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Scripture text Psalm 146: 5-10 This season that we just passed through has some wonderful moments no matter how many times we experience it. This psalm that we look at today is the song of a person flinging open the door, welcoming the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. There were no words about having made great preparations; it is all about the one who is arriving. That is what the Christmas season always seems like to me: Leaving behind our personal concerns to focus on being welcoming and...
Bishop Mark Bartchak issued the following statement regarding the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Today, I join Catholics around the world in mourning the end of his earthly pilgrimage and celebrating his life of faithful service to the Church. Over the years, I have been deeply inspired by Pope Benedict as a brilliant theologian. Although quite academic and a steadfast defender of Church teaching, his writings were v...
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...
As we are about to bid goodbye to another year, I thought I would look back and then look way back. We can probably agree that 2022 was a better year than the past few have been. I trust that you found much to be thankful for, including the recent birthday celebration for Emmanuel. This year my family attended four weddings of two nieces and two nephews along with several others. A nephew in England will tie the proverbial knot next May. I was honored to officiate one of the weddings. Merely...
I believe I can support the first part of this “Thought” with Scripture. The second part includes more speculation and less Scripture. The conclusion is a mix. Most certainly, Jesus is on His Journey to bring His Bride back to His eternal home. The Rapture of the Church is much anticipated and longed for. When the arch angel calls, the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ rise to meet Christ and the living Church in the air, it will be a thrilling reunion/union. Christ will have purified His...
Rev. Jerry McCuller prepares for his Christmas Eve Service in the Bice Memorial Chapel at Homewood Saturday afternoon....
Can you feel the excitement in the air today? We have a special gift to unwrap. The box it comes in is a lowly manger. The tissue paper surrounding it is sweet smelling straw and it's tied in a bow that has been fashioned from millions of stars. The word was with God and the word was God. That is the gift that we open today. The true light that enlightens everyone is come into the world. Jesus is God in the flesh. God in His wisdom caused this spectacular moment to occur. God became a man....
Martinsburg-area volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message to children around the world: God loves you, and you’re not forgotten! Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gifts to children in need. Although drop-off locations have closed, there is stil...
Christmas Eve service The Faith Baptist Church of Altoona will be holding a candlelight Christmas Eve service on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. The theme of the service will be: “down from His glory.” The service will include the singing of some of the most beloved hymns of the season, special music, Scripture readings of the incarnation of Christ and a Christmas meditation by Pastor Gary G. Dull. Pastor Gary G. Dull said: “With all of the negative things going on in the world around us, it will be a blessing to focus on the beauty of the birth...
Do you have a "life-goal?" Many people do and state it. I want to be (or have) or (wind up with)... They put their effort, their education, their money, into an attempt to reach that goal. Not everyone states their life-goal, but most people have one. In my introduction to this series, I said that the journey I wanted us to look at was not: "The journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, nor the journey of the shepherds from their fields to the manger. It is not the journey of the...
Every year at this time, St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Martinsburg has a tree decorated with mittens, hats, gloves, scarves and socks. These items are distributed to needy children at the local elementary schools before Christmas to help children have a warmer winter....
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether this will be the most wonderful column of the year remains to be seen. As long as I do not get coal in my stocking from the editor, I will be satisfied. I started with that sentence because it is also the title of a song written the year I was born (1963) and popularized by Andy Williams. Many people would agree with the sentiment of the song. I love Christmas and Christmas music. In the paragraphs below I will note some merry melodies and consider how they relate to Christmas. It has o...
Curryville Church of the Brethren, under Pastor Chris Heinlein, held a Christmas dinner made by the Sollenberger ladies on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Dennis Shoemaker (shown) of Woodbury, a well-known local photographer and wildlife lover, presented a series of photos. The program included Shoemaker’s experience in Wyoming at Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, as well as his time in Hanies, Alaska, with bald eagles in the Chilkat wilderness. Shoemaker also showed photos from Yosemite National Park, Phoenix, G...
The Journey is nearing its end. It’s been thousands of years since it began. We have no idea how far it is from Heaven to Earth so we don’t know how long the journey has been. We just know it is a desperate journey. As in any love-relationship, there is the chance the love will be unrequited or rejected. I’m not sure how to describe God’s love-relationship with Israel. Certainly, He still loves them. Not all Israel loves God. But there is a True Israel that has over the centuries loved God and...
The Williamsburg United Methodist Church will be hosting “A Night in Bethlehem.” Journey with the church as they follow Mary & Joseph’s footsteps in “A Night in Bethlehem” on Friday, Dec. 16, starting at 6 p.m. This is an interactive event that is open to everyone, young and old. Please help by bringing a pair of new socks or gloves. There will be a light dinner provided. Entry way is through the alleyway....
