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Mark 1:29-39 In his three short years of ministry here on earth, Jesus healed many people. This tale in Mark is fairly easy to imagine. Simon’s mother-in-law is sick in bed with a fever. Jesus heals her and then takes her by the hand and lifts her up. It is a tender image. Even though she literally stood up, there is also a sense of being lifted up emotionally which so often comes with being healed. Imagine how she must have been feeling as she was lying in her bed sick while her son-in law brings Jesus into her home. This woman, more than...
A new school brand of Bishop Guilfoyle Academy is being formed from the combination of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic School and Holy Trinity Catholic School. In addition to the name change, the school announced the opening of an additional site for PreK and Kindergarten, and ultimately a full elementary school in Hollidaysburg. This campus adds to the existing two elementary school campuses in Altoona which are reaching capacity due to growth in enrollment. The changes will be effective for the 2024-25 school year, beginning July 1. “We are...
I wish I could tell you that everything after what we have seen turns out wonderfully well. But I cannot. Yes, everything so far looks good. God did perform multiple miracles. Hezekiah recovered from his life-threatening disease. He did live fifteen more years. God sent His ‘death-angel’ through the Assyrian army camp and that night. 185,000 of the army that mocked God and God’s people died. Sennacherib (S) did return to Assyria in shame at this terrible defeat at the hand of the God he ha...
Explaining Easter to children can be a delicate matter, especially for very young children who may not fully understand the tenets of the Christian faith. Although Easter ends with Jesus Christ emerging from his tomb, prior to this glorious miracle there are subjects of betrayal, suffering and death. These religious messages can confound when commingled with the imagery of bunnies delivering chocolates, chicks and pastel-hued eggs. How do well-meaning parents relay the message of Easter without scaring or confusing children? A child’s age...
In general, I consider myself to be a positive person. I recently had an older gentleman from church tell me how he’s always happy to see me because I have a smile on my face all the time. But I have caught myself at times looking in my rearview mirror and seeing that my default expression is not really a smile but a frown. Even when I’m not thinking negatively or am sad about anything, my lips are curled downward. And although I would like to think I’m a “glass half full” kind of thinker the reality is sometimes the glass seems half...
Easter Sunday is a day when Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates there are approximately 2.4 billion Christians across the globe, which accounts for nearly one-third of the global population. Though certain Christians groups do not celebrate Easter, many consider it the holiest day of the year. Given that significance, it’s no surprise Easter is steeped in symbolism. The following are some of the many symbols of Easter and what they represent to faithful...
Christians and even many non-Christians likely know that Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Less widely known may be the origins of the name of this significant holiday. Historians are not certain about the precise origins of the name “Easter.” Some believe the name can be traced to the English monk Bede, often referred to as “St. Bede the Venerable” or “The Venerable Bede.” According to History.com, in his most famous work, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Bede asserts that the...
The 40 days and nights of Lent are a time for reflection and anticipation of Easter’s arrival. Fasting, which for many Christians includes skipping meat and animal products each Friday, also is part of the preparation. Individuals who are unaccustomed to going meat-free may need to expand their culinary repertoire to ensure Friday meals continue to be filling and tasty. This recipe for “Herby Rice and Black Bean Salsa Burrito Bowl” from Niki Webster’s “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) is full of protein-rich beans, flavorful herbed...
The Assyrian King is Sennacherib (S). He marches with an immense army to confront Hezekiah, who has not paid the tribute as his father had. It is here the weak faith of Hezekiah falters. He pays the tribute (S) demands. He takes some of his own wealth and unfortunately raids the precious metal in the Temple of the Lord to make up the balance. Hezekiah does not know if this will appease (S) so he does what he can humanly do to stave off disaster. He stops a major water supply to hinder (S) and...
Mark 1:9-15 My favorite gospel is Mark because Mark keeps things simple. With Mark, there are not a lot of adjectives and adverbs. He doesn’t add a lot of details. There is almost an urgency to his stories. For Mark, it is all about proclaiming the good news of Jesus, the Son of God. As Mark describes the baptism of Jesus in this scripture, we clearly hear the voice from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11). The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus, and all seems well as Jesus is launched into his...
