Notes From My Knapsack -- Feb. 2003 "The Church Window"
Hebron Christian Church
Thanks to your very kind and much appreciated gift on Christmas Sunday, the Gill household was able to replace a washer and dryer that dated to the Reagan administration, and chose the end of 2002 to enter retirement. 14 years is a goodly time for such appliances, we guess, although some have told us of their own lasting longer – but that was some years back, too.
We also said goodbye to the last of a pair of cars that started well, but quickly revealed that they weren’t designed to last much past 75,000, and I was raised to expect a good 100,000 miles and more from an automobile; Ken George tells me that Detroit is engineering again for that kind of endurance, and we’re going to put that to the test!
How long should things last? I like shirts and suit jackets to wear long enough to get “comfortable”, which Joyce tells me is the same as “unsightly”, and I still remember the first youth minister job I had when, on our introductions, a kid asked, “How old are those sneakers,” and when I said “about 10 years,” he gave them a look of utter amazement.
But what really lasts? Even modern plastics and resins have “life spans”, atomic elements have “half-lives” no matter how long, and scientists guess and test at the age of the universe. . .and its end. And after what seems like three long nasty colds in a row since Thanksgiving, it looks like even the human body has its limits (or at least that’s what my nose is telling me).
Then there are the things we call “ephemeral”, that “are for a time.” A child’s smile, a touch of a hand while waiting on an ER gurney, laughter echoing out of a house as you walk up the steps to enter. They happen, they pass, and . . .
In this time between Christmas and Easter, our faith can guide us to a greater sense of what truly endures, what lasts, and a better awareness of what’s really ephemeral and passes away. Washers, dryers, head colds; of these is not the kingdom of heaven! Let’s think on the things that are, and act on the decisions which lead to what endures forever.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
Pastoral Care Notes
Two reminders, which you’ve probably heard before and likely would help to hear again!
The hospitals, especially LMH, often ask if you would like your church/pastor to be informed. For myriad reasons, to complicated to go into here, you need to know that this system often doesn’t work! Our folks have had visits from very nice strangers who weren’t sure who they were, either; the church office often gets calls for Hebron UMC, Central Christian, etc., which Pastor Jeff reroutes as well as he can.
Anyhow, please let Jeff or someone know, because he’d rather hear it four times than not at all, and LMH will just have to keep working on their system. . .
The other note is tied to something you may note from the annual report; when it comes to worship attendance, only a relatively small number had five absences or less, while almost 250 made multiple appearances in worship through 2002. So missing church a few times doesn’t ring the same bell for pew mates, friends, or the pastor that it once did.
If you’re laid up at home and feeling lonely, give the church a call at 928-4066 or Pastor Jeff at 928-2576, and then we’ll all feel better!
* * * * * * *
Interim Regional Pastor
Visits Hebron
On Thursday, Feb. 13, our building will host the monthly meeting of the clergy in District 10/11 (Licking, Muskingum, Coshocton, Guernsey, Jefferson, Noble, Washington Co.’s). Our guest at this meeting is Rev. Suzanne Webb, the interim regional pastor for the Christian Church in Ohio, and part of the Futuring Task Force for the region that Pastor Jeff is a part of.
* * * * * * *
Statehood Day in Licking County
Saturday, March 1st, is both the kickoff for the State of Ohio bicentennial celebrations and a significant day for Licking County. That morning, at Hopewell Hall on the OSU-N campus, a pancake breakfast will begin at 8 am, continuing through the morning with a break at 10:00 am for all of us to go out and literally form the outline of Ohio. Our picture will be taken from above, and this picture will be part of the historical record of this day and year. Donna Braig and Kim Halter are part of the County Bicentennial Commission, and they’ve got Pastor Jeff roped in on some further events which will pass through Hebron this summer – but the first thing is for all of you to join the Commission, Hebron Village council, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, bands and choirs, as we start this bicentennial celebration on March 1. Come join us, and have some pancakes while you wait!
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Hebron Crossroads 2-02-03
By Jeff Gill
Before the sun rises Tuesday morning, your fellow citizens in the Lakewood School District will be heading off to their polling places for the special election on the operating levy.
And before that, God bless ‘em, pollworkers who are also your friends and neighbors will have gotten up at oh-dark-thirty to set up the election equipment and be ready for those of us who vote at 6:30 am on the way into our day. Some of them hang in there right through the 7:30 pm closing on Feb. 4. Could we have a quick round of applause for those folks? Hear, hear. . .
Anyhow, we’re coming up on ten years with the same budget for Lakewood, and there are precious few households or organizations who are working with the same budget they had in 1993. With the recent arrival of the assessment letter and tax tickets (yep, I got mine too, and it went up), we’re reminded of reason number 367 why we need to change the state funding system for education; even though we are each paying more in taxes, the “rollback” provisions that give us each a lighter load on paying for bond issues also impact the contribution of the state to operating expenses, meaning that our schools can’t end up with more money than we voted for in 1993 until we vote otherwise.
That’s right, folks: when our assessments go up and we personally pay more, the law says that our work to make a better community is rewarded by cutting our state portion of the budget (paid for out of the sales tax and fees), leaving us where we started from minus inflation and wear-and-tear. Does this sound crazy to everybody, or is it just me?
So Superintendent Phil Herman, our school board, and hundreds of volunteers who are parents, grandparents, or just motivated citizens have to mobilize to ask for the money to pay the basic bills. . .the bills as they cost in 2003, not 1993. They’ve been working their way through the 9000 some registered voters in the district, calling, explaining, and communicating the need for a new levy. We’re currently paying near the absolute minimum in property taxes, and we’re barely making ends meet even without high school busing and all-day kindergarten and pay-to-participate.
Please get out and vote on Tuesday! I’m convinced that Lakewood is spending our money as carefully as they can, and they’ve convinced me that all-day kindergarten is vitally needed to set kids on the right learning track from the start. As for those who say half the high schoolers wouldn’t ride the bus if it were offered, my response is “but the half that would, would.” And pay-to-participate is just sad; I know my parents with four active kids would never have been able to pay per activity for all that us Gill kids did before and after school, and removing those activities creates a very real gap in our community where all manner of influences can enter in.
One more badgering point, and then I’ll move on (I promise); when people say “my kids are out of school, I’ve already paid my share,” among myriad other facts, the main point here is “no, you didn’t.” Virtually no one “pays their share” for their kids education, in large part because virtually no one could (yes, even way back when). While you were helping pay part of your kids education, whether through your own property tax on indirectly through your rent, others whose kids had already finished school were covering the rest. Schools are a community investment like roads and public safety, and we all pay what we can when we can; even churches and non-profits like the Masonic Lodge pay property taxes (my own congregation pays nearly $3000 a year, for instance) so this institution can continue to support and maintain democracy and literacy.
Meanwhile, we’ve gotta change this funding system: send your ideas to disciple@voyager.net or call 928-4066! Let’s get the public conversation going on this subject, but in the meantime, we need to give a modest bump to the the school budget for the next five years (which is as long as this levy would last, anyhow); maybe by 2008 we’ll have come up with an answer for this funding formula riddle. ‘Til then, see you at the polls on Tuesday!
By Jeff Gill
Before the sun rises Tuesday morning, your fellow citizens in the Lakewood School District will be heading off to their polling places for the special election on the operating levy.
And before that, God bless ‘em, pollworkers who are also your friends and neighbors will have gotten up at oh-dark-thirty to set up the election equipment and be ready for those of us who vote at 6:30 am on the way into our day. Some of them hang in there right through the 7:30 pm closing on Feb. 4. Could we have a quick round of applause for those folks? Hear, hear. . .
Anyhow, we’re coming up on ten years with the same budget for Lakewood, and there are precious few households or organizations who are working with the same budget they had in 1993. With the recent arrival of the assessment letter and tax tickets (yep, I got mine too, and it went up), we’re reminded of reason number 367 why we need to change the state funding system for education; even though we are each paying more in taxes, the “rollback” provisions that give us each a lighter load on paying for bond issues also impact the contribution of the state to operating expenses, meaning that our schools can’t end up with more money than we voted for in 1993 until we vote otherwise.
That’s right, folks: when our assessments go up and we personally pay more, the law says that our work to make a better community is rewarded by cutting our state portion of the budget (paid for out of the sales tax and fees), leaving us where we started from minus inflation and wear-and-tear. Does this sound crazy to everybody, or is it just me?
So Superintendent Phil Herman, our school board, and hundreds of volunteers who are parents, grandparents, or just motivated citizens have to mobilize to ask for the money to pay the basic bills. . .the bills as they cost in 2003, not 1993. They’ve been working their way through the 9000 some registered voters in the district, calling, explaining, and communicating the need for a new levy. We’re currently paying near the absolute minimum in property taxes, and we’re barely making ends meet even without high school busing and all-day kindergarten and pay-to-participate.
Please get out and vote on Tuesday! I’m convinced that Lakewood is spending our money as carefully as they can, and they’ve convinced me that all-day kindergarten is vitally needed to set kids on the right learning track from the start. As for those who say half the high schoolers wouldn’t ride the bus if it were offered, my response is “but the half that would, would.” And pay-to-participate is just sad; I know my parents with four active kids would never have been able to pay per activity for all that us Gill kids did before and after school, and removing those activities creates a very real gap in our community where all manner of influences can enter in.
One more badgering point, and then I’ll move on (I promise); when people say “my kids are out of school, I’ve already paid my share,” among myriad other facts, the main point here is “no, you didn’t.” Virtually no one “pays their share” for their kids education, in large part because virtually no one could (yes, even way back when). While you were helping pay part of your kids education, whether through your own property tax on indirectly through your rent, others whose kids had already finished school were covering the rest. Schools are a community investment like roads and public safety, and we all pay what we can when we can; even churches and non-profits like the Masonic Lodge pay property taxes (my own congregation pays nearly $3000 a year, for instance) so this institution can continue to support and maintain democracy and literacy.
Meanwhile, we’ve gotta change this funding system: send your ideas to disciple@voyager.net or call 928-4066! Let’s get the public conversation going on this subject, but in the meantime, we need to give a modest bump to the the school budget for the next five years (which is as long as this levy would last, anyhow); maybe by 2008 we’ll have come up with an answer for this funding formula riddle. ‘Til then, see you at the polls on Tuesday!
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Pastor’s Annual Report
2003 Congregational Meeting
Rev. Jeff Gill
As you read through the various reports and accounts of our life as a congregation found here, manifested in classes and choirs, groups and gatherings, you will read many different names (some repeated, certainly!), a variety of numbers, and hear stories told. Any one soul is precious, and the tale of any of our days would necessarily have to be either too brief to do it justice, or tediously overdetailed. That’s just as true for a community of faith, made up as we are not only of many different persons, but of all the complications growing from our interactions, one to one, two by two, and even the differences in each Sunday’s congregation at worship.
But we also are called to good stewardship of the time and talents, the gifts and graces God has given us both separately and together, and that means we have to have some way of measuring the past and planning for the future. In church life, we tend to judge the past by the quality of our fellowship (“everyone had a great time” being a common phrase for that), and we usually assess our future in broad and general terms (“we hope to continue and grow”).
Concrete measures tend to be limited to attendance figures and giving gauged against income versus outgo. By those standards, Hebron Christian Church has had a good year – see elsewhere in this annual meeting report! -- and our hopes for the future can be shown in the not quite 5 percent increase planned for in the budget.
Do these numbers, though, do justice to our sense of calling and vision as a body of believers called into being by Jesus Christ himself? Are there other ways for us to test our faithfulness and follow God’s call?
Every church that considers itself faithful to the New Testament model has certain tasks it must be doing:
bringing the Good News (Lk. 9:6, II Thess. 3:1-5),
making disciples (both nearby, and of all nations! Mt. 28:19),
equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12), and
to be kind and forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).
For each of those high callings, worship attendance and general fund giving is a tool in ministry: not ends themselves, but tools to accomplish the ends God has established. But we run no less a hazard by avoiding a full accounting in settling for vague and general feelings of “that’s fine,” “I like that,” and of course the always risky “We’ve never done it that way before.” Can we come up with measurable and observable goals for our Christian community? One way we’ve done that recently is to take the perfectly good hope of “more people should read the Bible” and convert it into signed commitments to read the New Testament through Lent, which gave over half of our worshiping congregation a specific goal of their own from Ash Wednesday to Easter.
Getting to the heart of the title “disciple” is the concept of discipline, which we’re probably more familiar with as a practice than with what it means to “be a disciple.” But that’s just it! Being a disciple of Christ means that we are called to a more disciplined witness than, “yeah, I think that’s true, but that’s just my opinion;” to a more disciplined spirituality than “you can worship God anywhere, y’know;” to a sense of mission more disciplined than $5 in the offering plate when you won’t really miss it! Disciplining our faithfulness means being accountable to one another, being responsible for one another, and loving one another, both within these walls and to all those Christ died for.
How will we do this? Each element of church life will have to consider what is their own measurable and observable result of their ministry. The elders with their spiritual oversight and special responsibility for worship will look closely at Sunday attendance, but perhaps also at the rate and frequency of visitors who were personally invited to worship by a member. The trustees are responsible for the tool in ministry that is our church building, and can set goals about physical changes that increase accessibility and welcoming-ness of the layout (signage outside and in, for instance). The board, with its particular obligations as to fiscal stewardship, may want to look at how and when the congregation responds to special day offerings and other giving opportunities and how we can help connect mission and ministry. The Christian Education department has already met to review the year month by month to see where we are providing opportunities for spiritual growth.
I look forward to this new year, and the new life in Christ that Hebron Christian Church will share with so many through the months ahead. Disciplining our witness will allow so much more to happen in ministry, and in a time when so many are waiting to hear the Good News we’ve been entrusted with;
In Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
Outreach and Ohio Disciples’ Outreach update
The beginning of 2003 marks the start of a small change in wording and an acronym that may herald some large changes in how the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) does mission and manages your giving to mission causes.
We’ve had a quarter century to get used to – and get complacent about! – BMF, or “Basic Mission Finance.” That is the “central bank account” for what was called before that “Unified Promotion,” one of the steps that led to the re-structure of our denomination in the 1960’s. This “common pot of money” was convenient for book keeping, but said little to people wanting more “transparency and accountability” in where their dollars went.
The General Board of the Christian Church has adopted a sweeping set of changes to BMF, but some of them are a bit subtle: like the name “Disciples Mission Fund,” or DMF for short. The real difference is how the giving of churches and individuals is managed, and to outline these, here is a Q&A page from www.disciples.org, which you can can find by clicking the DMF logo over the words “Giving changes lives.” You can also see a version of it with links below “What’s New” at our web site, http://go.to/Hebron_Christian.
Questions and Answers about the new funding system
How will the fund be divided?
Receipts will be divided: 2003 through 2008
For Regional Ministries* 45% to 50%
For General Ministries 45% to 40%
For Higher Education Institutions 10% to 10%
*Note: allocations for Regional Ministries will increase one percent each year so that in 2008 the division will be 50 percent Regional Ministries, 40 percent General Ministries, and 10 percent Higher Education Institutions.
Who will determine funding allocations?
Each of the three ministries groups will recommend how funds will be divided. The General Board will give final approval. Regions have appointed a committee of five regional ministers and two lay regional moderators who will make allocation recommendations based on criteria developed by the regions in consultation with each other. The Council on Theological Education and the Council of Colleges and Universities will make allocation recommendations for institutions of higher education. General Ministries will develop allocation recommendations through an accountability process using an external review panel.
How will regional funding allocations be determined?
Proposed allocations for the regions have been submitted to the General Board for approval. For 2003 those allocations are based upon the percentage of Basic Mission Finance dollars that regions received in 2001. This recommendation should result in an increase in 2003 funds compared to 2001 funds for all but six regions. Those regions not receiving an increase may apply for assistance from the emergency fund established for regions. The 2004 allocations will be based upon criteria for regional ministry to be approved by the regions and the General Board in 2003.
How will a region's receipts be based?
A region's receipts will be based on a percentage of Disciples Mission Fund contributions from congregations across the whole church.
Where will the four Special Offerings go?
Special Offerings will be received for particular ministries:
Easter for general ministries implementation of Disciples Imperative to strengthen congregational life,
Pentecost for new church development (divided equally between the region in which it is contributed and general New Church Ministry),
Thanksgiving for higher education institutions, and
Christmas for regional ministries in the region where the funds are contributed for implementation of the church's Imperative.
