Mixed Ministries

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2012-02-13T05:30:00.000-05:00

My mother, Virginia Milne, was born on this day 68 years ago. She died on August 8, 2008. In honor of Mom, and my step-father, Norm Milne, I share this picture from one of the weddings our family has celebrated through the years. (Of course, Mom has her eyes closed!)

Hidden Face of God

2012-02-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

This article from back in 2008 was what I used for my Pastor's page of The Flame, the newsletter of Clarks Mills United Methodist Church this month. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In the introduction of Michael Card’s book The Hidden Face of God, there is a revealing story of Vincent van Gogh, the famous artist of the 19th Century.

Three Simple Rules

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is my pastor's letter for the January 2012 edition of The Flame, Clarks Mills' UMC newsletter. “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit… thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”— Matt 7:17, 20 (NIV) Our bishop, Thomas J. Bickerton, shared a story a couple of years ago of being at a particular Council of Bishops’ meeting when a fight

The HEART of the Team

2012-01-05T13:55:00.002-05:00

These are my sermon notes for this past Sunday (January 1, 2012) at the Clarks Mills UMC. This is primarily an expanded outline from which I then preached. JUST A FEW WEEKS FROM NOW… Super Bowl! TEAMWORK…Establish a team that can work together and knows the same playbook… AS CHRISTIANS…….. Christ wants to establish a team WITH US! Not just those who SAY they’re Christian

Thankful in All Things

2011-11-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

Last night, I was the preacher for the Lakeview Ministerium's Community Thanksgiving Service at the Oak Grove Church not far from Clarks Mills. I repeated (!) a sermon I had used in 2006... Turns out the Bible hasn't changed since then! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Thankful in ALL Things Philipians 4:4-8 Thanksgiving. I love this holiday. It's one of the most peaceful

2011-10-30T00:20:00.000-04:00

This was my devotional for the September 2010 newsletter from our Reynoldsville church... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jeremiah 9:3-9 (New Living Translation) God explaining why Judah ought to be destroyed: “My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot out lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. They only go from bad to worse. They do not know me,” says the LORD. “

What is the Church?

2011-10-01T00:12:00.000-04:00

These are my notes for Sunday, July 7th's sermon at the Clarks Mills United Methodist Church (Clarks Mills, PA). Please understand these are SPEAKING notes, which means they have commas, elipses, spacing, italics, and bold print to help me, the speaker, to remember to pause or emphasize certain areas. NO attempt has been made to properly punctuate or to use rules for proper grammar. ALSO, I

The Dam That Could Not Break

2011-09-30T09:22:00.000-04:00

from "The Flame" (Clarks Mills, PA United Methodist Church newsletter) Today marks 100 years since the failure of the Austin Dam not far from my hometown. My daughters & I had a chance to visit the ruins a few summers ago. Growing up just about 30 or so miles away, I had vaguely been aware of the September 30, 1911 failure of the dam & the ensuing flood. But I had never stopped to see the

Standing In The Gap

2011-09-28T23:43:00.000-04:00

“Fed up, God decided to get rid of them— and except for Moses, his chosen, he would have. But Moses stood in the gap and deflected God’s anger, prevented it from destroying them utterly.” — Psalm 106:23 (The Message) “I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of the city, to take a stand for me and stand

Where Were You?

2011-09-14T21:56:00.000-04:00

IN HONOR OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11th, I ADAPTED AND RE-PUBLISHED AN EARLIER REFLECTION AS MY SEPTEMBER 2011 PASTOR'S NEWSLETTERS. -------------------------------------- Country singer Alan Jackson sings a wonderful song that asks a powerful question: “Where were you when the world stopped turning?” about the events of 9/11/2001. Here we are about to face the ten-year

Civil War, Ku Klux Klan, and anonymity

2011-09-09T17:53:00.001-04:00

In the aftermath of the Civil War, there were some in the south who felt powerless because they had lost and their desired way of life was no longer available to them (i.e. owning slaves and getting to act like the GOD over those slaves). When they lost that, they resorted to going out at night, hiding their identity with white hoods and sheets, and trying to bully the ones they used to be

A Deeper Understanding of Worship... It Even Smells!