A study titled “Social Determinants of Health in the Age of COVID: Effects of Social Isolation Among Adults 62+ in Rural Pennsylvania” analyzed the extent of social isolation among rural Pennsylvanians aged 62 or older. The study identified evidence-based programs and services that minimize social isolation, evaluated the determinants of social isolation among residents aged 62 or older, and evaluated the programs and services that currently exist in rural Pennsylvania to determine replicability throughout Pennsylvania and make policy...
I mentioned last time that Hezekiah led his people in celebration of The Passover even though it was a month late. What I did not say was he invited the people of Israel to join them in this worship experience at the Temple. The Temple was the assigned worship place for both nations of Israel and Judah. This was extremely generous on his part. Israel had frequently allied themselves with Judah’s enemies and even attacked Judah, killed and carried away captives themselves. He sent messengers...
Once again, I have an opportunity to be part of a community theater production. It’s been a good time getting to know new people and getting reacquainted with old friends. Most of them do not have a church connection. The biggest challenge is memorization since I have more lines this time around. Hopefully I will get them down when the lights come on. This play is all about family. Although it is a comedy, there are various themes that makes me think about the connection with family and the Christian walk. There is an engaged couple dealing...
Two area Episcopal churches, Holy Trinity-Hollidaysburg and St. Luke’s-Altoona, will co-host a free 10 session program called Transforming Questions (TQ) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting February 21, 2024 at the Hollidaysburg Masonic Hall, 1008 Edgar Street. Each TQ session will begin with a meal followed by a short presentation on God and faith and end with an hour of small group discussion around related questions. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the first session, regardless of where they may be in their faith journey,...
Sometimes I get pretty busy. Lots of my reading/studying time is spent preparing to teach, preach, or write. This week I had a couple of free hours and decided to do some study for my personal benefit. I chose to study the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. I found it most enjoyable and beneficial. In fact, I think it will be worthwhile for us to look at this study together. Primary Scriptures regarding Hezekiah’s life are: II Kings chapters 16-21, II Chronicles 28-33 and Isaiah 36-39. There are...
Psalm 100 There was a period of time through the “season of Covid” when the church I attend was on-line only. Then we began to meet in our parking lot with the message broadcast through the radio. What an amazing time when we finally reentered the sanctuary! We did wear masks for awhile, and we sat in every other pew. Through much of this time we did not sing as some reports said that droplets could spread more easily that way. I am such a music lover, so I was overjoyed when once again our service returned to what we had always done. The...
In order to perform well in school, children need to be fed, and a local group is guaranteeing that with a unique fundraiser. To continue its goal of lowering student hunger, the Claysburg Backpack Program hosted its first Soup-er Bowl. Through the date of Super Bowl LVIII, the program had four drop-off locations- Dollar General stores in Claysburg, Claysburg Public Library, and the former Cat’s Meow at 595 Bedford St. “I’ve been checking each site as often as I can, and I’ve noticed a lot of donations,” said Terri Lingenfelter, one...
At Valentine’s Day, we use the word “love” a lot. Much of the time we understand what we mean and hopefully others do as well. Sometimes, the meaning is not as clear as we wish it would be. We can say “I love my wife.” or, “I love a good book.” And the meaning for the word ‘love’ is not the same. In the Greek language, there are at least four words used for this word. One word is ‘phileo’. It means ‘brotherly love’ as in the name of the city Philadelphia, the ‘city...
Yesterday I visited an older gentleman who admitted he has trouble throwing things away. He is a collector who specializes in train and railroad items. He has a whole building to store his collection. At one point he owned three actual railroad cars. I brought him a few little things from a thrift store to add to his treasure trove. He did not turn them down. He knows the Lord and states that it’s a good thing we “can’t take it with us” because he would have to have a very big U-Haul. As a young guy I collected baseball cards. Some of...
