Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Sorted by date Results 151 - 200 of 871
Two area Episcopal churches, Holy Trinity-Hollidaysburg and St. Luke’s-Altoona, will co-host a free 10 session program called Transforming Questions (TQ) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting February 21, 2024 at the Hollidaysburg Masonic Hall, 1008 Edgar Street. Each TQ session will begin with a meal followed by a short presentation on God and faith and end with an hour of small group discussion around related questions. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the first session, regardless of where they may be in their faith journey, a...
Sometimes I get pretty busy. Lots of my reading/studying time is spent preparing to teach, preach, or write. This week I had a couple of free hours and decided to do some study for my personal benefit. I chose to study the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. I found it most enjoyable and beneficial. In fact, I think it will be worthwhile for us to look at this study together. Primary Scriptures regarding Hezekiah’s life are: II Kings chapters 16-21, II Chronicles 28-33 and Isaiah 36-39. There are o...
Psalm 100 There was a period of time through the “season of Covid” when the church I attend was on-line only. Then we began to meet in our parking lot with the message broadcast through the radio. What an amazing time when we finally reentered the sanctuary! We did wear masks for awhile, and we sat in every other pew. Through much of this time we did not sing as some reports said that droplets could spread more easily that way. I am such a music lover, so I was overjoyed when once again our service returned to what we had always done. The onl...
In order to perform well in school, children need to be fed, and a local group is guaranteeing that with a unique fundraiser. To continue its goal of lowering student hunger, the Claysburg Backpack Program hosted its first Soup-er Bowl. Through the date of Super Bowl LVIII, the program had four drop-off locations- Dollar General stores in Claysburg, Claysburg Public Library, and the former Cat’s Meow at 595 Bedford St. “I’ve been checking each site as often as I can, and I’ve noticed a lot of donations,” said Terri Lingenfelter, one of the Ba...
At Valentine’s Day, we use the word “love” a lot. Much of the time we understand what we mean and hopefully others do as well. Sometimes, the meaning is not as clear as we wish it would be. We can say “I love my wife.” or, “I love a good book.” And the meaning for the word ‘love’ is not the same. In the Greek language, there are at least four words used for this word. One word is ‘phileo’. It means ‘brotherly love’ as in the name of the city Philadelphia, the ‘city of brotherly love. I’m not...
Yesterday I visited an older gentleman who admitted he has trouble throwing things away. He is a collector who specializes in train and railroad items. He has a whole building to store his collection. At one point he owned three actual railroad cars. I brought him a few little things from a thrift store to add to his treasure trove. He did not turn them down. He knows the Lord and states that it’s a good thing we “can’t take it with us” because he would have to have a very big U-Haul. As a young guy I collected baseball cards. Some of them ar...
Valentine's Day presents an opportunity to express feelings of love. Greeting cards and heart-shaped chocolate boxes are traditional gifts, as are red roses. Most people know how and why Valentine's Day is celebrated, but few may know the person behind the holiday's name. The Catholic Church recognizes three different martyred individuals with the name Valentine, who each may hold ties to the Valentine's Day celebration. The name Valentine comes from the Latin "Valentinus," which means "worthy, strong or powerful." The name was a common...
I am feeling led to look at ‘The Tithe’ in this week’s Thought’. Basically The Tithe is giving to God, one tenth of grain, vegetables, fruit, and domesticated animals produced that year. There are other associated words, i.e. offerings, gifts, sacrifices, but I just plan to look at ‘tithe’. The original tithe seems to be voluntary. Abraham, celebrates his victory in a war. He dedicates one tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, known as the priest of God, and King of Salem. The second I note...
Paul’s letters to the churches which make up a significant portion of the New Testament have always been engaging to me. Paul had impressive credentials. He was born of the tribe of Benjamin of the House of Israel. He was a Pharisee. His zeal led him to persecute Christians until he had his conversion from Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He was transformed from a persecutor to a missionary. Once he had been transformed those credentials meant nothing to Paul compared to knowing Christ. And we all know there is quite a d...