2011-08-19T23:52:00.009-04:00

My wife, my son, and I went to an AWESOME worship experience! Held at the Galloway UMC near Franklin, PA, it was a little bit concert, but a lot more of worship… yet not like a “contemporary” or “traditional” worship service. Worship leaders Nic & Rachel Billman, of Shores of Grace ministries, were the primary vocalists, and Nic was clearly the team leader. During the course of the evening,

What is United Methodism?

2011-05-20T15:38:00.000-04:00

In 2001, in Patton, PA, most of the town's churches (Protestant and Catholic) gathered during Lent, as they had done for years prior. But this year, 2001, the pastors agreed to them their 'devotional' message (given on the week their congregation served the soup & sandwich supper) around the beliefs and traditions of their Church. These are essentially my notes from that night 10 years ago. The

“Running Through The Thistles”

2011-05-16T22:16:00.000-04:00

One of the key lessons of pastoral ministry, for me, came in the late ‘90s as I prepared to say goodbye to my first charge. My superintendent at the time gave me a small booklet called Running Through The Thistles by Roy M. Oswald. While focused on a pastor’s departure from a congregation, Oswald actually starts with a story from his own childhood. He and two older boys would walk to school (

From Caterpillar To Butterfly

2011-04-19T19:57:00.000-04:00

My son Josh found a box with a caterpillar magnet in it and asked what it was. So I showed him my original post from March 2, 2007. Here it is again: My three year old son Joshua received a package in the mail the other day from our district superintendent. I didn't think this too odd, since she has made a habit of sending birthday, Christmas, and Valentine's Day cards with small gifts to all

Genealogy and Mixed Genes

2011-04-02T19:55:00.000-04:00

DID YOU KNOW... I have another blog called MIXED GENES, in which I share some of the snippets I've discovered as I researched (and still find in current researching) my own family roots. Check it out!!!mixedgenes.blogspot.com

Best Birthday Gift-The Gift of Presence

2011-03-31T05:56:00.017-04:00

Today, in my genealogical blog, Mixed Genes, I highlighted a landmark from the past; namely, the Haynes' Store in Sharon Center, PA. As I wrote the little bit of narrative to accompany the pic, I found myself reliving Halloweens when we would go to Grandpa and Grandma Haynes' place, attached to their store. Halloween meant receiving a handful (or two) of penny candy from the store, or after they

Josh Wilson "It Is Well" Instrumental

2011-03-24T17:01:00.000-04:00

Josh Wilson "It Is Well" Instrumental

The Homecoming

2011-03-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

This was the second of the two part series I preached looking at the parable of the prodigal son. ================================ "The Homecoming" Luke 15:14-20a ================================ Last week, we visited this text in Luke 15, where Jesus uses parables, and particularly, this parable of the prodigal son, to emphasize our relationships to the Father, God, and to our fellow believers

Prodigal Sons

2011-03-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

This is a sermon I've preached, building on the text of Luke 15:11-32. ================================ "THE PRODIGAL SONS" Scripture Text: Luke 15:11-32 ================================ Our Scripture passage this morning is one of those Bible stories that even non-Christians have probably heard of. The Prodigal Son. Turn with me if you will to Luke chapter 15. We hear Jesus telling parables,

Genealogy posts: Family Tree

2011-03-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

DID YOU KNOW... - that I also write a blog regarding my genealogical discoveries? I call it MIXED GENES! Many times they are ancestors and relatives somehow related to either my wife or me, but often they are simply genealogical nuggets I've discovered while searching my own family tree. CHECK IT OUT!!! http://www.mixedgenes.blogspot.com

Pastoral Care & Suicide (CEU)

2011-03-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

PASTORAL CARE AND SUICIDE May 24, 2011 9:00-3:00 First United Methodist Church, Reynoldsville, PA As pastors and ambassadors of Christ Himself, we regularly are faced with questions of life and death day in and day out. But how do you begin to share the hope of Christ for an abundant life when the person you want to help just wants to die? Topics will include suicide prevention, warning signs