In addition to these offerings, Week of Compassion and Reconciliation offerings will be received to fund specified Disciples ministries for disaster relief and the Reconciliation Mission.
* * * * * * *
Friendly Class Report
Our one adult class on Sunday mornings has begun meeting downstairs in Fellowship Hall, where we are a bit more visible and accessible, allowing the choir to prepare for the service, and letting us have coffee and bite to eat along with the lesson! We have used both the Int’l Sunday School Lessons resources, as well as some videos and outlines from Pastor Jeff.
We invite all adults to join us for assembly in the sanctuary at 9:30 am, and then downstairs for our class. The discussions and insights have been great, and we look forward to inviting more of you to join us in 2003.
2003 Congregational Meeting
Rev. Jeff Gill
As you read through the various reports and accounts of our life as a congregation found here, manifested in classes and choirs, groups and gatherings, you will read many different names (some repeated, certainly!), a variety of numbers, and hear stories told. Any one soul is precious, and the tale of any of our days would necessarily have to be either too brief to do it justice, or tediously overdetailed. That’s just as true for a community of faith, made up as we are not only of many different persons, but of all the complications growing from our interactions, one to one, two by two, and even the differences in each Sunday’s congregation at worship.
But we also are called to good stewardship of the time and talents, the gifts and graces God has given us both separately and together, and that means we have to have some way of measuring the past and planning for the future. In church life, we tend to judge the past by the quality of our fellowship (“everyone had a great time” being a common phrase for that), and we usually assess our future in broad and general terms (“we hope to continue and grow”).
Concrete measures tend to be limited to attendance figures and giving gauged against income versus outgo. By those standards, Hebron Christian Church has had a good year – see elsewhere in this annual meeting report! -- and our hopes for the future can be shown in the not quite 5 percent increase planned for in the budget.
Do these numbers, though, do justice to our sense of calling and vision as a body of believers called into being by Jesus Christ himself? Are there other ways for us to test our faithfulness and follow God’s call?
Every church that considers itself faithful to the New Testament model has certain tasks it must be doing:
bringing the Good News (Lk. 9:6, II Thess. 3:1-5),
making disciples (both nearby, and of all nations! Mt. 28:19),
equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12), and
to be kind and forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32).
For each of those high callings, worship attendance and general fund giving is a tool in ministry: not ends themselves, but tools to accomplish the ends God has established. But we run no less a hazard by avoiding a full accounting in settling for vague and general feelings of “that’s fine,” “I like that,” and of course the always risky “We’ve never done it that way before.” Can we come up with measurable and observable goals for our Christian community? One way we’ve done that recently is to take the perfectly good hope of “more people should read the Bible” and convert it into signed commitments to read the New Testament through Lent, which gave over half of our worshiping congregation a specific goal of their own from Ash Wednesday to Easter.
Getting to the heart of the title “disciple” is the concept of discipline, which we’re probably more familiar with as a practice than with what it means to “be a disciple.” But that’s just it! Being a disciple of Christ means that we are called to a more disciplined witness than, “yeah, I think that’s true, but that’s just my opinion;” to a more disciplined spirituality than “you can worship God anywhere, y’know;” to a sense of mission more disciplined than $5 in the offering plate when you won’t really miss it! Disciplining our faithfulness means being accountable to one another, being responsible for one another, and loving one another, both within these walls and to all those Christ died for.
How will we do this? Each element of church life will have to consider what is their own measurable and observable result of their ministry. The elders with their spiritual oversight and special responsibility for worship will look closely at Sunday attendance, but perhaps also at the rate and frequency of visitors who were personally invited to worship by a member. The trustees are responsible for the tool in ministry that is our church building, and can set goals about physical changes that increase accessibility and welcoming-ness of the layout (signage outside and in, for instance). The board, with its particular obligations as to fiscal stewardship, may want to look at how and when the congregation responds to special day offerings and other giving opportunities and how we can help connect mission and ministry. The Christian Education department has already met to review the year month by month to see where we are providing opportunities for spiritual growth.
I look forward to this new year, and the new life in Christ that Hebron Christian Church will share with so many through the months ahead. Disciplining our witness will allow so much more to happen in ministry, and in a time when so many are waiting to hear the Good News we’ve been entrusted with;
In Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
Outreach and Ohio Disciples’ Outreach update
The beginning of 2003 marks the start of a small change in wording and an acronym that may herald some large changes in how the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) does mission and manages your giving to mission causes.
We’ve had a quarter century to get used to – and get complacent about! – BMF, or “Basic Mission Finance.” That is the “central bank account” for what was called before that “Unified Promotion,” one of the steps that led to the re-structure of our denomination in the 1960’s. This “common pot of money” was convenient for book keeping, but said little to people wanting more “transparency and accountability” in where their dollars went.
The General Board of the Christian Church has adopted a sweeping set of changes to BMF, but some of them are a bit subtle: like the name “Disciples Mission Fund,” or DMF for short. The real difference is how the giving of churches and individuals is managed, and to outline these, here is a Q&A page from www.disciples.org, which you can can find by clicking the DMF logo over the words “Giving changes lives.” You can also see a version of it with links below “What’s New” at our web site, http://go.to/Hebron_Christian.
Questions and Answers about the new funding system
How will the fund be divided?
Receipts will be divided: 2003 through 2008
For Regional Ministries* 45% to 50%
For General Ministries 45% to 40%
For Higher Education Institutions 10% to 10%
*Note: allocations for Regional Ministries will increase one percent each year so that in 2008 the division will be 50 percent Regional Ministries, 40 percent General Ministries, and 10 percent Higher Education Institutions.
Who will determine funding allocations?
Each of the three ministries groups will recommend how funds will be divided. The General Board will give final approval. Regions have appointed a committee of five regional ministers and two lay regional moderators who will make allocation recommendations based on criteria developed by the regions in consultation with each other. The Council on Theological Education and the Council of Colleges and Universities will make allocation recommendations for institutions of higher education. General Ministries will develop allocation recommendations through an accountability process using an external review panel.
How will regional funding allocations be determined?
Proposed allocations for the regions have been submitted to the General Board for approval. For 2003 those allocations are based upon the percentage of Basic Mission Finance dollars that regions received in 2001. This recommendation should result in an increase in 2003 funds compared to 2001 funds for all but six regions. Those regions not receiving an increase may apply for assistance from the emergency fund established for regions. The 2004 allocations will be based upon criteria for regional ministry to be approved by the regions and the General Board in 2003.
How will a region's receipts be based?
A region's receipts will be based on a percentage of Disciples Mission Fund contributions from congregations across the whole church.
Where will the four Special Offerings go?
Special Offerings will be received for particular ministries:
Easter for general ministries implementation of Disciples Imperative to strengthen congregational life,
Pentecost for new church development (divided equally between the region in which it is contributed and general New Church Ministry),
Thanksgiving for higher education institutions, and
Christmas for regional ministries in the region where the funds are contributed for implementation of the church's Imperative.
In addition to these offerings, Week of Compassion and Reconciliation offerings will be received to fund specified Disciples ministries for disaster relief and the Reconciliation Mission.
* * * * * * *
Friendly Class Report
Our one adult class on Sunday mornings has begun meeting downstairs in Fellowship Hall, where we are a bit more visible and accessible, allowing the choir to prepare for the service, and letting us have coffee and bite to eat along with the lesson! We have used both the Int’l Sunday School Lessons resources, as well as some videos and outlines from Pastor Jeff.
We invite all adults to join us for assembly in the sanctuary at 9:30 am, and then downstairs for our class. The discussions and insights have been great, and we look forward to inviting more of you to join us in 2003.
Hebron Crossroads 1-26-03
By Jeff Gill
“Souper Bowl” Sunday is an ongoing effort on the part of many youth organizations, churches, and similar groups to remind people of the ongoing needs of area food pantries. Christmas is a great time for giving, but that’s also a prime time for pantries to give, too.
With the shelves often quite bare at the end of January, the Super Bowl is an occasion when folks are out shopping anyhow, and the suggestion is that we buy a can of food to donate for every item of snack food we’re indulging in for the big game. And since soup is one canned good that is always useful for families in need, hence the name “Souper Bowl” for this promotion.
Many area churches and their youth groups are asking their members to bring food pantry items on this Sunday, and we’re happy to remind folks at the Hebron Crossroads about it; LEADS at Buckeye Lake does great work on our behalf, but when they see more plywood than can lids, this kind of extra effort to stock the shelves is really appreciated.
Another program supported by many area churches and civic groups is “Heartbeats of Licking County,” which provides crisis pregnancy counseling, support for new mothers, and promotion of adoption as a loving alternative for unplanned pregnancies.
Merridy Hoover, who stepped down not long ago as the executive director, is still working with Heartbeats with a focus on adoption, and has put together a video on the subject, sharing accurate information and pointing out myths about adoption and adoptive children. This locally made video has gotten a great deal of attention around the country, from coast to coast, and has been used in a variety of school programs far beyond Licking County where it was originally intended for use, including Lakewood schools. There is also a version of the video made for churches and faith-based groups.
Rindy Brooks, who was brave enough to step into Merridy’s very large shoes, is getting better known, as is the new location for Heartbeats at 336 East Main St. in Newark (their phone number is 349-7558). Rindy says, “When I run into people at the store, or out on the street, because of our abstinence-based teaching, they say, ‘Oh, that’s right, you’re the ‘No Sex Lady,’ and I’m trying to find the right way to tell them, ‘No, I’m pro-sex; I’m trying to help you have great sex, which is through a marriage with someone you waited for and that you’re so glad you’re with.”
Whether she becomes better known as the ‘No Sex’ lady or the ‘Great Sex’ lady, this lady has plenty of work to do, and she’s trying to figure out how to do more. With the counseling they do out of their office, Rindy points out that only 25 percent of their clients (averaging 19 to 25) turn out to be pregnant. “We want to reach out more effectively to that other 75 percent who say ‘whew’ and walk away, but came in worried. Heartbeats wants to address to source of those worries, and how they can eliminate those problems to start with.”
She also adds that their volunteer needs aren’t just for people who are comfortable doing crisis counseling, but also for women who are able to teach “how to be a mom,” folks willing to talk to teen and parent groups, or even have skills to share on basic home management.
With 40 million abortions in the US since 1973, there are tens of millions of women who have experienced the lasting after-effects of that choice, and Heartbeats’ program “Healing the Effects of Abortion Related Trauma,” or HEART, has been a real support for women who have taken the seven week group experience. New groups start whenever there are another six or seven women who want the course, which is led by women who have been through the course themselves. “No one is in the room who hasn’t been through an abortion themselves, and that can be very freeing for sharing and discussion in a non-judging atmosphere,” says Stephanie, a group leader.
Heartbeats has always had involvements in the Lakewood area, and while their “office” is a ways up the road, they’re just a phone call away, and as more volunteers and interest comes from groups around Hebron and Buckeye Lake, the more chance they’ll have of a visible presence in our end of the county. Dave Mason, pastor of Heath Church of Christ, and I agreed that Heartbeats is one of the most effective volunteer organizations in Licking County.
By Jeff Gill
“Souper Bowl” Sunday is an ongoing effort on the part of many youth organizations, churches, and similar groups to remind people of the ongoing needs of area food pantries. Christmas is a great time for giving, but that’s also a prime time for pantries to give, too.
With the shelves often quite bare at the end of January, the Super Bowl is an occasion when folks are out shopping anyhow, and the suggestion is that we buy a can of food to donate for every item of snack food we’re indulging in for the big game. And since soup is one canned good that is always useful for families in need, hence the name “Souper Bowl” for this promotion.
Many area churches and their youth groups are asking their members to bring food pantry items on this Sunday, and we’re happy to remind folks at the Hebron Crossroads about it; LEADS at Buckeye Lake does great work on our behalf, but when they see more plywood than can lids, this kind of extra effort to stock the shelves is really appreciated.
Another program supported by many area churches and civic groups is “Heartbeats of Licking County,” which provides crisis pregnancy counseling, support for new mothers, and promotion of adoption as a loving alternative for unplanned pregnancies.
Merridy Hoover, who stepped down not long ago as the executive director, is still working with Heartbeats with a focus on adoption, and has put together a video on the subject, sharing accurate information and pointing out myths about adoption and adoptive children. This locally made video has gotten a great deal of attention around the country, from coast to coast, and has been used in a variety of school programs far beyond Licking County where it was originally intended for use, including Lakewood schools. There is also a version of the video made for churches and faith-based groups.
Rindy Brooks, who was brave enough to step into Merridy’s very large shoes, is getting better known, as is the new location for Heartbeats at 336 East Main St. in Newark (their phone number is 349-7558). Rindy says, “When I run into people at the store, or out on the street, because of our abstinence-based teaching, they say, ‘Oh, that’s right, you’re the ‘No Sex Lady,’ and I’m trying to find the right way to tell them, ‘No, I’m pro-sex; I’m trying to help you have great sex, which is through a marriage with someone you waited for and that you’re so glad you’re with.”
Whether she becomes better known as the ‘No Sex’ lady or the ‘Great Sex’ lady, this lady has plenty of work to do, and she’s trying to figure out how to do more. With the counseling they do out of their office, Rindy points out that only 25 percent of their clients (averaging 19 to 25) turn out to be pregnant. “We want to reach out more effectively to that other 75 percent who say ‘whew’ and walk away, but came in worried. Heartbeats wants to address to source of those worries, and how they can eliminate those problems to start with.”
She also adds that their volunteer needs aren’t just for people who are comfortable doing crisis counseling, but also for women who are able to teach “how to be a mom,” folks willing to talk to teen and parent groups, or even have skills to share on basic home management.
With 40 million abortions in the US since 1973, there are tens of millions of women who have experienced the lasting after-effects of that choice, and Heartbeats’ program “Healing the Effects of Abortion Related Trauma,” or HEART, has been a real support for women who have taken the seven week group experience. New groups start whenever there are another six or seven women who want the course, which is led by women who have been through the course themselves. “No one is in the room who hasn’t been through an abortion themselves, and that can be very freeing for sharing and discussion in a non-judging atmosphere,” says Stephanie, a group leader.
Heartbeats has always had involvements in the Lakewood area, and while their “office” is a ways up the road, they’re just a phone call away, and as more volunteers and interest comes from groups around Hebron and Buckeye Lake, the more chance they’ll have of a visible presence in our end of the county. Dave Mason, pastor of Heath Church of Christ, and I agreed that Heartbeats is one of the most effective volunteer organizations in Licking County.
Monday, January 13, 2003
Hebron Crossroads 1-19-03
By Jeff Gill
If you were driving through Hebron last Sunday night and were puzzled by the lights shining over Canal Park, you’d be right to think it was awfully early for baseball practice to start.
But it was ice skating at the village rink that lit up the sky behind Bowman’s truck lot south of Main St. Ice skating, you ask? Village rink? That’s what we’re talking about during these deep freeze days of January.
Scott Walters, who is just going off of the Parks Committee on village council, has been working with village staff to set up a skating rink on one of the ball fields just off of Cumberland Street and Canal Road. This 80 by 200 foot area is made up of a rubber liner and outer boards along with some simple signage indicating the hazards of skating and recommending protective gear (like the signs at the bike park in Evans Park just north of town).
“We were looking for another way to give back to the citizens of Hebron in all seasons,” said councilmember Walters, “and this gives people another reason to come to Hebron parks.” Mike McFarland had seen a similar portable rink arrangement in Glenford, and when this gently used one became available, the next step was obvious: time for a Hebron skating rink!
Right now, you have to bring your own skates, since the costs of buying and renting out gear makes a cost-effective idea suddenly quite expensive. “But lots of people are finding they or their neighbors have skates hung up in the garage from when people used to skate out on the lake all the time.”
Some of those Buckeye Lake classics are showing up on the feet of kids who look much younger than the skates they wear, with a few dozen out on the ice the first day. The six inches of ice are dependent on the weather, but that’s been the easiest part to date. Help from Hebron’s Fire and Street Departments, as well as assistance from the Union Township maintenance crew, got the rink in place under the ballfield lights that are already in place. While generally unsupervised, activities at the rink and day to day operation is just tied to checking ice conditions indicated by whether the sign at the entrance says “open” or “closed.”
With Scott moving over to chair the Finance Committee, Ray Guinsler will take over as Parks chairman, but he plans to stay involved in bringing more and more of the community to the parks of Hebron.
