This annual recap contains anecdotes and tidbits from the Weekly Recaps of
2011. Some may seem familiar because they're direct quotes from past
Recaps. It’s a chance to look at the year in review.
Jan 02
With
tear-filled eyes and a lump as big as a basketball in her throat, Deb P.
resumed the Kids' Sermon feature of our worship service. She filled
Diann's shoes admirably
as she
dealt with the first Grinch who tried to steal Christmas. His name was
Herod.
Jan 09 Quote: "Why is the death penalty in capital crimes cruel and inhuman to some, but abortion is not? Why is the taking of a life of one who sheds man's blood abhorrent to some, yet the taking of the life of an innocent baby is 'choice?' (The 'fetus' argument as opposed to 'baby' argument is a moot point. The fetus is a living individual. The fetus is human.) Consider this. The death penalty is the taking of a human life as form of punishment. Abortion is the taking of a human life simply because it exists."
Jan 16 If you want to have a little fun, read Isaiah 44:13-18. In this passage Isaiah, who had my favorite type of sense of humor, describes the ridiculousness of worshiping a homemade idol. When you finish, reread the eighteenth verse again. Sound like anyone you know?
Jan 23
Diane L., better known as Annie to us, took the torch from Deb
P. and became our Youth Leader. She will be responsible for the
young-uns, will deliver the Kids'
Sermon each Lord's Day and will continue to be our song leader. When you
want something done, ask a busy person. Annie also teaches
pre-schoolers in our Christian Education program.
Jan 30 Plans are being made for our annual soup supper. We missed it last year because of some kitchen problems. And, a predicted snow storm is on the way. I'll see you next week when we'll hear Grandpa say, "Is it spring yet?" (Remember "Hee-Haw?")
Feb 06 The big snow came this past week. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. The Phil handlers will probably be right. There will be six more weeks of winter, especially since spring is six weeks away. Is that a coincidence?
Feb 13 Our chili and oyster soup supper is gathering momentum. Every Berean works to make this event a huge success each year, but the "grunt" work is done behind the scenes by our co-chairs and Annie carries a great share of that. Thanks.
Feb 20
Marge B. just returned from Hawaii. While she was there she flew as
a passenger in an open-cockpit biplane. Old timers like me remember them.
She was excited in
telling me
the story. She wore a parachute, and the pilot flew acrobatic stunts.
Anybody wanna be next?
From
Annie's Kids' Sermon: "Don't brag about yourself or your talents. Your
abilities are a gift from Jesus, and He is the one who deserves the praise."
Feb 27
It was back to the soup cookers yesterday. We worked our way through eight
gallons of oysters, 130 pounds of hamburger, 65 large cans of tomato juice, 13
huge
cans of
beans, 26 small cans of tomato paste and all the other spices and ingredients to
go into our chili. These spices and other ingredients are all part of our
recipe which
requires a top-secret clearance and a "blood signed" oath. Was the soup
supper a success? In spite of inclement weather, we think so. We had
a
visitor from
Australia (according to Dean W.). Actually she was here visiting friends
and came to our soup supper. It still counts.
Another "zinger" from Annie's Kids' Sermon. You can't put
toothpaste back into the tube. Words are a lot like that toothpaste.
Once we let them out of our mouths,
we can't take
them back.
Mar 06
This week's edition of the Weekly Recap was devoted to a short dissertation on
criticism of one another. It ended with advice to review Matthew 7:3-5.
Good advice
for this
Annual Recap entry, too.
Mar 13
The first Lenten service of the year was held tonight at the Ashland United
Methodist Church with David McH. in the pulpit. David is a
Christian church/church of
Christ
preacher (of Mennonite background) who is currently serving as interim minister
with the Ashland First Baptist Church. Now what might some make of that?
Unity?
Union? Ecumenism? Thanks, David for your excellent message,
"Blessing of Submission" taken from Luke 22:39-46. Summary? Submit
to God and He
will minister
to you. Check out the passage. The message jumps off the page.
Mar 20
Using the famous words of the cartoon dog Snoopy, "It was a dark and stormy
night," Annie "preached" to her charges that since many folks still walk around
in
dark in the
spiritual lives, it is our job to let our lights so shine so that others will be
led to Christ. Then using the song, This
Little Light of Mine, she told them that
since we know
the song, we need to do just what Jesus said. The message was not lost on
the adults.
Mar 27
I wonder who schedules all these Sunday events. Ball games, vacations,
family reunions, etc., all seem to fall on Sunday. Now I've noticed that
baseball teams don't
play on
Mondays. Why not? Well - they need a day of rest. Now there's
a novel idea! Next time we're called to spend Sunday somewhere other than
in the Lord's
house, let's
just hope Someone doesn't decide it's time to play the trumpet!
