The Church Mouse
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August 2008
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“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion, ” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 2.22-24
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PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
Friends in Christ,
Last week, Elizabeth, Katherine and I traveled to the Banks (Outer Banks of NC) for a working vacation. Elizabeth traveled with her Mom early Sunday morning in order to make it to the Banks in time to attend a wedding rehearsal dinner. Katherine and I left after worship on Sunday afternoon and traveled
through six storms, four of which were nothing short of terrible. The rain was so persistent and heavy that I even tried to find some Rain-X for the front windshield, to improve visibility, to no avail. We missed the dinner and arrived on the Banks at 10:00 that evening. Elizabeth and her parents had just arrived at our condo from the party… bellies filled with crab and such, smiling. I was not smiling. It had been a long day and I was ready for a bed.
Monday evening, I officiated at the wedding. It was a ceremony on the beach at Pine Island, NC. The sun was beginning to set over the tops of the mega-mansions. The surf was approaching low tide. Gentle waves broke on the whitish sand. I stood, with my back to the ocean, twenty or so feet, just out of the waves’ edges. The wedding company, just beyond that, wiggled their feet in the sand which had been groomed perfectly smooth by the receding waves. Up next to the dunes, little crabs were running through the loose. They caused the sand to have sort of a shimmering movement. A gentle breeze caused the sea-oats on the dunes to twist and move back and forth slowly. Large bellowing clouds passed overhead against a bright blue sky. The humidity was low and temps were in the low and it was comfortable for a July evening on the beach. In fact, it was a really perfect evening.
As I stood there, with my feet enjoying the sand between my toes, my stole twisted back and forth in the breeze. I smiled at the groom and winked at him. He returned the gesture. Glancing back across the sand toward the walkway stairs, over which crossed the dunes, I saw the father of the bride suddenly appear. He was smiling as he slowly walked arm in arm with his daughter, the bride. They stopped at the top of the dune to peruse the vista. Then they preceded down the stairs. Reaching the landing, they added their shoes to those abandoned by the wedding party there on the platform. The bride’s dress waved in the breeze as if to say, “Look here… Hey, look here.”… and we all did. In fact, as the scene continued to unfold, bystanders began to stop and watch. By the time the bride and father arrived before us, all windows of the houses along the dunes were filled with additional worshipers.
I thought to myself. “People don’t need a reason to celebrate what is good in this world; they only need the opportunity to do so.” If given the chance folks will, without even thinking, stop and join celebrations. I wonder if we are not pre-wired for celebratory moments. That’s an interesting thought. Just as a seagull… can’t help but cry-out when someone, on a beach blanket, tosses a piece of a sandwich crust to the side; “Hey, hey, look at what I’ve found.” He would be better served if he could be quiet and savor the find by himself. But no, he can’t keep silent. And with the sounding of that visceral call from his mouth as he approaches the morsel, all of his buddies come from near and far to check it out. Each is hoping to find some piece yet undiscovered… or if necessary to steal his buddy’s if possible. They all want a bit of it. They want something for nothing or as close to that as is possible. Haven’t they been designed to survive interestingly?
Often I think humanity is not so different. There we stood, some forty strong, friend and family, side by side, awaiting the, “I wills” and “I promises.” Maybe we, too, had joined the party seeking something that was about to be cast before us. Maybe, we and the bystanders hoped in those moments to be presented with an offering. Maybe we sought some morsel that we, too, could take for ourselves. Maybe something would be extended which we could use to salve our wounded spirits. For most assuredly each of us there, month after month, had heard of another couple who, spiritually and emotionally battered and bruised, had tossed in the towel. Maybe we, too, were like the gulls seeking a piece of what that new couple had found. For there they stood… in the natural action of love professing a faith in one another. Clutching, if but for a moment, an offering filled with… a piece of the KoG (Kingdom of Heaven), the living and active presence of God’s will, that of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
And then, “It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs… “
As the couple embraced and kissed, I turned to look at toward the ocean for a moment. There, as if choreographed by the wedding planner, passed two pelicans wing to wing, dodging up and down over the waves… working their way along the shore in front of the wedding party. How apropos I thought. Then, I offered up a silent little prayer that all who watched this celebration would be touched by the splendor of God’s creation surrounding them and the beauty of a newlywed couple’s love.