On Dec. 25, at 10 a.m., St. John’s United Church of Christ at 117 E. Julian St. in Martinsburg, a church members will ring the church bells for five minutes. If any other churches in the area have bells or loud speaker systems with chimes of bells, it would be wonderful to have a chorus of bells ring out the good news of Christ birth. Residents, step outside for a few minutes to listen and enjoy the joyful sound of the bells at 10 a.m. Christmas Day....
John the Baptist or John, the Baptizer, is a colorful character in our scripture. He’s a rough but utterly sincere character with everything he owns on his back. He’s as wild as the wilderness that he has chosen for his pulpit, preaching to everyone who will listen. We definitely hear in his answers that he knows he is not the key. He knows the real one is coming after him, but John the Baptist is not merely a warm-up act for Jesus. The Jewish historian Josephus tells us that the sheer size of J...
The public is invited to either or both of two special Christmas programs on Sunday, Dec. 18, at St. John’s Reformed Church of Loysburg. The preschool and elementary Sunday school classes, with their teachers, will present a program at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Friends and relatives are welcome. The youth and adult Sunday school classes and the church choir will present “Looking for Christmas,” a musical drama written and directed by Barbara Thomas, choir director. It contains several teachable moments for both adults and children in a fam...
On Saturday, Dec. 10, Martinsburg Church of God will be hosting a Christmas tree giveaway. This year, the church will have 30 trees and 30 turkeys to give away. This event is the fifth of its kind; the first two were held at Woodbury Church of God and the third and fourth at Martinsburg. This year, the tree supplier is donating the trees for free, which allowed the church to purchase turkeys to donate as well. The church thanks Ritchey’s Dairy and Kline’s Nursery for their assistance. The giveaway will start at 2 p.m. at Martinsburg Church of...
The Journey has begun. The Son has left His home in Heaven. I asked John McConahy to do an illustration that would project a prosperous man leaving. But this was not truly the case. When The Christ left, He took nothing with Him. Philippians 2 tells us that The Son was absolutely equal with The Father. But, He left all that splendor behind. It has been long ago that I began courting Sharon. But I well remember I tried to dress and look my best. When Christ came to earth, He did not come with an...
For most of my life I have waited until after Thanksgiving to start to listen to Christmas music. But since last year I have broken my unwritten rule. Once November hits, I am ready and willing to hear the music of the season, whether silly, secular, or sacred. Of course, I prefer the songs that point to Jesus’ birth being the reason that we celebrate. One secular song that has been popular for years is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The earliest recorded version of the tune was written by a banjo player in 1934. Since then, millions of ki...
Some weeks ago, I had a Thought that I knew would take a lot of space. I asked Editor Baughman if I could have more than my normal space and she graciously granted it. I don’t think I should ask again so, would do me a favor: cut out and save these next few Thoughts, it would be helpful to have them to read together. I want to lead you to think about a Christmas Journey. This is not what you might normally think about. It is not the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, nor t...
The Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church invites the community to its Christmas cantata “Thrill of Hope.” The free performances will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4. MGBC kids’ choir, under the direction of Marci Starr, will join the adult choir in this musical celebration of Christ’s birth. Singers shown are (first row, from left) Kathy Bowers, Ellen Stuckey, Brenda Johnson, Patty Mock, and Jackie Leach; (second row, from left) Marci Starr, Karen Frederick, Thelma...
The newly organized Cove Homeschool Choir will present a Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Martinsburg Church of God. The choir was established by Mrs. Marci Starr and is directed by Mrs. Ellen Stuckey. Mrs. Jackie Leach will be the piano accompanist. Mr. Joseph Walk will provide instrumental accompaniment for several songs. The choir is comprised of 19 homeschooled students aged 10 to 17 years of age, from Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties. The program will include...
"Oh What a Wonderful Story" (an interactive play) was written and directed by Anthony Rumberger, a local young man from Martinsburg and member of Memorial Church. It will be held at Memorial Church of the Brethren, 210 North Wall Street, Martinsburg at 7 p.m. this coming Saturday, Dec. 3. Hors d'oeuvre will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. The play is not really a "play" per se, but a re-enactment of the wonderful birth of Christ. The story begins with the narrator recounting the unusual circumst...
Scripture text Luke 20;27-40 It’s a quirky time of the year. Creation itself seems to be preparing for the death that winter weather brings. For myself, I lost some people who were important in my life at this time of year: my favorite aunt, my mother-in-law and my dad. I find myself every year before celebrating Thanksgiving with an ever-changing table thinking of life anew under the cross and outside the empty tomb of Jesus. This is always a contemplative time for me, a thin place in the turning of the year where a door opens between w...
Scripture and hymn-writers unite to tell us to give thanks to the Lord. They utilize various words for the thanks part, including praise, worship, exalt and many others. The point being we are to attain and hold a position of giving God the honor that is due to His name. It is not simply saying the words of course, it is also living in a way that brings honor and glory to God. When we are His, we need to reflect a worshipful attitude. So, let us look at some of those words used to encourage us...
