Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Inspiration for this ‘Thought’ comes from John Glick. Lots of things look good just as they are. But in order to be useful, some things must be crushed or broken. Many of those things are food items. We sometimes purchase “whole grain cereal.” But, it is not really whole grain. The grain has been ground into flour and then further processed in order to create the cereal. You would be disappointed if you opened the box and found whole-kernel-grains of wheat, rice, oats, or corn. Of course...
When I was growing up my parents had some close friends who loved to travel. Those friends would send back delightful postcards no matter where they went, and they always ended their message with this scripture notation. It is 3 John: 13,14 — “I had many things to write, but I did not wish to write to you with pen and ink, but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.” When I read gospel scriptures memories of those postcards come flooding back to me because I feel as though I am reading a postcard from Jesus when he says,...
St. John’s United Church of Christ, 117 E. Julian St., Martinsburg, will distribute bag lunches to children on Trick or Treat night, today, Oct. 26, 2023, between 6 and 8 p.m. Lunches will include pasta cup, yogurt, bottle of water, cookies, Mandarin oranges, and a special surprise. Bag lunches will be given out while supplies last. Candy will also be available....
Trinity United Methodist Church will be hosting an Angel Tree located at Roaring Spring True Value Department Store. This tradition has continued for more than 20 years. It was started by the Roaring Spring Merchant Association, which included stores such as Longs Furniture, Joyces, Fredericks, and the Roaring Spring Department store, and Hollidaysburg Trust. This association is inactive currently. The first year George Kensinger was the driving force behind this project. Trees were put up Hollidaysburg Trust and the Department Store. It was...
I have wrestled with the title. It was either to be what it is or “Are They Waiting?” I have decided to let you put the title on according to what you are doing. The other people involved are your neighbors, friends, and relatives. What they are waiting for is to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and about the Love of God. I assume you know these things and could tell them if you wished. Since I write to a broad spectrum of readers, I assume, for I don’t know, that you could tell them if you would...
The Village at Morrisons Cove, in affiliation with the Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren and was established to serve the members of the Church of the Brethren and our neighbors in the larger community. The Village at Morrisons Cove provides a residential community and health care to men and women in active retirement and those in need of convalescence, assisted living , or long-term health care. For 120 years, the Village has provided services to enrich the spiritual,...
The time has come to end the long series on the Gospel of John which I embarked on many months ago. For me it has been a good reminder of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. I recently came to better understand that the gospel isn’t just the good news of how we are saved but also how we are sanctified and will ultimately be rewarded and glorified. Who Jesus is and what he did for us is something that should impact us every day. One of the best ways to serve him and know him is to understand who he is and how he lived. Certainly, some of the s...
To promote a safe and fun environment for our neighborhood children and families, Martinsburg Brethren in Christ Church is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 25, 2023. Kids can trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk around the church parking lot from decorated trunks full of goodies. There will be snacks and a craft for the kids inside the church. If it rains, it will all be inside. This event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, from 6 to 7 p.m. This is a free event and is open to the community. The church is located at 334 Son Rise Drive...
There is so much turmoil, unrest, and conflict in our nation and our world. We need a good leader, who will be able to bring us together, united for the good of all. As you might expect, I do not think there is a human who can provide this. Each of us has a personal agenda that overrides our judgment about what is good for the other person. It is true for me too so I am not simply being critical of others. I wish and pray we would allow Jesus to be our Ruler. We can know from the Scriptural...
The Bedford County Correctional Facility held its second annual “Day of Responsibility” on Oct. 13, 2023. The mission statement was “Use the PRESENT to address the PAST so you have a FUTURE.” The event was held in the chapel of the facility. The “Day of Responsibility” came about from a group of prisoners with long-term sentences at the State Correctional Institution of Dallas in Luzerne County. They recognized that some of their past behaviors caused terrible pain to their victims, families and communities. They also recognized incarcerati...
