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Biblical text: Matthew 19, Mark 10:17-24 Most of us know this story as the story of the rich, young ruler, although Mark is the only one who suggests that he is rich, Matthew is the only one who says he is young, and Luke is the only one who calls him a ruler. The fact that he shows up in three of the gospels is a pretty good indication that the story is true, although many of us wish that he had not shown up at all. Because of him we have one of the hardest sayings in the whole Bible: Go sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and...
I had intent to leave Isaiah three weeks ago but couldn’t seem to do it. I do plan to go to Jeremiah next week. D.V. I just got caught up in it again. Last week’s “Thought” might not have seemed to be from Isaiah, but the inspiration came from there. Today, I want to look at Isaiah chapter 35. Isaiah has brought prophecies of the future, the distant future and I think today, the far distant future. Isaiah has warned and pleaded with his people and other nations to turn to God WHOLE-HEARTEDLY. He knows God cannot stand a sham. Isaiah notes warni...
The Ladies Encounter Fall Prayer and Praise will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Faith Assembly, 4870 Cove Mountain Road, Roaring Spring. Those interested will gather to worship and pray for churches, pastors and leaders, communities, schools and teachers, our nation and all nations. Men, ladies, and teens are welcome to join for this special evening. Mike and Laura Clark (shown) will lead praise and worship. No tickets are required. For more information or questions, please...
The most difficult thing to hear in that news is that someone has been killed by another person. Most obituaries reflect people who died naturally, whether from old age or disease. But when someone takes the life of another it is a terrible thing indeed. Sadly, we hear sometimes of murder-suicides. There are also revenge killings or ones driven by hate. Years ago, I did a funeral for a 21-year-old that had been in my youth ministry. Her boyfriend took her life with their baby in the same room. Sometimes murders occur in the context of theft. Ra...
An elderly lady lived in a ramshackle house. She did not seem to care about things. The house was not only untidy but dirty as well. For that matter, she was herself was both untidy and dirty. One day, a little girl brought a beautiful lily that had been part of the Easter decoration at church as a gift for her. The lady was grateful and placed the lily on the middle of her dining room table. She realized the beautiful lily, bright and shining looked out of place on that table. She got out some...
Ron and Jean Foor of Roaring Spring brought the Herald along when they visited Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. The 510-foot long, 85-foot wide, and 51-foot high ark follows the dimensions of Noah’s ark, as laid out in the Bible....
The Mines United Methodist Church in Williamsburg will be having a Fall Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 9th, featuring the Needhams in concert. They are a gospel group out of Nashville. Church service will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Needhams’ concert will start at 10:30 a.m. A free light lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. At noon, the Needhams will again be in concert until 1 p.m. In addition to the Needhams’ concert, there will be activities for the kids. Everyone is welcome to att...
You probably remember that it was a lawyer who inspired Jesus to tell the story of the Good Samaritan. He seemed like a smart person with a well-trained mind. He seemed concerned with the law, if not justice and with drawing the line between right and wrong. And, since he is following Jesus around, he must also be a person who is hungry for God and who wishes to know what the life of faith might require of him. “What must I do to inherit eternal life,” he asks Jesus. Who does not wonder that? Who does not want that? Life with no end. Life wit...
If you happen to be in Bedford Square this week, you may notice that a pre-pandemic fixture is back on the sidewalks: smiling faces standing next to colorful carts featuring a positive message and free Bible-based literature. Thousands of these carts will be rolling down the streets of communities like Bedford across the world this week as Jehovah’s Witnesses recommence their global public preaching work some 24 months after putting it on pause due to the pandemic. “It is wonderful to be bac...
My thanks to Editor Anna Baughman for allowing me extra space for the last “Thought.” Today, we look at Isaiah 55 and we will likely switch to another book next. LISTEN EVERYONE, Isaiah begins this chapter. The message of the “Suffering Savior” is truly first of all for the Jews but God wants everyone to hear. For He loves everyone. God not only does not want anyone to be destroyed. He wants everyone to come in humble repentance for the sin committed so He can forgive and restore them to a right...
