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Luke 15 Lately when we have been with friends, someone is sure to tell a tale about losing his keys or wallet or some important paper. A couple of our friends have tracking devices so they can find the things they have lost. We enjoy some laughs about these stories as we all navigate aging and not remembering as well as we did ten years ago. Beginning with the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, and ending with Luke’s story of the prodigal son, there is good news all the way in this scripture reading. Everything that was lost is f...
That night, the king could not sleep. I wonder why. Could it be indigestion from lunch or could it be God Who is working out His plan? At any rate, the king is wide awake. What should he do? He could have called for a concubine, or a minstrel show, or an orchestra or a choir concert. Instead, he chose to have the chronicles of the kingdom read. I expect a lot of those records were extremely boring. Perhaps that was the king’s thought. “I will be so bored, I’ll fall asleep.” But perhaps God now...
Martinsburg Church of God has a free meal for the public every month. This month was a ‘50s theme, with a menu of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers made by resident pastor Jim Shaffer. The meal also included fresh cut French fries and homemade milkshakes. The evening included antique cars and a live ‘50s music performed by Route 869. There was even an Elvis sighting! The next scheduled meal will be in August....
It is not unusual for me to ask hospice patients what their favorite hymn is. For the reply to be In the Garden is not at all unusual. That old song looks ahead with joy at the thought of abiding with Jesus in heaven forever. For that to happen, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross. The events of that night seemed more appropriate for rough city streets than for a garden. We understand that when a person is arrested there is typically very good reason for it. Sometimes arrests are peaceful and other times they can...
I know, I kind of left you hanging there. Stick with me though, and we’ll finish that statement together. I think we can all agree that there are seasons of life that are just plain hard. These seasons can last for just fleeting moments, and they can last what seems like a lifetime. And your hard season can be radically different from my hard season. There are people, in our own community, that are hurting, dealing with addictions, suffering from loss and heartache. If you are reading this and you can identify with this, I want to bring you s...
The time of fasting and I believe prayer is over. Queen Esther is about to put her life on the line for her people. She dresses carefully in her royal finery goes to the palace and the throne room. In the throne room all is going along smoothly. The itinerary is being carefully followed and there are no interruptions. Suddenly Queen Esther steps through the door. One by one courtiers see her, gasp, and stop whatever they are doing. She is not on the agenda and faces death. The king, perhaps...
Whenever we read accounts of the disciples, we know that they were given a wonderful opportunity to show Jesus to someone. They got to listen to His word and to walk with Him daily. I am sure that they experienced an eternity changing encounter. This is now our purpose in life. We, as royal priests, exist for this purpose. Our purpose is to point to Jesus in our daily lives. Is that an easy task? Do we have what it takes to do that task well? Someday we will be able to look back on our lives and sigh with a slight smile, “How did I do all t...
Although we are six months away from Christmas, the Cove Christmas Love group is already planning on how to provide a wonderful Christmas to Cove families and children in need. Last year, over 100 children were provided new gifts to celebrate the Christmas season. Cove Christmas Love grew out of the outreach started by the former police chief and current Mayor of Martinsburg Richard Brantner years ago. As the spread grew, the Martinsburg Ministarium stepped in to continue this important work. Years later, this charity has provided joy to kids C...
Queen Esther has an amazing response to Mordecai’s proposal. In order to truly understand this Book, I need to deal with some history both secular and Biblical. I need some detail but I don’t want to get so detailed that I lose you. Please bear with me. By the year 550 B.C. Cyrus became king of Persia. He overcame any Median opposition to do this. Xerxes became king of Persia in 485 B.C. That is about 65 years later. I am bothered by the fact that prayer is not mentioned in the Book of Est...
Lord, We are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America. Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider, and the Promise of hope. But we have wandered far from that firm foundation. May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness. We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness. From bondage, You grant freedom. Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation. From the state of despair, You offer peace. From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed – not because of our goodness – but by...