Steve Harvey: Introduction To Christ

2011-03-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

2011-03-01T05:09:00.001-05:00

WHOSE JOB IS IT ANYWAY?"Reflecting on John 13:3-17 When I was still attending my home church, Shinglehouse UMC, back in the mid ‘90s, the bulletin each week listed the following leaders of the church: Pastor: Rev. Randy Headley Organist: Barb Wheeler Ministers: All The People Did you catch that? ALL THE PEOPLE are ministers! It reminds me of the Scripture in Matthew 25 where Jesus tells the

Diary of a Demented Snow Shoveler

2011-02-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

OK... usually I have written almost everything I have posted, but I got this anonymous joke from a friend and just busted out laughing! For those who live in Southern climates, and wonder WHY do all those northern folks travel south (or why the birds do, for that matter), then this ought to serve as your explanation. In my neck of the woods we only get to the 10 or 15 degrees below zero (F)

Teach Us To Number Our Days

2011-01-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

This is my pastor's letter for our church's January/February newsletter. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -I like the story of a man who accidentally calls a wrong 1-800 number and gets GOD. After being apologetic about wasting God’s time with a wrong number, God says that’s OK, what we humans think is a long time is really almost nothing to him. So the man says: “Let me get this right: 1000 of our

The Rest of the Story

2011-01-10T22:28:00.000-05:00

My notes from my Sunday sermons at Reynoldsville: First UMC yesterday. First Scripture Reading: Mark 1:4-11 Second Scripture Reading: Acts 19:1-7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - This morning, we look at a short passage from the book of Acts, where Luke has recorded details impressed upon him as important by the Holy Spirit of God, as he follows the ministry of Paul and the early church. But it’s part

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

2011-01-02T18:24:00.000-05:00

Here are my sermon notes from this morning's sermons at Reynoldsville: First UMC. "WHOSE JOB IS IT ANYWAYS?"Scripture Text: John 13: 3-17 I visited my home church, Shinglehouse UMC, a few years back and noticed this in their bulletin: Pastor: Rev. Randy Headley Organist: Barb Wheeler Ministers: All The People ALL THE PEOPLE are the ministers! It reminds me of the Scripture in Matthew 25 where

Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

2010-12-22T12:29:00.000-05:00

Celtic Thunder Christmas - Christmas 1915

2010-12-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

Wrong Motives, Right Attitude

2010-12-16T05:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the day that a devotional I wrote for the Western PA-Germany United Methodist Partnership's Advent Devotional Book was featured. I wrote the English version and one of our German UM's translated it into German. Here's the full devotional book. [click here] Wednesday 15th December Numbers 24: 2 – 7, 15 – 17 Today’s passage records the last of the prophet Balaam’s attempts to earn

SCROOGED!

2010-12-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

Some lessons and reminders for Christians in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. PASTOR'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LETTER 2010 As we have approached our annual celebration of Christmas, I’ve been preaching a different kind of sermon series: following the themes and storyline of Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic, A Christmas Carol. We see ourselves in Ebenezer Scrooge, for we are all sinners like him. In

Marriage Skit By Chonda Pierce And Ken Davis

2010-12-10T10:56:00.000-05:00

What's Really Appropriate For Christmas?

2010-12-09T13:19:00.001-05:00

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” —Isaiah 7:14 Christmas is almost here again, and people are pretty much doing one of three things: they’re looking forward to it, ignoring it, or dreading it. If you’re one of the ones looking forward to the holiday, you probably are one who has some very

More than one day's work

2010-11-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

Last night, back in the hotel after our extended family's Thanksgiving celebration, I had a chance to just lose myself in the book of Psalms. I had no plan, just opened the book and silently asked the Lord where should I go. And I looked down at the page and felt such a compulsion to read the passage I opened to. I ended up reading from Psalm 139 through to 143. Of course, I have read these

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-17T06:07:00.002-05:00

This is my Thanksgiving letter for 2010 that's being mailed to family and friends of Reynoldsville's First United Methodist Church. (clicking on the image should take you to a full size view)

Partners!

