Reformation & Elections: A Quandry

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.

Southern District LCMS New Pastor Orientation - New Orleans 2004 

Enjoying the Big Easy

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

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

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

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

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.

Tim & Liz on a hike 

Northern Alabama View: Liz, Tim and Friends Hiking 

Tim and Mom Jammin in the Living Room 

Sightseeing in Alabama

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

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

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?

I'm still an Angel Fan in Brave country 

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Talladega, Alabama 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.