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Matthew 14: 22-33 As I look at the stories in the gospels, so very much happens in Jesus life and his ministry. He continues to preach and to teach using his parables. He had returned to Nazareth where he had been rejected by people who knew him as only the son of Mary, or the carpenter’s son. His dear friend, John the Baptist, had been beheaded. He had fed 5,000. Perhaps Jesus was weary from all these circumstances. Maybe he felt disheartened when people did not receive his message in the way he intended it to be heard. Maybe there were...
We are preparing to celebrate “Thanksgiving Day.” For us in this country it is a federal holiday. Opportunity is given to most of us to enjoy it as a holiday with family and or friends. We spend it in whatever way we can. For some, there is much we can enjoy. Unfortunately, not for all. Some will be alone, some will have recently experienced loss, sickness, or some other thing that overshadows the celebration. For some, I wonder about the details. Some folks claim to be atheists (do not...
It occurred to me a few days ago that in less than two months I will turn 61. Turning 60 wasn’t a big deal, but 61 will put me in my early 60s! Hopefully when the time comes, I’ll handle it well. I know some of my readers are well over that age. Perhaps you are like me in that you’re recognizing changes in your life as you get older. There is no mistaking some of the physical changes and declines that occur. I see something else that is happening. As I get older, I feel like I am putting things in better perspective than I used to. I also...
Our Sunday School Class has begun a study from the Book of Daniel. One of my favorite verses was highlighted: Daniel 1:8 “Daniel resolved not to defile himself…” Remember the story of Daniel. He was taken captive, likely as a teen-aged boy, and carried off to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar’s conquering army. There he was among those chosen to be schooled in the culture of the Babylonians to be useful to the king. There was undoubtedly a lot of pressure on Daniel to ‘fit in’. The...
On Friday, Nov. 10, six folks from Martinsburg Mennonite Church traveled to Sight and Sound Theaters in Lancaster. They traveled with Freedom Excursions from Altoona, a Christian-based bus line owned by Bill and Debra Scully. This was the start of the Christmas Story depicting the birth of Jesus. Shown in the photo was Ron Putorek, Fred Myers, Judy Lohr, Mary Ann Kulp and Linda Strobert....
Leamersville Grace Fellowship, a beautiful newly renovated church located at 14 Brethren Lane, Leamersville, held a variety-packed bazaar on Nov. 11. Vendors from various areas came to set up and displayed their Christmas items for sale. Judy Schirfacher, who is 93, had a beautiful booth with towels, dishcloths, scrubbies, sparkling hats and scarfs and numerous other brightly colored items for sale. Schirfacher said she has been doing crafts since she was 11 years old. Her mother taught her to...
1 Peter 1:17-23 For me, fall is a bittersweet time of year. I love the majesty of the season. The crisp days, the beauty of the foliage delight me. Yet when I watch the trees shed those leaves, my heart feels challenged. I have never been good at letting go and yet I see that played out by creation as I gaze out my windows. Jesus addresses letting go, telling the disciples not to be afraid to give up their very lives. Matthew 16:25 quotes Jesus saying, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my...
Nov. 11 is known here as Veterans Day. In Canada it is Remembrance Day. In the U.K. it is Armistice Day. It is the day the WWI ended. President Woodrow Wilson said, “It is a day to remind us of the tragedies of war.” (World Book Encyclopedia) Tragedies abound during war: There is of course loss of life, the wounded and weary, the sorrows of families, the enormous expense, devastation of land and property, bitterness of enemies, and so much more. As I write this, Israel and Hamas are engaged...
Grace Brethren Church has hosted a Prayer for the Nation and the Nations each Monday from noon until 1 p.m. since 2016....
Like most Christans, I am glad to see Halloween is over. We recognize it as a dark and troubling day on the calendar. There is no denying how popular it has become. Not only are candy sales huge but so are the morbid house decorations and graphic costumes that adults, children, and even pets wear. For over 20 years, our church has sought to redeem Halloween to some extent by offering trunk or treat to children and their families. A gospel tract or literature is always included. Since it began, many other organizations have done it as well and...