Valentine's Day presents an opportunity to express feelings of love. Greeting cards and heart-shaped chocolate boxes are traditional gifts, as are red roses. Most people know how and why Valentine's Day is celebrated, but few may know the person behind the holiday's name. The Catholic Church recognizes three different martyred individuals with the name Valentine, who each may hold ties to the Valentine's Day celebration. The name Valentine comes from the Latin "Valentinus," which means "worthy, strong or powerful." The name was a common...
I am feeling led to look at ‘The Tithe’ in this week’s Thought’. Basically The Tithe is giving to God, one tenth of grain, vegetables, fruit, and domesticated animals produced that year. There are other associated words, i.e. offerings, gifts, sacrifices, but I just plan to look at ‘tithe’. The original tithe seems to be voluntary. Abraham, celebrates his victory in a war. He dedicates one tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, known as the priest of God, and King of Salem. The s...
Paul’s letters to the churches which make up a significant portion of the New Testament have always been engaging to me. Paul had impressive credentials. He was born of the tribe of Benjamin of the House of Israel. He was a Pharisee. His zeal led him to persecute Christians until he had his conversion from Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He was transformed from a persecutor to a missionary. Once he had been transformed those credentials meant nothing to Paul compared to knowing Christ. And we all know there is quite a...
Weddings are steeped in tradition. Some of those traditions may be exclusive to particular families, but many others are embraced by families of various backgrounds. Couples needn’t feel beholden to popular wedding traditions, but some may feel that these customs make their weddings more fun and serve as a great way to connect their ceremonies with those of their parents, grandparents and possibly even their ancestors. Old, new, borrowed, blue The rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is likely familiar...
This “Thought” will hopefully cause us to think about The Church/Christians. For Christians are The Church, one at a time. Followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch. It was intended to be derogatory. It means, “Little Christs” or “Imitators of Christ.” That is what Christians should want to be: imitators of Christ. We were given a formula for this to happen by Jesus Christ. He said, “This is how men will know you are my disciples (followers), if you love one...
I have told many people that the older I get the less I enjoy the cold weather and the wintertime. Like most children, I used to enjoy building snowmen, having snowball fights and sled riding. As a young teenager I spent many weekend afternoons playing hockey on the frozen pond. In my 20s I learned to ski and loved the thrill of flying down the slopes. The cold temperatures did not use to bother me much. They do now. It is no wonder that my retired brother and so many like him end up going south for at least part of the winter. Maybe the day...
Easter Sunday is a significant day on the Christian calendar. Easter Sunday will be celebrated on March 31, 2024, and many of those celebrations will feature some notable traditions. Some traditions are undoubtedly familiar to practicing Christians, while others might come as a surprise. As Easter approaches, faithful Christians and others intrigued by the holiday can consider these notable traditions from around the globe. Fireworks in Florence The folk tradition of Scoppio del Carro ("Explosion of the Cart") takes place in Florence, Italy....
I am feeling led to look at ‘The Tithe’ in this week’s Thought’. Basically The Tithe is giving to God, one tenth of grain, vegetables, fruit, and domesticated animals produced that year. There are other associated words, i.e. offerings, gifts, sacrifices, but I just plan to look at ‘tithe’. The original tithe seems to be voluntary. Abraham, celebrates his victory in a war. He dedicates one tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, known as the priest of God, and King of Salem. The s...
There was an exercise I did with my first graders each year as we were getting to know each other. I would take some cans and write on the front of them Can’t. Those little ones were quick to tell me things they couldn’t do: “I can’t read. I can’t wait until lunch. I can’t do this math.” We would do some talking and then take those cans, remove the ‘t and bury it, showing the kiddos that they can. Have you ever had one of those days, one of those weeks, when you say to yourself, “I just can’t”? Maybe you have been trying...
James writes: “… What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while than vanishes…” I am scared to argue with Scripture but sometimes I feel like a counter point is valid. Memory takes me back decades. I was a high school freshman. Some of us went to a wrestling match. My friend and classmate was wrestling at 112#. He was good and won his match easily. His brother, an upper classman, wrestling at 165#, was a mass of muscle and intimidated me for sure. He got his opponent...