Weddings are steeped in tradition. Some of those traditions may be exclusive to particular families, but many others are embraced by families of various backgrounds. Couples needn’t feel beholden to popular wedding traditions, but some may feel that these customs make their weddings more fun and serve as a great way to connect their ceremonies with those of their parents, grandparents and possibly even their ancestors. Old, new, borrowed, blue The rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is likely familiar to pe...
This “Thought” will hopefully cause us to think about The Church/Christians. For Christians are The Church, one at a time. Followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch. It was intended to be derogatory. It means, “Little Christs” or “Imitators of Christ.” That is what Christians should want to be: imitators of Christ. We were given a formula for this to happen by Jesus Christ. He said, “This is how men will know you are my disciples (followers), if you love one another.” (St...
I have told many people that the older I get the less I enjoy the cold weather and the wintertime. Like most children, I used to enjoy building snowmen, having snowball fights and sled riding. As a young teenager I spent many weekend afternoons playing hockey on the frozen pond. In my 20s I learned to ski and loved the thrill of flying down the slopes. The cold temperatures did not use to bother me much. They do now. It is no wonder that my retired brother and so many like him end up going south for at least part of the winter. Maybe the day...
Easter Sunday is a significant day on the Christian calendar. Easter Sunday will be celebrated on March 31, 2024, and many of those celebrations will feature some notable traditions. Some traditions are undoubtedly familiar to practicing Christians, while others might come as a surprise. As Easter approaches, faithful Christians and others intrigued by the holiday can consider these notable traditions from around the globe. Fireworks in Florence The folk tradition of Scoppio del Carro ("Explosion of the Cart") takes place in Florence, Italy....
I am feeling led to look at ‘The Tithe’ in this week’s Thought’. Basically The Tithe is giving to God, one tenth of grain, vegetables, fruit, and domesticated animals produced that year. There are other associated words, i.e. offerings, gifts, sacrifices, but I just plan to look at ‘tithe’. The original tithe seems to be voluntary. Abraham, celebrates his victory in a war. He dedicates one tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, known as the priest of God, and King of Salem. The second I note...
There was an exercise I did with my first graders each year as we were getting to know each other. I would take some cans and write on the front of them Can’t. Those little ones were quick to tell me things they couldn’t do: “I can’t read. I can’t wait until lunch. I can’t do this math.” We would do some talking and then take those cans, remove the ‘t and bury it, showing the kiddos that they can. Have you ever had one of those days, one of those weeks, when you say to yourself, “I just can’t”? Maybe you have been trying to trust God while yo...
James writes: “… What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while than vanishes…” I am scared to argue with Scripture but sometimes I feel like a counter point is valid. Memory takes me back decades. I was a high school freshman. Some of us went to a wrestling match. My friend and classmate was wrestling at 112#. He was good and won his match easily. His brother, an upper classman, wrestling at 165#, was a mass of muscle and intimidated me for sure. He got his opponent into a...
I am writing this column on my birthday. There are other things that I would rather be doing on my “big day”, but the reality of a busy schedule means that this is the day to complete the task. You must have been counting on it because you are reading these words. Unless you have an early January date of birth also, you will experience a birthday in 2024. As we age, they sure seem to come and go quickly. If family members were to put the corresponding number of candles on the cake per year, they would be wise to have a fire extinguisher on hand...
Winter has just barely begun. Spring is far away. Many of us do not like winter’s cold challenges. What can we do? There is one thing we must surely do: “Wait!” Of course we may not like waiting very much either. There are three ladies from Scripture we can look at. First there is Sarai, Abram’s wife. She wanted a child and for a long time was not able to have a child. She knew God had promised one but was impatient. So she went ahead with her own plan. She gave her maid servant to her husband...
I loved playing the game of Hide and Seek with my cousins when I was young. I remember especially loving to play in our grandmom’s attic where there were wonderful nooks and crannies. I was the cousin who showed righteous indignation when anyone tried to peek or didn’t count high enough when we were finding our hiding places. I was a stickler for following the rules. When my boys were young and my work days were spent with first graders, I loved reading the book Runaway Bunny. It told of the steadfast love the mother bunny had for her you...