Vicksburg Church hosted a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 26. This group featured Noah’s Ark complete with live animals. Carol Bowser provided two miniature horses, two goats, and two rabbits. Shown (from left) are Patty Brouse, Carol Bowser, Cheryl Moyer, Jeanie Moyer and Sharon Decker. The Interim Pastor is Ken Beichler. Sunday School is at 9 a.m. with church at 10....
October was Pastor Appreciation month. St John’s United Church of Christ in Martinsburg decided to recognize all five pastors in their congregation this year. Pastor Betty Royer is currently serving the church; Pastor Jerry McCuller is chaplain at Homewood Continuing Care Community; and Pastors Mary Hendricks, Bill Hendricks, and John Bonebreak are retired ministers. Their service in the churches and the community through the years is greatly appreciated. Lori McCuller accepted the honor for...
Geeseytown Lutheran Church, 462 Route 22, Hollidaysburg, will hold a clothing giveaway Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Future giveaways will be held on the first Saturday of each month. Clothing for teens and adults, shoes, scarves, hats, bags, toiletry items, and other accessories will be available. The giveaway is being held in the church basement; please use the entrance at the rear of the church. The church is located across from Geeseytown Fire Hall. Please contact [email protected] with any questions....
Inspiration for this ‘Thought’ comes from John Glick. Lots of things look good just as they are. But in order to be useful, some things must be crushed or broken. Many of those things are food items. We sometimes purchase “whole grain cereal.” But, it is not really whole grain. The grain has been ground into flour and then further processed in order to create the cereal. You would be disappointed if you opened the box and found whole-kernel-grains of wheat, rice, oats, or corn. Of...
When I was growing up my parents had some close friends who loved to travel. Those friends would send back delightful postcards no matter where they went, and they always ended their message with this scripture notation. It is 3 John: 13,14 — “I had many things to write, but I did not wish to write to you with pen and ink, but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.” When I read gospel scriptures memories of those postcards come flooding back to me because I feel as though I am reading a postcard from Jesus when he...
St. John’s United Church of Christ, 117 E. Julian St., Martinsburg, will distribute bag lunches to children on Trick or Treat night, today, Oct. 26, 2023, between 6 and 8 p.m. Lunches will include pasta cup, yogurt, bottle of water, cookies, Mandarin oranges, and a special surprise. Bag lunches will be given out while supplies last. Candy will also be available....
Trinity United Methodist Church will be hosting an Angel Tree located at Roaring Spring True Value Department Store. This tradition has continued for more than 20 years. It was started by the Roaring Spring Merchant Association, which included stores such as Longs Furniture, Joyces, Fredericks, and the Roaring Spring Department store, and Hollidaysburg Trust. This association is inactive currently. The first year George Kensinger was the driving force behind this project. Trees were put up Hollidaysburg Trust and the Department Store. It was...
I have wrestled with the title. It was either to be what it is or “Are They Waiting?” I have decided to let you put the title on according to what you are doing. The other people involved are your neighbors, friends, and relatives. What they are waiting for is to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and about the Love of God. I assume you know these things and could tell them if you wished. Since I write to a broad spectrum of readers, I assume, for I don’t know, that you could tell them if you...
The Village at Morrisons Cove, in affiliation with the Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren and was established to serve the members of the Church of the Brethren and our neighbors in the larger community. The Village at Morrisons Cove provides a residential community and health care to men and women in active retirement and those in need of convalescence, assisted living , or long-term health care. For 120 years, the Village has provided services to enrich the spiritual,...
The time has come to end the long series on the Gospel of John which I embarked on many months ago. For me it has been a good reminder of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. I recently came to better understand that the gospel isn’t just the good news of how we are saved but also how we are sanctified and will ultimately be rewarded and glorified. Who Jesus is and what he did for us is something that should impact us every day. One of the best ways to serve him and know him is to understand who he is and how he lived. Certainly, some of the...