2010-11-16T10:12:00.001-05:00

This was my church newsletter article from july... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until

Getting Back into the swing of things

2010-11-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a LONG time since I was able to post ANYTHING! Personal health concerns, church responsibilities and concerns, and the extended family kinds of stuff have all taken their toll. Over the next few days, I'll at least post some of the things I have written during my hiatus.

Another New Chapter...

2010-08-29T07:22:00.000-04:00

My stepdad got married last night. Mom died two years ago after 33 years of marriage to my stepfather, Norman Milne. She was 64 at the time and he was 61. Their marriage (like most of our marriages) had its ups and downs. I was there for that wedding in 1975, and through "better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health" they stuck with each other. Norm grew into the kind of husband

GO!

2010-05-05T15:25:00.000-04:00

“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” —Jesus, Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) One of my foundational, fundamental core beliefs is that Jesus gave us a directive, a COMMAND, to (1) go, (2) make disciples, and (3) teach them afterward. It’s nice to send a

John Wesley Clayride

2010-05-01T06:06:00.001-04:00

consequences of complaining

2010-04-22T17:32:00.000-04:00

teacher's bulletin boardDuBois, PA17 Sept 2009

Greener grass

2010-04-21T09:49:00.000-04:00

I took a picture of this piece of artwork in my doctor's office because it just struck a chord with me. How many times do we want what someone else has, or what is just beyond our reach when we have exactly what we need already? In this picture it's made even more poignant because what doesn't satisfy one cow, is exactly what another one desires so much! Names & faces come to mind! (Especially

FUNERAL: Robert D. Sherretz

2010-04-10T21:49:00.001-04:00

One of the tougher things I do in my "Mixed Ministries" is the funerals. Today was one of those days. I officiated as we said farewell to one of the congregation's men and thanked God for his life. Bob Sherretz was always a little bit in the background when I saw him. He had a quick wit and a quick word, even though he no longer had a quick step. During the funeral, his son Mike drew attention

Christianity on the Gogh

2010-04-02T11:14:00.001-04:00

This was my pastor's Easter letter this year. Clicking on the image ought to bring up a larger version.

1 Peter 1:13a

2010-03-30T10:16:00.000-04:00

This week I've been just reading and thinking and meditating and chewing on the book of First Peter. The passage that hit me this morning was simple & short. First Peter 1:13 "So think clearly and exercise self-control." (New Living Translation) Here's a full day's work and more!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COBY!

2010-03-25T14:42:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the very first birthday for my grandson Coby. Because his daddy was going to have to work, and in order to invite relatives from outside of town, they celebrated his birthday on Sunday. Last night, his mom said they had actually gone to the local park and played for about a half hour. And he didn't want her to push the swing, but rather wanted to do the pushing himself.

Passing The Mantle

2010-03-24T19:34:00.000-04:00

As much as Sunday (3/21) was an awe inspiring kind of day, it followed a really tough day: Saturday, 3/20/2010. Saturday was the memorial service for the Rev. Dick Burns not far from here in DuBois. I've known Dick for about 2 decades, but really started to get to know him well when I was appointed in the DuBois area in 2003. Being a United Methodist pastor who moves around as part of my 'job'

Testing Time

2010-03-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a pretty phenomenal day here at Reynoldsville: First UMC. Our Bishop, Thomas J. Bickerton, and our District Superintendent, Sharon Schwab, were both on hand along with myself and the pastors who preceded me. Our 10:45 service was filled with music (handbells, choir, organ, piano solo) and it was sort of like old home day! We dedicated the new elevator (now 100% debt-free!) and then

Link To Us | Faith Comes By Hearing

2009-11-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Link To Us Faith Comes By Hearing

REVIEW: Twilight

2009-09-07T03:49:00.004-04:00

I had seen commercials for the movie of Twilight, but really had no idea how those few images were woven together or even if they were in the actual book. (Hollywood seems to not always know how to read)I was pleasantly surprised. Here was a story that I could tell had a romance in it, but I knew that before hand. NOTHING else was 'predictable' to me. I really enjoyed that part.The story, at

REVIEW: A Journey In Time: 1811-1986

2009-08-15T21:52:00.003-04:00

I have been away from the blog for QUITE a while! It's not that I didn't have anything to say, but I have been doing A LOT of reading and I learned how to play at some games on facebook. And I finally dropped ALL facebook games so I could have time to go on with my life. SO... my newest venture is to start writing reviews of select books as I go along.My first review is actually just because I

From the Pastor's Wife... May 2009

2009-05-03T05:12:00.003-04:00

My wife, Gay, penned this month's newsletter article for our church...It’s Mother’s Day time again. This time last year, I was doing everything I could think of to honor and care for my mother in law, who was dying with small cell lung cancer. Cooking mostly, since that’s one thing I can do well when I am stressed, and she sure did like my soups.I can remember a time in our marriage when I was

Are We April Fools?