“Thanks to Bear Creek Company, we just got 300 trees planted out at Evans Park, and there on the ball courts we hope to have some lawn-chair concerts this summer,” Walters points out. Back to the winter and Canal Park, your columnist pointed out a cost-effective promotion might be to have Tonya Harding come to give clinics on both ice skating and boxing, but Scott wasn’t sure he’d take that one back to committee. “We’ve got a few ideas of our own to discuss; that’d be. . .interesting.”
Well if you don’t like the idea you can just say so. . .
Next Saturday (Jan. 25) is Books & Coffee, discussing “Johnny Tremain” at 612 W. Main St. in the front room at 10:00 am; you may have already guessed that if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, you may want to bring your own! With great literature written originally for children on our minds, and with plunging temperatures and a new ice rink, perhaps “Hans Brinker” is a good secondary choice (now there’s an oldie: anyone else out there read that one?).
If you know of any other events planned for the Spring on the Ohio Bicentennial, please let me know; next week, I’ll have more to tell you about the March 1 event for “Statehood Day” and some basketball news. It is time to start letting go of football a little, isn’t it? Oh, but I will have to tell you about the “Souper Bowl” again next week, and no, that’s not a typo! We just like confusing the spell-check program here at the Hebron Crossroads.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, where the first pastor used to skate along the Ohio Canal to get to his preaching appointments. If you have news with a keen edge to it, or some meandering figure eights to share word of, call 928-4066 or e-mail him at disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
If you were driving through Hebron last Sunday night and were puzzled by the lights shining over Canal Park, you’d be right to think it was awfully early for baseball practice to start.
But it was ice skating at the village rink that lit up the sky behind Bowman’s truck lot south of Main St. Ice skating, you ask? Village rink? That’s what we’re talking about during these deep freeze days of January.
Scott Walters, who is just going off of the Parks Committee on village council, has been working with village staff to set up a skating rink on one of the ball fields just off of Cumberland Street and Canal Road. This 80 by 200 foot area is made up of a rubber liner and outer boards along with some simple signage indicating the hazards of skating and recommending protective gear (like the signs at the bike park in Evans Park just north of town).
“We were looking for another way to give back to the citizens of Hebron in all seasons,” said councilmember Walters, “and this gives people another reason to come to Hebron parks.” Mike McFarland had seen a similar portable rink arrangement in Glenford, and when this gently used one became available, the next step was obvious: time for a Hebron skating rink!
Right now, you have to bring your own skates, since the costs of buying and renting out gear makes a cost-effective idea suddenly quite expensive. “But lots of people are finding they or their neighbors have skates hung up in the garage from when people used to skate out on the lake all the time.”
Some of those Buckeye Lake classics are showing up on the feet of kids who look much younger than the skates they wear, with a few dozen out on the ice the first day. The six inches of ice are dependent on the weather, but that’s been the easiest part to date. Help from Hebron’s Fire and Street Departments, as well as assistance from the Union Township maintenance crew, got the rink in place under the ballfield lights that are already in place. While generally unsupervised, activities at the rink and day to day operation is just tied to checking ice conditions indicated by whether the sign at the entrance says “open” or “closed.”
With Scott moving over to chair the Finance Committee, Ray Guinsler will take over as Parks chairman, but he plans to stay involved in bringing more and more of the community to the parks of Hebron.
“Thanks to Bear Creek Company, we just got 300 trees planted out at Evans Park, and there on the ball courts we hope to have some lawn-chair concerts this summer,” Walters points out. Back to the winter and Canal Park, your columnist pointed out a cost-effective promotion might be to have Tonya Harding come to give clinics on both ice skating and boxing, but Scott wasn’t sure he’d take that one back to committee. “We’ve got a few ideas of our own to discuss; that’d be. . .interesting.”
Well if you don’t like the idea you can just say so. . .
Next Saturday (Jan. 25) is Books & Coffee, discussing “Johnny Tremain” at 612 W. Main St. in the front room at 10:00 am; you may have already guessed that if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, you may want to bring your own! With great literature written originally for children on our minds, and with plunging temperatures and a new ice rink, perhaps “Hans Brinker” is a good secondary choice (now there’s an oldie: anyone else out there read that one?).
If you know of any other events planned for the Spring on the Ohio Bicentennial, please let me know; next week, I’ll have more to tell you about the March 1 event for “Statehood Day” and some basketball news. It is time to start letting go of football a little, isn’t it? Oh, but I will have to tell you about the “Souper Bowl” again next week, and no, that’s not a typo! We just like confusing the spell-check program here at the Hebron Crossroads.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, where the first pastor used to skate along the Ohio Canal to get to his preaching appointments. If you have news with a keen edge to it, or some meandering figure eights to share word of, call 928-4066 or e-mail him at disciple@voyager.net.
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
Hebron Crossroads 1-12-03
By Jeff Gill
If you’ve been hearing some of the discussions about the Newark Earthworks lately and wanted to know more about their 2000 years of history, you might want to watch Adelphia Cable channel 5 this Tuesday (Jan. 14) at 7:30 pm. Rich Lutze, the general manager of Adelphia here in the area, hosts a program called "Headlines – Licking County" each week. Recently, he taped a program on the mounds of our area, particularly the Octagon and Observatory Circle of Newark Earthworks State Memorial.
His guests for this week’s program are Dr. Richard Shiels of OSU-Newark, a professor of history, and your Hebron Crossroads columnist! So tune in and save me telling you again in print what an amazing cultural legacy we have here right in our own backyard.
(Oh, you may know the Octagon/Observatory part of the Newark Earthworks as Moundbuilders Country Club, but as a public site there are well marked spots off of 33rd St. and behind the hospital where you can view them.)
History is going to be a big theme for all of this year, with the Ohio Bicentennial officially beginning at Adena State Memorial in Chillicothe on March 1. From the front lawn of Thomas Worthington’s home is the view enshrined on the Great Seal of our state, and inside is one of Ohio’s most beautiful and most historic homes, with the involvement of Benjamin Latrobe in the design making a tie between Adena and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home on the back of your nickle.
On your license plates has been a running reminder that, while Newark snuck a bow in towards the bicentennial in 2002, the statewide observance officially begins this year, and while the high and mighty will make the lines long down at Adena (so visit, but wait ‘til later), March 1 will be a big day in Licking County, too.
Come out on that Saturday morning to OSU-N at Hopewell Hall, and there will be a pancake breakfast through the morning on either side of a 10:30 am picture of the state of Ohio, formed by you, me, and a few hundred of our closest friends! A number of us from the Lakewood area are working on and with the county bicentennial commission, and there will be more to tell you, but make sure to come eat the pancakes at Statehood Day and be in the photo of an Ohio outlined and scripted by Licking County residents.
Right here in Hebron, our own Hebron Historical Society is doing their part by sponsoring special "badges" that many of us will be wearing on and before March 1. They are a two inch replica of the Hebron shield, with the slight modification of the years "1803-2003" and the words "Hebron Historical" above the village outline and the paths of the Ohio Canal and Ohio 79 crossing the National Road.
Jody Schoop is coordinating this effort by the Hebron Historical Society (which meets on first Mondays at 7:30 pm in the Masonic Building), and she tells me that they are available at the Municipal Building during business hours for $3, or you can call her at 928-4161 for more info – or to arrange buying them in bulk, and give them to all your friends!
And of course there’s the wider context of our history as retold in fiction: have you read "Johnny Tremain" yet? I know some of you have (some have re-read it for the first time since junior high, I’ve heard), and we’re looking forward to the first "Books & Coffee" at 612 W. Main in the front room on Sat., Jan. 25 at 10 am.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and often involved in hysterical activities; or is that historical? Either way, pass along news and notes to "Hebron Crossroads" by calling 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
If you’ve been hearing some of the discussions about the Newark Earthworks lately and wanted to know more about their 2000 years of history, you might want to watch Adelphia Cable channel 5 this Tuesday (Jan. 14) at 7:30 pm. Rich Lutze, the general manager of Adelphia here in the area, hosts a program called "Headlines – Licking County" each week. Recently, he taped a program on the mounds of our area, particularly the Octagon and Observatory Circle of Newark Earthworks State Memorial.
His guests for this week’s program are Dr. Richard Shiels of OSU-Newark, a professor of history, and your Hebron Crossroads columnist! So tune in and save me telling you again in print what an amazing cultural legacy we have here right in our own backyard.
(Oh, you may know the Octagon/Observatory part of the Newark Earthworks as Moundbuilders Country Club, but as a public site there are well marked spots off of 33rd St. and behind the hospital where you can view them.)
History is going to be a big theme for all of this year, with the Ohio Bicentennial officially beginning at Adena State Memorial in Chillicothe on March 1. From the front lawn of Thomas Worthington’s home is the view enshrined on the Great Seal of our state, and inside is one of Ohio’s most beautiful and most historic homes, with the involvement of Benjamin Latrobe in the design making a tie between Adena and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home on the back of your nickle.
On your license plates has been a running reminder that, while Newark snuck a bow in towards the bicentennial in 2002, the statewide observance officially begins this year, and while the high and mighty will make the lines long down at Adena (so visit, but wait ‘til later), March 1 will be a big day in Licking County, too.
Come out on that Saturday morning to OSU-N at Hopewell Hall, and there will be a pancake breakfast through the morning on either side of a 10:30 am picture of the state of Ohio, formed by you, me, and a few hundred of our closest friends! A number of us from the Lakewood area are working on and with the county bicentennial commission, and there will be more to tell you, but make sure to come eat the pancakes at Statehood Day and be in the photo of an Ohio outlined and scripted by Licking County residents.
Right here in Hebron, our own Hebron Historical Society is doing their part by sponsoring special "badges" that many of us will be wearing on and before March 1. They are a two inch replica of the Hebron shield, with the slight modification of the years "1803-2003" and the words "Hebron Historical" above the village outline and the paths of the Ohio Canal and Ohio 79 crossing the National Road.
Jody Schoop is coordinating this effort by the Hebron Historical Society (which meets on first Mondays at 7:30 pm in the Masonic Building), and she tells me that they are available at the Municipal Building during business hours for $3, or you can call her at 928-4161 for more info – or to arrange buying them in bulk, and give them to all your friends!
And of course there’s the wider context of our history as retold in fiction: have you read "Johnny Tremain" yet? I know some of you have (some have re-read it for the first time since junior high, I’ve heard), and we’re looking forward to the first "Books & Coffee" at 612 W. Main in the front room on Sat., Jan. 25 at 10 am.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and often involved in hysterical activities; or is that historical? Either way, pass along news and notes to "Hebron Crossroads" by calling 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Monday, December 30, 2002
Sun. Jan. 26
Souper Bowl Sunday!
This is a good reminder to bring canned goods -- like soup! -- for the food pantry this Sunday. Some folks like to get a can of food to donate for each snack item they buy for the Super Bowl celebration later on in the day. However you do it, help us make this a "Souper" Sunday for the food pantry.
Souper Bowl Sunday!
This is a good reminder to bring canned goods -- like soup! -- for the food pantry this Sunday. Some folks like to get a can of food to donate for each snack item they buy for the Super Bowl celebration later on in the day. However you do it, help us make this a "Souper" Sunday for the food pantry.
Hebron Crossroads 1-05-03
By Jeff Gill
Winter is a fine time for reading. I enjoy skiing, and even snow shoveling has its pleasures (when you grew up shoveling snowfall
measured in feet), but there’s no time like these next few months for sitting near a fire, turning on a lamp, and opening up a book.
So the long promised (or threatened!) “Books and Coffee” series will begin the fourth Saturday of January, and run at least through May. We’ll meet at 10 am, in the meeting room at the front of 612 W. Main St. next to Hebron Christian Church, and I’ll have the coffee ready if you’ll come to talk about your reaction to the book o’ the month. They’ll all be relatively short, easily accessible by library or Waldenbooks at the mall, and picked by yours truly.
Jan. 25 we’ll look at “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes. Officially a “juvenile” novel, this is a story of Boston as the American Revolution is getting started, and seemed a good choice as we’re about to see Ohio’s bicentennial celebration get started (March 1, don’t forget!). Published during the onset of World War II, Forbes was looking for ways to make history accessible and relevant to young people, but wrote a piece of historical fiction for the ages.
February 22 the selection is “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by Jean-Dominque Bauby. This nearly un-summarizable book has to be read to be believed, and is quite short so why not try it? I guarantee a lively and memorable discussion.
March 22, as we’re all getting antsy with spring fever (or cabin fever if the winter’s grip has relaxed yet), the book is “Under a Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes. This is a true story that will warm up the most frigid view out your window as you read in February and March. There’s something here for cooks, carpenters, gardeners, teachers, poets, whatever your interests.
April 26, with Easter just past, we’ll look at “Desire of the Everlasting Hills” by Thomas Cahill, who wrote “How the Irish Saved Civilization.” Cahill is working his way through a series called “The Hinges of History,” and from his first Gaelic tribute to this most recent social history of the man Jesus, he’s living up to his intentions of giving a non-specialist overview of the major turning points in western civilization.
And the close of this experiment I made a “classic” that is rarely read today, but still in print (so someone’s reading it), Anthony Trollope’s “The Warden.” Again, a short book, but with a long reach across nearly 150 years into issues of today.
Even if you can’t attend any of the Saturday “Books and Coffee” gatherings but just decide to read a few of these titles that caught your fancy, you’ll have helped make this endeavor worthwhile. In fact, if someone e-mails me a few thoughts they had on completing the book for that month, I promise to make use of your contribution as we begin our discussion.
Of course, if you haven’t read (or finished) the book you’re more than welcome to attend; we just can’t promise not to ruin the ending for you! And the conversation is all the more interesting if you have some sense of who or what we’re talking about.
So request the book from the library, or go see the display at Waldenbooks (thanks Anita and Justin and Michelle!), and find a warm corner to read; we’ll see you Jan. 25.
Oh, and Go Bucks!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and compulsive reader; if there’s a cure, he doesn’t want it! If you have news or book reports to share, call him at 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
Winter is a fine time for reading. I enjoy skiing, and even snow shoveling has its pleasures (when you grew up shoveling snowfall
measured in feet), but there’s no time like these next few months for sitting near a fire, turning on a lamp, and opening up a book.
So the long promised (or threatened!) “Books and Coffee” series will begin the fourth Saturday of January, and run at least through May. We’ll meet at 10 am, in the meeting room at the front of 612 W. Main St. next to Hebron Christian Church, and I’ll have the coffee ready if you’ll come to talk about your reaction to the book o’ the month. They’ll all be relatively short, easily accessible by library or Waldenbooks at the mall, and picked by yours truly.
Jan. 25 we’ll look at “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes. Officially a “juvenile” novel, this is a story of Boston as the American Revolution is getting started, and seemed a good choice as we’re about to see Ohio’s bicentennial celebration get started (March 1, don’t forget!). Published during the onset of World War II, Forbes was looking for ways to make history accessible and relevant to young people, but wrote a piece of historical fiction for the ages.
February 22 the selection is “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” by Jean-Dominque Bauby. This nearly un-summarizable book has to be read to be believed, and is quite short so why not try it? I guarantee a lively and memorable discussion.
March 22, as we’re all getting antsy with spring fever (or cabin fever if the winter’s grip has relaxed yet), the book is “Under a Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes. This is a true story that will warm up the most frigid view out your window as you read in February and March. There’s something here for cooks, carpenters, gardeners, teachers, poets, whatever your interests.
April 26, with Easter just past, we’ll look at “Desire of the Everlasting Hills” by Thomas Cahill, who wrote “How the Irish Saved Civilization.” Cahill is working his way through a series called “The Hinges of History,” and from his first Gaelic tribute to this most recent social history of the man Jesus, he’s living up to his intentions of giving a non-specialist overview of the major turning points in western civilization.
And the close of this experiment I made a “classic” that is rarely read today, but still in print (so someone’s reading it), Anthony Trollope’s “The Warden.” Again, a short book, but with a long reach across nearly 150 years into issues of today.
Even if you can’t attend any of the Saturday “Books and Coffee” gatherings but just decide to read a few of these titles that caught your fancy, you’ll have helped make this endeavor worthwhile. In fact, if someone e-mails me a few thoughts they had on completing the book for that month, I promise to make use of your contribution as we begin our discussion.
Of course, if you haven’t read (or finished) the book you’re more than welcome to attend; we just can’t promise not to ruin the ending for you! And the conversation is all the more interesting if you have some sense of who or what we’re talking about.