Byers Cemetery, located on a farm on Hickory Bottom Road in Woodbury Township, recently had some work done courtesy of sisters Debra Dunkle of Everett and Mary Miller of Chambersburg. The cemetery seems to have started as a family cemetery, but there are many different family names on the stones besides “Byers.” According to funeral home records, brother and sister Daniel and Mary Byers died in Woodbury and were buried in Byers Cemetery. The sisters were given permission by the farm and lan...
The Claysburg Area churches are doing “A Christmas Story” drive-by with four area churches enacting a portion of the Christmas story at Christ Lutheran Church parking lot at 208 Walnut Street, Claysburg, PA on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. This year the same four churches will do the four parts, but they will be spread out on the parking lot at Christ Lutheran Church. People are asked to enter the lot at the entrance closest to Dunnings Highway then stop at each station as they go around the lot clockwise....
I just read that some places in Ukraine may be without heat and power for a very long time as winter approaches. Imagine shorter, colder days with no electricity. We take for granted the comforts of home like running water and lights that turn on at the flip of a switch. Most people love sunshine and a well-lit room. Darkness can be a very negative condition apart from sleep time. Throughout scripture there are references to the presence and contrast of light and darkness. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth...
When I ask our good friend John McConahy to do our Thanksgiving illustration, it will likely be a Thanksgiving table loaded with celebratory food. He will do a great job as usual. He might feature a large turkey with the carving tools beside it. There could be a number of steaming bowls, dishes, and platters of food and of course the place settings for the family. He might even include people. There could be grandpa with caving tools in hand and his family gathered around him. This would certain...
Matthew 10:16-32 Does anyone write letters any more? I am not talking about emails or texts or Twitter. I mean the kind of letter where you find a piece of stationery and a pen that writes smoothly. A letter where you carefully choose your words, lick the envelope, find a stamp. I love letters. I have a cherished stack from my mom and my grandmother and a dear aunt; letters they wrote to me when I lived out of state early in my marriage. Those letters were filled with advice, but they spoke from strong, unconditional love, too. Our gospel text...
Sometimes things overflow. Sometimes we overflow. I know three men who faced near-death situations. When each talks about it, they choke up and are unable to speak for a while. Tears course down their faces. Perhaps, because they are men, they get embarrassed about it, though it is perfectly natural and I think wonderful. They should not be embarrassed. Life is precious to all of us. The thought of losing one’s life brings him or her to the deep well of emotion. Those emotions overflow. P...
An article and picture in the Morrisons Cove Herald edition of Dec. 24, 2020, caught the eye of a consistory member of St. John’s United Church of Christ at 116 East Julian Street in Martinsburg. The church has been a constant in outreach in the community and this was another special way of being a part of God’s call to live out their belief in helping others. The consistory and church members became involved with the Habitat for Humanity building project to provide a new house for the Jeremy Sm...
Grace Community Church formerly Woodbury Cafe opened its doors to adults and children as part of an "All Halloween Eve" celebration, according to Pastor Brad Reed. This was the first Halloween celebration to be held in the church. Pastors Brad and Marlene Reed and members of the congregation dressed in Toy Story costumes to welcome attendees. Brad said the church wanted to serve God in a safe and welcoming place for neighbors. Also in Woodbury, a drive-through Trick or Treat was held by Faith...
Two weeks ago, I alluded to the duties of a prophet being challenging because he was asked to do whatever God wanted him to do. Sometimes those things were bizarre. But there were regular things as well. A prophet had to deal with people. Often they were hard-headed and even more frequently hard-hearted. So, when the prophet was commissioned to call people to repent they resisted. Scripture tells us there are pleasures in sin for a season. Even when that season is over, people frankly want to...
On Oct. 20, 14 members and friends of Martinsburg Mennonite Church traveled to Chambersburg to Cumberland Valley Relief Center. The center, sponsored by the Peace Churches of Cumberland Valley, works with the Mennonite Central Committee to provide hunger relief and material aid in the name of Christ. Volunteers weave rugs, quilt, sew patches for comforters, cube tallow for soap, wrap bars of soap, do meat canning, make newborn kits, make sewing kits, health kits, and many other services. Twice...
I do not like to lose. From an early age, I have been competitive. Whether it is a board game or athletic competition my goal is always to win. Sometimes I will join in some sort of game and someone will declare that we are just playing for fun and that there is no need to keep score. I am always appalled at that. What is the point of a game if the purpose is not to determine a winner? I suppose there were a few times when my sons were especially young that I let them win. That was rare and...