Luke 7:1-10 Jesus was entering Capernaum. Our scripture tells us that He had finished all His sayings in the hearing of the people. He had just proclaimed the Beatitudes to His disciples. He had gone on to tell them to love their enemies, give to anyone who asked of them, be merciful to others as their father had been merciful to them. And then as He journeyed on he encountered some Jewish elders from the synagogue. They had been sent to Jesus on the behalf of a centurion. A centurion who had a servant who was dear to him who now lay on his dea...
Christopher E. Ritchey, owner of Curry Supply in Martinsburg, is currently the potentate of Jaffa Shriners in Altoona and vice chairman of the board of Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. In January 2024, he will become the chairman of the board. The mission statement for the Shriners is “We treat every child regardless of their ability to pay.” Shriners Hospitals for Children was founded in Shreveport, La., in 1922 to treat pediatric polio and burn patients. There are 22 facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Funds...
It is pretty rare for a person to never get angry. So, is anger a good thing? There is no easy answer for that but there are answers. Anger can be a reflex and when it is there is danger of saying or doing something we will regret because we acted too quickly. Anger can be a response and can be an asset or a liability. No matter, it is a good idea to slow down the reflex or response. We might encourage ourselves and others to ‘count to ten’. Perhaps if you are a fast counter, it would be bet...
Jim Law is the Director of Prison Ministry for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Family Worship Center Church in Baton Rouge, La. He spoke at the Roaring Spring Arch on Saturday, Oct. 7. This presentation was powerful and left an impression that God can deliver anyone no matter how they may have sinned. Law described his life from growing up in a dysfunctional family to having a father hit you, especially in an alcoholic state of mind. His life of addiction was described to the audience from his...
There was a play written about 500 years ago where the phrase was coined “bad news travels fast.” Indeed, there does seem to be an obsession with sharing news that is bad in a quick fashion. And there is no doubt that most of what we hear in the news today is bad, whether it’s in a printed newspaper, online, or on television or radio. People may not like bad news but they do seem to share it quickly. We all can wish that there was more good news in our world, but good news stories don’t sell. But if there was ever a case of good news traveli...
Common emergencies and natural disasters occur. Learn how to deliver lifesaving hands only CPR care and be prepared for a natural disaster in one night. Join the Red Cross for these two free classes on Oct. 10, 2023, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Roaring Spring Community Library. Each class will be approximately 45 minutes and will be offered in one night. Note: This is a basic practical workshop, not a CPR certification course. Hands-only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths, which is simple to learn and easy to remember, especially outside medical se...
As I think on “things we lose,” I am not talking about car keys or the remote control but more important things. I am thinking about spiritual blessings. Things like “peace,” “contentment,” and a host of other things. In the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, one line proposes, “O, what peace we often forfeit, O, what needless pain we bear”, and the reason given is, “All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Scripture invites us to come apart from the world and rest/abide in...
Tender God, life-giving Spirit, You compassionately hold the entire world in your hands. In your mercy, hear the prayers of your people: Keep guard over the sick and suffering and in a special way over those who suffer with breast cancer; grant them patience, hope, and peace, we pray: Merciful God, hear our prayer. Give courage to those with fearful hearts, especially those who feel isolated because of their illness; nourish and sustain them, we pray: Merciful God, hear our prayer. Strengthen those who give their energy and skill to healing...
Mennonite Central Committee is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches that shares God's love and compassion for all by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. Martinsburg Mennonite has filled school bags for children for many years. This was successful due to the sewing skills and dedication of Arlene Delp. Delp is a member of this church and has made thousands of school bags over the years. This year far succeeded the number of bags usually made. The church...
Rockingham Male Chorus of Bridgewater, Va., will perform in sacred concert at New Enterprise Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. A free will offering will be accepted. The church is located at 3729 Brumbaugh Rd., New Enterprise, Pa., 16664....
The subject of fasting came up in study recently. I thought I might utilize the subject in a "Thought." It is not discussed very much and so it may be an unfamiliar subject for many of us. First of all, fasting is not a means for dietary control. i.e. It is not "I need to lose a few pounds, so I will fast." Certainly this can work, and there is nothing wrong with doing it. But this is not the reason or purpose for fasting. Fasting is closely connected to prayer. So, we can determine there is a s...