To promote a safe and fun environment for our neighborhood children and families, Martinsburg Brethren in Christ Church is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 25, 2023. Kids can trick-or-treat from trunk to trunk around the church parking lot from decorated trunks full of goodies. There will be snacks and a craft for the kids inside the church. If it rains, it will all be inside. This event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, from 6 to 7 p.m. This is a free event and is open to the community. The church is located at 334 Son Rise Drive...
There is so much turmoil, unrest, and conflict in our nation and our world. We need a good leader, who will be able to bring us together, united for the good of all. As you might expect, I do not think there is a human who can provide this. Each of us has a personal agenda that overrides our judgment about what is good for the other person. It is true for me too so I am not simply being critical of others. I wish and pray we would allow Jesus to be our Ruler. We can know from the Scriptural...
The Bedford County Correctional Facility held its second annual “Day of Responsibility” on Oct. 13, 2023. The mission statement was “Use the PRESENT to address the PAST so you have a FUTURE.” The event was held in the chapel of the facility. The “Day of Responsibility” came about from a group of prisoners with long-term sentences at the State Correctional Institution of Dallas in Luzerne County. They recognized that some of their past behaviors caused terrible pain to their victims, families and communities. They also recognized...
Luke 7:1-10 Jesus was entering Capernaum. Our scripture tells us that He had finished all His sayings in the hearing of the people. He had just proclaimed the Beatitudes to His disciples. He had gone on to tell them to love their enemies, give to anyone who asked of them, be merciful to others as their father had been merciful to them. And then as He journeyed on he encountered some Jewish elders from the synagogue. They had been sent to Jesus on the behalf of a centurion. A centurion who had a servant who was dear to him who now lay on his dea...
Christopher E. Ritchey, owner of Curry Supply in Martinsburg, is currently the potentate of Jaffa Shriners in Altoona and vice chairman of the board of Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. In January 2024, he will become the chairman of the board. The mission statement for the Shriners is “We treat every child regardless of their ability to pay.” Shriners Hospitals for Children was founded in Shreveport, La., in 1922 to treat pediatric polio and burn patients. There are 22 facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico....
It is pretty rare for a person to never get angry. So, is anger a good thing? There is no easy answer for that but there are answers. Anger can be a reflex and when it is there is danger of saying or doing something we will regret because we acted too quickly. Anger can be a response and can be an asset or a liability. No matter, it is a good idea to slow down the reflex or response. We might encourage ourselves and others to ‘count to ten’. Perhaps if you are a fast counter, it would be...
Jim Law is the Director of Prison Ministry for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Family Worship Center Church in Baton Rouge, La. He spoke at the Roaring Spring Arch on Saturday, Oct. 7. This presentation was powerful and left an impression that God can deliver anyone no matter how they may have sinned. Law described his life from growing up in a dysfunctional family to having a father hit you, especially in an alcoholic state of mind. His life of addiction was described to the audience from his...
There was a play written about 500 years ago where the phrase was coined “bad news travels fast.” Indeed, there does seem to be an obsession with sharing news that is bad in a quick fashion. And there is no doubt that most of what we hear in the news today is bad, whether it’s in a printed newspaper, online, or on television or radio. People may not like bad news but they do seem to share it quickly. We all can wish that there was more good news in our world, but good news stories don’t sell. But if there was ever a case of good news...
Common emergencies and natural disasters occur. Learn how to deliver lifesaving hands only CPR care and be prepared for a natural disaster in one night. Join the Red Cross for these two free classes on Oct. 10, 2023, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Roaring Spring Community Library. Each class will be approximately 45 minutes and will be offered in one night. Note: This is a basic practical workshop, not a CPR certification course. Hands-only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths, which is simple to learn and easy to remember, especially outside medical se...
As I think on “things we lose,” I am not talking about car keys or the remote control but more important things. I am thinking about spiritual blessings. Things like “peace,” “contentment,” and a host of other things. In the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, one line proposes, “O, what peace we often forfeit, O, what needless pain we bear”, and the reason given is, “All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Scripture invites us to come apart from the...