2009-04-06T08:31:00.002-04:00

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”—Psalm 14:1/53:1 There’s a funny story that circulates around the internet about an atheist who is in court claiming discrimination since there are holidays for religious observances, but none for those who aren’t believers. The judge is reported to say that atheists in fact DO have a holiday: April Fool’s Day! The judge’s rationale is this

MY GRANDSON!!!

2009-03-24T16:47:00.002-04:00

I am now a Grandpa!Coby was born today at 10:57 am. About 7 and a half pounds and about a foot & a half long. (He actually has 2 feet!)I feel... weird. (more than usual)Michele has been a trooper.CHECK OUT THE PIX!

LENT??? What's that???

2009-03-08T20:25:00.000-04:00

I was looking through my scrapbook and found myself challenged anew by this pastor’s letter I wrote in March 2001 when I pastored Trinity UMC in Patton, PA. Even though eight years have passed, I sadly realized that I was back to the same busyness and distractedness as I was way back then. I needed to hear the Lord speak this message to me again… and so I share it pretty much as I did back then,

What i WISH I heard doctors say...

2009-01-28T10:08:00.002-05:00

In case anyone has any doubt, the following is all intended to be humourous and the answers are not endorsed by any doctors I know of...******************************************************************* Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears

Our Core Value Is...

2009-01-24T18:02:00.000-05:00

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” —Jesus, John 13:35 (NLT) During this month, the culture around us will focus on “love” with images of hearts and cupids, and gifts of flowers and candy. Interestingly, that’s the very word image that Jesus used when he described the way that the world around us would be able to identify true followers of Jesus… they

What I Learned In Junior High

2009-01-16T17:06:00.003-05:00

When I was a kid in junior high, I joined the library club. I liked being around all those thousands of books. I didn't really read them all, but I would peruse their pages when I had a free moment.Our librarian, Miss Beverley Volkar, made working in the library fun. She taught us how to catalog and shelve books, how to properly care for them, and the importance of having access to important

JOY to the world???

2008-12-25T15:29:00.001-05:00

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given...” —Isaiah 9:6aChristmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Even the world around us seems to be a little kinder & a bit more thoughtful. Yet I am also aware that a very real part of the Christmas story is remembering how King Herod was nervous about the rumors that there was a baby king out there somewhere, so he ordered that any baby

Can Divorce Be Forgiven???

2008-12-23T22:02:00.005-05:00

My cousin Gordon wrote a note on facebook about how difficult it is for some Christians to accept someone who has been divorced... in fact, SOME will deliberately SHUN even a family member who has divorced. He challenged his readers to rethink that practice and make a change.Now, I DO agree that Scripture is clear that God HATES divorce... If the concern is over the SIN of divorce, OK... but

A tune that's been running through my mind...

2008-12-13T21:45:00.002-05:00

This Christmas, I find myself returning again and again to the carol: Angels from the Realms of Glory. I ‘hear’ it in my head, I sometimes catch myself humming it, I was even whistling it one day! But I never sing it (except during church) because I know the music, not the words. Today I actually looked it up in our hymnal (#220). And now I love this song even more! As a pastor, I get

Church & State

2008-11-02T03:53:00.003-05:00

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” —US Constitution, Amendment 1. This year, the month of November brings us not only the Thanksgiving holiday, but also Election Day, which we hope will be the end of the presidential contest… Sometimes it has felt more like a civil war fought with words. The

Reformation Polka

2008-10-31T10:38:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine, Nathan Eshelman, just shared this ditty with me in honor of Reformation Day...