So request the book from the library, or go see the display at Waldenbooks (thanks Anita and Justin and Michelle!), and find a warm corner to read; we’ll see you Jan. 25.
Oh, and Go Bucks!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and compulsive reader; if there’s a cure, he doesn’t want it! If you have news or book reports to share, call him at 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Sunday, December 29, 2002
Notes From My Knapsack
With the season of Christmas winding up on Epiphany Sunday (also known as Post-Fiesta Bowl Sunday), it’s also a good time for looking back over the “Holiday Season” and how the society around us does and doesn’t observe the occasion.
You’ve probably already heard how “the Gap” has instructed employees not to say “Merry Christmas”, and in fact I learned from employees at the mall that the landlords told all stores to avoid putting the word “Christmas” in any of their displays (I’m assuming, I hope unfairly, that manger scenes would have been completely out of the question). We’ve talked in the adult Sunday School classes and I’ve mentioned from the pulpit in recent weeks how seasonal music in ads and public spaces is now almost completely “carol-free,” limited to “Jingle Bells”, “Let It Snow”, and “Chestnuts Roasting. . .”, which was “The Christmas Song” when Nat King Cole first sang it, but never mind.
There’s plenty of room to bemoan some of these cultural developments, but let me tell you what the good news is in all of this. For many years, I think we’ve been too comfortable with assuming that society is taking care of teaching Christianity to our young, and reminding the more mature of the meaning of the story, not to mention the “reason for the season.” The good news, the Good News out of the new day we find ourselves in, is that we now know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if we want our children to learn the story and meaning of Christmas, we’re going to have to teach it to ‘em ourselves. The Gap isn’t gonna do it, Target won’t get it done, and the mall doesn’t care. And ya know what? I’m not sure they ever did.
As to the comment “but we’re in the majority, we shouldn’t let a minority take away our Christmas,” here’s an observation that isn’t good news, but is a good challenge as we go into our annual meeting Jan. 26 and Christian Ed planning Jan. 9: on Christmas Eve, we were rightfully pleased to see around 165 in worship. But Hebron has around 2200 residents, and if the four churches in town averaged about the same, that’s 660 souls in church, on a pretty churchgoin’ night of the year. We’ll average about 101 in worship through the year (up from last year, to be sure), and even if you use the 250 that attend at least five times a year, or “active members”, and call that an average of the four Hebron churches (which would be generous), that’s 1000, or less than half.
We’ve got a ways to go before we can really say that a majority of Hebron, or almost any other place in the USA, is truly Christian. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Are we ready to reach out to the unchurched in the Lakewood area? See you at the congregational meeting and dinner after worship the 26th!
In Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
Your Family History:
A Story Worth Telling
Pastor Jeff will present his program on oral history and telling your family story at the Hebron Library on Sat., Feb. 1, at 10 am. The talk and discussion will last about an hour and a half, and is open to all!
* * * * * * *
Books and Coffee
Jan. 25, Feb. 22, 10 am
At the old parsonage meeting room on the fourth Saturday of the month this winter, you and your friends are invited to sit down with a cup of coffee and a good book. Waldenbooks is helping promote this series of discussions, led by Pastor Jeff. The January book is “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes, and February is “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” Selections for Books and Coffee are fairly short, available in paperback, and generally can be gotten at the library in either our church or down at the Hebron branch, or you can go buy your own and bend the covers back all you want! Invite a friend and join us through May; we will also have a Wednesday Bible Study mornings through Lent, starting Ash Wednesday.
* * * * * * *
Friendly Class on the move!
The adult class will be moving for the next few months to Fellowship Hall; we’ll meet around tables with coffee in hand and maybe a munchable item or two, along with the lectionary-based Bible study. Come join the assembly at 9:30 in the sanctuary, and then drop downstairs for class.
With the season of Christmas winding up on Epiphany Sunday (also known as Post-Fiesta Bowl Sunday), it’s also a good time for looking back over the “Holiday Season” and how the society around us does and doesn’t observe the occasion.
You’ve probably already heard how “the Gap” has instructed employees not to say “Merry Christmas”, and in fact I learned from employees at the mall that the landlords told all stores to avoid putting the word “Christmas” in any of their displays (I’m assuming, I hope unfairly, that manger scenes would have been completely out of the question). We’ve talked in the adult Sunday School classes and I’ve mentioned from the pulpit in recent weeks how seasonal music in ads and public spaces is now almost completely “carol-free,” limited to “Jingle Bells”, “Let It Snow”, and “Chestnuts Roasting. . .”, which was “The Christmas Song” when Nat King Cole first sang it, but never mind.
There’s plenty of room to bemoan some of these cultural developments, but let me tell you what the good news is in all of this. For many years, I think we’ve been too comfortable with assuming that society is taking care of teaching Christianity to our young, and reminding the more mature of the meaning of the story, not to mention the “reason for the season.” The good news, the Good News out of the new day we find ourselves in, is that we now know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if we want our children to learn the story and meaning of Christmas, we’re going to have to teach it to ‘em ourselves. The Gap isn’t gonna do it, Target won’t get it done, and the mall doesn’t care. And ya know what? I’m not sure they ever did.
As to the comment “but we’re in the majority, we shouldn’t let a minority take away our Christmas,” here’s an observation that isn’t good news, but is a good challenge as we go into our annual meeting Jan. 26 and Christian Ed planning Jan. 9: on Christmas Eve, we were rightfully pleased to see around 165 in worship. But Hebron has around 2200 residents, and if the four churches in town averaged about the same, that’s 660 souls in church, on a pretty churchgoin’ night of the year. We’ll average about 101 in worship through the year (up from last year, to be sure), and even if you use the 250 that attend at least five times a year, or “active members”, and call that an average of the four Hebron churches (which would be generous), that’s 1000, or less than half.
We’ve got a ways to go before we can really say that a majority of Hebron, or almost any other place in the USA, is truly Christian. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Are we ready to reach out to the unchurched in the Lakewood area? See you at the congregational meeting and dinner after worship the 26th!
In Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
Your Family History:
A Story Worth Telling
Pastor Jeff will present his program on oral history and telling your family story at the Hebron Library on Sat., Feb. 1, at 10 am. The talk and discussion will last about an hour and a half, and is open to all!
* * * * * * *
Books and Coffee
Jan. 25, Feb. 22, 10 am
At the old parsonage meeting room on the fourth Saturday of the month this winter, you and your friends are invited to sit down with a cup of coffee and a good book. Waldenbooks is helping promote this series of discussions, led by Pastor Jeff. The January book is “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes, and February is “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.” Selections for Books and Coffee are fairly short, available in paperback, and generally can be gotten at the library in either our church or down at the Hebron branch, or you can go buy your own and bend the covers back all you want! Invite a friend and join us through May; we will also have a Wednesday Bible Study mornings through Lent, starting Ash Wednesday.
* * * * * * *
Friendly Class on the move!
The adult class will be moving for the next few months to Fellowship Hall; we’ll meet around tables with coffee in hand and maybe a munchable item or two, along with the lectionary-based Bible study. Come join the assembly at 9:30 in the sanctuary, and then drop downstairs for class.
Monday, December 23, 2002
Booster East cover 12-29
Jacksontown Community Breakfast
By Jeff Gill
Are you hungry?
If it’s the first Saturday of the month, and it’s after 11 am, you have only yourself to blame. Nobody who passed through the Jacksontown United Methodist Church for breakfast has room for much more than a cracker until evening.
For eleven years next month, the Community Breakfast in Jack-town (as most locals call it) has been an institution, drawing folk in every first Saturday from all around Licking and Perry Counties, and even from farther away.
Last month, the December breakfast dawned bright and cold, with nearly 50 cars in the church lot just after 7 am. The couple collecting $4 apiece at the bottom of the steps to the basement thought turnout was a bit light because of the temperature, but the room was warm and full to a casual visitor's eye.
Working along a buffet line of crock pots and friendly faces helping serve bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, fruit cups, and cups of coffee, a patron carries a now loaded tray in search of a seat in either the main area or one of two Sunday school rooms that serve as dining areas these Saturdays.
It’s hard not to find a familiar face for most visitors here, or at least a smiling one. As you sit down and dig in, conversation around you indicates that your fellow breakfasters are from Alexandria and Somerset, from Columbus and even Cincinnati. You can end up in conversations about installing culverts, calving season, teachers’ conferences, nursing shortages in OR’s, or comparing download times from internet services. One story going around is that a fellow with family in the area times his visits from Tennessee to coincide with the Jacksontown Community Breakfast.
None of this surprises Keith Cotterman, who has helped lead this program of his church since the beginning, along with his wife Dottie.
“We start a week before each first Saturday putting together everything we need,” says Keith. “We buy our meat from Al’s Meat Market in Newark, the eggs sometimes are donated locally, and everything else is brought in by church members.”
The idea began with a similar, smaller breakfast in Thornville, and when that program began to wind down, Keith went down to visit with Don Royer to see how they’d done it. That was January of 1992, and they began at Jacksontown United Methodist Church the next month. . .and haven’t stopped since.
At 5:30 am, winter or summer, light or dark, Keith and a few of what will end up being a 30 person crew unlock the church building, set out the crock pots, and start the coffee urns. 7:00 am is the opening, and there’s always a line waiting to get in when they start. By the 11:00 am wrap-up, the church will have served breakfast to 400 to 475 people.
“The church has used the proceeds over the years for a variety of ‘over and above’ projects,” says Pastor Bob Beyer. “We’ve made some building improvements, including increasing our handicap accessibility to the basement. Our administrative council will decide where the money from the January 4 breakfast will go, and they have allocated the December dollars to the new ‘Water’s Edge’ ministry in Buckeye Lake plus some seed money for a new church start in the district.”
Keith and Bob share a variety of causes and concerns the breakfast earnings have supported, including youth camp fees and for a Russian missionary who’s been in town to preach. The breakfast has also brought in at least ten families to the church over the last five years, they estimate.
“I have never had to recruit help,” says Keith. “People just show up and start working.”
Among the long-time regulars, he points out Bonnie Lovejoy as gravy maker, Bud Lovejoy for pancake flipping, Ruth Wilson on fruit cups, and Dick Beard with potatoes and sausage. This particular breakfast, a number of the youth group members have sacrificed sleeping in to help with their Santa hats as servers, part of their support of the youth programs with Water’s Edge.
The congregation, with a classic old wood frame building and graceful spire visible as you drive south on Rt. 13 into Jack-town, has two worship services on Sundays at 9:15 and 11 am. With around 150 in worship between the services, they have about 20% of their active membership directly involved in the community breakfast program.
“This is a real unifying experience for the congregation,” says Pastor Bob, “but we do it because we really like seeing all the happy faces together to start a day like today.”
They would love to break the 500 mark someday, but doubt that Jan. 4 will be the day, guessing that many Ohioans will be up late the night before. On the other hand, we agree that a good solid country breakfast will be just the thing however the Fiesta Bowl turns out.
The Jacksontown Community Breakfast is every first Saturday of the month at Jacksontown United Methodist Church from 7:00 to 11:00 am, just south of the intersection of US Rt 40 and State Rt 13. The next breakfast is Jan. 4, and the cost is $4 per person. Proceeds go to support the mission, outreach, and ministry programs of the congregation.
Hebron Crossroads 12-29
By Jeff Gill
Hebron Village trash pickup is on Monday, and the one after Christmas is always a sight to see!
The mounds of bags, black plastic or festive shredded gift sacks; the piles of boxes wedged tight against the winter winds; white plastic kitchen garbage liners bulging with the remnants of good cheer gone south. It can all “pile up” as a commentary against the excesses of the holiday season.
But every time I’m tempted to react too negatively against the commercial and disposable side of the Christmas season, I remember the refugee families I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with through the years in churches. From Cambodia or Laos, from Armenia or Somalia, one thing they all had in common: they loved the malls and the grocery stores.
Sure, they were a little scary, and yep, they usually couldn’t buy two things there even with some financial help (at first), but the sight of all those consumer goods, in great supply and vast selection. . .and without armed guards standing near the produce aisle, or government officials waiting to stamp your “permission to buy a radio” book! Over and over I’ve heard refugees say, “This really is a free country, isn’t it?”
And they know it isn’t “free” as in “not paying”, but free as in, if you have the money, you do what you choose with it. Looking at 47 varieties of salad dressing, where I see one more annoying decision I have to make, they see freedom and democracy even when they can’t afford to buy it. They know they’ll be back, and they want the Ranch Bacon Fat free, but all in good time.
So enjoy the excess as long as you appreciate what it means, which will probably make you a little less wasteful and a whole lot more thankful when it comes right down to it.
Speaking of which, with Christmas right behind us, it’s not too early to start reminding ourselves that the food pantries and aid programs often clean off the shelves to give families a boost through Christmas Day, and the winter will continue. If you’ve given generously to a local pantry or service group who see the needy each day, try to help ‘em out a bit each month right on through the year. Same goes for blood drives right after the holidays, which is as bad as the summer for keeping stocks up; check your local fire department or municipal office for a blood drive near you.
This is the big week for Buckeye fans, with not a few of our local folk leaving the Crossroads for the big trip west to Tempe. We hope the big screens in the hotels there have as good a picture of the living room TV’s in Hebron, as tickets are still sounding scarce (insert unnecessary hen’s teeth reference here). But there’s so much natural history and scenery to soak up in Arizona that I’m sure football fans won’t mind not getting into the stadium. Don’t forget the Spanish missions, the world-famous Desert Museum, the Lost Dutchman Mine, side trips to the Grand Canyon. . .
Somehow, I’m guessing that this isn’t helping. But have a great time everybody, OK? At least you won’t be scraping ice from your windshield.
Well, we’ll see you next in a new year; we’ve got restaurant openings, the “Mine + Nine” campaign, “Books & Coffee,” Statehood Day March 1, new library programs and wagon trains along the National Road, et cetera. 2003 looks like a fun and full year at the Hebron Crossroads! Come join us on down the road.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a local columnist; if you have news, info, or just “stuff” for the column, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Jacksontown Community Breakfast
By Jeff Gill
Are you hungry?
If it’s the first Saturday of the month, and it’s after 11 am, you have only yourself to blame. Nobody who passed through the Jacksontown United Methodist Church for breakfast has room for much more than a cracker until evening.
For eleven years next month, the Community Breakfast in Jack-town (as most locals call it) has been an institution, drawing folk in every first Saturday from all around Licking and Perry Counties, and even from farther away.
Last month, the December breakfast dawned bright and cold, with nearly 50 cars in the church lot just after 7 am. The couple collecting $4 apiece at the bottom of the steps to the basement thought turnout was a bit light because of the temperature, but the room was warm and full to a casual visitor's eye.
Working along a buffet line of crock pots and friendly faces helping serve bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, fruit cups, and cups of coffee, a patron carries a now loaded tray in search of a seat in either the main area or one of two Sunday school rooms that serve as dining areas these Saturdays.
It’s hard not to find a familiar face for most visitors here, or at least a smiling one. As you sit down and dig in, conversation around you indicates that your fellow breakfasters are from Alexandria and Somerset, from Columbus and even Cincinnati. You can end up in conversations about installing culverts, calving season, teachers’ conferences, nursing shortages in OR’s, or comparing download times from internet services. One story going around is that a fellow with family in the area times his visits from Tennessee to coincide with the Jacksontown Community Breakfast.
None of this surprises Keith Cotterman, who has helped lead this program of his church since the beginning, along with his wife Dottie.
“We start a week before each first Saturday putting together everything we need,” says Keith. “We buy our meat from Al’s Meat Market in Newark, the eggs sometimes are donated locally, and everything else is brought in by church members.”
The idea began with a similar, smaller breakfast in Thornville, and when that program began to wind down, Keith went down to visit with Don Royer to see how they’d done it. That was January of 1992, and they began at Jacksontown United Methodist Church the next month. . .and haven’t stopped since.
At 5:30 am, winter or summer, light or dark, Keith and a few of what will end up being a 30 person crew unlock the church building, set out the crock pots, and start the coffee urns. 7:00 am is the opening, and there’s always a line waiting to get in when they start. By the 11:00 am wrap-up, the church will have served breakfast to 400 to 475 people.