It’s time to look into the old reader mail bag since summer is upon us and I am on vacation. One does not have to be an old reader to send a letter to the reader mailbag. If your letter was not included in this edition, please feel free to keep trying. Brent from Bakers Summit asks, “Since you always directed church camp in June do you miss it since it’s not part of your life anymore?” Yes, I certainly miss the camaraderie with other youth pastors and the counselors and kids. I liked the opportunity to interact with a lot of teenagers from di...
As we finished our “Thought” last week, we saw the evil plan Haman had conceived to take vengeance on Mordecai for not bowing to him. He takes it to the king and presents it smoothly. Without hesitation or question Xerxes endorses it. He gives his signet ring to Haman so he can have the documentation written and seal it with the official seal of the king and carry out the plan. The king, even though his treasury must have been low, declines Haman’s offer of financial support. This is the gist...
The 31st Blair County Law Enforcement Memorial Service was held Thursday, June 15, outside the Blair County Courthouse. During the service, a rose was placed at the memorial for each law enforcement officer who has died in the line of duty....
Luke 14:7-14 She pulled her cape around her shoulders, Her heels lifted her up to thinner air Almost to where she wanted to be She saw the table spread with fine linens With artisan cheeses and duck liver pate There was red and white wine for every taste. She approached the gathering and saw on the far end The old-fashioned, the rough handed and the wrong spoken On the near side she saw well-labeled suits That look of confidence in the eyes of the highly educated She saw one chair near her with those of her kind She sat and sipped wine and...
The words below reflect the conclusion to a three-part look at the prayer of Jesus in John 17. We can learn a lot about people from the way in which they pray. My mom was a person of prayer and loved the Lord very much. Sadly, she was not one to pray aloud. I can only remember a few occasions when I heard her pray. But I know she saw the value of prayer and drawing near to God. I have heard some people pray aloud and knew that they loved connecting with God the Father. And I’ve been in settings where prayers were simply read. There is n...
Last week I gave a tiny introduction to the Book of Esther. I introduced Ahasuerus. Secular history knows him as Xerxes and I will call him that. We also lean on secular history to tell us about the times. Xerxes the Media-Persian king had a vast Empire. But as is often the case, he wanted more. He waged a war against Greece, which was to become the next World Empire. We heard about this a bit in the Book of Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision. It was of a statue, head of gold, chest of silver, b...
Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a worthy and virtuous father. Let us praise those fathers who, by their own account, were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. As well, let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by words and actions of their children. Let...
God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad - Author Unknown...
Colossians 3 One task I tend to put off is changing over the clothes in my closet at the beginning of a new season. When it comes to fashion, I have always valued comfort over couture. This passage from Colossians presents us with a closet full of pieces that resemble my own closet space: pieces that are not necessarily fashionable or comfortable: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love. Should I put them on today? Will they fit? Humility might feel a little loose, patience too constricting. I might feel like shoving...
Two Old Testament books bear a woman’s name as title and are about the lives of those two women. One is Esther and I want to spend some time looking at her life and ministry. We can see and understand God is moving and shaping throughout the book yet His name is not mentioned. We can also see the two prime characters in the book are much involved with God and dependent on Him and yet prayer is not mentioned. It is alluded to but not actually stated. The setting for the book is following the f...
Larry Violet is well known in the community and in the town of Williamsburg. He has been working as a van driver at the Village at Morrisons Cove, offering God’s word to some residents. On Thursday, May 26, Violet held his first service as chaplain at the Village. During his sermon, Violet talked about Jesus and his journey finding his disciples. Hymn signing was incorporated into his service and his wife Debbie accompanied him on the electric piano. He also incorporated a song about d...
That Jesus had people on his mind as he prayed just before his arrest is not surprising. This prayer in John 17 is sometimes called the high priestly prayer. Jesus is our great high priest which in basic terms means he is the one that represents us before the Father. He does that, not only in prayer, but by virtue of going to the cross to pay for our sins so we would have access to God the Father. So, with the cross and its suffering and shame approaching, Jesus’ mind goes from his desire to glorify HIS Father to those disciples he had just s...