Tender God, life-giving Spirit, You compassionately hold the entire world in your hands. In your mercy, hear the prayers of your people: Keep guard over the sick and suffering and in a special way over those who suffer with breast cancer; grant them patience, hope, and peace, we pray: Merciful God, hear our prayer. Give courage to those with fearful hearts, especially those who feel isolated because of their illness; nourish and sustain them, we pray: Merciful God, hear our prayer. Strengthen those who give their energy and skill to healing...
Mennonite Central Committee is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches that shares God's love and compassion for all by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. Martinsburg Mennonite has filled school bags for children for many years. This was successful due to the sewing skills and dedication of Arlene Delp. Delp is a member of this church and has made thousands of school bags over the years. This year far succeeded the number of bags usually made. The church...
Rockingham Male Chorus of Bridgewater, Va., will perform in sacred concert at New Enterprise Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. A free will offering will be accepted. The church is located at 3729 Brumbaugh Rd., New Enterprise, Pa., 16664....
The subject of fasting came up in study recently. I thought I might utilize the subject in a "Thought." It is not discussed very much and so it may be an unfamiliar subject for many of us. First of all, fasting is not a means for dietary control. i.e. It is not "I need to lose a few pounds, so I will fast." Certainly this can work, and there is nothing wrong with doing it. But this is not the reason or purpose for fasting. Fasting is closely connected to prayer. So, we can determine there is a s...
I often feel that those of us who have gone to church for most of our lives have an advantage when it comes to reading scripture. We bring to that reading hidden knowledge, a sense of what is to come, and many experiences. But what about people who are hearing the gospel for the first time? What about those people who were on the outside of the crowds that Jesus attracted? The stories Jesus told must have sounded odd at times. For Christians, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are the enormous power that exerts our imagination and drives...
This week I experienced something somewhat unusual. I met a family in the home of their mother who was dying. The woman’s husband, children and many others had recently been told that she was near death. They were trying to come to terms with it as I arrived on the scene. I have never seen so many people gathered in one house and bedroom in that circumstance. The patient’s son was on her bed and constantly rubbing her back. Others were holding her hand. They were crying, talking to her and in some ways holding on while saying goodbye. One...
I would like to tell you when Jesus Christ will return to earth. But, I cannot. Lots of people want to know. Many have asked. Quite a few have even made predictions. So far, those predictions have been wrong, and they will continue to be. When Jesus was asked, He said He did not know but only the Father knew. In 1976, we made a trip to California for our church’s General Conference. We had our daughter Ruth with us. Most things went well. But at the end of Conference we were traveling toward...
Bedford Forge Community Church will be hosting a kid-friendly Fall Festival with something for the entire family on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 384 Jacks Corner Road, Hopewell from 2-7 p.m. The fall festival will feature over eight free carnival style games. Kids can win tickets to cash in for prizes. There will be a cruise-in from 3-5 p.m., and local group Route 869 will perform at 5 p.m. You can pick your own pumpkin to take home from Pat’s Pumpkin Patch. Face painting and a beautiful fall photo...
The Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) will present the fall 2023 event in their “Still Listening” guest speaker series on local history on Oct. 1. Harriett L. Gaston will present A Story of Bedford’s Black Residents: Their Journey from the 1700s to the 1870s. Ms. Gaston, a local historical researcher and well-known presenter, is chair of the African-American Heritage Project of Blair County. In conjunction with the Friends’ Committee on Peace and Social Concerns, she has kindly agreed to expand her research into Bedford County,...
Luke 16: 1-13 Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples in this text from Luke, and since we too are his disciples, we know these words are important for us to hear. But this is a curious story, and I must admit that when I first read it I was not quite sure what the message was that I needed to be hearing. As I study the scriptures when I am writing a column or preparing a sermon, I read the gospel from at least 4 translations. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me see the words that I should proclaim. If I still am not sure what I should be...