“The church has used the proceeds over the years for a variety of ‘over and above’ projects,” says Pastor Bob Beyer. “We’ve made some building improvements, including increasing our handicap accessibility to the basement. Our administrative council will decide where the money from the January 4 breakfast will go, and they have allocated the December dollars to the new ‘Water’s Edge’ ministry in Buckeye Lake plus some seed money for a new church start in the district.”
Keith and Bob share a variety of causes and concerns the breakfast earnings have supported, including youth camp fees and for a Russian missionary who’s been in town to preach. The breakfast has also brought in at least ten families to the church over the last five years, they estimate.
“I have never had to recruit help,” says Keith. “People just show up and start working.”
Among the long-time regulars, he points out Bonnie Lovejoy as gravy maker, Bud Lovejoy for pancake flipping, Ruth Wilson on fruit cups, and Dick Beard with potatoes and sausage. This particular breakfast, a number of the youth group members have sacrificed sleeping in to help with their Santa hats as servers, part of their support of the youth programs with Water’s Edge.
The congregation, with a classic old wood frame building and graceful spire visible as you drive south on Rt. 13 into Jack-town, has two worship services on Sundays at 9:15 and 11 am. With around 150 in worship between the services, they have about 20% of their active membership directly involved in the community breakfast program.
“This is a real unifying experience for the congregation,” says Pastor Bob, “but we do it because we really like seeing all the happy faces together to start a day like today.”
They would love to break the 500 mark someday, but doubt that Jan. 4 will be the day, guessing that many Ohioans will be up late the night before. On the other hand, we agree that a good solid country breakfast will be just the thing however the Fiesta Bowl turns out.
The Jacksontown Community Breakfast is every first Saturday of the month at Jacksontown United Methodist Church from 7:00 to 11:00 am, just south of the intersection of US Rt 40 and State Rt 13. The next breakfast is Jan. 4, and the cost is $4 per person. Proceeds go to support the mission, outreach, and ministry programs of the congregation.
Hebron Crossroads 12-29
By Jeff Gill
Hebron Village trash pickup is on Monday, and the one after Christmas is always a sight to see!
The mounds of bags, black plastic or festive shredded gift sacks; the piles of boxes wedged tight against the winter winds; white plastic kitchen garbage liners bulging with the remnants of good cheer gone south. It can all “pile up” as a commentary against the excesses of the holiday season.
But every time I’m tempted to react too negatively against the commercial and disposable side of the Christmas season, I remember the refugee families I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with through the years in churches. From Cambodia or Laos, from Armenia or Somalia, one thing they all had in common: they loved the malls and the grocery stores.
Sure, they were a little scary, and yep, they usually couldn’t buy two things there even with some financial help (at first), but the sight of all those consumer goods, in great supply and vast selection. . .and without armed guards standing near the produce aisle, or government officials waiting to stamp your “permission to buy a radio” book! Over and over I’ve heard refugees say, “This really is a free country, isn’t it?”
And they know it isn’t “free” as in “not paying”, but free as in, if you have the money, you do what you choose with it. Looking at 47 varieties of salad dressing, where I see one more annoying decision I have to make, they see freedom and democracy even when they can’t afford to buy it. They know they’ll be back, and they want the Ranch Bacon Fat free, but all in good time.
So enjoy the excess as long as you appreciate what it means, which will probably make you a little less wasteful and a whole lot more thankful when it comes right down to it.
Speaking of which, with Christmas right behind us, it’s not too early to start reminding ourselves that the food pantries and aid programs often clean off the shelves to give families a boost through Christmas Day, and the winter will continue. If you’ve given generously to a local pantry or service group who see the needy each day, try to help ‘em out a bit each month right on through the year. Same goes for blood drives right after the holidays, which is as bad as the summer for keeping stocks up; check your local fire department or municipal office for a blood drive near you.
This is the big week for Buckeye fans, with not a few of our local folk leaving the Crossroads for the big trip west to Tempe. We hope the big screens in the hotels there have as good a picture of the living room TV’s in Hebron, as tickets are still sounding scarce (insert unnecessary hen’s teeth reference here). But there’s so much natural history and scenery to soak up in Arizona that I’m sure football fans won’t mind not getting into the stadium. Don’t forget the Spanish missions, the world-famous Desert Museum, the Lost Dutchman Mine, side trips to the Grand Canyon. . .
Somehow, I’m guessing that this isn’t helping. But have a great time everybody, OK? At least you won’t be scraping ice from your windshield.
Well, we’ll see you next in a new year; we’ve got restaurant openings, the “Mine + Nine” campaign, “Books & Coffee,” Statehood Day March 1, new library programs and wagon trains along the National Road, et cetera. 2003 looks like a fun and full year at the Hebron Crossroads! Come join us on down the road.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a local columnist; if you have news, info, or just “stuff” for the column, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Hebron Crossroads 12-22
By Jeff Gill
The time has come!
Christmas Sunday, Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Christmas Day on Wednesday; the time to gather and celebrate and give and receive is now upon us. If you’re looking for places to join in the celebration, here are some of the observances going on this week around the Hebron Crossroads.
Jacksontown United Methodist Church is having only the 9:15 am service this Sunday, with baptism and confirmation part of worship, along with a youth cantata. On Christmas Eve they will hold a candlelight service at 7:00 pm.
Hebron Christian Church on West Main will celebrate Christmas Sunday at 10:30 am, and on Christmas Eve the candlelight service with communion starts at 7:30 pm, following a concert of piano and organ music by David Ford from 7:00 pm.
Hebron United Methodist Church on East Main will share a cantata at the 10:00 am service this Sunday, and hold Christmas Eve worship at 7:00 pm.
And out on Beaver Run Road, Licking Baptist Church will hold services at 10:45 am Sunday and their Christmas Eve will start at 7:30 pm.
On Sunday afternoon, the entire community is invited to "Blues Christmas" at 4:00 pm in the Lakewood High auditorium. Sponsored by Jacksontown UMC, Hebron Christian, and Hebron UMC, this special musical program, free to the public with refreshments after, includes folk, a little rock, and of course blues-themed Christmas music. A number of churches plan to carol to their home-bound members later on that evening, and this program should get us all in the mood for singing. Load up the minivan and come to listen and sing, and chase away the holiday blues with "Blues Christmas." (No word on Elvis sightings.)
If you are looking for Christmas company, there are some meals open to the public in Licking County that are intended for anyone just looking for some extra faces and voices at the table. On Christmas Eve, at Central Christian Church on Mt. Vernon Road in Newark, a holiday meal is open to all from 4:00 to 7:00 pm when their Christmas Eve service begins. I hear that Steve and Connie Crothers have had so much spare time on their hands since her son A. J. Voris graduated from Lakewood (he’s a very active guy, we all know), that they wanted to take that new-found energy and cook dinner for however many hundred show up. You could come eat, or you could come help cook!
And on Christmas Day at noon, in the cafeteria at St. Francis de Sales’ Catholic Church just west of downtown Newark, Homer Curry and his (extended) family make dinner for all comers as well as carry out for all the police and fire crews working Christmas Day. It was my pleasure to "join" that family for a number of years (that was BC, or "before child"), and I can assure you that the fun and fellowship is there in full measure on both sides of the counter.
On the "cocooning" front, we’ve already seen "White Christmas", but all true Bing Crosby fans know that he sang Irving Berlin’s classic song first in "Holiday Inn" released in 1942. You can hear in some of the incidental dialogue the talk of mobilization and preparation for the war not quite begun, but already all around.
When I was a student at Purdue University, one of the vice-presidents who did the lobbying down at the statehouse told me a story while driving to a hearing on higher ed about walking onto the set of the closing scene in his new lieutenant’s uniform. His dad worked for the studio, and he had just finished basic and wanted to surprise his family by showing up unannounced, and the gate guard sent him over to a soundstage where the "film within the film" was being shot.
"Holiday Inn" was already one of my favorite films, but now whenever I see it, during that last sequence I visualize my friend as a young man, khakis still crisp, standing just out of sight and about to make his father jump with delighted surprise.
Oh, and of course, it was July, and the AC wasn’t helping at all as the bleached corn flakes fell and Marjorie Reynolds pulled her fur coat tight! But Bing shook his hand, Marjorie kissed him, he had one more meal at home, and went off ready to win the war single-handedly. Sixty years later, it still has that effect.
May your Christmas be full of joy and hope, family and friends, promise and fulfillment. . .and may you take the opportunity to help at least one other person this holiday season. The gift you give will be the only one you really get to keep.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and your Hebron Crossroads correspondent; if you have news to share from the area, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net. Please remember that there is often a two week lead time before printing, so don’t delay, and send your info in now!
By Jeff Gill
The time has come!
Christmas Sunday, Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Christmas Day on Wednesday; the time to gather and celebrate and give and receive is now upon us. If you’re looking for places to join in the celebration, here are some of the observances going on this week around the Hebron Crossroads.
Jacksontown United Methodist Church is having only the 9:15 am service this Sunday, with baptism and confirmation part of worship, along with a youth cantata. On Christmas Eve they will hold a candlelight service at 7:00 pm.
Hebron Christian Church on West Main will celebrate Christmas Sunday at 10:30 am, and on Christmas Eve the candlelight service with communion starts at 7:30 pm, following a concert of piano and organ music by David Ford from 7:00 pm.
Hebron United Methodist Church on East Main will share a cantata at the 10:00 am service this Sunday, and hold Christmas Eve worship at 7:00 pm.
And out on Beaver Run Road, Licking Baptist Church will hold services at 10:45 am Sunday and their Christmas Eve will start at 7:30 pm.
On Sunday afternoon, the entire community is invited to "Blues Christmas" at 4:00 pm in the Lakewood High auditorium. Sponsored by Jacksontown UMC, Hebron Christian, and Hebron UMC, this special musical program, free to the public with refreshments after, includes folk, a little rock, and of course blues-themed Christmas music. A number of churches plan to carol to their home-bound members later on that evening, and this program should get us all in the mood for singing. Load up the minivan and come to listen and sing, and chase away the holiday blues with "Blues Christmas." (No word on Elvis sightings.)
If you are looking for Christmas company, there are some meals open to the public in Licking County that are intended for anyone just looking for some extra faces and voices at the table. On Christmas Eve, at Central Christian Church on Mt. Vernon Road in Newark, a holiday meal is open to all from 4:00 to 7:00 pm when their Christmas Eve service begins. I hear that Steve and Connie Crothers have had so much spare time on their hands since her son A. J. Voris graduated from Lakewood (he’s a very active guy, we all know), that they wanted to take that new-found energy and cook dinner for however many hundred show up. You could come eat, or you could come help cook!
And on Christmas Day at noon, in the cafeteria at St. Francis de Sales’ Catholic Church just west of downtown Newark, Homer Curry and his (extended) family make dinner for all comers as well as carry out for all the police and fire crews working Christmas Day. It was my pleasure to "join" that family for a number of years (that was BC, or "before child"), and I can assure you that the fun and fellowship is there in full measure on both sides of the counter.
On the "cocooning" front, we’ve already seen "White Christmas", but all true Bing Crosby fans know that he sang Irving Berlin’s classic song first in "Holiday Inn" released in 1942. You can hear in some of the incidental dialogue the talk of mobilization and preparation for the war not quite begun, but already all around.
When I was a student at Purdue University, one of the vice-presidents who did the lobbying down at the statehouse told me a story while driving to a hearing on higher ed about walking onto the set of the closing scene in his new lieutenant’s uniform. His dad worked for the studio, and he had just finished basic and wanted to surprise his family by showing up unannounced, and the gate guard sent him over to a soundstage where the "film within the film" was being shot.
"Holiday Inn" was already one of my favorite films, but now whenever I see it, during that last sequence I visualize my friend as a young man, khakis still crisp, standing just out of sight and about to make his father jump with delighted surprise.
Oh, and of course, it was July, and the AC wasn’t helping at all as the bleached corn flakes fell and Marjorie Reynolds pulled her fur coat tight! But Bing shook his hand, Marjorie kissed him, he had one more meal at home, and went off ready to win the war single-handedly. Sixty years later, it still has that effect.
May your Christmas be full of joy and hope, family and friends, promise and fulfillment. . .and may you take the opportunity to help at least one other person this holiday season. The gift you give will be the only one you really get to keep.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and your Hebron Crossroads correspondent; if you have news to share from the area, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net. Please remember that there is often a two week lead time before printing, so don’t delay, and send your info in now!
Saturday, December 14, 2002
The Church Window - Dec. 2002
Hebron Christian Church e-letter
Dec. 15, Third Sunday of Advent -- "Love"
Congregation Christmas Potluck after worship
Lakewood High Band & Choir Concert -- 3:00 pm
Dec. 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent -- "Joy"
"Blues Christmas" at Lakewood High auditorium
sponsored by Jacksontown & Hebron UMCs
and Hebron Christian Church -- 4:00 pm
Youth Group leads Caroling to homebound after
Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
7:00 to 7:30 pm music on piano & organ by David Ford
7:30 pm "Lessons & Carols" service with communion
* * * * * * *
Notes From My Knapsack
Thanks for all the great feedback from the Annual Planning
Retreat in November; look for the compiled results at:
http://knapsack.blogspot.com
(where i keep my newspaper column and print newsletter
text along with sundry other news of interest)
Thanks also for bearing with me as i struggled with the
"Peace Sunday" message; i appreciate knowing how many
of you also struggle with knowing that a Christian can't
casually speak in favor of war, but still feeling a deep sense
of justice about our national preparations against Iraq. It
is the easy criticism against taking armed action in the face of
terrorism that leaves me, and it turns out many of you,
troubled by those who claim to speak for the church.
Personally, i have great respect for those who advocate a
clear and consistent calling to pacifism, and i think the burden
of proof is rightfully on those who call on armed force to
solve disputes of any sort. What leaves me baffled and
frustrated are arguments that claim the moral high ground of
"situational pacifism," while reserving the right to accept force
in certain circumstances, to be determined later by the speaker.
For a better sense of "what makes for peace," in light of last
week's bestowal of the Nobel Peace Prize on Jimmy Carter,
here's some links for you. America has a number of living
Nobel laureates for peace, including Elie Wiesel, Jody
Williams (land mine activist), and Henry Kissinger (no
comment), but this land's most unappreciated winner is. . .
Norman Borlaug.
Didn't know the name? I'll bet some of our farmers do, but
you should too: read this,
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/97jan/borlaug/borlaug.htm
and then this,
http://www.dallasobserver.com/issues/2002-12-05/feature.html/1/index.html
and you'll know a little more about what being a peacemaker
sounds like. Hunger is one of those discordant notes that we have
to "damp" (in bell language) to hear the high, soft tones of peace ring out
clear and strong.
Subject change: it's Annual Report to the Congregation time again!
If you want to e-mail me text to print out for your committee, group,
class, or office, please get it in to me or Ila by Jan. 12; no Fiesta Bowl
extensions. And keep our Nominating and Budget Committees in your
prayers as they do the work of discernment and vision for our church in
black and white!
And finally, the proposed "Books and Coffee" gatherings in the former
parsonage parlor are set for fourth Saturdays at 10 am; right now the line-up is:
Jan. 25 -- "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes
Feb. 22 -- "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Mar. 22 -- "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes
Apr. 26 -- "Desire of the Everlasting Hills" by Thomas Cahill
and May 24 -- "The Warden" by Anthony Trollope
May you and yours have a blessed Advent and a very merry Christmas!
And the e-letter will see you next year in 2003;
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Hebron Christian Church e-letter
Dec. 15, Third Sunday of Advent -- "Love"
Congregation Christmas Potluck after worship
Lakewood High Band & Choir Concert -- 3:00 pm
Dec. 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent -- "Joy"
"Blues Christmas" at Lakewood High auditorium
sponsored by Jacksontown & Hebron UMCs
and Hebron Christian Church -- 4:00 pm
Youth Group leads Caroling to homebound after
Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
7:00 to 7:30 pm music on piano & organ by David Ford
7:30 pm "Lessons & Carols" service with communion
* * * * * * *
Notes From My Knapsack
Thanks for all the great feedback from the Annual Planning
Retreat in November; look for the compiled results at:
http://knapsack.blogspot.com
(where i keep my newspaper column and print newsletter
text along with sundry other news of interest)
Thanks also for bearing with me as i struggled with the
"Peace Sunday" message; i appreciate knowing how many
of you also struggle with knowing that a Christian can't
casually speak in favor of war, but still feeling a deep sense
of justice about our national preparations against Iraq. It
is the easy criticism against taking armed action in the face of
terrorism that leaves me, and it turns out many of you,
troubled by those who claim to speak for the church.