Sometimes we think we are starting over with a “clean slate” at the beginning of a New Year. It may seem like we have found the “delete” button on our computer and are ready to push it so we can start fresh. That can be a great feeling but it just is not so. The bills we amassed in the past year are still to be paid. Health issues must still be dealt with. Any apologies we need to make we must still make. In other words, “We cannot start over.” But that does not mean we have no opportuniti...
Shown at the Salvation Army bell ringing session held on Dec. 23 at Traditions were Boosters Jeff and Connie (The Elf) Brumbaugh and Suzanne McNally. Suzanne is also the Martinsburg Salvation Army Director. Also participating in the bell ringing were Boosters Jason and Rebekah Dick, Bob Bechtel, Homer Shriner, Ed Kreider, Dean Grubb, and Richard Bice....
The Toasty Toddler Program, a winter outerwear collection and distribution for children birth through age five served 713 children this season. Children registering receive a NEW coat, hat, and gloves through the generosity of the community. Toasty Toddler began as a collaborative project started by the Blair County Human Service Office, now the Blair County Department of Social Services, to help our youngest children keep warm through the winter months. Referrals are made by education, health care, and social service agencies serving families...
Fast away the old year passes. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses. It has probably been a while since anyone has called you a lad or lass, but you must agree, no matter what name you go by, that there are opportunities to have a fresh start with a new year. Obviously when you wake up on January 1 you will be the same person. But there may be ways that you can take small or even large steps to change some things about yourself. Sometimes these come down to contrasts and choices. Let us think about those as we hail the new year. An important...
What emotions have you experienced this Christmas? Certainly there is a broad gamut for society. Some of them would be experienced no matter what the special day or season. Joy and sorrow happen simply because we are alive and living in the world. They are part of life and death. But when not facing extremes, we can step back a pace and examine what we feel simply because Christmas has happened. I know some impose other things into Christmas. Some folks look forward. Christ came into the world w...
On Dec. 17, Luke The Musical, a.k.a. Do Not Be Afraid, was performed for the first time. The musical was written and directed by Lorie LaSala. This was her first musical, although she has written other songs. LaSala dedicated the musical to the church family of Saint John's Reformed Church of Loysburg. She wanted to send this message: no matter your circumstances, do not be afraid; God will work all things together for His glory and your good. All His promises are true! LaSala gave a special tha...
“For unto you is born this day…” (Luke 2 verse 11) It happened on a day. A day in history. It was a day that had been planned in eternity before the creation of the world. It happened on a day. The perfect day appointed by God before the foundation of the world. “…in the city of David.” It happened in a city. The city still exists today. The city of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4, “Joseph also went up from Galilee…to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.”) Bethlehem was about six miles from Jerusalem. It happened in a city. “…a savior…” “For...
Trinity United Methodist Church will hold its Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 9:30 a.m. That evening at 7 p.m. there will be a beautiful Christmas Eve candlelight service. There is also a Christmas Bible School program for ages 4 years through 5th grade. Bible School will be held Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. The kids are welcome to join for walking tacos starting at noon. This lunch is free to everyone in the community....
Mary must have had an emotional roller coaster. It is said “Patience is a virtue.” Surely this is true. It is not so much Mary I am talking about here. God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah. It had been almost 700 years since the prophecy told “A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son…” It would certainly be a miracle for this to happen and small wonder most people would not believe it could happen. Yet the prophecy was a subject of Scripture and therefore would be preached, and talked about, no...
It has been said that one cannot spell Christmas without Christ. That is certainly true; but in our culture, we know that Christ has been getting squeezed out of his own holiday. Christmas as a Christian festival began around the 9th century. Of course, there is no way of knowing how people viewed it in those early days of the celebration, but we can assume that a higher majority of people acknowledged Jesus then. So much has been written from a Christian perspective about Christmas, citing the biblical accounts. Like a pastor preaching a...
I want to look at the emotions of Joseph next. His might be more and more varied than those of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Remember Joseph was betrothed (like engaged) to a young virgin named Mary. Before marriage it became known she was pregnant and he knew he was not the father. If you are a man you can imagine some of the emotions that raged through Joseph. He would have been hurt, angry, feeling betrayed, embarrassed, and likely other feelings too. What was he going to do? In that culture,...