I am writing this column on my birthday. There are other things that I would rather be doing on my “big day”, but the reality of a busy schedule means that this is the day to complete the task. You must have been counting on it because you are reading these words. Unless you have an early January date of birth also, you will experience a birthday in 2024. As we age, they sure seem to come and go quickly. If family members were to put the corresponding number of candles on the cake per year, they would be wise to have a fire extinguisher on...
Winter has just barely begun. Spring is far away. Many of us do not like winter’s cold challenges. What can we do? There is one thing we must surely do: “Wait!” Of course we may not like waiting very much either. There are three ladies from Scripture we can look at. First there is Sarai, Abram’s wife. She wanted a child and for a long time was not able to have a child. She knew God had promised one but was impatient. So she went ahead with her own plan. She gave her maid servant to her...
I loved playing the game of Hide and Seek with my cousins when I was young. I remember especially loving to play in our grandmom’s attic where there were wonderful nooks and crannies. I was the cousin who showed righteous indignation when anyone tried to peek or didn’t count high enough when we were finding our hiding places. I was a stickler for following the rules. When my boys were young and my work days were spent with first graders, I loved reading the book Runaway Bunny. It told of the steadfast love the mother bunny had for her...
Sometimes we think we are starting over with a “clean slate” at the beginning of a New Year. It may seem like we have found the “delete” button on our computer and are ready to push it so we can start fresh. That can be a great feeling but it just is not so. The bills we amassed in the past year are still to be paid. Health issues must still be dealt with. Any apologies we need to make we must still make. In other words, “We cannot start over.” But that does not mean we have no...
Shown at the Salvation Army bell ringing session held on Dec. 23 at Traditions were Boosters Jeff and Connie (The Elf) Brumbaugh and Suzanne McNally. Suzanne is also the Martinsburg Salvation Army Director. Also participating in the bell ringing were Boosters Jason and Rebekah Dick, Bob Bechtel, Homer Shriner, Ed Kreider, Dean Grubb, and Richard Bice....
The Toasty Toddler Program, a winter outerwear collection and distribution for children birth through age five served 713 children this season. Children registering receive a NEW coat, hat, and gloves through the generosity of the community. Toasty Toddler began as a collaborative project started by the Blair County Human Service Office, now the Blair County Department of Social Services, to help our youngest children keep warm through the winter months. Referrals are made by education, health care, and social service agencies serving families...
Fast away the old year passes. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses. It has probably been a while since anyone has called you a lad or lass, but you must agree, no matter what name you go by, that there are opportunities to have a fresh start with a new year. Obviously when you wake up on January 1 you will be the same person. But there may be ways that you can take small or even large steps to change some things about yourself. Sometimes these come down to contrasts and choices. Let us think about those as we hail the new year. An important...
What emotions have you experienced this Christmas? Certainly there is a broad gamut for society. Some of them would be experienced no matter what the special day or season. Joy and sorrow happen simply because we are alive and living in the world. They are part of life and death. But when not facing extremes, we can step back a pace and examine what we feel simply because Christmas has happened. I know some impose other things into Christmas. Some folks look forward. Christ came into the world w...
On Dec. 17, Luke The Musical, a.k.a. Do Not Be Afraid, was performed for the first time. The musical was written and directed by Lorie LaSala. This was her first musical, although she has written other songs. LaSala dedicated the musical to the church family of Saint John's Reformed Church of Loysburg. She wanted to send this message: no matter your circumstances, do not be afraid; God will work all things together for His glory and your good. All His promises are true! LaSala gave a special tha...
“For unto you is born this day…” (Luke 2 verse 11) It happened on a day. A day in history. It was a day that had been planned in eternity before the creation of the world. It happened on a day. The perfect day appointed by God before the foundation of the world. “…in the city of David.” It happened in a city. The city still exists today. The city of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4, “Joseph also went up from Galilee…to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.”) Bethlehem was about six miles from Jerusalem. It happened in a city....