Luke 2:21-40 I love reading about people in the Bible. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. We all have rich stories to tell even though we don’t always recognize the worth of those stories. Today our scripture introduces us to two unique individuals. I picture that if we could meet them, we might feel as though we were being given a special gift. They are like the present that gets wedged behind the tree at Christmas time and is almost forgotten, but once it is pulled out and opened you are filled with a new sense of joy. F...
I was in a strange church, found the restroom but did not know where the light switch was. I fumbled around where I thought it should be. Suddenly, without finding the switch, the lights came on. It was one of those new-fangled sensor switches. Did not need to touch it. It was aware of me. There are other such things, lamps that turn on with a hand-clap, computers that turn things on simply because you speak a name and give a command. I am not really promoting those gadgets, I just want you to...
During Sunday morning service on Oct. 9, 2022, at Faith Assembly of God Church in Roaring Spring, Lead Pastor Del Smith and the congregation paid tribute to long time member and friend, Charlie Doutt. Doutt suddenly past away last January, which left family and friends with a great loss. Recently, a memorial plaque was placed beneath the church flagpole in honor of Doutt’s life for Christ, his family, and community. Pastor Smith made the following heartfelt comments. “Charlie was a devout man...
On Thursday evening, Oct. 27, during Trick or Treat hours, St. John’s UCC, 117 East Julian Street, Martinsburg, will offer children a bag lunch while supplies last. Lunches will include a single serving pasta, yogurt, cookies, fruit, and bottled water. In addition, each bag will contain a special surprise....
Every person has emotional ups and downs. We have our good days and bad. Sometimes what is happening in the world around us can impact our feelings. One moment we can be doing and feeling well and then suddenly our mood and thoughts change for the worse. Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus as he entered the home stretch of his earthly ministry. Of course, his home stretch would lead him back home and guarantee that believers would be with him in that eternal home one day. The days leading up to him accomplishing his mission had more...
To promote a safe and fun environment for neighborhood children and families, Martinsburg Brethren in Christ is hosting a Trick or Treat alternative on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. Kids can trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk in a line-up of vehicles parked in the church’s parking lot with trunks or tailgates full of goodies. This free event is open to the community. The church is located at 334 Son Rise Drive (Cross Cove Road) between Route 866 and Ritchey’s Dairy. Call the church for...
I am so glad for an oven with a glass in the door and a light inside. It gives me opportunity to view the cake as it is baking. I can see it begin to pull away from the sides of the pan without having to open the door and risk upsetting the baking process. I want to spend time looking at the Prophet Jeremiah. In His Own special and unique way, God looked upon Jeremiah as he was growing in his mother’s womb. Jeremiah could not see himself as a prophet and protested in two ways. He said he c...
On Oct. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Homewood in Martinsburg held its Annual Fall Bazaar in Givler Cultural Center. Everything was set up in the hallways and in the cultural center. Jeff’s Jams & Salsas was in attendance. Handmade pottery from Jone Bush was in the center. Jone is well known for her pottery and has done demonstrations. JoAnn Sorge had many homemade garden flags of all patterns. Susan Metzler had wreaths, door decor and table decorations. Attendees could not pass Debbie S...
Every person has emotional ups and downs. We have our good days and bad. Sometimes what is happening in the world around us can impact our feelings. One moment we can be doing and feeling well and then suddenly our mood and thoughts change for the worse. Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus as he entered the home stretch of his earthly ministry. Of course, his home stretch would lead him back home and guarantee that believers would be with him in that eternal home one day. The days leading up to him accomplishing his mission had more...
Scriptures to Read Jeremiah 1:1-10 Jeremiah 1:11-19 Jeremiah 2:1-9 Jeremiah 5:1-13 Jeremiah 7:1-11 Jeremiah 8:18-22 Jeremiah 11:1-10 I am so glad for an oven with a glass in the door and a light inside. It gives me opportunity to view the cake as it is baking. I can see it begin to pull away from the sides of the pan without having to open the door and risk upsetting the baking process. I want to spend time looking at the Prophet Jeremiah. In His Own special and unique way, God looked upon...
To promote a safe and fun environment for neighborhood children and families, Martinsburg Brethren in Christ is hosting a Trick or Treat alternative on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. Kids can trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk in a line-up of vehicles parked in the church's parking lot with trunks or tailgates full of goodies. This free event is open to the community. The church is located at 334 Son Rise Drive (Cross Cove Road) between Route 866 and Ritchey's Dairy. Call the church for...
All are invited to attend the 49th Annual Meat Canning Kickoff meeting, that will be held at the Burnham Church of Brethren, on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. The church’s the address is 541 E. Freedom Ave., Burnham, PA 17009. There will be a meal, short meeting, and Ken Litwiller, the new canning director from the Mennonite Central Committee, will be the speaker. Those planning to attend, call Jesse Diem at (717) 348-9577, Ben Stoltzfus at (814) 625-2430, or Jonathan Coldren at (717)250-6840 by Oct. 19. This will help the group have a...