Don’t you love looking at old photographs? They are precious reflections of close familial connections. They record events and gatherings that give our memories glimpses into the past. In today’s world, we can quickly send photographs to each other via our phones of experiences, a new grandchild, a simple piece of gorgeous nature. Photographs pull us close: they spring forth from our universal experiences — the challenges and the joys. The welcoming family of God encompasses humanity. And I feel sure that many of you honor the concept of your...
On Dec. 2 and 3, a Christmas Craft Festival was held in St. Johns United Church of Christ Hall in Bedford. There were more than 40 vendors. The craft show had vendors from different places, including New Enterprise and Everett. Vendors offered items such as freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, tie-dye shirts and onesies for babies, and kettle popped popcorn overtook your senses. Meadows Kettle Corn had many unique flavors of kettle corn to purchase, including a Christmas popcorn. Meadows works...
As we approach the Christmas Season, I’d like us to think about some of the Biblical personalities in the Story. It would be easy to remember them and not think they were real. But, they were. They had bodies, minds, spirit-souls, just like we do. I’d like to lead our thoughts to consider their emotions. I start with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were getting old. They were a godly couple and served God faithfully but God had not granted one of their chief prayer requests. They had...
“Blue Christmas” is a grief-specialized service provided by the First Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring. It was held this past Sunday. Those in attendance could light a candle in remembrance of their loved one. The pastor for the First Church is Rev. Dr. Dave Crumrine. The church has done the service for four years....
The words that you are now reading were written on Thanksgiving Eve. That date is not nearly as significant as Dec. 24. However, it is still a good time to reflect and come up with an angle for my column. We should be grateful every day. I am thinking back on Christmases and thinking about what makes me thankful for Jesus’ birthday. I miss my parents at Christmas time, in part because I remember how much they enjoyed the holiday and how special they made it for their five kids and later their grandchildren. Dad was not known for his cooking, b...
I think I mentioned that our Sunday School Class is studying the Book of Daniel this quarter. (By the way, if you are not involved/attending Sunday School, I would encourage you to do so. Gathering for worship is wonderful but it is not the same as being involved with a small group, studying/asking and answering Biblical questions, and enjoying the open camaraderie of a small group.) I expect most folks know a bit about the story of ‘Daniel in the lion’s den’. Israel had been conquered by Babylo...
On Dec. 17, St. John’s Reform Church in Loysburg will hold a musical called “Luke the Musical.” Lorie LaSala (left), with piano accompaniment by Barb Thomas (right), has written this musical. From her previous work founding the Lancaster Academy of Performing Arts, she has taken it one step further. The musical will be open to the public and will start at 6:30 p.m. No tickets required. There is limited seating so if you plan on attending, please come early....
Matthew 14: 22-33 As I look at the stories in the gospels, so very much happens in Jesus life and his ministry. He continues to preach and to teach using his parables. He had returned to Nazareth where he had been rejected by people who knew him as only the son of Mary, or the carpenter’s son. His dear friend, John the Baptist, had been beheaded. He had fed 5,000. Perhaps Jesus was weary from all these circumstances. Maybe he felt disheartened when people did not receive his message in the way he intended it to be heard. Maybe there were t...
We are preparing to celebrate “Thanksgiving Day.” For us in this country it is a federal holiday. Opportunity is given to most of us to enjoy it as a holiday with family and or friends. We spend it in whatever way we can. For some, there is much we can enjoy. Unfortunately, not for all. Some will be alone, some will have recently experienced loss, sickness, or some other thing that overshadows the celebration. For some, I wonder about the details. Some folks claim to be atheists (do not bel...
It occurred to me a few days ago that in less than two months I will turn 61. Turning 60 wasn’t a big deal, but 61 will put me in my early 60s! Hopefully when the time comes, I’ll handle it well. I know some of my readers are well over that age. Perhaps you are like me in that you’re recognizing changes in your life as you get older. There is no mistaking some of the physical changes and declines that occur. I see something else that is happening. As I get older, I feel like I am putting things in better perspective than I used to. I also think...