We have expressions with which we are familiar: i.e “History repeats itself” linked to “If we do not learn from our mistakes, we are bound to repeat them.” This is where Israel was. They were claiming the Covenant with God as a reason they would escape disaster. But the Covenant was two-sided. It did promise God’s blessings and protections. But it also said that if the people did not obey, they would be punished. Jeremiah reminds them nature can teach them some things. If a person...
The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Linders will deliver the sermon at the 10:30 Service on Sept. 17 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Martinsburg. All are welcome. Dr. Linders has been nationally recognized for his compelling sermons and engaging preaching style. Rev. Linders has served as senior pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown, Pa., since August 1977. One of the largest Lutheran congregations in the greater-Philadelphia area, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011. Rev....
Roaring Spring ARCH will have a guest on Oct. 7, 2023, at 7 p.m. Be sure to invite those affiliated with prison ministry, families of addicted loved ones, or those caught in addictions with a possible history of crime. Pastor Jim Law is the Director of Prison Ministry for Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, La. He is also the founder and Senior Pastor of Light of Hope Community Church and founder of Second Chance Prison Ministries in Dauphin, Pa., for 25 years. Law was raised in a home environment of turmoil....
The other day my hospice agency held a first ever memorial open house. In the past we’ve done a more formal service honoring those who had died, which was not well attended. Each year we’re obligated to hold something for those who have lost loved ones within the last twelve months. We decided just to make it an informal gathering this year. Not many showed up for it either. Those who did discussed the final days of their loved one as well as reviewing their lives. None of them were in a hurry to go as they talked to myself, a social...
A verse has been on my mind and heart for a while. I could not quote it verbatim but I had enough to find in through the use of my concordance. It is: “The harvest is past, the summer has ended and we are not saved.” (Jeremiah 8:20) This may have been on me because we are about at the end of summer officially. But I think more because we are studying ‘Evangelism’ in our Sunday School class. We will plan to look at this verse and its setting. Two main characters in our story are the Proph...
Northern Bedford County School District held a Prayer Walk. According to Pastor Josh Tobias about 85 people showed up to participate, 22 of whom were children. Everyone was given a prayer map for the grounds. The children used colored chalk and drew pictures and wrote encouraging words outside every doorway to the schools. At various locations they would receive a sticker for their map. Upon completion they brought the map back to the pastor and he gave them a bag of prayer jellybeans for their...
When I first moved to central PA from a more urban area and was about to start my teaching career, several people warned me: most of the people around this area are related to each other so watch what you say about people. It was good advice for me to hear. We read in Isaiah: “I call you by name, I surname you.” I love that statement: I surname you. It seems to me that we are all pretty much related around here!! We are children of the household of God. Brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the same last name as our Heavenly Father. What...
Labor Day has been a legal U.S. holiday since signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1897. On this day, we honor working people. This is not simply for those who labor with their physical bodies but also for those who use their minds and other abilities to earn a living. I think it should also be a day to honor God who gives physical bodies and the abilities to earn a living as well as providing the jobs created and filled. It is easy to think we have done this ourselves but it is not...
On Sunday Aug. 20, at 1:30 p.m. in this beautiful stream of located on Ski Gap Road a baptism took place. Morrison Cove Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Aaron Musselman held a picnic at Brian and Michele Musselman’s home in Claysburg. A picnic lunch was served as well as games for the children. Afterward, close to 40 people made their way to a beautiful dammed up area of the stream. “I was baptized as a child but I wanted to be baptized as an adult to profess my promise to...
On Aug. 21, folks came together from the churches of Claysburg Ministerium and prepared a meal to honor the people who will be working with the children in the Claysburg-Kimmel School District. This meal, held in the Church of God recreation hall, has been done for the last 12 years. It is always done on the last in-service day for the group before school starts. Each person was greeted by Pastor Calvin Miller and welcomed to the luncheon. Miller is currently the head of the Ministerium and prea...