Apr 03
Annie's Kids' Sermon probably struck a chord with adults again.
Using the examples of discipline that it takes to learn to play a piano, she
focused on what it takes to
follow Jesus.
"A lot of people say they want to follow Jesus. They join a church, and
for a while you see them every week, but when they see how much it is going to
cost,
they fall away.
Being a true follower of Jesus is not always easy. It takes time and
commitment. But, it is always worth it, if you are willing to pay the
price."
Apr 10
Frances S. had surgery on her left hand to correct complications from her
stroke. The surgery will allow her to unclench her fist and relax her hand
somewhat. She's a
brave lady.
We continue to marvel at her courage, her stamina, her very active mind, and her
example. And, as I watch her struggle to walk, I often wonder where
all the
healthy people are.
Apr 17
Just when you thought it was safe to read more stuff on the Internet, I ran
across another gem the other day that said there's a move afoot to change the
name of
Easter eggs
to "Spring Spheres." (Idea comes from a school teacher!) And, as if
that's not enough, there's a world organization located in New York (you only
get one
guess) that
is discussing whether or not "Mother Earth" is entitled to "human" rights.
Some are proposing that plants, even dirt, have certain "human" rights.
Don't
believe it?
There are already those who worship Gaia (Mother Earth). What's next?
A pet rock? I think we've been there, done that.
Apr 24
Easter Sunrise service was held at Richland Creek Baptist Church where I was
privileged to deliver the sunrise message. After the service, we all sat
down to a victory
breakfast.
Later, we gathered at our own Berea Christian for our regular Christian
Education Hour and our regular worship service. Kara and Amanda
sang an offertory"
duet that was
reminiscent of the Judds. It's amazing how God works genetics into such
blended talent.
May 01
The past week saw two major events in the world which were the perfect example
of the word "contrast." A royal wedding in England with pomp and
circumstance and
the capture
and killing of the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 massacre of so many of
our citizens.
May 08 As
always Kara and I purchase roses for the moms in attendance on Mother's
Day. Frances S. who, in spite of her problems manages, with
Brenda's help to make it
to worship
services, received her rose, gave me the requisite hug and thanked me for the
rose. As she waited in the van to be taken home, she waved with that rose.
Wish I'd had
a camera!
From
Annie's Kids' Sermon: "God likes to hear us say, 'I love you,' but He would
rather see us say, 'I love you,' by how we act."
Happy Mother’s Day, moms!
May 15
An individual in Staten Island, N. Y. has spent his entire life savings to
purchase advertising to announce that the world will end at around 6:00 p.m. on
May 21, 2011.
If you
read a Weekly Recap next week after 6:00 p.m. on the 22nd, guess what?
Another false prophet bites the dust. Read Deuteronomy 18:21-22. See
you
next
week.
May 22 Look at last weeks note above. The entire prediction built to its expected crescendo and right on schedule, at the prescribed location . . .NOTHING HAPPENED.
May 29
We, of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars sold poppies
yesterday. Many knew why we were there and expressed their thanks
profusely. Some
of the
younger folks asked stopped, contributed, and asked the purpose of our poppy
sales. They have no idea of who we are nor why we're there. The
quizzical
faces shown when we tell them begs the question, "Do teachers ever cover the subject
of what military service means to the freedoms we enjoy in this country?"
Jun 05 Bill G. who writes an article for the Ashland Scoop paid tribute in the June issue to the Ashland/Pleasant Plains Ministerial Association. Very timely, Bill. Thank you.
Jun 12
Occasionally I'm asked questions by Christians of other denominations.
This is one of them. "When does human life begin?" Simple logic
tells me that human
life begins at
conception. A live egg and a live sperm unite, not to produce something
that is dead, but which is alive. If that egg and sperm are human, it
produces
a live human.
Next question?
Jun 19
Thanks to Deb P. for filling in for Annie in the Kids' Sermon.
Annie is recovering from last week's surgery which, Praise the
Lord, went well.
Christian
unity in action? Kara was the guest pianist for the 8:45
service at the Ashland United Methodist Church today in the absence of Kaye P.
Then she hurried
on to us in
time for our worship service. Double duty calls for double pay. 2 X
0 = ?
Jun 26
The Ashland Volunteer Fire Department annual fish fry was, as usual, a huge
success. Many waited in a long line for the deep fried "buffalo" and
walleye. Heavy rains
and
thunderstorms causing a power outage didn't dampen spirits. The entire
Ashland Summer Days program was capped off by an evening vesper service held at
Ashland
Church of Christ.
July 03
Freedom isn't free. Someone paid the price for us to have the freedom we
enjoy. Some of our own Bereans were in the armed forces of our country.