Former Hollidaysburg author Tom Catalano has released his latest book entitled “Nicholas, the Santa Story.” Growing up, Catalano always celebrated Christmas the traditional way, with Santa, gift-giving, the Christmas tree and all of the other pageantry that goes along with the season. “We always knew that the reason that we did all of that was in celebration of the birth of Jesus,” Catalano said. “At our house, we have a Christmas tree ornament that shows Santa kneeling next to baby Jesus. I...
This week I have had several patients surprisingly pass from this earthly life. No one should be too surprised when a hospice patient dies. However, in the case of these ladies I had recently visited them and they were talking and feeling pretty well. Thankfully, both knew the Lord and were ushered into eternal life. The Lord was their shepherd. As we transition from John 10 to John 11 we see Jesus boldly proclaiming who he is and who belongs to him as he concludes his sheep and shepherd illustration. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them,...
Isaiah has a special story to tell in his 53rd chapter. It is a conundrum, at once horrible and beautiful. It is a story of man's inhumanity to a man and God's tremendous love for mankind. Isaiah wrote almost 2,800 years ago. Since then, for about two thirds of that time, it was interpreted to mean Israel and all the world would one day receive a Suffering Savior called Messiah. Then about 1,200 A.D., interpretation began to shift and Israel looked at this story, beginning to substitute the...
Biblical text: John 4 Growing up living in the suburbs of Philadelphia, I took water for granted. All I had to do was turn on the faucet and there was always plenty of water. But when we, as a new family with two small babies, moved to Central Pennsylvania in 1976, water became very precious to me. Our well was very shallow. It had been hand dug, and I quickly learned that water was not always plentiful. I knew I had to spread out my many loads of wash or any other task that required water, and...
The Claysburg Church of the Brethren invites all to its Fall Spiritual Renewal Services focusing on “Simple Truth/Hard Reality.” Guest speaker is the Rev. Kirby Dubble, retired Church of the Brethren pastor from the Atlantic Northeast District Church of the Brethren. Rev. Dubble will preach Sunday morning, Sept. 25, at 10:30 a.m., and four consecutive evenings, Sept. 25 to 28, at 7 p.m. Born in Schaefferstown, Pa., Rev. Dubble served three years in Morocco and three different churches, ret...
We closed last time with: “His answer was:” specific and 100 percent accurate. Isaiah said, do not be afraid of this man nor of the words he has spoken. He will not enter this city. Not even one arrow will fly from his army into Jerusalem. He will hear a rumor and it will cause him to leave this siege and return to his country. He will die there. Your land will of itself produce food and good crops the next two years without any work on your part. For the third year, you will need to plow and...
The Cove Community Chorus reconvened on Sept. 6. Due to COVID, the group was unable to perform for two and a half years. The group met at Bare Memorial Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring. About 50 percent of the last group was at rehearsal and there were some new members. This year’s music production will be “Sing, Salute and Celebrate.” The music chosen is a variety of songs sang 10 years ago when the group originated combined with patriotic music and holiday music. Music was hande...
The Fall Ladies/Teen Encounter with Carole Wolaver, the Pottery Lady, is coming up on Sept. 27, 2022. Wolaver will share the story of “The Road to Emmaus” while working at the potter’s wheel. She will connect little known characters that actually witnessed Jesus’ life; from birth to ministry and death to resurrection. She will share many Old Testament prophecies showing Jesus to be the true Messiah. Growing up in a Jewish household, many of these prophecies were the ones actually used to bring Carole to her relationship with her Messiah...
On Sept. 26, Trinity UMC: Roaring Spring, 434 E. Main St., will resume serving a free meal once a month from noon to 1 p.m. Manna at Noon will happen on the last Monday of the month during September and October. The meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall and takeouts are also available. This will not be served as a drive-through meal. The menu for September is: chili with chicken, cornbread, fruit, and dessert. Everyone is welcome....
On Sept. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m., Pete and Carol Imler of Roaring Spring will host a meeting at their home at 1271 Spang St Ext., Roaring Spring. Those interested can attend and enjoy music. They are encouraged to bring food, friends and anything they enjoy spending an evening with. Tom Smith will once again play music. Attendees are invited to share another evening of God’s love. They will experience the beautiful lessons learned from being outdoors by enjoying a cookout....