What did you expect?

2008-10-01T05:27:00.003-04:00

This is my pastor's letter this month in our newsletter: The Sound of the Trumpet En route to California in January 2002, while on vacation, I found myself caught short several times but what I saw. We saw museums and memorials, and we all learned a lot by what we experienced. But as we traveled through the states of New Mexico and Arizona I also heard God speaking to me in what I DID NOT see

True To Plumb

2008-09-01T05:05:00.004-04:00

This was my pastor's letter for September 2008:We started this calendar year with a slogan of “Get It Straight in 2008.” How are we doing?I am reminded of Amos 7:7-9 where there is a prophetic vision where God Himself sets up a plumb line.Now, for a non-construction kind of person like me, I haven’t seen a lot of plumb lines in my life. I am told that a plumb line is essentially a heavy pointed

Inclusivity

2008-08-30T20:01:00.004-04:00

I was at a meeting a few days ago where we tried to elect a chair of a group. Ought to be pretty simple, right? Everyone of us was an ordained pastor with college educations and masters of divinity degrees.An hour passed and we finally elected five people to serve as a "team" of leaders with the highest vote getter expected to be the 'convener' who would act as THE chair when we needed someone to

First Day of School

2008-08-27T20:41:00.003-04:00

Monday was this year's first day of school for Josh... He was EXCITED!!!!

The Missing Door

2008-08-20T15:35:00.011-04:00

(This was my pastor's letter for the August 2008 edition of our church's newsletter: The Sound of the Trumpet)- - -In the introduction of Michael Card’s book The Hidden Face of God, there is a revealing story of Vincent van Gogh, the famous artist of the 19th Century. Van Gogh had once felt called to the ministry, but had never been able to pass the theological entrance exams. Instead, van Gogh

Thoughts about Grappling With God

2008-08-17T18:32:00.008-04:00

In early July I was looking ahead at the lectionary readings for August and was struck by the Old Testament readings. In particular, the August 3rd reading from Genesis 32:22-32 about Jacob wrestling. I knew that I knew I just had to preach this passage. And that God wanted to speak to me as well. (Actually, most of my preaching has been whatever God has been speaking to me from a text and the

Remembering Mom's Final Chapter

2008-08-11T11:59:00.008-04:00

We buried Mom on Friday at the Myrtle Cemetery just outside of Shinglehouse, PA. She had always wanted to be buried in a place where there would be shade... and she is literally under the boughs of the only tree. Josh is standing in about the spot where she ended up being buried. Many of my father's family (on my Grandma Mix's side) are buried throughout the cemetery, including my little brother

Follow Up for Mom

2008-08-05T09:22:00.006-04:00

My mom died this morning about 6:20.Obituary info will be in the Times-Herald, Olean, NY; the Bradford Era, Bradford, PA, and the Demopolis Times, Demopolis, Alabama. This is the rough draft WE wrote... We'll see how it comes out in the newspapers.(PHOTO: Mom, October 2003, first meeting my son Joshua)Virginia Pauline Milne Virginia Pauline Milne, 64, died today (August 5, 2008) at her home,

Mom just died

2008-08-05T07:10:00.002-04:00

My mom just died... about 6:20 am.It drives me a bit crazy to not have my cell phone or computer work here...No arrangements yet, but the funeral home will be Howard's Funeral Home in Shinglehouse, PA.

Son Harvest County Fair

2008-07-20T17:30:00.002-04:00

Vacation Bible School starts this evening! And the entire church (with the possible exception of my office) looks GREAT!!!! Decorations of a country style... The curriculum is called SON HARVEST COUNTY FAIR. A great portion of the week revolves around the idea of the Bible's listing of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)Carlie Gritzer and her team (from here at First Church and across

Prayer Request... An Update

2008-07-20T17:09:00.005-04:00

I appreciate everyone who has been praying for my mom. She's actually gotten stronger... although not really better. The medical folks can't do much... the cancer is there and she can't tolerate the few things they know to try...On Sunday, July 6th, I offered to lead a communion & anointing/healing service at the house when Mom was doing about her worst. I told her she could invite anyone she