I often feel that those of us who have gone to church for most of our lives have an advantage when it comes to reading scripture. We bring to that reading hidden knowledge, a sense of what is to come, and many experiences. But what about people who are hearing the gospel for the first time? What about those people who were on the outside of the crowds that Jesus attracted? The stories Jesus told must have sounded odd at times. For Christians, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are the enormous power that exerts our imagination and drives u...
This week I experienced something somewhat unusual. I met a family in the home of their mother who was dying. The woman’s husband, children and many others had recently been told that she was near death. They were trying to come to terms with it as I arrived on the scene. I have never seen so many people gathered in one house and bedroom in that circumstance. The patient’s son was on her bed and constantly rubbing her back. Others were holding her hand. They were crying, talking to her and in some ways holding on while saying goodbye. One of...
I would like to tell you when Jesus Christ will return to earth. But, I cannot. Lots of people want to know. Many have asked. Quite a few have even made predictions. So far, those predictions have been wrong, and they will continue to be. When Jesus was asked, He said He did not know but only the Father knew. In 1976, we made a trip to California for our church’s General Conference. We had our daughter Ruth with us. Most things went well. But at the end of Conference we were traveling toward t...
Bedford Forge Community Church will be hosting a kid-friendly Fall Festival with something for the entire family on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 384 Jacks Corner Road, Hopewell from 2-7 p.m. The fall festival will feature over eight free carnival style games. Kids can win tickets to cash in for prizes. There will be a cruise-in from 3-5 p.m., and local group Route 869 will perform at 5 p.m. You can pick your own pumpkin to take home from Pat’s Pumpkin Patch. Face painting and a beautiful fall photo o...
The Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) will present the fall 2023 event in their “Still Listening” guest speaker series on local history on Oct. 1. Harriett L. Gaston will present A Story of Bedford’s Black Residents: Their Journey from the 1700s to the 1870s. Ms. Gaston, a local historical researcher and well-known presenter, is chair of the African-American Heritage Project of Blair County. In conjunction with the Friends’ Committee on Peace and Social Concerns, she has kindly agreed to expand her research into Bedford County, PA for...
Luke 16: 1-13 Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples in this text from Luke, and since we too are his disciples, we know these words are important for us to hear. But this is a curious story, and I must admit that when I first read it I was not quite sure what the message was that I needed to be hearing. As I study the scriptures when I am writing a column or preparing a sermon, I read the gospel from at least 4 translations. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me see the words that I should proclaim. If I still am not sure what I should be...
We have expressions with which we are familiar: i.e “History repeats itself” linked to “If we do not learn from our mistakes, we are bound to repeat them.” This is where Israel was. They were claiming the Covenant with God as a reason they would escape disaster. But the Covenant was two-sided. It did promise God’s blessings and protections. But it also said that if the people did not obey, they would be punished. Jeremiah reminds them nature can teach them some things. If a person slips off...
The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Linders will deliver the sermon at the 10:30 Service on Sept. 17 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Martinsburg. All are welcome. Dr. Linders has been nationally recognized for his compelling sermons and engaging preaching style. Rev. Linders has served as senior pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown, Pa., since August 1977. One of the largest Lutheran congregations in the greater-Philadelphia area, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011. Rev. L...
Roaring Spring ARCH will have a guest on Oct. 7, 2023, at 7 p.m. Be sure to invite those affiliated with prison ministry, families of addicted loved ones, or those caught in addictions with a possible history of crime. Pastor Jim Law is the Director of Prison Ministry for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, La. He is also the founder and Senior Pastor of Light of Hope Community Church and founder of Second Chance Prison Ministries in Dauphin, Pa., for 25 years. Law was raised in a home environment of turmoil....
The other day my hospice agency held a first ever memorial open house. In the past we’ve done a more formal service honoring those who had died, which was not well attended. Each year we’re obligated to hold something for those who have lost loved ones within the last twelve months. We decided just to make it an informal gathering this year. Not many showed up for it either. Those who did discussed the final days of their loved one as well as reviewing their lives. None of them were in a hurry to go as they talked to myself, a social wor...