Our Sunday School Class has begun a study from the Book of Daniel. One of my favorite verses was highlighted: Daniel 1:8 “Daniel resolved not to defile himself…” Remember the story of Daniel. He was taken captive, likely as a teen-aged boy, and carried off to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar’s conquering army. There he was among those chosen to be schooled in the culture of the Babylonians to be useful to the king. There was undoubtedly a lot of pressure on Daniel to ‘fit in’. The expression:...
On Friday, Nov. 10, six folks from Martinsburg Mennonite Church traveled to Sight and Sound Theaters in Lancaster. They traveled with Freedom Excursions from Altoona, a Christian-based bus line owned by Bill and Debra Scully. This was the start of the Christmas Story depicting the birth of Jesus. Shown in the photo was Ron Putorek, Fred Myers, Judy Lohr, Mary Ann Kulp and Linda Strobert....
Leamersville Grace Fellowship, a beautiful newly renovated church located at 14 Brethren Lane, Leamersville, held a variety-packed bazaar on Nov. 11. Vendors from various areas came to set up and displayed their Christmas items for sale. Judy Schirfacher, who is 93, had a beautiful booth with towels, dishcloths, scrubbies, sparkling hats and scarfs and numerous other brightly colored items for sale. Schirfacher said she has been doing crafts since she was 11 years old. Her mother taught her to...
1 Peter 1:17-23 For me, fall is a bittersweet time of year. I love the majesty of the season. The crisp days, the beauty of the foliage delight me. Yet when I watch the trees shed those leaves, my heart feels challenged. I have never been good at letting go and yet I see that played out by creation as I gaze out my windows. Jesus addresses letting go, telling the disciples not to be afraid to give up their very lives. Matthew 16:25 quotes Jesus saying, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my s...
Nov. 11 is known here as Veterans Day. In Canada it is Remembrance Day. In the U.K. it is Armistice Day. It is the day the WWI ended. President Woodrow Wilson said, “It is a day to remind us of the tragedies of war.” (World Book Encyclopedia) Tragedies abound during war: There is of course loss of life, the wounded and weary, the sorrows of families, the enormous expense, devastation of land and property, bitterness of enemies, and so much more. As I write this, Israel and Hamas are engaged in a...
Grace Brethren Church has hosted a Prayer for the Nation and the Nations each Monday from noon until 1 p.m. since 2016....
Like most Christans, I am glad to see Halloween is over. We recognize it as a dark and troubling day on the calendar. There is no denying how popular it has become. Not only are candy sales huge but so are the morbid house decorations and graphic costumes that adults, children, and even pets wear. For over 20 years, our church has sought to redeem Halloween to some extent by offering trunk or treat to children and their families. A gospel tract or literature is always included. Since it began, many other organizations have done it as well and...
Vicksburg Church hosted a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 26. This group featured Noah’s Ark complete with live animals. Carol Bowser provided two miniature horses, two goats, and two rabbits. Shown (from left) are Patty Brouse, Carol Bowser, Cheryl Moyer, Jeanie Moyer and Sharon Decker. The Interim Pastor is Ken Beichler. Sunday School is at 9 a.m. with church at 10....
October was Pastor Appreciation month. St John’s United Church of Christ in Martinsburg decided to recognize all five pastors in their congregation this year. Pastor Betty Royer is currently serving the church; Pastor Jerry McCuller is chaplain at Homewood Continuing Care Community; and Pastors Mary Hendricks, Bill Hendricks, and John Bonebreak are retired ministers. Their service in the churches and the community through the years is greatly appreciated. Lori McCuller accepted the honor for h...
Geeseytown Lutheran Church, 462 Route 22, Hollidaysburg, will hold a clothing giveaway Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Future giveaways will be held on the first Saturday of each month. Clothing for teens and adults, shoes, scarves, hats, bags, toiletry items, and other accessories will be available. The giveaway is being held in the church basement; please use the entrance at the rear of the church. The church is located across from Geeseytown Fire Hall. Please contact [email protected] with any questions....