Recently I spoke with two dear relatives about my columns. One complimented me on my most recent one. I asked her what it was about. She paused. I thought. She could not recall the contents of the article. That made two of us. The other relative admitted that he does not always read my columns. When I asked him why that was the case, he stated that they were too long. I pointed out that it takes about 5 minutes to read. I do not think he was convinced. I will try to limit my words today. I am glad you are taking the time to read now. If you...
“Be of one heart with Jesus.” is the theme of the 2022 Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren Conference, being held Sept. 16 to 17 at Camp Blue Diamond. Mike Benner, 2022 District Moderator will lead the conference. Mike is a member of the Everett Church of the Brethren and is currently serving as their pastor. “One heart with Jesus” is not an individual devotional ideal but a community calling. This is a synthesis from Philippians 2:2 and John 17. In Philippians 2:2 Paul is urging us to, “be of the same mind, having the same...
We closed last time with: “His answer was:” specific and 100 percent accurate. Isaiah said, do not be afraid of this man nor of the words he has spoken. He will not enter this city. Not even one arrow will fly from his army into Jerusalem. He will hear a rumor and it will cause him to leave this siege and return to his country. He will die there. Your land will of itself produce food and good crops the next two years without any work on your part. For the third year, you will need to plow and...
St. John’s United Church of Christ welcomed new members, DeAnna Cree and husband, Dennis Foltz. Sunday, Aug. 28, Pastor Betty Royer served them communion. De grew up in Martinsburg and is currently the summer organist. They previously resided in Orlando, attending the United Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and live part-year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, worshipping in the United Methodist Church. Both were active in the music programs and look forward to similar acrivities at St. J...
The Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) will present the first in its “Still Listening” guest speaker series on local history in September. Journalist Cody McDevitt of Somerset, author of Banished From Johnstown: Racist Backlash in Western Pennsylvania (2020), will tell the little-known history of the time in 1923 when Black and Hispanic residents were evicted and forced to flee Johnstown in fear for their lives. This is considered one of the worst civil rights injustices in Pennsylvania history, yet few local people are aware that it eve...
Biblical text Matthew 15: 10-20, 21-28 Have you ever noticed that many of the people at the center of our gospel narrative seem to be the kind of people who might not have a place in our lives? What does that tell us? Jesus took people whom you or I might mindlessly pass on the street or in a store, people we might not choose to associate with, people on the very margins of society, and He places them at the center of the narrative we call the Gospel. These people come to Jesus as sick,...
For a prophet to be considered a prophet, speaking the Word of the Lord, he must issue prophesies (predictions) that are specific and 100-percent accurate. To prophesy that something is going to happen somewhere, is not enough. Nor is it enough for a prophet to say something is going to happen in hundreds of years from now because no one will know if that prophesy is going to come true. Isaiah did indeed prophesy of coming things. He prophesied a man named Cyrus would free Israel. He made this...
Pastor Chris Heinlein from Curryville Church of the Brethren, located on Curryville Road in Martinsburg, shared his tale on his two donkeys. Their names are Ted and Fred, and they are beautiful white donkeys who are brothers. The donkeys are about 5 or 6 years old according to Pastor Heinlein’s vet. These two donkeys live at Heinlein’s home on Cove Mountain Road and are cared for by his wife Kathy and himself. The donkeys were rescued from a farm in Somerset after the owners of the farm bec...
Cove Community Chorus is back. Starting on Sept. 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., rehearsal will begin at Bare Memorial Church of God Roaring Spring. The chorus looks forward to having previous members back and welcoming new members. Those who like to sing are encouraged to attend rehearsal on Sept. 6. All music and information will be given out at the church. Sue Stoudnour will be the director. She can be contacted at (814) 656-3878. This will be the tenth anniversary of the chorus and it will be celebrated with music from when it first began:...
On Thursday evening, Aug. 18, The Father Thomas E. Heyden Assembly #2529 of the 4th Degree Knight's of Columbus presented a check for $500 to Trooper Michael Whelan of the Arthur L. Hershey Bedford Barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police. The Knights Assembly and Council congratulated Whelan for his work in the "Shop With A Cop" Promotion. According to Trooper Whelan, "The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J Lancaster Station, along with Camp Cadet of Lancaster County, created the SWAC program...