Personally, i have great respect for those who advocate a
clear and consistent calling to pacifism, and i think the burden
of proof is rightfully on those who call on armed force to
solve disputes of any sort. What leaves me baffled and
frustrated are arguments that claim the moral high ground of
"situational pacifism," while reserving the right to accept force
in certain circumstances, to be determined later by the speaker.
For a better sense of "what makes for peace," in light of last
week's bestowal of the Nobel Peace Prize on Jimmy Carter,
here's some links for you. America has a number of living
Nobel laureates for peace, including Elie Wiesel, Jody
Williams (land mine activist), and Henry Kissinger (no
comment), but this land's most unappreciated winner is. . .
Norman Borlaug.
Didn't know the name? I'll bet some of our farmers do, but
you should too: read this,
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/97jan/borlaug/borlaug.htm
and then this,
http://www.dallasobserver.com/issues/2002-12-05/feature.html/1/index.html
and you'll know a little more about what being a peacemaker
sounds like. Hunger is one of those discordant notes that we have
to "damp" (in bell language) to hear the high, soft tones of peace ring out
clear and strong.
Subject change: it's Annual Report to the Congregation time again!
If you want to e-mail me text to print out for your committee, group,
class, or office, please get it in to me or Ila by Jan. 12; no Fiesta Bowl
extensions. And keep our Nominating and Budget Committees in your
prayers as they do the work of discernment and vision for our church in
black and white!
And finally, the proposed "Books and Coffee" gatherings in the former
parsonage parlor are set for fourth Saturdays at 10 am; right now the line-up is:
Jan. 25 -- "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes
Feb. 22 -- "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Mar. 22 -- "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes
Apr. 26 -- "Desire of the Everlasting Hills" by Thomas Cahill
and May 24 -- "The Warden" by Anthony Trollope
May you and yours have a blessed Advent and a very merry Christmas!
And the e-letter will see you next year in 2003;
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Hebron Crossroads 12-15
By Jeff Gill
If you missed the Lakewood Middle School Bands in their Holiday Concert last Sunday, too bad for you! The good news is you can partially make up for it this Sunday at 3 pm in the same Lakewood High School auditorium as the bands and choirs of LHS perform through the afternoon.
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth grade bands all performed under the direction of Rob Caldwell, as well as the Eighth Grade Jazz Band. Mr. Caldwell warmed to his full house as he made introductions of the various numbers and occasional soloists, and made all the parents, grandparents, and friends feel welcome for the afternoon of music and Christmas cheer.
During one of the breaks between bands we heard from Kim Kocher and Vanna Dernberger about the ongoing fundraising work of the Lakewood Band Boosters. Along with the prizes of the day, they let us all know about Kroger Gift Certificates that route 5% of all purchases to the fund that pays for instruments, uniforms, music, and fees as needed.
If you would like to purchase these for your own use, good for groceries, at the pharmacy, or the fuel station out front, call or e-mail before 9 am Mondays for pick-up Wednesday at 7 pm: 323-4178 or lkkocher@juno.com. They’re distributed from the north door of the high school; just leave your name, phone number, how many of each denomination ($5, 10, 20, 50, 100), and the total dollar amount of your order.
And I’m sure you can find someone to answer your questions about the Band Boosters’ work this Sunday afternoon between 3 and 6 pm! Hope to see you all there.
Also in the Lakewood High auditorium, coming Sunday afternoon Dec. 22, is "Blues Christmas." Sponsored by Jacksontown United Methodist Church, this is a free musical program starting at 4 pm.
While enjoying their first Saturday breakfast last week, Pastor Bob Beyer told me that this has nothing to do with "Blue’s Clues" or mysterious holiday rooftop lights, but is the production of some Methodist clergy, including a district superintendent from Findlay, who like playing the blues and have a Christmas program to share.
Sounds like a good prelude to an evening of caroling, don’t you think?
Speaking of looking ahead, this is the last week to get me info on your church Christmas Eve services: call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net with times and details. Many different programs are in the works at area churches, and everything from afternoon to midnight worship; let me know and we’ll print ‘em all next week.
And looking way far in the distance, March 1 is "Statehood Day" and the kick-off of Ohio’s Bicentennial (for details, read your new license plate!), and activities of local interest are planned for that date and right through the Fourth of July weekend. A county committee, with local folks involved, is already meeting, and we’ll tell you here at the Crossroads about what’s up, but mark March 1 (it’s a Saturday) on your calendar right now.
Whether it’s a church pageant, band concert, school program, or tuning to the 24 hour Christmas music on the radio, I hope the joy of the Christmas season is growing for you even as the days are shrinking for all of us. Speaking purely for myself, I think having a bit of snow and cold temps has helped this December feel a bit more Christmas-like than the last couple have.
Our little guy has developed a full-blown case of the "wantthats" as every commercial for building blocks, doll kitchens, video games, and nose hair trimmers goes by. . .he wants it all, regardless. . .but it was interesting to see his holiday frenzy come to a complete halt when we were watching "White Christmas" the other day. Bing Crosby walks to center stage in his combat fatigues, Danny Kaye winds up the music box, and as the shells explode in the distance, all the battalion pauses and is silent as Bing sings his dream.
And a four year old stops dead in his tracks some fifty years later, and listens just as thoughtfully.
Yet another thing Bing can do that I can’t. . .make my kid stop and pay attention!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a big fan of the movie that "White Christmas" first was sung in; if you know that movie title (and year!), or have Christmas season news to share, contact him at 928-4066 or disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
If you missed the Lakewood Middle School Bands in their Holiday Concert last Sunday, too bad for you! The good news is you can partially make up for it this Sunday at 3 pm in the same Lakewood High School auditorium as the bands and choirs of LHS perform through the afternoon.
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth grade bands all performed under the direction of Rob Caldwell, as well as the Eighth Grade Jazz Band. Mr. Caldwell warmed to his full house as he made introductions of the various numbers and occasional soloists, and made all the parents, grandparents, and friends feel welcome for the afternoon of music and Christmas cheer.
During one of the breaks between bands we heard from Kim Kocher and Vanna Dernberger about the ongoing fundraising work of the Lakewood Band Boosters. Along with the prizes of the day, they let us all know about Kroger Gift Certificates that route 5% of all purchases to the fund that pays for instruments, uniforms, music, and fees as needed.
If you would like to purchase these for your own use, good for groceries, at the pharmacy, or the fuel station out front, call or e-mail before 9 am Mondays for pick-up Wednesday at 7 pm: 323-4178 or lkkocher@juno.com. They’re distributed from the north door of the high school; just leave your name, phone number, how many of each denomination ($5, 10, 20, 50, 100), and the total dollar amount of your order.
And I’m sure you can find someone to answer your questions about the Band Boosters’ work this Sunday afternoon between 3 and 6 pm! Hope to see you all there.
Also in the Lakewood High auditorium, coming Sunday afternoon Dec. 22, is "Blues Christmas." Sponsored by Jacksontown United Methodist Church, this is a free musical program starting at 4 pm.
While enjoying their first Saturday breakfast last week, Pastor Bob Beyer told me that this has nothing to do with "Blue’s Clues" or mysterious holiday rooftop lights, but is the production of some Methodist clergy, including a district superintendent from Findlay, who like playing the blues and have a Christmas program to share.
Sounds like a good prelude to an evening of caroling, don’t you think?
Speaking of looking ahead, this is the last week to get me info on your church Christmas Eve services: call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net with times and details. Many different programs are in the works at area churches, and everything from afternoon to midnight worship; let me know and we’ll print ‘em all next week.
And looking way far in the distance, March 1 is "Statehood Day" and the kick-off of Ohio’s Bicentennial (for details, read your new license plate!), and activities of local interest are planned for that date and right through the Fourth of July weekend. A county committee, with local folks involved, is already meeting, and we’ll tell you here at the Crossroads about what’s up, but mark March 1 (it’s a Saturday) on your calendar right now.
Whether it’s a church pageant, band concert, school program, or tuning to the 24 hour Christmas music on the radio, I hope the joy of the Christmas season is growing for you even as the days are shrinking for all of us. Speaking purely for myself, I think having a bit of snow and cold temps has helped this December feel a bit more Christmas-like than the last couple have.
Our little guy has developed a full-blown case of the "wantthats" as every commercial for building blocks, doll kitchens, video games, and nose hair trimmers goes by. . .he wants it all, regardless. . .but it was interesting to see his holiday frenzy come to a complete halt when we were watching "White Christmas" the other day. Bing Crosby walks to center stage in his combat fatigues, Danny Kaye winds up the music box, and as the shells explode in the distance, all the battalion pauses and is silent as Bing sings his dream.
And a four year old stops dead in his tracks some fifty years later, and listens just as thoughtfully.
Yet another thing Bing can do that I can’t. . .make my kid stop and pay attention!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a big fan of the movie that "White Christmas" first was sung in; if you know that movie title (and year!), or have Christmas season news to share, contact him at 928-4066 or disciple@voyager.net.
Thursday, December 05, 2002
Hebron Crossroads
By Jeff Gill
Looking back over our shoulders here in Hebron. . .
Last Saturday saw the terrifying sight of Mayor Mason, councilmembers Friend, Gilbert, Halter, and Walters up in aerial buckets and dangling from poles. No, it wasn't after a tense committee meeting; they were hanging the village Christmas decorations along Main and High Streets, with Mike McFarland supervising.
Ours is the kind of town where the elected officials dig right in with both hands and help out, and we're surely the better for it.
It was also the wrap up of David Scheiddegger's Eagle project, and among a number of other generous contributions, a family decided to set aside part of their Thanksgiving afternoon to making up twelve shoeboxes full of helps and gifts to overseas military personnel. When David and Troop 33 picked them up, they also included hand written notes with each one. . .two in crayon.
Our prayers travel with those supplies as the Red Cross routes them to Afghanistan and parts further north where our soldiers and sailors still stand on guard through the Christmas holiday.
And then Sunday night I saw out an upstairs window the braided chain of red and white lights along Interstate 70 as the busiest travel day of the year wound down. How many stories and sorrows and celebrations zoom past us across the fields along that line of asphalt? Hope you and yours got home safely from wherever Thanksgiving took you, and that you gave thanks for just getting home, among other simple gifts!
So, to look ahead: Saturday Dec. 7 is "Christmas in the Country" at Infirmary Mound Park on Rt. 37. The Licking Park District annually hosts this event from 7 to 9 pm with some candlelit and lantern illuminated activities, including choirs singing carols, foodstuffs a'cookin', horse's harnesses jingling, and all manner of outdoor Christmas activities. Come on by and you might even hear some familiar Hebron area voices lifted in song, and you'll be more than welcome to join them.
And Sunday the 8th, if you haven't had your weekend dose of Christmas season music, come to the auditorium at Lakewood High School at 3 pm and hear Mr. Caldwell directing the 6, 7, and 8th grade bands in their winter concert. Next Sunday, same time and place, the high school bands and choirs will perform, and that's an extravaganza not to be missed.
Of course, the Hebron and Jackson Elementary Christmas programs, as well as the Middle School choir concerts are coming up on midweek dates as well, and next week we hope to have time and date info on them.
There's been a bit more feedback on a "Books & Coffee" gathering in Hebron, and I'll point again to the fourth Saturday of January, where we'll gather in the Meeting Room of Hebron Christian Church at 612 W. Main St. at 10 am. I'll make the coffee, and you bring a copy of "Johnny Tremain." The moment I mentioned the title, Jason at Waldenbooks said "that a man can stand up," quoting the key line out of James Otis' mouth from Esther Forbes' 1942 novel. Winner of the Newberry Award, it's known as a "juvenile" in the trade, but really it is simply a short novel with a great message, and this scribbler thinks that, children's novel or not, it has some of the best writing in any book of the twentieth century.
If you think that sounds a bit much, then get a copy from the library, or buy one from Walden's at the mall, and come Jan. 25 to tell me why I'm wrong!
And one last seasonal thought: who's your favorite filmed Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol"? Sim '51 is running ahead of Owen '39, with the Duck a distant third. C'mon you old MGM buffs; I want to hear from the fans of Gene Lockhart as Bob Crachit and his daughter June's first film appearance in the 1939 version.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and is collecting info on Christmas Eve services as well as old film reviews. If you have something to add on either, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
Looking back over our shoulders here in Hebron. . .
Last Saturday saw the terrifying sight of Mayor Mason, councilmembers Friend, Gilbert, Halter, and Walters up in aerial buckets and dangling from poles. No, it wasn't after a tense committee meeting; they were hanging the village Christmas decorations along Main and High Streets, with Mike McFarland supervising.
Ours is the kind of town where the elected officials dig right in with both hands and help out, and we're surely the better for it.
It was also the wrap up of David Scheiddegger's Eagle project, and among a number of other generous contributions, a family decided to set aside part of their Thanksgiving afternoon to making up twelve shoeboxes full of helps and gifts to overseas military personnel. When David and Troop 33 picked them up, they also included hand written notes with each one. . .two in crayon.
Our prayers travel with those supplies as the Red Cross routes them to Afghanistan and parts further north where our soldiers and sailors still stand on guard through the Christmas holiday.
And then Sunday night I saw out an upstairs window the braided chain of red and white lights along Interstate 70 as the busiest travel day of the year wound down. How many stories and sorrows and celebrations zoom past us across the fields along that line of asphalt? Hope you and yours got home safely from wherever Thanksgiving took you, and that you gave thanks for just getting home, among other simple gifts!
So, to look ahead: Saturday Dec. 7 is "Christmas in the Country" at Infirmary Mound Park on Rt. 37. The Licking Park District annually hosts this event from 7 to 9 pm with some candlelit and lantern illuminated activities, including choirs singing carols, foodstuffs a'cookin', horse's harnesses jingling, and all manner of outdoor Christmas activities. Come on by and you might even hear some familiar Hebron area voices lifted in song, and you'll be more than welcome to join them.
And Sunday the 8th, if you haven't had your weekend dose of Christmas season music, come to the auditorium at Lakewood High School at 3 pm and hear Mr. Caldwell directing the 6, 7, and 8th grade bands in their winter concert. Next Sunday, same time and place, the high school bands and choirs will perform, and that's an extravaganza not to be missed.
Of course, the Hebron and Jackson Elementary Christmas programs, as well as the Middle School choir concerts are coming up on midweek dates as well, and next week we hope to have time and date info on them.
There's been a bit more feedback on a "Books & Coffee" gathering in Hebron, and I'll point again to the fourth Saturday of January, where we'll gather in the Meeting Room of Hebron Christian Church at 612 W. Main St. at 10 am. I'll make the coffee, and you bring a copy of "Johnny Tremain." The moment I mentioned the title, Jason at Waldenbooks said "that a man can stand up," quoting the key line out of James Otis' mouth from Esther Forbes' 1942 novel. Winner of the Newberry Award, it's known as a "juvenile" in the trade, but really it is simply a short novel with a great message, and this scribbler thinks that, children's novel or not, it has some of the best writing in any book of the twentieth century.
If you think that sounds a bit much, then get a copy from the library, or buy one from Walden's at the mall, and come Jan. 25 to tell me why I'm wrong!
And one last seasonal thought: who's your favorite filmed Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol"? Sim '51 is running ahead of Owen '39, with the Duck a distant third. C'mon you old MGM buffs; I want to hear from the fans of Gene Lockhart as Bob Crachit and his daughter June's first film appearance in the 1939 version.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and is collecting info on Christmas Eve services as well as old film reviews. If you have something to add on either, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Hebron Crossroads 12-01
By Jeff Gill
This is the last weekend for helping David Scheidegger with his Eagle Scout project. You’ve probably seen the wrapping paper covered boxes in local Kroger’s and area churches. He’s collecting items for members of the armed services overseas, and with the guidance and assistance of the Red Cross, he will get these items collected and delivered to troops in places like Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
Scout Troop 33, chartered through The Dawes Arboretum, is working under David’s leadership to get this project closed out this weekend so materials can get to the service personnel by Christmas.
Items on the list (posted in full with the boxes) include microwave popcorn, wet wipes (remember, they’re camping out in a desert!), sunscreen and lip balm, batteries, personal hygiene items, recent paperback books, and even folded gift wrap and ribbon. As David points out, "soldiers like to give gifts, too!"