Prayer Request

2008-07-05T17:32:00.002-04:00

The doctors informed us yesterday that there was nothing more they could do for my mother at the hospital. So they released her to go home. Visiting nurses and hospice are our connection to the medical community now. The doctor thought we only had a couple hours but so far she has gotten her strength back a little. The cancer in her lung is NOT gone, and the tumors that spread to her brain have

The Clergy Letter

2008-06-25T11:26:00.005-04:00

I received an email from a college dean suggesting I sign a letter he called THE CLERGY LETTER. As is customary for email, the earlier letter is at the bottom, while my response is at the top.I'm interested in hearing of other clergy who have received this and whether they did or did not sign on... and why.Here's my response...Dean Zimmerman,Science and religion truly do have much in common and

Three Simple Rules

2008-05-29T10:56:00.002-04:00

“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit… thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” — Jesus, Matt 7:17, 20 (NIV) Our bishop, Thomas J. Bickerton, recently told a story of being at a particular Council of Bishops’ meeting when a fight broke out. OK… it was only a conversation but there were several different points of view. Whatever you call it, there

Tour Confirmed

2008-03-16T17:56:00.005-04:00

I LOVE what our United Methodist Center staff does with their annual conference center tours for the confirmation classes. Interactive and informative, these tours consist more of meeting people and hearing THEIR story, than in touring a physical plant. Yesterday was the day our kids went for their tour. We have about 10 adults and 13 youth working towards membership... unfortunately, only 7

Returning to Narnia

2008-02-20T05:43:00.000-05:00

I've just finished a SLEW of odds and ends from statistical reports (yes... they were done and submitted by the Jan. 31st deadline) to meetings with construction people and inspectors about our almost finished building project to simply cleaning out boxes of stuff I had put off 'until I have more time.' All of that to say, I haven't had time to blog unless I gave up something else I was supposed

Can Two Walk Together...?

2008-01-31T23:12:00.000-05:00

“Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going to the same place?” — Amos 3:3, The MESSAGE “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” — Amos 3:3, KJVDuring February, the world around us looks to Valentine’s Day and focuses on romantic love. I think back to 1991 when I was still planning on asking Gay to marry me… I knew what I wanted… that we be husband and wife... but it wouldn’t

I Shall Not Be Afraid...

2008-01-29T09:19:00.000-05:00

10 Commandments... Hillbilly Style

2008-01-27T18:51:00.000-05:00

I just got this email from one of my parishioners... I like the way it gets right to the point.The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments (posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, TN) (1) Just one God(2) Put nothin' before God (3) Watch yer mouth(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa(6) No killin' (7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal(8) Don't take what ain't yers

How Much Are We Worth?

2008-01-27T12:17:00.000-05:00

I'm still new enough to the MULTIPLY world that I just found out that I can post something I saw and liked from someone else's site. With that newfound power in hand, I want to share a phenomenal post from my sister's friend, Danny, about our worth and value. Well written and well-researched! I don't (yet) know Danny personally, but he's right on the money!Enjoy!Link

My first try at sharing a video

2008-01-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

Gone From My Sight

2008-01-17T05:55:00.000-05:00

My Uncle Roddy (Rod Fuller) died unexpectedly on Sunday. I went to attend his funeral yesterday and was asked if I would participate in the service by my aunt. I ended up sharing a poem that I first found when I entered ministry about 12 years ago. This has become one of my favorite, non-Scripture, funeral resources... It is the image that has been most helpful to me... Gone From My Sightby Henry

Christmas Tree Travail

2007-12-24T11:03:00.000-05:00

This was the pastor's letter for Christmas at our church.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -The Mix family’s Christmas tree has been a great source of amusement for us… because our cat, appropriately named Noel, keeps climbing and attempting to undecorate the tree. The truth is we don’t have many ornaments up yet… but we did put up the Hallmark Starship Enterprise decoration that Gay bought me back

ADVENT 5: Christmas Eve

2007-12-24T03:47:00.000-05:00

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, ReynoldsvilleADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING LITURGYDecember 24, 2007READ SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6-7READING: In this prophecy, Isaiah offers hope to the people of Galilee of the Gentiles… for out of them will come a great light shining in the darkness… a Deliverer to free them from oppression. And with those famous words: "For unto us a son is born…" God let them know that the