May you avail yourself the opportunities to join the celebrations surrounding you. May you, by doing so, bring forth, Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. I pray that you enjoy your living. Love those around you. Readily offer forgiveness to others. And, remember to sound the call…for us around you to join…in your search…as wonders are cast before us on the beaches of living.
Shalom
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Vista DaMouse
Greetings from the window sill. It’s been a great summer.
We’ve enjoyed some wonderful worship this summer. Kathy Lutman and Wesley Corber shared the Gospel with the congregants while Pastor Witt ferried his son to VT for camp. They were great. And the Praise Band is finding its stride. Even though it has been summer and many persons have been missing some weeks, they have sounded as John Cantrell said, “They sound wonderful!” What a blessing. Thanks be to God for their sharing the gifts God has given them.
The ASP Team had a great trip. I for one can’t wait to hear all about it. I hear they will have a slide show and opportunity to share testimonies soon. Isn’t that great!
I heard some humans talking about the Fiestas and they seem to be great fun. I wish I could go but no one wants a mouse around. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the ones you can make.
That’s about all I can think of for this month. Keep the faith. I’ll see you in worship.
Bonavista,
DaMouse
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Bluemont Fair Fast Approaching
Pease mark your calendar for September 19-21, 2008. Once again we will be hosting the BBQ dinner for fair-goers. The Bluemont Fair Committee has met recently and is busy with some behind-the-scenes work. Please be prepared to sign up to help before, during, and after the fair. There is literally something for everyone! Sign-up sheets will begin circulating in August. If you have volunteered in the past, we need you this year, and if you are new to RHUMC, we definitely want you to experience a wonderful fellowship opportunity. See you at the Fair!!
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Parish Nurse Ministry
Shingles—its more than what goes on your roof.
Shingles or Herpes Zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV) and is the same one that causes chicken pox. This is NOT the same virus as genital herpes. Usually, folks who are over 50 years or with immune disorders have outbreaks of shingles. For unknown reasons after you experienced chicken pox the virus hangs around in your body, not doing anything. Something wakes it up and the results are shingles outbreak.
The outbreak shows up as a blister type rash similar to small dots possibly on one side of the body or face. Pain, tingling and itchiness in the area of the rash develop. Other signs can be headache, fever, chills or upset stomach. The blisters last for about 3-5 days.
You are contagious until the rash crusts over—just like chicken pox. To prevent sharing with others, keep the rash covered. Do not touch or scratch rash if possible. If you do touch the rash, wash your hands afterwards. Shingles is NOT spread by sneezing, coughing or just being near a person with it. When you have a shingles outbreak and are around others who have not had the chicken pox, there is a chance that they will develop chicken pox not shingles.
IF you think you have shingles…call your doctor and tell your doctor what you think it is. There are medicines that can decrease the pain and potentially decrease the length of the illness. For those who are over 50 to 60 years of age, there is a vaccine available.
The Center for Disease Control recommends those over 60 years of age in good health receive the vaccine. Good candidates are those with no allergies to the vaccine, are not pregnant, no history of cancers or lymphoma, and are not immune-suppressed. There are many caveats to who can and cannot receive as well as storage of the vaccine. Check with your doctor about your individual situation. If your doctor recommends you receive it, but the doctor does not keep the vaccine at the office, some pharmacies administer the vaccine. The vaccine sheet from the CDC is on the bulletin board and if you have questions, please let us know.
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Updated Mobilization Chain
Included in this newsletter is an updated Mobilization Chain which lists active church members and friends. It is used to disseminate information quickly and to organize food for funeral dinners. If you are not on this chain and would like to be, call the church office at 338-1836.