Jesus talked a lot about giving. Often He was talking about giving to God. But sometimes, He spoke about charitable giving. Once, He and his disciples sat in the Temple and Jesus observed what people were putting into the box that was for charity to the poor. A poor widow came to the box and put into it two mites. A mite was the smallest minted coin at the time. Jesus pointed out this gift to His disciples with the word of commendation that “She has put in more than they all because … she has pu...
Note: There are three Cove graduations left to go (Central and Northern Bedford, today; Claysburg-Kimmel, Saturday). These prayers are for graduates or for those who want to pray for a graduate. Dear Lord, As I look toward the future Bright hope conducts this prayer, For I know the plans You have for me Were wrought with divine care. Holy Spirit, lead me. Let me run at Your command, Yet be still and know that You are God When trouble is close at hand. Your Word will be a lamp for me, A guide to light my way, A solid place to set my feet, A...
Gracious and caring God, our source of light, we ask for your almighty hand to be upon these graduates as we send them forward. With their classes and grading now complete, may they strive toward excellence in all they do. With the applause quieted, may they celebrate and lift up those around them. With the speeches concluded, may their voices rise up to pronounce peace and justice in the world. With the fanfare ceasing, may they find bliss in future endeavors and adventures. with advanced degrees and credentials in hand, may their...
Do you ever take time to think about the life/job of your pastor? For 65 years I sat in church and reaped the reward of countless well-thought-out sermons, meaningful worship where the words of the hymns matched the message, organized Bible studies, and a myriad of other benefits that I gave little thought to. It was not until I went through two years of classes to be authorized as a lay leader that I began to think about the preaching life. No other modern public speaker does what the preacher tries to do. Attorneys have bagged evidence and...
To intercede basically means to get between two people in order to produce harmony or an agreement between them. Intercession is a type of prayer wherein a person comes before God on behalf of someone else. It is a choice decision and a matter of loving concern. Christian folks often do it on behalf of someone who is sick or injured. In fact, I suppose that 80 percent or more of the prayers offered in church are this type. I certainly affirm such prayers. Usually such prayers are public...
Potter Creek Lutheran Church. Memorial Day Services will be held Sunday, May 28, at 11 a.m. Pastor Paul R. Snyder of Holsinger Church of the Brethren will be giving the message. His wife Janet will be the special music, accompanied by Lucille Dell. Come to hear the word of God and the beautiful singing and see the uniqueness of the 181-year-old church. Everyone is welcomed by invitation from Steve Claycomb....
This week I meet a man who did not think he wanted me to visit him. He had just been admitted to our hospice services at a fairly young age. His life included financial struggles, a divorce, addictions, and being estranged from his only son. He had been dealing with a bad heart for years and was recently discharged from the hospital to seek no further treatment. Two of our staff nurses indicated that they hoped I would be able to talk with him. He was emotional with them and yet, did not realize how critical he was. He declined my visits, but...
Forgiveness is a very much needed virtue, not only in the world at large or in the past but today. Jesus had been giving a teaching on how to go about forgiveness and reconciliation. Peter asked a question about forgiving a brother who had sinned against him. It may have been a genuine question or a hypothetical one. As part of the question, Peter proposes an answer. Rabbinical teaching of the day, proposed a person should forgive up to three times but not four. Peter, knowing the heart of...
On May 21, at the Holsinger Church of the Brethren, located at 2737 Lafayette Road, New Enterprise, the Revised Country Blend Group will perform for worship service. The event will take place at 9:15 a.m....
The First Church of the Brethren is sponsoring a Community Carnival and Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Albright Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring. The free carnival will feature 20 games with prizes. The Touch-a-Truck will be a free event as well featuring vehicles from the Blair County 911 Command Center, the Blair County Sheriff, Martinsburg VFD fire truck, Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance, Roaring Spring Police and Weakland’s tow trucks. Entertainment from the H...