Last Sunday night was a great evening of Thanksgiving at Lakewood High School as six area churches came together to share our thankfulness. . .and share a generous offering with LEADS at Buckeye Lake for holiday assistance.
The "Won In Him" drama and music group shared a powerful message (actually, three!) and many thanks to Martha Fickle for helping with arrangements while in the middle of the run for "The Christmas Carol" in the same auditorium. Many of the youth from the participating congregations and with "Won In Him" were also in that delightful production, which featured among many other things a cartwheeling Scrooge!
We had over 250 in attendance, and I think everyone left really ready to be thankful right into the Christmas season, which is now upon us. Could I remind everyone with Christmas activities that any Hebron area event is of interest to "Hebron Crossroads," but production requirements mean you’ve gotta get ‘em to me about two weeks before at minimum. That means if you have a Christmas week event at your church or with an organization, let me know right away! I hope to run all the Lakewood Area Christmas Eve and Day worship services here in the column.
Looking even further down the road, I’ve heard some very positive feedback on trying out a book group for a few months, at least, open to anyone in the Hebron community. The first two books proposed, "Johnny Tremain" (a short novel of the days leading to the American Revolution) and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (amazing non-fiction) are available in a display behind the counter at Waldenbooks’ shop at Indian Mound Mall, and some of us are thinking of a "books and coffee" kind of format on a Saturday morning once a month. Could we try that on fourth Saturdays at 10 am from January to May and see what happens? I’ll make the coffee, and the meeting room at 612 W. Main is available. More book ideas are welcome, and we’re still making this up as we go.
Speaking of books, one last observation about the now completed run of "The Christmas Carol": the script was interesting in that it followed the book rather closely, with often missing scenes from the well-known movie versions back in the story. The huddled figures of Ignorance and Want under the robe of Christmas Present (which I only recall from the George C. Scott TV version), and the global tour of Christmases from the helm of a ship at sea to a family in a coal mining village, all were included in the version Lakewood performed. If you haven’t looked at the actual "Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens in some time, this was a great reminder to go back and enjoy the original text in all its richness.
Having said that, what’s your favorite filmed version? I always hear about the Alastair Sim version of ’51, but my personal preference is Reginald Owen, ’39. And of course there’s Mr. Magoo and Mickey, not to mention . . . well, just send in your favorites and why, and I’ll share ‘em Christmas week.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and has his own "humbug" issues; if you’d like to share a Scroogian memory, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
This is the last weekend for helping David Scheidegger with his Eagle Scout project. You’ve probably seen the wrapping paper covered boxes in local Kroger’s and area churches. He’s collecting items for members of the armed services overseas, and with the guidance and assistance of the Red Cross, he will get these items collected and delivered to troops in places like Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
Scout Troop 33, chartered through The Dawes Arboretum, is working under David’s leadership to get this project closed out this weekend so materials can get to the service personnel by Christmas.
Items on the list (posted in full with the boxes) include microwave popcorn, wet wipes (remember, they’re camping out in a desert!), sunscreen and lip balm, batteries, personal hygiene items, recent paperback books, and even folded gift wrap and ribbon. As David points out, "soldiers like to give gifts, too!"
Last Sunday night was a great evening of Thanksgiving at Lakewood High School as six area churches came together to share our thankfulness. . .and share a generous offering with LEADS at Buckeye Lake for holiday assistance.
The "Won In Him" drama and music group shared a powerful message (actually, three!) and many thanks to Martha Fickle for helping with arrangements while in the middle of the run for "The Christmas Carol" in the same auditorium. Many of the youth from the participating congregations and with "Won In Him" were also in that delightful production, which featured among many other things a cartwheeling Scrooge!
We had over 250 in attendance, and I think everyone left really ready to be thankful right into the Christmas season, which is now upon us. Could I remind everyone with Christmas activities that any Hebron area event is of interest to "Hebron Crossroads," but production requirements mean you’ve gotta get ‘em to me about two weeks before at minimum. That means if you have a Christmas week event at your church or with an organization, let me know right away! I hope to run all the Lakewood Area Christmas Eve and Day worship services here in the column.
Looking even further down the road, I’ve heard some very positive feedback on trying out a book group for a few months, at least, open to anyone in the Hebron community. The first two books proposed, "Johnny Tremain" (a short novel of the days leading to the American Revolution) and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (amazing non-fiction) are available in a display behind the counter at Waldenbooks’ shop at Indian Mound Mall, and some of us are thinking of a "books and coffee" kind of format on a Saturday morning once a month. Could we try that on fourth Saturdays at 10 am from January to May and see what happens? I’ll make the coffee, and the meeting room at 612 W. Main is available. More book ideas are welcome, and we’re still making this up as we go.
Speaking of books, one last observation about the now completed run of "The Christmas Carol": the script was interesting in that it followed the book rather closely, with often missing scenes from the well-known movie versions back in the story. The huddled figures of Ignorance and Want under the robe of Christmas Present (which I only recall from the George C. Scott TV version), and the global tour of Christmases from the helm of a ship at sea to a family in a coal mining village, all were included in the version Lakewood performed. If you haven’t looked at the actual "Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens in some time, this was a great reminder to go back and enjoy the original text in all its richness.
Having said that, what’s your favorite filmed version? I always hear about the Alastair Sim version of ’51, but my personal preference is Reginald Owen, ’39. And of course there’s Mr. Magoo and Mickey, not to mention . . . well, just send in your favorites and why, and I’ll share ‘em Christmas week.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and has his own "humbug" issues; if you’d like to share a Scroogian memory, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Notes From My Knapsack
Are you ready for Christmas? Hmmmm, "ready" for Christmas. What does that mean, anyhow. . . Not sure? Well, here's a test for you to check with:
Do you have an Advent wreath or Advent calendar at home, so you and yours can let the excitement build from Dec. 1 through Christmas Day? Sure, the chocolate calendars count! You can have fun with anticipation, can't you? Just don't let the sanctuary be the only place you see a wreath or other way of building to the 25th. The "how many shopping days" things in the paper definitely don't count!
Have you stopped and spent some time thinking about what those you love really want in their lives? See, it's not about being "anti-shopping" or anything like that, but what does gift giving mean if it gets run through the sausage grinder of sales imperatives. The commercial side of Christmas is at its worst when it makes people ask for stuff they don't even really "want", but think they have to have. Reflecting on what your loved ones really would appreciate in their lives can be an activity that's downright prayerful, even if you can't always get them those things.
And have you looked at the manger scene yet? Yeah, I know you set it up and all: everybody has one, and I don't have to tell anyone to set it up. But have you looked at it? Have you run the story it tells through your mind -- not only the story the figures tell, but the story I know so many of you have about the history of the set itself? A story which often has to do with the miracle that we, ourselves, are part of the story God is telling in Creation. But don't forget to look at your manger scene, and just let your gaze linger.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Are you ready for Christmas? Hmmmm, "ready" for Christmas. What does that mean, anyhow. . . Not sure? Well, here's a test for you to check with:
Do you have an Advent wreath or Advent calendar at home, so you and yours can let the excitement build from Dec. 1 through Christmas Day? Sure, the chocolate calendars count! You can have fun with anticipation, can't you? Just don't let the sanctuary be the only place you see a wreath or other way of building to the 25th. The "how many shopping days" things in the paper definitely don't count!
Have you stopped and spent some time thinking about what those you love really want in their lives? See, it's not about being "anti-shopping" or anything like that, but what does gift giving mean if it gets run through the sausage grinder of sales imperatives. The commercial side of Christmas is at its worst when it makes people ask for stuff they don't even really "want", but think they have to have. Reflecting on what your loved ones really would appreciate in their lives can be an activity that's downright prayerful, even if you can't always get them those things.
And have you looked at the manger scene yet? Yeah, I know you set it up and all: everybody has one, and I don't have to tell anyone to set it up. But have you looked at it? Have you run the story it tells through your mind -- not only the story the figures tell, but the story I know so many of you have about the history of the set itself? A story which often has to do with the miracle that we, ourselves, are part of the story God is telling in Creation. But don't forget to look at your manger scene, and just let your gaze linger.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
Monday, November 04, 2002
Hebron Crossroads 11-10
by Jeff Gill
Monday is Veterans Day, November 11. The roots of this observance are in what was once called "Armistice Day," when World War I ended at "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month," 11 am on Nov. 11.
We all know that President Wilson’s "war to end all war" wasn’t, and sadly we know little beyond that. Marshal Foch, Edith Cavell, Ypres, and even Bellau Wood are names and places that ring only the most distant bells in our modern era.
John Keegan, the great British military historian, recently wrote a fine one-volume summary titled "The First World War" which is now out in paperback. He comments on the fact that the last living memory of that conflict is just now passing entirely from our sight, and I’ll always count it an honor that, as a pastor, I’ve had the privilege to sit at the side of WWI vets and hear their stories of Camp Funston out on the plains, of crossing the Atlantic on luxury liners turned troopships, and of endless seas of mud as our AEF troops came, years late, to the well-trodden muck behind the trenches of the Somme and Marne.
However you observe Veterans Day, I hope you find an opportunity to think a bit back to 1918 and the moment when our country found itself waking up to wider responsibilities in a world growing both smaller, and more dangerous. The Ohio Historical Society’s most recent "Timeline" magazine carried a fascinating story of how one of Ohio’s own carried himself well in the final moment of the sinking of the Luisitania, which in turn was the first moment of our now-inevitable entry into that global struggle. That story will be part of my remembrances on this Nov. 11.
And this may just be a particular concern of my own, but I like to think of Memorial Day, over in May, as the day we pay special attention to both the memory and the memorials of those who died for their country. This observance, Veterans Day, is when I hope we can all pay some extra appreciation out to those who served and returned, and now carry the proud but heavy burden of being a veteran back into their everyday lives among us.
No veteran that I know would dream of complaining about it, but being a veteran is hard work in and of itself. . .really! There is an awareness that never stops of being the one who keeps a memory alive for those who aren’t here to speak of it; a sensitivity to issues of patriotism, saluting the flag, and service to country that you’re not always sure others share or appreciate your always reminding them of.
It is a burden, a responsibility, and certainly a privilege, and vets carry this with them every day. That, and their own memories, not just of battle and terror, but also of tedium and waiting, of days spent doing nothing far from home and wondering if the time spent has been worth the while, or if you’ll just be that many days behind your peers when you return. There’s "Dear John" letters and joyful birth announcements that carry a sadness of their own as you’re not there to share the reality of the event. . .and always the waiting.
While we always want to properly respect "these honored dead," in Lincoln’s words, I hope we can make sure at some point of this Veterans Day to thank a veteran. You know one, of course, and if you think you don’t, ask around and you’ll probably find you’re wrong, and that veteran will be glad you cared enough to ask.
Our Hebron American Legion Post, in simple acts like their carefully crafted ceremony to dispose of worn out American flags last Sept. 11, is a home and haven for many such who proudly carry the burden of flag etiquette, saluting at parades, and reflecting on their past and how that touches our nation’s present. They make sure that an honor guard is present at the church or cemetery when one of their own passes on, and they are there to support when a yound man or woman makes the choice for national service.
Make sure to be there for them; keep a moment of silence at 11 am this Monday, and later on, if you can’t do anything else, drive by the Post on Basin St. and just honk! They’ll know what you mean.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a proud holder of a simple honorable discharge; if you have a veteran’s story or other news of the Hebron area to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * * * *
Hebron Crossroads 11-17
by Jeff Gill
Somehow, for some reason, the "Holidays" (that run of festive days and events from Halloween to New Year's Day, now extended to Jan. 3 for the Fiesta Bowl) are a time for a double dose of Nostalgia.
Something about the memory of family gatherings long past, recollections of "how we used to do it", and the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday season bring along with them a powerful impulse to do wild, irrational things like grind coffee beans in one of those old black cast iron gadgets, or hang up herbs to dry in the basement, and even to try getting the family to sing around a piano.
It may also have to do with the longer nights and colder temperatures, causing us to "click" on the electric ignition of our gas-log, before which we perform feats of complex explanation of how that jolly old elf will come down the chimney of a ventless fireplace.
And do you notice how Santa and his elves, seen in their workshop under high, timbered, open-beam ceilings, are busy at work making blocky wooden toys of the sort that are, shall we say, a hard sell to modern kids? Rocking horses, dolls made from two-by-fours, wooden whistles. . .
Perhaps it's nostalgia for what never was, but it works on a deep level for most of us, triggered by the simplest raisin cookie made with an excess of cinnamon and allspice.
Trains are a part of this, that form of transportation so crucial to making modern life possible, but so irrelevant to most of us today. Not just Lionel train sets (another part of that wistful scene of St. Nicholas snoozing before a fire and an empty cookie plate, with an old style elctric train looping about his feet), but the real deal with smoke stacks, cow catchers, and conductors with gold braid on their caps.
Chris VanAllsburg's "The Polar Express" perfectly captured that gap between memory and modernity by using an Art Deco train of the imagination to give a child a preview of Christmas preparation. Buckeye Central Scenic Railway has some very popular Christmas season runs on weekends leading up to Christmas, there on US 40 across from the Lakewood Schools complex, and the sound of a train whistle travels far across the snow and deep into the heart during this time of year.
Our Hebron Library will have a speaker on "the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad" next Monday, Nov. 18, at 7:00 pm. Carl T. Winegardner has written extensively on "the old B&O", the railroad that opened up business and trade between the Midwest and the East Coast in the 1850's . . . just like the name says!
We here in the Hebron area might be forgiven if we hold a small grudge against the railroads for a) not going through Hebron, and b) killing off the canal system. But it has been 150 years, and we're good people, so come to 934 West Main St. and enjoy a wonderful evening of nostalgia for an era that most assuredly did exist for a time, and is now part the nostalgia that is the heart of this season.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and always stops to listen when a train whistle sounds in the distance. If you have evocative sounds to recount, or local news to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * * * *
Hebron Crossroads 11-24
by Jeff Gill
Time to give thanks! That’s not a weighty problem, that’s good news; how often do we have a whole lot more to give thanks for than we have a place to give thanks at?
Seriously, I think all of us have regular occasions when we have a passing awareness of the good someone has done us, or the good fortune we enjoy, and there is no one person or no opportunity with the person nearby (or still living, alas) to give those thanks directly.
That’s why about a half-dozen churches in the Lakewood area are joining together to hold a Community Thanksgiving Service at the Lakewood High School auditorium this Sunday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 pm. This will be a simple, ecumenical service open to all faiths and backgrounds. We plan to have music, a small dramatic presentation for the message, a few hymns to sing, and an offering to support LEADS at Buckeye Lake with their holiday assistance and food pantry programs.
Giving thanks isn’t complicated, and it isn’t the private preserve of any one religious tradition. "A thankful heart" brings joy to God throughout the Bible, and a spirit of thankfulness is good for us as individuals in ways almost beyond number. I’d like to express my thankfulness right now for all the work and energy Bob Beyer, pastor of Jacksontown United Methodist Church, has brought to effort to pull together this Community Thanksgiving, and we hope to be thankful for your presence Sunday night at the LHS auditorium!
We are all thankful for the work Lou Staffilino, outgoing superintendent of the district, has done not only for this event, but also throughout the years he has led us to becoming "the most improved schoold district in Ohio!" We all knew we could do it, but it took Lou to show us how.
Some of you may still be asking: do I have anything to be thankful for? In any one situation, I wouldn’t dream of telling someone how or why they ought to be thankful, but for us all around the Hebron crossroads, let me try a few. . .
We really ought to be thankful for how good the corn and soybean harvest ended up, considering how deep our fears were back in late summer. The yields per acre haven’t super, but the fact that they’ve been surprisingly average is a real cause for thankfulness! And while we’re at it, why not be thankful for farmers?
We can be thankful that the Hebron area has so much going for it that we had two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin here, right? When was the last time that happened! We have a real, (not-) live rhino inside village limits, too, which my little guy thinks is quite amazing.
We really ought to be more thankful than we are for clean, pure drinking water, and the pumping station on S. High and the waste treatment plant on north Rt. 79 are the input and output of our part in keeping clean and safe drinking water around for generations to come. So you could be thankful the next glass of water you pour from your tap. . .
I’m thankful for the highly professional, but strongly volunteer supported fire and police departments we have in Hebron. Chief Mike Carney has left a mark on our saftey services here in the area that will influence us for many years to come, and while we’re sad to see him go, we’re very proud in how our village played a part in preparing him for greater responsibilities with the federal Department of Justice – Newark may have Judge Frost, but we claim Chief Carney, and we’re thankful to have known him.