Soon I will speak at an interesting event that is held every six months or so. It is a challenging assignment. The gathering includes my hospice co-workers and the families of those who have passed away in the past year or so who our hospice team cared for. The memorial service is meant to help bring together those who are grieving and to connect them with others who are in a similar place. It is also an opportunity to share the gospel. While dozens could be there it is usually a small, diverse...
As I said last week, "Isaiah is a good prophet and he uses a combination of warnings to alert the people and promises of blessings to entice them to get into a right relationship with God and to obey God's commands. But Isaiah speaks to more than just Israel. He shares God's word with at least eight other nations as well. To be fair, a prophet may not fully understand the words he speaks on behalf of God. I recall passing on driving instructions to a place I had never visited. My dad gave the...
In Matthew’s gospel, Chapter 16, verses 13-19 Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter quickly answered, as he so often did, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (NIV) Jesus praises Peter and goes on to say, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven.” The image of keys ignited a whole line of thinking for me. When we lived in our old farm house when the boys were young, our house key was an ornate skeleton key. That key never worked quite right; you al...
Herald of Aug. 21, 1997 Intensive block scheduling was implemented for the new school year at Williamsburg High School. Instead of eight class periods per day, students would have four: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The airport’s Kitty Hawk restaurant was under new management. Gene and Vera Laratonda, who formerly operated the Capitol Hotel in Hollidaysburg, planned to keep the present employees and were looking into ways to bring more customers into the restaurant. Russell Wyles of Roaring Spring RD exhibited his registered h...
Child Evangelism Fellowship Proclamation Week in the City of Altoona is being celebrated from Aug. 14 to 20, 2022. All families are invited to attend the “Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ Celebration” as part of this week. The celebration will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon at Faith Baptist Church Field, 315 40th St., Altoona. Those with questions can contact the CEF office at (814) 942-5222. Register at cefsouthcentralpa.org. Attendees will listen to the Gospel message, as well as see puppets, a bounce house, cotto...
I did not plan to spend lots of time in any of the Old Testament Prophets/Books. But, already I have digressed. Last week’s “Thought” on “The Vineyard” gave us something to consider. I know these words are from God, through Isaiah, to Israel. But, we can always take God’s word, search it for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and/or for instruction in righteousness to help us be better equipped to serve God. Warren Wiersbe proposes that Isaiah has preached his sermon, or used his parable and now begins to act like a troubadour and to sing a...
Local churches’ softball teams played against each other during Clayburg’s Community Days last weekend. Players enjoyed highs in the low 80s....
Family Hospice, Part of UPMC, is offering free grief support sessions at the UPMC Home Healthcare/Family Hospice office, 20 Sheraton Dr., Altoona (beside Outback Steakhouse). Groups will be held on Mondays from Sept. 12-Oct. 7 from 1-2:30 p.m. Family Hospice Social Worker Kelly Cherry is facilitating this group for attendees to share their feelings with others who are grieving. For everyone’s safety, all participants are required to wear a mask. There are no exceptions, and social distancing will be implemented. Space is limited. R...
I am grateful to have safely returned from a really nice family vacation. Everyone got along well, were able to relax, have fun, and see some beautiful sights. We even went to a Thai restaurant for the first time. There were several experiences during our week in Florida that relate to where we find ourselves in John 8. Daytona Beach is where Jackie Robinson played his first minor league baseball game. The island stadium still exists and is now named after him. I knew that no one else in my family besides me would want to go to a game there,...
On Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m., Pete and Carol Imler of Roaring Spring invite friends of all ages to visit their Roaring Spring Barn for an evening of fun, food and Christian fellowship. Along with an evening of praise and worship, those attending will feel close to God through special music by Tom Smith of Saxton. Others who love to sing and share their music are welcome to take part. The meeting is planned as a special time of togetherness as participants praise the Lord through new friendships. An ice cream social is planned along with snacks and...