Trinity United Methodist Church will hold its Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 9:30 a.m. That evening at 7 p.m. there will be a beautiful Christmas Eve candlelight service. There is also a Christmas Bible School program for ages 4 years through 5th grade. Bible School will be held Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. The kids are welcome to join for walking tacos starting at noon. This lunch is free to everyone in the community....
Mary must have had an emotional roller coaster. It is said “Patience is a virtue.” Surely this is true. It is not so much Mary I am talking about here. God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah. It had been almost 700 years since the prophecy told “A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son…” It would certainly be a miracle for this to happen and small wonder most people would not believe it could happen. Yet the prophecy was a subject of Scripture and therefore would be preached, and talked...
It has been said that one cannot spell Christmas without Christ. That is certainly true; but in our culture, we know that Christ has been getting squeezed out of his own holiday. Christmas as a Christian festival began around the 9th century. Of course, there is no way of knowing how people viewed it in those early days of the celebration, but we can assume that a higher majority of people acknowledged Jesus then. So much has been written from a Christian perspective about Christmas, citing the biblical accounts. Like a pastor preaching a...
I want to look at the emotions of Joseph next. His might be more and more varied than those of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Remember Joseph was betrothed (like engaged) to a young virgin named Mary. Before marriage it became known she was pregnant and he knew he was not the father. If you are a man you can imagine some of the emotions that raged through Joseph. He would have been hurt, angry, feeling betrayed, embarrassed, and likely other feelings too. What was he going to do? In that culture,...
Don’t you love looking at old photographs? They are precious reflections of close familial connections. They record events and gatherings that give our memories glimpses into the past. In today’s world, we can quickly send photographs to each other via our phones of experiences, a new grandchild, a simple piece of gorgeous nature. Photographs pull us close: they spring forth from our universal experiences — the challenges and the joys. The welcoming family of God encompasses humanity. And I feel sure that many of you honor the concept of...
On Dec. 2 and 3, a Christmas Craft Festival was held in St. Johns United Church of Christ Hall in Bedford. There were more than 40 vendors. The craft show had vendors from different places, including New Enterprise and Everett. Vendors offered items such as freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, tie-dye shirts and onesies for babies, and kettle popped popcorn overtook your senses. Meadows Kettle Corn had many unique flavors of kettle corn to purchase, including a Christmas popcorn. Meadows works...
As we approach the Christmas Season, I’d like us to think about some of the Biblical personalities in the Story. It would be easy to remember them and not think they were real. But, they were. They had bodies, minds, spirit-souls, just like we do. I’d like to lead our thoughts to consider their emotions. I start with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were getting old. They were a godly couple and served God faithfully but God had not granted one of their chief prayer requests. They...
“Blue Christmas” is a grief-specialized service provided by the First Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring. It was held this past Sunday. Those in attendance could light a candle in remembrance of their loved one. The pastor for the First Church is Rev. Dr. Dave Crumrine. The church has done the service for four years....
The words that you are now reading were written on Thanksgiving Eve. That date is not nearly as significant as Dec. 24. However, it is still a good time to reflect and come up with an angle for my column. We should be grateful every day. I am thinking back on Christmases and thinking about what makes me thankful for Jesus’ birthday. I miss my parents at Christmas time, in part because I remember how much they enjoyed the holiday and how special they made it for their five kids and later their grandchildren. Dad was not known for his cooking,...
I think I mentioned that our Sunday School Class is studying the Book of Daniel this quarter. (By the way, if you are not involved/attending Sunday School, I would encourage you to do so. Gathering for worship is wonderful but it is not the same as being involved with a small group, studying/asking and answering Biblical questions, and enjoying the open camaraderie of a small group.) I expect most folks know a bit about the story of ‘Daniel in the lion’s den’. Israel had been conquered by...
On Dec. 17, St. John’s Reform Church in Loysburg will hold a musical called “Luke the Musical.” Lorie LaSala (left), with piano accompaniment by Barb Thomas (right), has written this musical. From her previous work founding the Lancaster Academy of Performing Arts, she has taken it one step further. The musical will be open to the public and will start at 6:30 p.m. No tickets required. There is limited seating so if you plan on attending, please come early....