Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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Most people know that there are things in life that we can control. I control my thermostat – until my wife changes it. I decide what clothes I will put on in the morning and how fast I will drive. Folks also realize that there are some things that are out of control. Even as I type this sentence, there is a severe storm warning – with blue skies overhead. We cannot control the weather. I have no say in what people around me say about me or what their activities are. The more I have the right perspective about control the better my life wil...
Let’s see why humankind does not want to connect with God. I can think of three reasons: 1. Rebellion against God. 2. Transgression against God’s Law. And 3. Opposition against God’s standards. 1. Rebellion against God was first exhibited by Satan. We don’t know much about it, but it is spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah and confirmed by what Satan did in the Garden of Eden in an attempt to turn humans against God. A root cause for the rebellion may have been a desire for a new taste, pleasur...
Hello. If you read my last article you may be wondering things like “Why on earth did she submit the Declaration of Independence? That was quite boring. Has she gone off the deep end? What does that have to do with anything?” My apologies if you hated it. The thing is, when I read it, it resonates deep within. As a word nerd and reading enthusiast, I’d say that its one of the best written pieces I’ve ever read. Unfortunately, much like the Bible, no one ever bothers to read it. This is a shame a...
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are empowered by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, Tha...
Last week we celebrated National Day of Prayer. Hopefully, you were able to attend some sort of prayer rally. I am reminded there is a passage in Scripture that says God is wearied by the many words of His people. Please read Malachi 2:17 and consider it. Another Scripture tells us we should “Pray without ceasing.” (Please read I Thessalonians 5:17 and consider it.) Now we believe Scripture does not contradict itself. But these two passages give us pause. Why was God wearied by the prayers of...
One of the aspects of life that is sometimes tricky to discern and weigh is one’s motives. I do not always question my motives; however, it is helpful to do so pretty often. With just about every act we could pause and ask a few related questions… Why am I about to do this? What was the reason I said that? Why am I thinking what I am thinking right now? What is the reason I want to buy this? Why am I eating or drinking this at the moment? Give it a try. Why are you reading this column? It is...
Today is National Day of Prayer. Hopefully, you will be able to attend some sort of prayer rally. Pray your life will be radically different from the life lived by Judas Iscariot. I said last week, “Mary’s attitude and the attitude of Judas Iscariot were diametrically opposed.” How did Judas get to where he was in the time frame we call Holy Week? We know little about him. We know he was chosen as a disciple of Jesus Christ. We know he was sent out with another disciple, two by two, to prepa...
“And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:10, KJV) It was such a beautiful day. Not the day that we had snow. It was a day or two before that. It was the kind of day where you could smell spring if you walked outside. And not just spring, but memories. Why and how can smells trigger so many forgotten memories? Sometimes, it’s more of a feeling than a memory. And no, no one was spreading manure that...
Things are moving to a climax. In fact there will several climaxes. One of these happens just before the Week begins. It happens I think, as a result of what Jesus did for His family of friends. Jesus raised Lazarus from death after four days in the grave. There was a strong desire to honor Him. A feast was given in the small town of Bethany. Jesus was guest of honor. Lazarus was seated with Him at the table. No doubt there were those in attendance who wanted to see both men. It was surely a...
“If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner. If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it.” – Deuteronomy 22:1-3, NIV “Your heifers are out.” Those four words strike dread like no other into the farmer that hears them. I can say...
In this series, I have said: “The Passover Lamb was kept and observed for four days, to be sure it was not sick or defective in any way. In some cases the lamb was kept in the house and was therefore very closely observed. Jesus was most certainly closely observed. John the Baptist said of Jesus, “Behold (This word ‘behold’ means to closely observe) The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.” (See St. John 1:29-35) At one point, Jesus invited people to examine (This word ‘examine...
For over a year, my bicycle has been hanging in the garage – untouched. It needed new brakes, tires and an overall tune up. Since I have no mechanical abilities, I broke down and decided to take it to the shop. Though it is over 20 years old, the cost of repairs was far less than buying a new one. Last week I picked it up and was thankful for a great weather forecast. After several short, but intense rides I was reminded of a few things. Just as I have for almost 50 years, I love being on a b...