Advent 4

2007-12-23T03:18:00.000-05:00

This is the liturgy for our fourth week of Advent Candle Lighting.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ADVENT 4SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:2READING: Isaiah offered hope to those who lived in times of spiritual darkness… There was a LIGHT that was coming… and that light would shine forth and pierce the darkness. All in darkness would be able to see the light… even those that

ADVENT 3

2007-12-15T19:47:00.000-05:00

This is the third reading for our Advent Candle Lighting. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:6-7READING: In today’s Scripture lesson, the prophet Haggai shares God’s warnings about upcoming events for the people of ancient Jerusalem about rebuilding the city and His temple. But almost lost in the midst of this old prophecy is a reference to the

ADVENT 2

2007-12-12T20:25:00.001-05:00

This was the Advent Candle Lighting liturgy from this past Sunday.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7:14READING: In this second prophecy about the coming Messiah, the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, has just delivered God’s message of hope to Judah’s King Ahaz… Judah will NOT be conquered by the enemies that are threatening them. God

Next Great American Band

2007-12-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

I have friends who faithfully follow American Idol and even blog about them. I've never seen much reason to bother with such fad shows... until last night.There's a new twist (from the same folks behind the American Idol craze I understand) where the competitors are bands, rather than individual acts. The show is on FOX on friday evenings at 9:00 and is called The Next Great American Band.As I

A New Start...

2007-12-06T20:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Josh got to start school for the first time yesterday. We have a new pre-school program in our district and we went and visited on Tuesday and then he started on Wednesday.Of course, my son has never had to line up before... and as Gay dropped him off for school the teachers were getting the kids lined up to go to the bathroom to wash their hands... and she heard Josh declare: "I'M

ADVENT 1

2007-12-03T17:07:00.000-05:00

In our church worship services yesterday, we lit one candle of our Advent Wreath as part of the celebration of the first Sunday of Advent. Here is the devotion I wrote to accompany it. (We are using the New Living Translation for these devotions each week). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTINGFirst Sunday of Advent SCRIPTURE: Malachi 4:1-6READING: In

Cancer Update

2007-11-29T17:55:00.000-05:00

I went yesterday afternoon for my follow-up appointment with the urologist and got the results of all the 6 month follow-up testing... just to make sure there aren't any surprises with the cancer. RESULTS: Everything looks good! No sign of anything abnormal! YAY GOD!!!

Suicide

2007-11-28T20:29:00.000-05:00

Just a couple of weeks ago, a man in our community committed suicide in his early 30’s. He had ongoing concerns with his health and also, largely because of the health issues, had a growing problem with finances. Several members of his family are involved in my congregation and I spent quite a bit of time in the immediate aftermath with them. Ultimately, I officiated the memorial service.THAT WAS

A Year To Be Thankful

2007-11-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

“… So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.” —Psalm 26:7 (NKJV) At this time last year, I was oblivious to the fact that a cancerous tumor had invaded my left kidney and had already begun the process of killing me. But a sudden kidney stone attack in the other kidney forced me to the

Learning From Old Mistakes???

2007-11-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

This was my pastor's letter in our church's monthly newsletter for this month...My daughters and I visited the ruins of the Austin Dam earlier this summer. Located in Potter County, not far from where I grew up, the failure of the Austin Dam and the disastrous flood that resulted on September 30, 1911, was part of our local history. But what started as a quick stop to stretch our legs as we

Controlling the WORLD!!!!

2007-11-17T11:41:00.000-05:00

I'm back!The past month has been sort of tough. Spent some time just adjusting my own medicines (with my doctor, of course) and then a major overhaul of my basement and then my garage. And I FINALLY got the rest of the weight bench/machine set up. (It had to be taken apart for us to move in August 2006). Then in the past two weeks, there was a suicide, which made for an extremely hard funeral.

I Did What You Told Me...

2007-10-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

I did what you told me...I sent all the emails to 10 people like you said.I'm still waiting for that surprise & miracle to happen .