Brother Shamus McGrenra, a 76-year-old stage IV colon cancer survivor and a Franciscan Friar, will embark on his 13th Annual #GoBroShamus Charity Bike Ride on June 3, 2023. Cycling the local Rails to Trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Brother Shamus will complete the ride over the course of two back-to-back weekends. With another $100,000 goal set, the money raised will be used to support the Dorothy Day Outreach Center at Saint Francis University, which serves local residents struggling with rural poverty. The ride has raised over $700,000...
Spring concert A spring concert will be presented by Paul D. Mills on Sunday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Reformed Church of Loysburg. Mills is a pianist, singer and composer who has toured nationally and internationally with the Continental Singers. He has acted and assisted with music direction at Sight & Sound in Lancaster, recently overseeing Esther as music producer. He has written and directed several off-Broadway series and is the founder and executive director of New Face Theatre, New York. He leads music in his home church, P...
Psalm 63 Where do you find joy? I remember when my boys were young that as we settled down in the evening, one of them would often seem to exclaim, “This was the best day ever!” I know there were joys they had found in their days that I had probably missed. Maybe it was the chance to skip a stone in the river or watch the white cardinal that frequented our bird feeder. Watching children find joy is an amazing joy itself. I love to see the world through the eyes of a little person. Where do you find joy? When was the last time you felt tot...
In Israel of old, it was scornful not to have children. If a woman was barren she was looked down upon. Yet, quite a number of the heroes had problems with bearing children. Examples: Abram-Sarai, Isaac-Rebekah, Jacob-Rachel and Zachariah-Elizabeth. Eventually, these couples did have children but it took some intervention from God. Today, I would like to look at another Old Testament example. Her name is Hannah. Her story is found in I Samuel. Hannah had a husband, Elkanah. Elkanah had a second...
Memorial Church of the Brethren made a donation to the local Salvation Army in March. The donation was possible because of funds left to the church after a longtime member had passed away. The Salvation Army helps many in the community who are in need and is supported strictly through donations. Shown is Memorial COB treasurer Darrell Smith presenting the check to Suzanne McNally, who is Martinsburg’s representative for the Salvation Army....
Upper Claar Church will hold Vacation Bible School from June 12 through 16, 2023, 7 to 9:05 p.m. Ages 3 to 11th grade are welcome. The theme is “Stompers And Chompers: Building Dino-Sized Faith In God’s Big Plan.” Join an adventure where faith grows in dino-sized ways. Kids will believe God’s Word, the Bible, because everything was created through His spoken word. Come dino stomp to a place kids dream about. Where you can hop on a triceratops, run with a raptor, and soar with a pterosaur! This isn’t just any dinosaur world. It’s a whimsical a...
About 90 minutes before beginning to write this column I saw an awesome site (besides my wife). She looked out our back doors and reacted in such a way that I hurried to join her. About 25 feet away, we saw a fairly large black bear, just beyond our back yard and at the edge of the woods. We tried to take some pictures from our dining room but it kept moving. I could barely contain my excitement. So, I did what any man would do. I went outside to track him down for some selfies with the black beauty. That was not exactly the plan. I did get...
National Day of Prayer is the first Thursday in May. This year that is May 4. There will be a number of gatherings. The public is invited to attend. Hopefully, you will be an attendee, perhaps even a participant. Think carefully about it. I have said prayer is “talking to God.” Perhaps you do not know what to say. In most cases, there will be prayer requests written out and available. My guess is they will include: schools, those in service to community and country, those in government, families, first responders, and more. So, you can sim...
Bonnie Floyd, author of “Bound to a Promise,” was the speaker this year for Ladies Encounter on April 29, 2023. The event was held at Faith Assembly of God. Hundreds of women attended this event. The band Generations led the praise and worship. Their voices were a great inspiration to the audience. Floyd shared her testimony of love, murder, and redemption, including many miraculous updates on what her ministry is doing on the island of Barbuda. Floyd’s enthusiasm for what the ministry is doing...
