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.

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.....

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!

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.

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

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

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

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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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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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

Today was a full day of preparing for our move to Alabama. Our daughter Sheri arrived Saturday with her two youngest sons Joe and Micah. They got to go to Mt. Calvary yesterday with Nelda for my last Sunday with the wonderful people there. The congregation had a reception for us after both services and provided us with real joy in the Lord as we bid them fond farewell. At each service including the Chinese speaking congregation we were given peaceful release as their Follow-up Interim Pastor. Head Elder Bert Talbert was unable to be at church because of illness but provided a very nice written statement on our service at Mt. Calvary for the nearly six months I was with them. The people were all very gracious incuding a number of gifts that we sincerely appreciated. Rita Moreno our church secretary did an excellent job organizing our farewell reception. I will truly miss all our wonderful friends that we made in the brief time we were given to serve with them.

Then yesterday afternoon we attended a fellowship gathering of old Trinity Anaheim friends with whom we had shared our Cursillo times together. Doug and Vicki Lewis hosted at their home and we had a delightful Mexican potluck dinner. It was the last time to see some of the men who would be working a retreat next weekend when we will have our last Sunday at the church which has been our home for nearly 38 years.

Meanwhile on with the packing and getting ready. Our motorhome is back in the shop to get the transmission repaired. Sheri's husband is flying in Wednesday to help us also and drive one of our cars to Gadsden. Sheri will drive the other one. Friday the moving van will be here and meanwhile there is still a lot of stuff in the garage and driveway to dispose of. Our daughter Elizabeth who came down from Oregon last week has been a tremendous help and our son Tim will be coming up from San Diego on Friday to be be here as we prepare to leave Sunday after services. Oh yes, Trinity is also planning an open house for us at the Ken and Joy Dahlberg home in Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. It sure will be quiet once we hit the road heading east to our new home. God is good and we rejoice in all that He has provided through old friends and the new ones we will soon meet in Alabama. Praise the Lord!

Today was my last office day at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School in Diamond Bar. All the children made and signed cards with many wonderful and thoughtful sentiments regarding our leaving them and going to Alabama to start a new ministry. Head Elder Bert Talbert and the Church Office Executive Assistant Rita Moreno took me to lunch at the Chinese Resturant accross the street. It was very nice and I will surely miss them and all the great people at Mt. Calvary who have been very supportive and a blessing in my 5 1/2 months with them. Now I must concentrate on our move and in helping Nelda and my daughters Liz and Sheri getting all the packing and disposal done so we can leave on the 22nd.

This Sunday, Feb. 15th will be my last Sunday at Mt. Calvary. Then on the 22nd I will preach my last sermon at Trinity in Anaheim. On Saturday the 21st will be an open house at the home of Ken and Joy Dahlberg in Villa Park, then after the service on Sunday we will leave in our Motorhome followed by Sheri & Sean in our two cars as we caravan eastward to Gadsden, Alabama. We plan to arrive on Thursday so Sean and Sheri can go home by Friday.

There is still much to do but everything is slowly coming together. With the Lord helping us and guiding us we will commit our way unto him and He will bring it to pass.

This morning at Mt. Calvary we received into membership a neat family, Barry & Jackie Geipel and their two children. They also have a very interesting website with lots of great information.Barry L. Geipel