Scriptures to Read St. John 14:1-6 St. John 3:16-21 St. John 5:24-30 Exodus 12:3-13 Romans 5:9-11 Hebrews 10:1-7 Hebrews 10:8-18 In this series, I have said: "The Passover Lamb was kept and observed for four days, to be sure it was not sick or defective in any way. In some cases the lamb was kept in the house and was therefore very closely observed. Jesus was most certainly closely observed. John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Behold (This word 'behold' means to closely observe) The Lamb of God...
On Thursday, April 1, the Williamsburg United Methodist Church hosted a Maundy Thursday presentation of the Last Supper, based on Leonardo da Vinci's painting. The presentation was narrated by Williamsburg native and UMC member Brady Appleman. He gave a brief explanation of the painting itself and then continued the program by narrating events leading up to the Last Supper and of the supper itself. Jesus and his 12 disciples were portrayed by church members from both the Williamsburg UMC and...
Imagine Papa coming home one day with the most beautiful little lamb your family has ever seen. Its little wool coat is perfect. Its little legs are shaped just the way they ought to be. Its little hooves don't toe in or toe out. Its eyes are bright and full of life. Its little back is straight – it doesn't bow up or sag down. Its little ears are alert and flicker back and forth. Its little face and nose are exquisitely shaped. When it bleats, everyone rushes to see what it might need. Papa says...
Wednesday, March 31 6 p.m. – Prayer walk through Roaring Spring. Gather at the Spring Dam Parking lot. Thursday, April 1 Maundy Thursday 6 p.m. – Bare Memorial Church of God: Worship service with Communion, feet washing and baptisms 7 p.m. – Christ Church: Worship service with Communion, in-person and online 7 p.m. – St. Luke Lutheran: Worship service in-person and online 7 p.m. – First Church of the Brethren: online Love Feast and Communion 7:30 p.m. – Trinity UMC: Worship service with Holy Communion Friday, April 2 Good Friday 2 p.m. – Chri...
Sometimes I think I stretch out my "Thoughts." Holy Week could technically be seven days long. So much happens in that week it can scarcely be examined in a short time. On Thursday night of that week, many Christians observe what is called Maundy Thursday. It reminds us Jesus had His Last Supper, Communion, Celebration of Passover. I want to begin this study with Passover. This is spoken of in Exodus 12. God told Abram his children and descendants would live in slavery to a nation for 400...
Pastor Charles J. Brewbaker of Holy Fire Chapel in Roaring Spring painted this depiction of the resurrection of Christ. The painting will be on display in front of the Holy Fire Chapel on Bloomfield St. through the Easter holiday....
Recently I found myself in an interesting position. Although I help people prepare for grief and in the midst of their grief, this was a new one. It is different when family is involved. What made it even more unusual is that it was my brother’s dog that had died and I had never been a fan. But my sibling and his wife were much shaken with the unpleasant death of their first and only beloved canine. She had lived beyond her life expectancy and been a good pet for the family of four. So, I did m...
Two Roaring Spring churches are offering a community-wide prayer walk starting at 6 p.m. March 31 at the Spring Dam. The Roaring Spring Ministerium is providing an ecumenical time for prayer in the community leading up to the Holy days before Easter. All are invited to the event. The event will be a two-mile walk around Roaring Spring including the lifting up of prayers for aspects of the community, including local police and fire companies, businesses, people experiencing job loss and borough leaders. The walk is approximately two miles, begin...
St. Luke Lutheran Church in Roaring Spring has announced its Holy Week services. They are as follows: • Palm/Passion Sunday, March 28 - 9:45 a.m. - In-person and on Facebook Live • Maundy Thursday Service - April 1 - 7 p.m. - In-person and on Facebook Live • Good Friday Service (In collaboration with Trinity UMC) - April 2 - 7 p.m. - In-person at St. Luke Lutheran and on Facebook Live • Easter Sunday Worship - April 4 - 9:45 a.m. - In-person and on Facebook Live. Masks and social distancing required at all in person services. St. Luke Luther...