A verse has been on my mind and heart for a while. I could not quote it verbatim but I had enough to find in through the use of my concordance. It is: “The harvest is past, the summer has ended and we are not saved.” (Jeremiah 8:20) This may have been on me because we are about at the end of summer officially. But I think more because we are studying ‘Evangelism’ in our Sunday School class. We will plan to look at this verse and its setting. Two main characters in our story are the Prophet Jerem...
Northern Bedford County School District held a Prayer Walk. According to Pastor Josh Tobias about 85 people showed up to participate, 22 of whom were children. Everyone was given a prayer map for the grounds. The children used colored chalk and drew pictures and wrote encouraging words outside every doorway to the schools. At various locations they would receive a sticker for their map. Upon completion they brought the map back to the pastor and he gave them a bag of prayer jellybeans for their...
When I first moved to central PA from a more urban area and was about to start my teaching career, several people warned me: most of the people around this area are related to each other so watch what you say about people. It was good advice for me to hear. We read in Isaiah: “I call you by name, I surname you.” I love that statement: I surname you. It seems to me that we are all pretty much related around here!! We are children of the household of God. Brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the same last name as our Heavenly Father. What a ti...
Labor Day has been a legal U.S. holiday since signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1897. On this day, we honor working people. This is not simply for those who labor with their physical bodies but also for those who use their minds and other abilities to earn a living. I think it should also be a day to honor God who gives physical bodies and the abilities to earn a living as well as providing the jobs created and filled. It is easy to think we have done this ourselves but it is not...
On Sunday Aug. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in this beautiful stream of located on Ski Gap Road a baptism took place. Morrison Cove Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Aaron Musselman held a picnic at Brian and Michele Musselman’s home in Claysburg. A picnic lunch was served as well as games for the children. Afterward, close to 40 people made their way to a beautiful dammed up area of the stream. “I was baptized as a child but I wanted to be baptized as an adult to profess my promise to fol...
On Aug. 21, folks came together from the churches of Claysburg Ministerium and prepared a meal to honor the people who will be working with the children in the Claysburg-Kimmel School District. This meal, held in the Church of God recreation hall, has been done for the last 12 years. It is always done on the last in-service day for the group before school starts. Each person was greeted by Pastor Calvin Miller and welcomed to the luncheon. Miller is currently the head of the Ministerium and prea...
While going through his mother’s Bible recently, John T. Nicodemus decided to share with the Herald what was on the inside front cover. Nicodemus said he thought these passages could help readers. Ruth A. Nicodemus died in 1987. She had seven prayers/passages taped to the inside of her Bible. They are as follows: –––––––––––– A Morning Prayer Help me, dear Lord, to live this day As you would wish me to— And if I fail, then please forgive The wrong things that I do Give me the strength to comfort those Who need a helping hand Give me a lovin...
As my long series from the gospel of John winds down we find ourselves reading about the crucifixion and thinking about what it means to us. While this is something that people often equate with the Easter season, any good Christian knows that the crucifixion and resurrection should be at the forefront of our thinking because of all that they accomplished. The adult Bible fellowship in our church has been going through the book of Acts and recently we read something that was said by one of the rulers who was examining the apostle Paul. Like...
Newry Lutheran Church, 1030 Shamrock Lane, is working to help those experiencing hunger in the community by distributing food boxes each month. This new distribution program will kick off from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 26, in the church social hall. The “Meal in a Box” will contain enough food to prepare dinner for a family. Boxes will be distributed while supplies last at no charge; there are no income guidelines to receive a meal box. Additional monthly distribution dates are Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, and Dec. 16. The Meal in a Box pro...
It is true that our children did not have basic “terrible anythings” but they had another childhood disease: “Asking Questions.” They asked dozens...hundreds, perhaps even...thousands. I think the chief one was “Why?” You know you can ask “Why? about facts, stories, incidents, activities, almost everything. You can even ask “Why? why is a question?” My wife was not very sympathetic either. She said, “It’s your own fault. They ask a simple question and you preach ‘em a sermon.” Probably, “gui...
