation from Boyle County High School. Very proud of him as he graduated with honors and with scholarships for Sullivan Technical College in Lexington where he will begin classes next month.

Also brought back his brother Joseph to stay with us for awhile until his mom comes to take him back.

Early Monday morning I will fly from Atlanta to Portland to drive with Liz as she moves here to live with us for awhile and go to college here.

All is well with us and our church. God bless all our friends.

2004-04-24T20:55:00.000-05:00

See pictures taken at Orange Beach while attending Southern District Pastor's Conference.

2004-04-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

Time to update again and record what's happening with us in Alabama. Can't believe its been a month since our last update. We have been busy, but that's no excuse. Easter was a special time for us at Trinity Gadsden. The Herndon's came the week before and all but Sean and Jacob were with us on Palm Sunday. Then the boys joined us on Wednesday night and stayed until Saturday. Sheri and kids went to Our Redeemer in Talladega with us for Easter morning 8:30 service then went on home while Nelda and I went to Trinity for our Easter Service. The choir anthem and service went beautifully. We also had very meaningful services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Nelda, Sheri and kids got to do some fun things while they were here.

Then this last week Nelda and I went to the Hilton Garden Inn in Orange Beach, AL, for the pastors conference from Monday to Thursday. It was a beautiful location. The hotel was on the beach with white sand and lagoon like beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Weather was great and our room had a balcony overlooking the hotel pool and the beach and ocean. We enjoyed our walks on the beach and the jacuzzi in the patio area. Nelda and I drove over to Florida one day for lunch and had several great meals. None better than the banquet put on by the members of St. Mark's in Elberta as we closed the conference with another great service.

Good to be home again and looking forward to our service at Trinity. We won't have services in Talladega tomorrow because of the Nascar race that will draw over 250,000 and clog the hiways.

We bought a nice little two place table and simulated wicker chairs for our deck today and enjoyed a pleasant meal with a nice view of our wooded and park-like back yard. We really are enjoying our new home and hope more of our family and friends will be able to visit us some time.

Anyway, so much for now. Glad to hear the Angels beating Oakland as I get the audio for the radio broadcasts on my DSL internet connection. Only problem is I can't stay up to hear the end of evening games because of the 2 hour time difference.

God bless everyone who reads this. We miss our old friends but have made many new ones in our new congregation. They are great people of God.

2004-03-28T20:46:00.000-06:00

Today is another beautiful day in Northern Alabama. A Hi of 83 degrees with clear air and nice sky. It looks like it will be like this all week. Although we do need rain so hopefully we'll see it come in moderate fashion soon.
This morning we began morning worship services at our daughter mission church, Our Redeemer, in Talledega after some months of evening services there. The change back was well received by all who are coming. Hopefully we can get the work restarted and on a good track. The 35 mile drive for the 8:30 a.m. service was very pleasant and we returned to Trinity in Gadsden in plenty of time for preparations for the 10:45 a.m. service here.
Nelda and I have our new home in pretty good shape now. We ordered a new sofa and love seat for the living/family/dining/kitchen room. That should about do it for now - just a few finishing touches.
Sheri & kids are planning to come back next Saturday for a few days while they are on their Spring break. At least now we have TV and Hi-speed Internet access. That should help with the entertainment department.
Anyway, all is well here and we are truly enjoying our new life. God bless you'all, wherever you are.....

2004-03-23T21:21:00.000-06:00

We are starting to get our new home and our new lives in Alabama in good order. Today we got our new drivers' licenses and began making arrangements for getting Alabama license plates for our vehicles. Even though we had to go to neighboring Glencoe to get our eyes checked and obtain authorization from the license examiner and then go to the county court house back in Gadsden to get our new licenses it only took less than an hour. Last time we went to Fullerton DMV to get a replacement license for Nelda it took nearly all day.

Enjoyed the Herndon visit. Took them to The Fisherman for dinner Saturday, a great local favorite resturant with plenty of atmosphere and great food. They left after church but will be back in two weeks for their Spring break. They have been very helpful with our move and unpacking our things.

Nina is adjusting to her new arrangements, but still doesn't like to be put into the utility room when we are gone or at night. At least she is now going up and down the back stairs from the deck. That makes it more convenient for letting her in and out.

Bad news: My satellite dish won't work because of all the trees around our house so we will have to go to cable. Had the Dish Network tech out today. Cable guy is coming on Thursday. Two problems: 1 - I will lose the convenience of my digital recording receiver that allowed me to record up to 30 hours of programming at the push of a button. 2 - I won't be able to get FSW that carries the Angel games. This means I will probably have to buy a new TIVO and use the internet to listen to the Angels. At least I now have DSL again. Oh well, sometimes you just have to make do!