We come to St. Matthew 18:21-35 and the parable for discussion this week. This is the only passage that records this parable but forgiveness is a topic for discussion frequently. Jesus had been talking about restoring right relationships between family members who had sinned against (wronged) one another. Noted rabbis had pronounced three as the number of times to forgive before relationships were cut off. They seemed to look to the Old Testament Prophet Amos. He proposes God will punish...
St. Luke Lutheran Church of Roaring Spring is holding a soup sale fundraiser for a family that is going through an ordeal with cancer. Kristen Thomas is a young mother of two who has been diagnosed for a second time with a cancerous brain tumor. In December, her family received the news that Kristen could no longer continue with treatment. Her family is left with insurmountable medical bills from her surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and treatments. To help, St. Luke is selling vegetable soup for $6 a quart and family-size salads for...
Wednesday, March 31 6 p.m. – Prayer walk through Roaring Spring. Gather at the Spring Dam. Thurs., April 1 - Maundy Thursday 6 p.m. – Bare Memorial Church of God: Worship service with Communion, feet washing and baptisms 7 p.m. – Christ Church: Worship service w/ Communion, in-person and online 7 p.m. – St. Luke Lutheran: Worship service in-person and online 7 p.m. – First Church of the Brethren: online Love Feast and Communion 7:30 p.m. – Trinity UMC: Worship service w/ Holy Communion Friday, April 2 - Good Friday 2 p.m. – Christ Church: Readi...
In my last column, I touched on the importance of reading the Bible. There was a reason for that. Even though the Bible was written by many people a long, long time ago, it is still relevant today. It is full of examples, practices, ideals, commandments, warnings and good advice. When the Bible is forgotten, all of the good things in it fall by the wayside. Morality and society crumbles as they collectively turn away from God to pursue holding themselves in higher esteem. It's a slippery slope....
Last week's parable dealt with Sowers – Seeds – Soils. It was told to help those who tell God's Story about how their message would be received. Today, we look at a parable to will help us understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Today's parable is told only in Matthew's Gospel. It is one of several that tell us something about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Some of the terminology last week and today is similar. We should note in both the Sower is God's Son.He is sowing Seed. Las...
In my last column, I touched on the importance of reading the Bible. There was a reason for that. Even though the Bible was written by many people a long, long time ago, it is still relevant today. It is full of examples, practices, ideals, commandments, warnings and good advice. When the Bible is forgotten, all of the good things in it fall by the wayside. Morality and society crumbles as they collectively turn away from God to pursue holding themselves in higher esteem. It's a slippery slope....
Scriptures to Read St. Matthew 13:24-30 St. Matthew 13:36-43 St. John 5:19-23 St. John 5:24-30 St. John 5:31-47 St. John 8:42-47 Revelation 20:11-15 Last week's parable dealt with Sowers – Seeds – Soils. It was told to help those who tell God's Story about how their message would be received. Today, we look at a parable to will help us understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Today's parable is told only in Matthew's Gospel. It is one of several that tell us something about what the Kin...
Since Pastor Matt Roberts and his family took over the United Methodist Church, plans have been in place for many events. Two of their Easter events were announced last week. On April 1, Leonard da Vinci’s “Last Supper” will be held at the United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. This free event open to the public will be da Vinci’s “Last Supper” narrated by Williamsburg resident Brady Appleman. Light refreshments will follow in the Social Hall. The following day, Good Friday, join the church family for a reflection of Jesus’ journey to the cross. St...
Dwindling daylight shimmers through the stained glass and onto the pews of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in State College, Pennsylvania, on a Sunday in late autumn as the sun sets on its 5 p.m. service Congregants shuffle in and take their seats quietly under the towering ceiling. The 112-year-old church can hold several hundred people, but it won't today. Only 13 congregants have found their way through the heavy wooden doors. Carolyn Donaldson, 59, of State College, is one of them – and she s...
Recently I have been watching old episodes of the TV show Dragnet from the late 1960s. I am not sure why I am getting into it but I find it very interesting despite the stiff, predictable acting and recycled character actors in each show. Those are "just the facts." I remember the dramatic dirty hand with the stamp at the end of each show, signifying Jack Webb's production company. Maybe I like seeing what the world was like when I was a child. Yet, life in Somerset County was much different...