Well-known author Bonnie Floyd was featured at the Spring Ladies Encounter. She had a powerful story to tell about how she came full circle with her parents’ murderers showing compassion and forgiveness. A ministry was started in Barbuda, the place her parents were killed. Local churches, the Ladies Encounter and special volunteers have aided this call by joining mission groups to go to Barbuda and hold other fundraisers. One group that held a special fundraiser in the spring of this year at Iron Masters Gulf Club was the Synago 31st Street H...
I do not have to tell my readers that life does not always go as planned. There are disappointments and times where we must adjust to changes and challenges. Today I thought I would take my laptop and Bible on my back deck to write this column. I enjoy hearing the gentle breezes and the birds singing. As I was about to begin, I heard a loud buzzing sound. Thankfully it wasn’t yellow jackets. Both my wife and I have been stung this summer with those small, powerful insects. Instead, it was a louder buzz. A crew working on my neighbor’s lawn bro...
When Haman cast the lot (Pur) I expect he was frustrated it would be a whole year until his vengeance was satisfied. But it is certainly a good thing from Mordecai’s perspective. He has almost nine months to get things fixed up for the Jews to at least defend themselves. Two things need to happen: The message must get into the hands of everyone. Those who hear this new decree must believe it is true. Getting it out works this way. The messengers were well mounted. They had horses (for flat p...
Traveling evangelist Jay Lowder and recording artist Jason Crabb will headline “Unite on the Rock” at the Allegany County Fairgrounds on Sept. 10, 11, and 12. This Christian faith festival is free of charge and open to the public. Lowder, who served as the guest speaker during the region’s National Day of Prayer events held in May, brings an energetic message of hope to reach those struggling with depression, addiction, and lost purpose. As a young adult, Lowder faced both addictions issue...
Haman is dead. In a short while, all ten of his sons will also be dead. But the problem is not resolved. Haman’s decree still stands. Haman is not here to enforce it, but it cannot be reversed, altered, or changed. On the immediate and personal level the king has done something. He has confiscated Haman’s property and given it to Esther. He has taken back his signet ring, given it to Mordecai, and actually made him the new Prime Minister. But when Esther in her great sorrow, again pleads for...
Last Saturday evening, July 29, 2023, a community dinner was offered at the ARCH located at 714 Rockingham Avenue, Roaring Spring. The ARCH is an outreach ministry of Faith Assembly of God Church, Roaring Spring, PA. The ARCH began its community service Nov. 15, 2021 having a mission statement: “To support and empower the family unit to withstand the pressure of this world.” After dinner prepared by 18 volunteers, Mr. Nate Chatman, a deacon at Faith Assembly of God Church, introduced guest spe...
Every person has faced moments when they had to stop and ask an important question. “Now what?” Some people are reactionary, and others think things through for a while. There are empathetic folks and those who seem to not care as much. Typically, that “now what” question is asked during a crisis or crossroads. For Jesus, the disciples, and leaders in Jerusalem, it was both. Jesus had just been betrayed and arrested. The story in John 18 continues. With Jesus being bound and taken to Annas as part of an excruciating journey, we find Peter a...
The banquet had only begun. The king is sipping wine as an appetizer but his impatience is upon him. So, again he asks his question and again makes his promise that he will grant Esther’s request up to half his kingdom. This may have been an exaggeration but it certainly shows the king wants to be generous to the woman he loves. He has already lost one wife he loved and this may have multiplied his concern for Esther. She has now gotten up her courage. God worked on Xerxes during the night a...
The Roaring Spring Ministerium invites all to the Spring Dam Community Worship Service on Aug. 6, 2023, beginning at 8:45 a.m. This annual event will be held at the Spring Dam area in Roaring Spring, PA. Worship will begin with the musical trio Simply Grace. The trio, Sandy Dodson, Christy Rhykerd and Jimmie Wills, met in a church basement more than 20 years ago and the journey began. The three ladies perform at various venues presenting different styles of music. Following Simply Grace, guest s...