The community of Roaring Spring was brought together for a weekend filled with fun, food and worship. To start the weekend, The Roaring Spring Lions held a picnic at Spring Dam Saturday, Aug. 6, Then, Sunday, Aug. 7, the Lions held a free pancake breakfast for the community to attend. President of the Lions Travis Wagner said the Lions have been doing similar events for over 40 years. It is always held the first week of August "We used to do it with the Roaring Spring Liberty Days, but they are...
Isaiah brings a parable to his people. You remember parables literally means ”putting things alongside each other in order to understand what is unknown or misunderstood with the use of something known and understood.” So his parable is about a person who has a vineyard. This person has gone to great lengths to create the best vineyard possible. It is set in very fruitful soil on a hillside (to create and maintain proper drainage). It is fenced to keep out anything that might trample or damage the vines. Stones have been removed (farmers und...
Let’s meet David today, the great grandson of Ruth. In 2 Samuel we meet him as a young king as he rises from shepherd boy to shepherding king. The reign of Saul had been oppressive. The elders and David came together. The tribes recognized that they were the same bone and flesh. Their collective memory sees Hebron as a place of encounter with God. We probably all know David better as a shepherd boy. He loved being outside with his sheep. His heart was good; he showed obedience; he had a way w...
The Central Pennsylvania Bible Conference will conduct its 102nd year of existence during the annual summer session at the Casino at Lakemont Park in Altoona on the dates of July 31 to Aug. 5, 2022. The Bible conference was established in 1920 and remains the longest continual existing conference of its kind in America. This year’s theme is “Stedfast in the Faith” taken from I Corinthians 15:58. Speakers will include Dr. David Kistler with Hope Ministries International from Hickory, North Carolina, and Dr. Wendell Calder with Local Churc...
Sonshine Fest, a Christian music and food festival, is coming to downtown Altoona. Sonshine Fest will be hosted at Heritage Plaza on Saturday, August 27 from 9 am to 5 pm. Enjoy great local Christian artists while enjoying delicious food from one of our many food vendors that will be set up that day. Christian artists playing include: Heavenbound, Fervent Worship, The Gathering, New Life Worship Collective, and Valtune. There will also be activities available for kids, giveaways, and much more. More information and updates can be found on...
Much preaching/teaching today is focused on the New Testament. I am certainly not opposed to that. I am glad for those who preach and teach truth and utilize the New Testament to do it. But I'd like to take some time to look at the nuggets of truth found in the Old Testament. I want to use these next "Thoughts" to examine tiny segments of the Old Testament. I plan to start with Isaiah and perhaps spend five weeks or so there before moving on. Most certainly no one can exhaust such a magnificent...
We are in the dog days of summer, as they say. That can only mean one thing. It is time for my second annual column as I respond to mailbag questions from my faithful readers. If your question was not included, it is because of space reasons…or possibly one other reason. Judy in Woodbury asks, “What are some of your favorite summer memories as a child and an adult?” For several years my parents owned a boat. I was either too young or too fearful to learn to ski, but I loved boat rides and watch...
The Central Pennsylvania Bible Conference will conduct its 102nd year of existence during the annual summer session at the Casino at Lakemont Park in Altoona on the dates of July 31 to Aug. 5, 2022. The Bible conference was established in 1920 and remains the longest continual existing conference of its kind in America. This year’s theme is “Stedfast in the Faith” taken from I Corinthians 15:58. Speakers will include Dr. David Kistler with Hope Ministries International from Hickory, North Carolina, and Dr. Wendell Calder with Local Churc...
If we met for the first time, I would ask, “Who are you?” Your answer would probably be simple like: your name, or your relationship to someone I might know, i.e. “I am Tom Brown’s brother”, or, your occupation, “I am a carpenter.” But you are not simple. You are a combination of body, mind, spirit, soul and personality. You have ten fingerprints, ten toe prints, two ear prints, and a voice print that are especially designed for and unique to you. You have multiple systems within you, i.e. end...
Do you ever think how much courage it takes to be a human being? I have been thinking about babies lately as my great-grandson and his parents moved to Texas, and several friends have had their first great-granddaughters. I was visiting a church at the shore one Sunday when a precious baby was baptized. I remember the pastor saying that we all needed to be more like babies. A baby’s world is inside the arms that hold her. There is a wonderful sense of safety and security. But then she will learn that roses have thorns and that bees sting. T...