Scriptures to Read St. Matthew 13:1-9 St. Matthew 13:18-23 St. Mark 4:1-9 St. Mark 4:13-20 St. Mark 4:24-25 & St. Luke 8:18 St. Luke 8:1-8 St. Luke 8:11-15 The first parable we will look at is found in all three synoptic Gospels. They felt it important to hear so we do as well. It was important enough for the disciples to ask Jesus to explain it. He did even though He was a bit surprised they could not figure it out for themselves. As usual, Jesus uses something easy to understand to explain...
At the beginning of Lent this year, my Lutheran pastor uttered the familiar line at our Zoom Ash Wednesday service – “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Another minister, the Rev. Jenny Phillips, a Methodist, writes that basically, an alternative way to translate the Hebrew word adama – “dust” in Genesis 2:7 – is “earth.” “Remember that you are earth, and to earth you shall return.” In this case, we are made of the same substance as the earth, and so our fates are bound together. I strongly believe that we are called to...
It's because of the cream cheese. I love cream cheese. I love it in cheese danish, in icing, in dips, on cheese steak sandwiches, on bagels with or without jelly and on crackers. I love it in, on, or around anything. Cream cheese is my Achilles heel. To be completely honest, all foods are a terrible temptation for me. If you put me in a room alone with a million dollars and a piece of cheese danish, I can guarantee you that when you return, every cent will still be there untouched and...
Scriptures to Read: Isaiah 6:8-13 St. Matthew 13:9-16 & 34-35 Psalm 78:1-7 St. Mark 4:9-12 St. Luke 8:8d-10 St. Mark 4:33-41 Revelation 2:1-7 I would like us to look at some of the parables of Jesus. We will not attempt all of them since there are 30 or more. They are varied in a number of ways and of course each is important but we will only look at a few during this effort. First, we should ask some questions: What is a parable? Why did Jesus use them so often? First, the word parable is a...
The Farmers to Families Food Box program, a staple of food lines across America, is coming to the Morrisons Cove area. The program was launched in May 2020 to support struggling farmers and feed jobless Americans battered by the pandemic. It was supposed to provide food support through the end of the year, but has been extended through this April. Included in each box are fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk and meat products, among other items. Other than milk, which is included in each box, the exact contents vary. There are no income gu...
St. Patrick's Day, which is often referred to as "Patty's Day" or "Paddy's Day," is a wildly popular holiday. Though the holiday honors the life of the patron saint of Ireland and has become a way for people from all backgrounds to celebrate Irish culture, celebrants may be surprised to learn that St. Patrick was not really named "Patrick" and he also was not Irish. Historians are uncertain about the actual date of St. Patrick's birth, but many believe he was born in Roman Britain in the 5th...
Scriptures to Read: St. Matthew 5:3 & 23:13 St. Matthew 5:4 & 23:14 St. Matthew 5:5 & 23:15 St. Matthew 5:6 & 23:16-22 St. Matthew 5:7 & 23:23-24 St. Matthew 5:8 & 23:25-28 St. Matthew 5:9-12 & 23:29-33 I have been thinking about Jesus and His words on the Law. It may seem that we are simply looking at The Ten Commandments here. That is not so. Two of His interpretations are: regarding killing and adultery. Three are from other portions of the Law. "Keep your oaths." Leviticus 19:12 and Numbers...
Easter wells are colorful, traditional decorations in Germany and Franconian Switzerland. The custom of Osterbrunnen, which started in the early 20th century, includes decorating public fountains and wells with Easter eggs. The tradition begins on Good Friday and continues until two weeks after Easter. According to the Bavarian tourism site www.bavaria.by, before the wells are decorated, they are first cleaned in a ceremony known as “Brunnen fegen,” which loosely translates to “sweeping the well.” Once cleansed, the well is dressed and decorat...
If you've ever had your feet shoot out from underneath you, you know that falling down is no fun. It happens suddenly and unexpectedly. When I was young, if I fell down, I would immediately spring back up again. Now when I fall down, I lay there for a few moments, trying to assess the situation. I've had a few memorable spills. Usually with witnesses. The time I wiped out on the pogo stick at Toys-R-Us while Christmas shopping comes to mind. A few summers ago I tripped most spectacularly on our...