On Eagles Wings recently visited St. Matthew Lutheran Church to speak on their program where volunteers travel to Canada to have bible camps. (From left) On Eagles Wings Directory of Ministry Robin Abrol, St. Matthew Lutheran Church members Jane Fagans, Margaret Steinfurth, Mike Lamborn, Connie Lamborn, and On Eagles Wings Executive Director Rev. Leslie Hand get together after their presentation....
Bonnie Floyd, International Speaker, Author and Bible Teacher, will be sharing her heartfelt message to the congregation at Memorial Church of the Brethren (210 Wall St., Martinsburg) on Sunday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. Bonnie's life was changed on Feb. 1, 1994, after receiving a phone call that her parents, who were sailing in the West Indies, were brutally murdered along with two other passengers while moored off the island of Barbuda. The next two years would test and grow Bonnie’s faith in ways she never imagined. During the five-week trial, B...
John 20:19-31 Our gospel story today is a very familiar text. We have journeyed with Jesus through his three years of ministry. We have been witnesses to so many miracles yet there were many times when we were confused and unbelieving. We are all disciples and live within this age-old tale that we hear today. And we continue to gather together each week at our churches in the living word of scripture knowing God offers us new encounters and fresh grace. Now we stand together, and it is Easter evening. Judas and Thomas are not with us. The...
This will be the last in the Judges’ series. We have looked at Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Barak and Gideon. I have skipped Abimelech, (although I am not sure he really qualified as a judge), Tolah and Jair. I won’t get to Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, or Samuel. This has been a difficult series for me, frustrating when I look at Israel and even frustrating to look at the judges themselves. I guess I see so much of me (us) in them. The one great factor is to see God. He has shown mar...
The Grove City Trombone Choir performed Sunday, April 23, at the First Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring. First Church of the Brethren will have a Breakfast Fellowship today, April 27, at Spring House Grille at 9 a.m. The Knitting Group will meet in the parlor today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 29, the Ladies Encounter will begin at 9:30 a.m. Worship, Sunday School, and the Fifth Sunday Fellowship Meal will be held on Sunday, April 30....
Breaking Bread will be held at Martinsburg Church of God on Monday, May 8, from 5 to 6:30, or until gone. The meal includes scalloped turkey, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and peas, applesauce, and a Ritchey’s ice cream bar. The cost is free, just like God’s love. Contact Pastor Jim Shaffer at (814) 505-3708 with questions....
The Way of Truth Ministries will sponsor the Blair County 72nd Annual National Day of Prayer event this year on the lawn at Legion Park, N. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg on Thursday, May 4, 2023, beginning at noon. The theme this year is “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much” taken from James 5:16b. The keynote speaker will be City Councilman Dave Butterbaugh and several local pastors will lead us in prayer for America. All are invited to attend as the group prays for a great spiritual awakening in the nation. Please bring a cha...
Much time was spent on John 15 in my series but now I am ready to move on to chapter 16. Moving on is something I help people prepare for and do as a hospice chaplain. Family members know that their loved one will be leaving them soon and that they must adjust to the new reality. Those who know the Lord typically have much more peace because they understand the destination of heaven. The disciples were addressed by Jesus regarding things that were specific to them in the first half of the chapter. We pick it up where we can all apply keys to...
The Claysburg Church of the Brethren invites those interested to its Spring Spiritual Renewal Services focusing on “Lessons From the Life of David.” The guest speaker will be the Rev. David Ulm, a second-career pastor who has served the Woodbury Church of the Brethren for the past eight years. Rev. Ulm previously served for 17 years at the Mt. Zion Road Church of the Brethren in northern Lebanon County. This followed a 20-year accounting career in Akron, Ohio. Ulm and his wife, Lori, have three grown sons, three daughters-in-law and five gra...