Some of our folks
have had
family and friends who have paid the ultimate price so the rest of us might be
free. They gave their lives. But, the greatest freedom that we have
is the
freedom we
enjoy in Christ Jesus. This freedom wasn't free either. Jesus paid
the price when He died on the cross.
July 10
Thanks to action by the Memorial Committee and the church board, Berea now has a
new "keyboard." It has all the bells and whistles we could possible want
and
Kara
is currently in the process of discovering all those applications. Our
piano stays. The Hammond C2 organ will be offered for sale.
From
Annie's Kids' Sermon: "Like a car jack lifts a heavy car, God's Word can
lift our spirits...." Amen!
July 17
After our "singspiration" our Berea ladies really shined. Someone
from another congregation said, "When Berea puts on a feed, it's a feed!"
Deb P., the "kitchen boss"
had all her
ducks in a row. Deb A. brought her chocolate fountain. This
was a sight to behold. Standing nearly six feet tall (including the table
on which it sat),
chocolate in
a large basin is pumped to the top of the fountain and, cascading down several
levels, returns to that basin. Strawberries, banana pieces, marshmallows
and other
selections were covered in that cascade. Some innovative types found it
works on snack crackers, peanuts, and potato chips. All this is certainly
good for
the diet.
At least there were no "diet police" in attendance.
July 24
Today at our regular worship service, Marie K., a regular at Berea and
for a number of years one of our "always there" folks for church functions and
projects, placed
her
membership with us. We welcome her to our Berea Christian Church family.
PTL! Our Hammond C2 organ has been sold. Thanks to Deb P. who advertised and brokered the deal.
July 31 Thanks to Marie K., Diane "Annie" L., and Deb P.,
(Our Berea tremendous trio) who did yeoman service and were seen "all over the
place" doing what needs to be done
through a
successful week of V.B.S. Thanks also to Deb G. of the Ashland
United Methodist Church and her multi-congregation staff who organized this
year's event
and to the
Ashland First Baptist Church (with Samantha B. in charge of food
services) for furnishing the venue with its ample kitchen and fellowship hall.
Aug 07
Today, my neighbor and fishing partner Michael "Mick" K. (whom I baptized
last year in another neighbor's swimming pool and who has attended Berea
"religiously"
for over four
years), placed his membership with Berea in this morning's worship service.
Two weeks ago, his bride of many years, Marie, did the same.
Welcome
"officially,"
Mick.
Aug 14
Special day! Amanda's birthday. We met her and Hamilton
for lunch in St. Louis on the thirteenth. She works with autistic children
and returned to her home and to
her work
after our visit. Our ride home, in spite of threatening weather, was
uneventful. It was also the day when violent storms hit various parts of
the Midwest. Five
people were
killed at the Indiana State Fairgrounds as weather tore down a grandstand filled
with people attending a concert. We also learned today that Lucie D.,
a lady
well-know to
us, has been diagnosed with a ruptured aneurism in the brain. Prognosis is
not good. Please pray for her and her family.
Aug 21
A year ago this past week, August 18, 2010, we struggled through the news of the
murder of Diann H., our youth minister. For all Bereans and those
who knew her,
this was a
reminder of the brevity of life. It is also a reminder that we should ask
ourselves the question, "How should we then live." (Title of a book by
well-known
Christian
author, Francis W. Schaefer.)
Pam H. is the new pastor at the Ashland United Methodist Church.
She's conducted services for two Sundays already and will move into the newly
refurbished
parsonage in
the near future.
Aug 28 Annie's Kids'
sermon message for today carried a message for all. "In our everyday lives
we sometimes make mistakes - we sin. . . . But, if we admit to God that we
did something
wrong and ask Him to forgive us, He will. Because Jesus died on the cross
for us, God can erase all our mistakes and we can start clean all over again."
This fits in
well with a sign I once saw on a church billboard. "God has a big eraser."
Sep 04
Harvest time is upon us. Some, even though others say it's too early, are
already bringing in the corn. Soy beans are still green. In due
time, all the harvest will
be in.
In due time, God will complete His harvest.
Sep 11
Americans everywhere remembered the heinous attacks on the United States, ten
years ago today, on September 11, 2001. Families were devastated as we saw
what evil in
the world can do. We must never lose sight of the fact that there are
those in the world to whom life means nothing and that they will stop at nothing
to bring
subjugation to all. We are, however, free in Christ and no subjugation can
end that.
Sep 18 The
American concept of Justice is often maligned by those who perceive that justice
(as they see it) has not been done. This past week, as we at Berea see it,
justice
was done.
On August 18, 2010, our youth minister, Diann H., a wife, mother, and
grandmother was brutally murdered while coming home from an almost-daily walk
near her
rural home. She interrupted a burglary in progress at her home and was
shot and killed. Thanks to excellent work by the Morgan County Sheriff's
Department,
the Illinois
State Police, and the Morgan County States Attorney's office, her assailant was
arrested, tried, and convicted of residential burglary and first degree felony
murder.