Scriptures to Read: St. Matthew 5:21-26 St. Matthew 5:27-30 St. Matthew 5:33-37 St. Matthew 5:38-42 St. Matthew 5:43-48 St. Matthew 7:24-29 St. Matthew 12:34-40 Jesus gave teachings that none else had ever given so far as I know. The Law, specifically the Ten Commandments, was deemed the guiding principle for Israel to live by. As God was holy, He expected His People to be holy. All Jews, not just the Scribes and Pharisees, honored the Law. At the beginning of each service in the synagogue, on...
Above: St. John’s Church, Replogle School Road, New Enterprise. Below: Barley Evangelical Lutheran Church, Route 867, New Enterprise (Bakers Summit)....
Trinity United Methodist Church in Roaring Spring will continue its monthly Manna on Main Street as a drive-through, take-out-only service, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Attendees can drive or walk up to the doors of the fellowship hall located at the end of the alley, to pick up their meals. The menu will consist of rigatoni, salad, vegetable, roll and cake. This meal is free to thecommunity and all are welcome....
As I continue to write this series of observations and applications from the book of Proverbs it becomes increasingly clear to me that it is easier to write about God's truth than it is to obey it. Practicing what I preach has always been something that I take seriously but if I am honest, it can be a challenge. Sometimes the parenting expert is not the best parent. I can gladly advise husbands on how to improve their marriage but I do not always give a full effort in truly loving my wife as I...
Scriptures to Read: St. Matthew 23:1-4 St. Matthew 23:5-12 St. Matthew 23:13-15 St. Matthew 23:16-26 St. Luke 13:10-17 St. Matthew 12:1-8 St. Matthew 12:9-14 Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees also experienced conflict because of their purpose of life. Jesus clearly shows and tells why He came. I am come that people might have life, indicating eternal life, and they might have it more abundantly. It would seem to me The Law had a dual purpose. It was to teach reverence for God; His Person, His...
The Christian tradition of Lent is celebrated across the globe by many different denominations of the faith. Lent is a 40-day period of sacrifice that begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, and culminates with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. Lent is designed to help Christians prepare for Easter through prayer, repentance of sins, almsgiving, denying the ego, and putting and end to sinful practices. Fasting is a component of Lent, as is abstinence from certain behaviors. In fact, in some...
"Then the Lord said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A staff,' he replied. The Lord said, 'Throw it on the ground.' Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it." ~Exodus 4:2-3, NIV Once upon a time, in 2013, I had just returned home with a sleeping baby. As I carried her through the house and up to her crib, I noticed something odd out of the corner of my eye. However, the mission at hand was to get the baby into her bed for a nice long nap, so without looking, I...
I am nearly 2.5 years into my ministry as a hospice chaplain. Time flies. I like most everything about the job. I am able to meet amazing people and share God's Word with them. We listen to and sometimes sing wonderful hymns of the faith together. The Lord allows me to encourage people daily as I pray aloud with them. I get to travel around a beautiful area. Naturally, there are things I do not like. I am not fond of dogs barking at me, especially if they are bigger than me. A cat rubbing...
Scriptures to Read: Proverbs 15:13-17 Proverbs 17:22 II Samuel 6:12-17 Isaiah 61:1-10 St. Luke 15:7-10 & 22-24 Psalm 16:11 & James 5:13 Ephesians 5:19 & Colossians 3:16 I am planning to celebrate. It won't be a large-scale thing. I won't even invite anyone to come join me. It will be just me. What is it all about? This is my 2,000th 'Thought for the Week." David Snyder, former editor-publisher-owner of The Herald might disagree with that number, but will tell you I began to write a long time...
Various sects that fall under the umbrella of Christianity have their own unique traditions when it comes to the sacraments. Roman Catholics about to receive the sacrament of confirmation often are required to choose a confirmation name before they can be confirmed. Some churches no longer require prospective confirmands to choose confirmation names. But those Catholics who will be asked to do so may want to learn about the tradition and why their parish still adheres to it. What is the...