2004-03-18T20:25:00.000-06:00

It has been a very busy two weeks since my last post. Here's a brief synopsis:
* On Sunday, March 14th, I was officially installed at Trinity after conducting my second Sunday service in the morning. At 4 p.m. The installation service was led by our circuit counselor Duane Maas. The processional was "Lift High The Cross" and the Responsive Reading was from Romans 12:1-8 and Ephesians 2:17-21. The Choir Anthem was "We Are The Church" and since Nelda and I had joined the choir I went to the choir loft in the balcony to sing with them then returned as our Head Elder Mark Thompson read Romans 10:8-15, 17 and then we sang "Lord of the Living Harvest (LW260) and heard Duane's very thought provoking message. After the choir and congregation sang "Here I Am, Lord" our district president, Rev. Kurtis Schultz conducted the Rite of Installation. Pastor Ken Fuehler who had just completed the Interim ministry at Trinity, Pastor Warren Rutland and Pastor Hal Hermetz of our circuit read the installation scriptures and then I made my vows and the congregation responded before the eight pastors present laid their hands in turn upon me with their blessing. I closed the service with prayer and the benediction and we recessed to "Glorious Things of You Are Spoken. The choir then ended with "How Firm a Foundation." The people of Trinity provided a wonderful reception follwing in the Fellowship Hall with a bountiful buffet and a beautifully decorated cake. I will put some pictures on my website.

*Then on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Nelda and I made our walk through before going to the attorney's office at 4 and signing the papers to take ownership of our new home. It was great to meet the seller and his wife. He had lived in the home since it was built in 1965. There were some construction needs that had to be finished, but we were able to begin moving in on Wednesday morning. I met the movers at the storage yard and led them to the house. Then at noon some ladies from the church (Debbie, Becky and Cathy) brought us lunch with enough to feed the movers and all of us. Mark came over and later came back to help us with several projects that needed doing. The new mattresses were delivered in the afternoon and it was wonderful not sleeping in the motor home.

* Today our new washer, dryer and refrigerator were delivered and the contractor finished the ceiling repairs. We brought the motorhome over from the campground and began unloading it. Nelda and I made a trip to Walmart for cleaning supplies and a few items we needed, including a new bed for our dog Nina. She still isn't sure what's going on.

* So things are beginning to take shape. Sheri and Sean are coming tomorrow and will be here Saturday and Sunday. Still lots to do, including getting ready for services at Trinity and Our Redeemer, but its beginning to feel like home.

* Thanks to all who have been praying and helping us. It has been a fantastic adventure. We love our church, our home, Alabama and all the people we have met. This is a terrific place to live and serve the Lord.

2004-03-07T14:36:00.000-06:00

Today was my first Sunday to conduct the worship service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gadsden. It was a great blessing to be in the chancel and pulpit of my new church for Sunday morning. The people were there in good number as we gave our praise to God and sought his counsel in the Word. Today's service followed the Divine Service I with Holy Communion from Lutheran Worship. It is very close to the service used at Trinity Anaheim's traditional service as given in the Ambassador Hymnal. Except the musical settings in the liturgy are still unfamiliar to me so I will have to practice them.

This afternoon Nelda and I will travel to Talledega, about 35 miles south of here, and conduct a service for them at 5 p.m. followed by a Bible Study time.

We are still waiting to hear on the house, but the weather is great (after wind and rain Friday night). So all is well and God bless whoever reads this.
Pastor PJ's Stuff & Things He Likes

2004-03-04T16:10:00.000-06:00

Here's an update on our move to Gadsden, Alabama. Last Sunday we worshiped at Trinity, our new church, that we began serving on Monday. The people were wonderful and the service was very meaningful - traditional and in good taste. I'm glad we were able to worship as guests for our first Sunday here. Then Sunday afternoon we made an offer on the house that Nelda and I saw on Saturday that we liked best of all that we had seen. It has 1972 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, with a great room including living, dining, family and kitchen - all open and comfortable looking. Enough space for Nelda's dining room set and large enough bedrooms for master, guest room and office. Our offer was accepted and we are in the process of getting into escrow. The house will need a few repairs that the owner says he will do and we hope it goes through quickly so we can move in by month's end. I'll put a picture on my family page to give an idea. It's exactly 2 miles from the church but in a nice secluded part of Gadsden, still close to the main street that the church in on.

Last night was our first service here, a mid-week Lenten service preceded by an excellent potluck meal in the church's fellowship room. This Sunday will be my first major service at 10:45 Central Time. Then at 5:00 p.m. I will conduct a service at the Talledega Preaching Station. This is a church being planted by Trinity with its own property and a double wide trailer for the services. I'm looking forward to both as an exciting day in the Lord.

Well, better go home to Nelda and Nina at the campground. We had an excellent lunch at the Community College. A buffet for over 55 seniors for 5.50 a person. It was a buffet with lots of good food. They do this every Thursday. Good eating places are in abundance here. Also the weather has been great these past several days, but thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow night, then warm and sunny next week.