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Blood Pressure Checks Offered
The Parish Nurse Ministry will be offering free blood pressure checks in the trailer. The last Sunday of each month, beginning at 8:15 AM, please stop by to have your blood pressure checked. It is free and painless. Even if it has been a long time, it is lovely to see you!
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New Groups Beginning
This Fall Pastor Witt will be offering Disciple 1. This is a fabulous opportunity for you. The group will gather each Monday evening for fellowship and study. This is a life changing event. Everyone, who has availed themselves to this during the past two offering of Disciple 1, indicated it was great. Half of the study is on the Old Testament and the second on the New Testament. Space it limited, sign-up ASAP with Susan Browning or Pastor Witt. This study will be a long term study, will be at the Church and will begin this Fall.
Doug Barton is developing a fellowship and study of “Christianity and Science.” The outline looks great. Doug Barton has been researching this for several months now. When PW and John Jones heard about it and perused the outline, they were thrilled and both began to dig into the subject too. This will more than likely be a Friday evening study, at the Barton’s, beginning this Fall. This will be a short term study. You won’t want to miss it. If it is anything like the Comparative Religions Study at Johnny Jone’s last year, it’s going to be a great one.
Michele Jones and Susan Browning are looking at a book entitled, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Pastor Witt has read this book and indicated it is wonderful. Hopefully they will be announcing a study based on this short book by Roberty Schnase soon. This book has been commended to all Virginia Conference United Methodist’s by several persons including our Bishop. Keep your ears open for more information.
We are looking to begin a young persons Sunday School Class. If interested please contact Susan Browning. This will more than likely begin in the Fall.
Susan is beginning a “book club” of sort. See your bulletins for further information. The first book is being read now. Contact Susan for a copy.
If there are any other fellowships, studies, accountability groups, support groups or some combination thereof that you would enjoy let Susan Browning or Pastor Witt know. These groups add so much to our lives. They are well worth the time spent in them.
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Summer Vacation
As a matter of information, Summer is the season when most of us take some time for ourselves and our families. Thus, we do not worship with our church family as regularly. It is also time when some of our operating expenses increase. Take for instance: Vacation Bible School, Youth Activities, Electricity Cost (due to Air Conditioning), and such. Stating the obvious, it is easy to see that our weekly offerings drop while some expenditures increase which leads to a Summertime negative cash flow.
So, please have a great summer, enjoy your time away from the church family and remember us when you reach for your wallet to pay for some fun. We need your financial support. See you soon! Oh…by the way, worship wherever you happen to be on each Sunday and bring a bulletin to share with and bring me a bulletin. I love to peruse other locations’ bulletins. It’s a pastor thing. I’m always looking for a nugget.
Thanks, have a great Summer and may God bless you.
Pastor Witt
P.S. Just a thought, but we now offer ACH as an option to make your tithe and offerings to God. This is a way to have your checking or savings account send your offerings directly to the church. Many of us use this method for taking care of recurring monthly account balances instead of writing checks. I, personally, hate writing checks. So, I love to use automated banking systems. Anyway, just a thought. Peace.
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A Stewardship Minute
A 12th century young Italian man named Giovanni de Bernadone had a wealthy father, who often went to France and nicknamed his son Francis. Young Francis could wear the finest clothes, have an expensive carriage and go to parties where the rich frolickedtogether. In short, he could have whatever money could buy. Young Francis, however, began to mature, spiritually speaking, and helped the poor have food, clothing, and other needs met. He worshipped regularly, prayed deeply and wore a common brown robe in contrast to the finely tailored clothes he had worn before.
He became so devout, loving, and good-hearted that other men began to join him in his ministry. Their Christian work was so important that the pope allowed them to become an order of monks known as the Franciscans. After the pope’s blessing was given to them, the order began to spread across the world and is still en effective order to this day. This fascinating story is in the August issue of Stewardship. The lesson we learn from Francis is that the stewardship of one’s talents, time, and resources of whatever sort are greatly important in living the Christian life. To be a Christian is not only to believe in Christ, but to serve him by serving others in his name.
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Council Meeting