This is small consolation to her family and her friends. It is, however,
justice. The convicted burglar/murderer now awaits sentencing on November
1, 2011.
The wheels of
justice often grind slowly, but they grind thoroughly.
Sep 25
Some folks don't like church board meetings. Sometimes they describe them
as "bored" meetings. I'm one of those strange people who love board
meetings. In the
first
instance, a board meeting gives us a chance to look back in our local church
history to see where we've been. Second, the board meeting is an
opportunity to
determine our
focus for the future. It's sort of a rearview mirror which gives us a good
view of what's behind us, but also requires us to turn our gaze, not backward,
but forward
in order to watch where we're going.
Oct 02
Today was 4-H Sunday. The attendance by the 4-H was poor.
Their meetings draw more. Typical of everything these days?
Also on this
day Lori H. asked for baptism. She will put on Christ a week from
Tuesday.
Oct 09 Lori H. made her confession of faith during today's worship service invitation. She will be immersed this coming Tuesday.
Oct 16 Lori
H. was immersed in Christ for the remission of her sins and the gift of the
Holy Spirit. A family tradition was set in motion. Following his
father's example (Butch
had baptized
Diann), Tom H. baptized Lori. Like father, like son.
Saturday saw the wedding of Donald Joe E. and Julie Lynn C. Julie was given away by her son Seth C., an Afghanistan combat veteran, in full dress Army uniform.
Oct 23
A 7.2 earthquake today in Turkey destroyed a prison and a number of prisoners
were able to escape. Strangely enough, some of them came back!
Strange? Not really.
in the first
century A. D. an earthquake struck Philippi in Easter Macedonia and all the
prison doors were opened. None of the prisoners escaped. Read the
rest of the
story in Acts
16.
Oct 30
I had to take a driving test for license renewal. I drove around
Jacksonville with a pleasant young lady from the Secretary of State's office and
I passed with flying
colors.
I did, however, have to ask myself if the requirement to take an actual driving
exam is a form of age discrimination. It is, but not all discrimination is
bad.
Nov 06 The convicted
murderer of Diann H., our youth minister, was sentenced November 1st to
life in prison without parole. This is the maximum penalty allowed in
Illinois
since the
abolishment of the death penalty.
Nov 13
Annie's Kids' Sermon dealt with Moses in Exodus 17 getting water from a
rock. She handed out rocks (small stones) to each of the kids. One
of the kids went back
to his seat
with Grandpa and banged on the rock. He turned to Grandpa and said,
"There's no water in this rock." Who says these little guys don't pay
attention?
Nov 20
One of the churches of the Ashland/Pleasant Plains Ministerial Association
sponsored a Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon. The dinner attendees
numbered about
two hundred.
The worship service held after the dinner numbered around forty. As we
left the worship service, it had begun to rain. Tears from Heaven?
Nov 27
I read some interesting things about "Black Friday" which follows Thanksgiving
Day. Many camped out in tents, lined up outside the doors of small and
big-box
stores.
One individual bragged that he was first in line. Hooray! He was the
first to give his money to a retailer. Now there's a singular honor. I
wondered if he
had
Thanksgiving Day dinner catered to his tent. If so, there went any saving
he might have realized in the store. And, I wonder how much his
six-person, floored,
insulated and
heated tent cost; and, how long he'd have to observe "Black Fridays" in order
realize enough savings to pay for the tent?
Dec 04
Discussing problems in new automobiles led me to remember an old saying that my
father liked. He was not an ivy-league scholar or a philosopher by world
standards
but he had
what most call common sense. He often said, "Why is there never time to do
it right, but there's always time to do it over? Do it right the first
time."
Dec 11
It's a truism that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A good friend in
Kentucky, a Christian college professor who has gone to the Lord, once said that
beauty is
only skin
deep, but ugly goes all the way through." He was right, of course.
Sin is ugly and corrupts all the way through.
Dec 18
Once again it may be said that our annual Christmas program was a smashing
success. Annie worked with the kids to present the birth of Christ
from the point of
view of the
animals usually depicted as being in a stable surrounding the manger in which
Christ was lain. Costumed and ready, they sang parts as only those from
eight years
to three years can do. Great job!
Dec 25
Kara and I were blessed to have Amanda and her young man,
Hamilton, in for Christmas Eve. They attended our candlelight
communion service and Hamilton
insisted on
attending our Christian Education Hour as well as our worship on Christmas Day.
Now there's a refreshing twist; a young man who WANTS to "go to church."
Merry Christmas!
******************************************************************************
And so it goes. Another year
in the lives of God’s kids. Love one another.
In Christian love,
Ed