God bless all of our friends at Trinity, Mt. Calvary and all over. Write us an email if you get a chance. We've gotten some already but too busy to answer them individually right now. More later. Pastor PJ
Pastor PJ's Home Page

2004-03-03T15:23:00.000-06:00

Praise the Lord for a successful journey to Alabama, our new home. Haven't been able to update lately as we have been busy house hunting and getting started in my new office at Trinity Lutheran Church, a place full of really great people. We have made an acceptable offer on the house that we liked. Now we are waiting for loan approval, house inspection and all the things needed to get into our new home here. Tonight is my first service with the Mid-Week Lenten service, preceded by a dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Nelda and Nina are still cooped up at the campground and we still have only the one car until the Herndon's bring our other one back down on the 19th. All is well and we are thankful to God and his people for bringing us here. More later.
Pastor PJ's Page

2004-02-28T18:30:00.000-06:00

Today was a beautiful day in Alabama - the sun came out and it was lovely. Nelda and I went to the church this morning and met Mary the music director and most of the choir. They were beginning to practice some Easter music. Told them we would both like to sing in choir once we get our selves situated. Took some pictures of the church. Don't know how to put in blog but will put in website somewhere.

We drove around to get familiar with the area and then lunch at Applebees across from the church. Met Real Estate agent at 1 p.m. and looked as some houses on Country Club Drive near the church. One we saw on Thursday with Mark and liked it very much, but after several others we found one we want to try to buy. It has a great room with open area including living, dining, kitchen and family room. Nice deck in back and pretty yard. More later if we can get it.

Tomorrow will be our first worship with the folks at Trinity. We will be guests tomorrow and will start work on Monday. This is a great place, far more than we anticipated or expected. God bless you'all and keep praying for us - we will need it.
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2004-02-27T20:36:00.000-06:00

Well today was our first full day in Gadsden, Alabama. It was a great day and very full. First, however, on our trip here after spending the night at the Best Western in Vicksburg, Mississippi, got up yesterday morning to a flat tire on left front of motorhome. Thanks be to the Lord that it went flat while in parking lot overnight. Called Good Sam Emergency Service and they sent out some one to put my spare on then went to Jackson and got a new tire for front left also and put replacement on as spare. The tire that went flat was not in very good condition to be fixed. Anyway that cost us about 3 hours so we didn't get to Gadsden until 5 p.m. After setting up at the River Country Campground went to dinner at a local Mexican resturant with Mark Thompson from the church. Sean & Sheri ate with us then left for home in our chevy by way of Nashville to pick up Sean's car at airport.

Back to this morning, met Alex our Allied Van Lines driver at the mini-storage that Mark had arranged to unload our belongings. The local company that he had arranged to help him unload cancelled, so I called Laura at the church and she sent some people from the church to help unload the truck. That went well, then stopped at the church for first look inside. Suprised to see church sign on the highway read, "Welcome Home Pastor PJ & Nelda". Loved the church, will put pictures up when I can. Then Nelda and I went house looking. Looked at about six houses. None exactly what we wanted but several possibilities. Going again tomorrow. May have to get a bit bigger place so Nelda can keep her dining table and china cabinet. Or .....?

Tonight we went to the mall across from the campground. Very impressive. Then went to a resturant called Top of the River Catfish and Seafood. Sat overlooking the Coosa River and ate fried catfish, hushpuppies, french fries, cole slaw, pickled onions and cornbread with appropriate adult beverage. It was delicious and a very popular place on a Friday night, but didn't wait long and so back at campground. Using dialup internet in campground lodge to post this and check email.

Going to wrap up the day and go to bed now. Meeting at church in the morning then more househunting. God bless everybody and thank you again for all your prayers. The Lord is more than good to us - He is outstanding. Good Night!!!
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2004-02-26T06:41:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Vicksburg Mississippi. Today we will arrive at Gadsden. It has been an interesting trip. Lots of rain and cold temperatures. First night Sunday we didn't make it to Phoenix as planned but stopped at Quartzite just inside Arizona. Nelda, Nina and I stayed at a desert campsite and Sheri, Sean and kids stayed at motel nearby.

On Monday we got to El Paso and again camped with kids in nearby hotel. Tuesday was another long day. Tried to get to Arlington but had to stop at Weatherford. Rain and wind so bad that Sheri was having problem with night blindness. Found a nice new Econo Lodge and we all stayed there. It was nice for Nelda and I to have a warm room for the night and good showers before heading off yesterday.

Got here earlier but still rained all the way, so we are staying at a Best Western and another comfortable night before getting to our destination. Nina gets to have the motorhome to herself again.

News says that it is snowing in Gadsden but hope it is melted by time we get there later today. Anyway this motel has a high speed internet connection in the room so able to clean out email and record this on my blog.

Thanks for all the prayers. We have seen their result in our safety and smooth sailing! God bless you'all.

PJ