And finally, I think we all can be thankful for having so many active, vital churches in the immediate Hebron area; from Licking Baptist and their new worship center on Beaver Run Road, Hebron Church of the Nazarene and a new wing behind the church on Canal Road, the United Methodist Church of Hebron on East Main St. and of course my own Hebron Christian Church on West Main, this village has a reliable source of community spirit, mutual support and encouragement, and a willingness to serve, which was so evident when those churches and staff from our wonderful elementary school turned out late at night for a child safety drill some weeks ago.
Great churches, a wonderful community school, fine businesses, a well-trained and reliable village staff from street department to volunteer firefighters, a crop now in the silos. . .are you thankful yet? Come join our Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday night at 7:00 pm, and I bet we come up with more!
Did I mention being thankful for the fried bologna sandwich at Hometown Deli and strombolis at Clay’s Café?
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and he’s thankful for a wide variety of things; if you have food items you’re thankful for or local news to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
by Jeff Gill
Monday is Veterans Day, November 11. The roots of this observance are in what was once called "Armistice Day," when World War I ended at "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month," 11 am on Nov. 11.
We all know that President Wilson’s "war to end all war" wasn’t, and sadly we know little beyond that. Marshal Foch, Edith Cavell, Ypres, and even Bellau Wood are names and places that ring only the most distant bells in our modern era.
John Keegan, the great British military historian, recently wrote a fine one-volume summary titled "The First World War" which is now out in paperback. He comments on the fact that the last living memory of that conflict is just now passing entirely from our sight, and I’ll always count it an honor that, as a pastor, I’ve had the privilege to sit at the side of WWI vets and hear their stories of Camp Funston out on the plains, of crossing the Atlantic on luxury liners turned troopships, and of endless seas of mud as our AEF troops came, years late, to the well-trodden muck behind the trenches of the Somme and Marne.
However you observe Veterans Day, I hope you find an opportunity to think a bit back to 1918 and the moment when our country found itself waking up to wider responsibilities in a world growing both smaller, and more dangerous. The Ohio Historical Society’s most recent "Timeline" magazine carried a fascinating story of how one of Ohio’s own carried himself well in the final moment of the sinking of the Luisitania, which in turn was the first moment of our now-inevitable entry into that global struggle. That story will be part of my remembrances on this Nov. 11.
And this may just be a particular concern of my own, but I like to think of Memorial Day, over in May, as the day we pay special attention to both the memory and the memorials of those who died for their country. This observance, Veterans Day, is when I hope we can all pay some extra appreciation out to those who served and returned, and now carry the proud but heavy burden of being a veteran back into their everyday lives among us.
No veteran that I know would dream of complaining about it, but being a veteran is hard work in and of itself. . .really! There is an awareness that never stops of being the one who keeps a memory alive for those who aren’t here to speak of it; a sensitivity to issues of patriotism, saluting the flag, and service to country that you’re not always sure others share or appreciate your always reminding them of.
It is a burden, a responsibility, and certainly a privilege, and vets carry this with them every day. That, and their own memories, not just of battle and terror, but also of tedium and waiting, of days spent doing nothing far from home and wondering if the time spent has been worth the while, or if you’ll just be that many days behind your peers when you return. There’s "Dear John" letters and joyful birth announcements that carry a sadness of their own as you’re not there to share the reality of the event. . .and always the waiting.
While we always want to properly respect "these honored dead," in Lincoln’s words, I hope we can make sure at some point of this Veterans Day to thank a veteran. You know one, of course, and if you think you don’t, ask around and you’ll probably find you’re wrong, and that veteran will be glad you cared enough to ask.
Our Hebron American Legion Post, in simple acts like their carefully crafted ceremony to dispose of worn out American flags last Sept. 11, is a home and haven for many such who proudly carry the burden of flag etiquette, saluting at parades, and reflecting on their past and how that touches our nation’s present. They make sure that an honor guard is present at the church or cemetery when one of their own passes on, and they are there to support when a yound man or woman makes the choice for national service.
Make sure to be there for them; keep a moment of silence at 11 am this Monday, and later on, if you can’t do anything else, drive by the Post on Basin St. and just honk! They’ll know what you mean.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and a proud holder of a simple honorable discharge; if you have a veteran’s story or other news of the Hebron area to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * * * *
Hebron Crossroads 11-17
by Jeff Gill
Somehow, for some reason, the "Holidays" (that run of festive days and events from Halloween to New Year's Day, now extended to Jan. 3 for the Fiesta Bowl) are a time for a double dose of Nostalgia.
Something about the memory of family gatherings long past, recollections of "how we used to do it", and the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holiday season bring along with them a powerful impulse to do wild, irrational things like grind coffee beans in one of those old black cast iron gadgets, or hang up herbs to dry in the basement, and even to try getting the family to sing around a piano.
It may also have to do with the longer nights and colder temperatures, causing us to "click" on the electric ignition of our gas-log, before which we perform feats of complex explanation of how that jolly old elf will come down the chimney of a ventless fireplace.
And do you notice how Santa and his elves, seen in their workshop under high, timbered, open-beam ceilings, are busy at work making blocky wooden toys of the sort that are, shall we say, a hard sell to modern kids? Rocking horses, dolls made from two-by-fours, wooden whistles. . .
Perhaps it's nostalgia for what never was, but it works on a deep level for most of us, triggered by the simplest raisin cookie made with an excess of cinnamon and allspice.
Trains are a part of this, that form of transportation so crucial to making modern life possible, but so irrelevant to most of us today. Not just Lionel train sets (another part of that wistful scene of St. Nicholas snoozing before a fire and an empty cookie plate, with an old style elctric train looping about his feet), but the real deal with smoke stacks, cow catchers, and conductors with gold braid on their caps.
Chris VanAllsburg's "The Polar Express" perfectly captured that gap between memory and modernity by using an Art Deco train of the imagination to give a child a preview of Christmas preparation. Buckeye Central Scenic Railway has some very popular Christmas season runs on weekends leading up to Christmas, there on US 40 across from the Lakewood Schools complex, and the sound of a train whistle travels far across the snow and deep into the heart during this time of year.
Our Hebron Library will have a speaker on "the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad" next Monday, Nov. 18, at 7:00 pm. Carl T. Winegardner has written extensively on "the old B&O", the railroad that opened up business and trade between the Midwest and the East Coast in the 1850's . . . just like the name says!
We here in the Hebron area might be forgiven if we hold a small grudge against the railroads for a) not going through Hebron, and b) killing off the canal system. But it has been 150 years, and we're good people, so come to 934 West Main St. and enjoy a wonderful evening of nostalgia for an era that most assuredly did exist for a time, and is now part the nostalgia that is the heart of this season.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and always stops to listen when a train whistle sounds in the distance. If you have evocative sounds to recount, or local news to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
* * * * * * *
Hebron Crossroads 11-24
by Jeff Gill
Time to give thanks! That’s not a weighty problem, that’s good news; how often do we have a whole lot more to give thanks for than we have a place to give thanks at?
Seriously, I think all of us have regular occasions when we have a passing awareness of the good someone has done us, or the good fortune we enjoy, and there is no one person or no opportunity with the person nearby (or still living, alas) to give those thanks directly.
That’s why about a half-dozen churches in the Lakewood area are joining together to hold a Community Thanksgiving Service at the Lakewood High School auditorium this Sunday, Nov. 24, at 7:00 pm. This will be a simple, ecumenical service open to all faiths and backgrounds. We plan to have music, a small dramatic presentation for the message, a few hymns to sing, and an offering to support LEADS at Buckeye Lake with their holiday assistance and food pantry programs.
Giving thanks isn’t complicated, and it isn’t the private preserve of any one religious tradition. "A thankful heart" brings joy to God throughout the Bible, and a spirit of thankfulness is good for us as individuals in ways almost beyond number. I’d like to express my thankfulness right now for all the work and energy Bob Beyer, pastor of Jacksontown United Methodist Church, has brought to effort to pull together this Community Thanksgiving, and we hope to be thankful for your presence Sunday night at the LHS auditorium!
We are all thankful for the work Lou Staffilino, outgoing superintendent of the district, has done not only for this event, but also throughout the years he has led us to becoming "the most improved schoold district in Ohio!" We all knew we could do it, but it took Lou to show us how.
Some of you may still be asking: do I have anything to be thankful for? In any one situation, I wouldn’t dream of telling someone how or why they ought to be thankful, but for us all around the Hebron crossroads, let me try a few. . .
We really ought to be thankful for how good the corn and soybean harvest ended up, considering how deep our fears were back in late summer. The yields per acre haven’t super, but the fact that they’ve been surprisingly average is a real cause for thankfulness! And while we’re at it, why not be thankful for farmers?
We can be thankful that the Hebron area has so much going for it that we had two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin here, right? When was the last time that happened! We have a real, (not-) live rhino inside village limits, too, which my little guy thinks is quite amazing.
We really ought to be more thankful than we are for clean, pure drinking water, and the pumping station on S. High and the waste treatment plant on north Rt. 79 are the input and output of our part in keeping clean and safe drinking water around for generations to come. So you could be thankful the next glass of water you pour from your tap. . .
I’m thankful for the highly professional, but strongly volunteer supported fire and police departments we have in Hebron. Chief Mike Carney has left a mark on our saftey services here in the area that will influence us for many years to come, and while we’re sad to see him go, we’re very proud in how our village played a part in preparing him for greater responsibilities with the federal Department of Justice – Newark may have Judge Frost, but we claim Chief Carney, and we’re thankful to have known him.
And finally, I think we all can be thankful for having so many active, vital churches in the immediate Hebron area; from Licking Baptist and their new worship center on Beaver Run Road, Hebron Church of the Nazarene and a new wing behind the church on Canal Road, the United Methodist Church of Hebron on East Main St. and of course my own Hebron Christian Church on West Main, this village has a reliable source of community spirit, mutual support and encouragement, and a willingness to serve, which was so evident when those churches and staff from our wonderful elementary school turned out late at night for a child safety drill some weeks ago.
Great churches, a wonderful community school, fine businesses, a well-trained and reliable village staff from street department to volunteer firefighters, a crop now in the silos. . .are you thankful yet? Come join our Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday night at 7:00 pm, and I bet we come up with more!
Did I mention being thankful for the fried bologna sandwich at Hometown Deli and strombolis at Clay’s Café?
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and he’s thankful for a wide variety of things; if you have food items you’re thankful for or local news to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Monday, October 28, 2002
Community Booster East
Nov. 3 cover
Hebron’s Future Is Now
by Jeff Gill
Contributing Writer
“It’s amazing,” muses Mindy Kester, village tax administrator, “but I really don’t think people realize what’s happening in Hebron.”
“You have to get out and around and see for yourself.”
Kester has lived her whole life in Hebron, but worked outside of the village until six months ago when she was hired to replace Mike McFarland, who became village administrator.
“I had to work here to realize just how much is in the works for Hebron,” says Kester, who adds, “and the really amazing thing is how much room there is to still grow and yet keep that small town feeling we all love about our home here.”
A small town with new sidewalks and an improved water system, that is. Kester and McFarland were happy to share all the news that was already apparent with the concrete forms for curb cuts and new walks along Main St. in evidence from downtown out to Ninth St., linking with those already installed for Evans Park on Refugee Rd. and the Municipal Complex and Library.
Less obvious, but with larger implications for economic growth in the Hebron area, is work going on at the Water Works on S. High St. just past the entrance to Lake Forest, the Dominion Homes subdivision with its own expanses of new pavement and freshly turned earth.
“We were getting close to maxing out our water pumping capacity at one million gallons a day,” reports McFarland, “so we’re glad to start this expansion that will double our capacity.” The Waste Treatment plant on N. High St. is slated for work planned in another six months to double the capacity there, too. Work has already begun, though, to reduce the “infiltration” through storm drains of run-off water, which increases waste treatment capacity even further at minimal cost. Major excavations along Cully St., paralleling Main to the north, are one example of this work.
“All of this kind of municipal investment is what developers and investors want to see as they decide where to put their money,” says McFarland.
One of the obvious results of this longer-range view towards economic development is the east side of Hebron, where on the further side of the Rt. 79 bypass from Dominion Homes is the peaked roof of Buckeye Outdoors’ new 43,000 square foot retail center, and an even newer peak east of their store marking the site of the Kroger Corporation’s latest investment in Ohio.
After a rousing grand opening a few weeks ago (see Hebron Crossroads from last week - jbg), followed by a number of promotions including a visit from Buckeye great Archie Griffin, store manager Jill Graham feels ready for the long haul.
“Our first week, I was just thrilled,” says Graham, who has helped open a number of new stores for Kroger. She opened the first Kroger fuel station for the company, and says “fuel sales here are good, very strong for a new store.” They expect to draw on a range of customers that extends both west, north, south, and well to the east.
That “well to the east” business model must be true, because clerks at the Duke & Duchess gas station and convenience store in downtown Hebron report that “business is about the same now as it was before Kroger opened.”
Across Arrowhead Drive from Kroger, Buckeye Outdoors personnel said that “fall is always a good time for us, regardless. Even when the economy drops, you can always hunt.” Most of the major bow, blackpowder, and rifle seasons start around Autumn.
Maurice and Sharon Potvin have built their outdoor sporting business on a client base from Wheeling to northwest Ohio, and having a reputation for good stock and reasonable prices gives a whole new meaning to an employee’s comment, “People want to hunt, and they’ll hunt.” Hunting for bargains, it seems, is always in season.
News of the merger with Vance’s in Columbus opens up new markets even beyond the store’s walls, and those walls go quite a ways out, with trophy mounts and displays of gear, clothing, and hunting or fishing accessories as far as the eye can see.
Staff said it was too early to tell if the Kroger opening would increase their business, but “it was pretty good already.” One clerk pointed out that “people love to bring their kids here, and make it a family thing, because children love seeing what’s on display.” The full-size stuffed rhinoceros in the middle of the sales floor appeared to agree.
Next door at the Amerihost, brand-new manager Kris Moore was of much the same opinion, telling of steady, good business at their location, but with nothing new to add to the ongoing rumors about potential occupants of the lot in front of their motel. “We’ll all know about the same time when someone decides to break ground there, but it’ll be a help.” Moore was very upbeat about the “pool memberships” Amerihost offers for $40 a month to local residents to use the recreational facilities between 8 am and 10 pm.
Just north off of 79 is the new McDonalds in Hebron. Store manager Lee Freeman has been preparing new employees since last July, and while job applicants have been steady, the training has surprised some.
“This store has a number of prototype pieces of equipment,” points out Freeman, “and it isn’t all just dunk fries and flip burgers anymore.” So the training continues, with even MickeyD’s becoming a high-tech employer. “But business has been good, and we just want to keep up with it, and maintain a good customer experience.”
New business and economic activity in Hebron isn’t limited to big name brands. Small business growth includes the arrival of PAL Printing next to the Duke station, Cheapskate Music next to JT Computers and Video just down Main, Unique Boutique behind the Shopper Cleaners on N. High, just across from one of the newer professional additions to Hebron, Mantonya Chiropractic Clinic.
At the crossroads of Main and High, Park National Bank’s Rob Springer says, “we’ve refinanced pretty much everyone who’s going to refinance.” He and Betty Green have been kept busy with the sheer volume of refinancing through this recent period of low interest rates, but expect rates to start to increase in the near future.
Back at the municipal building, Kester and McFarland point out that, along with the Lakewood levy for increasing resources to the local school district, there will be a 2 mil continuing levy for the village to maintain and improve basic infrastructure. This will replace the current 2 mil levy which expires next year. They hope area voters will approve both this Nov. 5 Election Day.
“I think we’ll be amazed at where we’ll be just a very few years from now,” says Kester, as she orders the village’s second set of “Hebron thank you” note cards, which will go out even faster than the first box did according to village staff. “We want to be thankful right now for what people are doing for the quality of life here today,” adds McFarland.
Or as Carly Simon sings, “these are the good old days!”
* * * * * * *
Hebron Crossroads 11-03
by Jeff Gill
If you attended the last Lakewood home football game for Senior Night, you’re probably still drying out as I am.
I’ve seen harder rain, and I’ve sat through colder rain, but I’ve never seen harder rain go on for longer and generate a more lastingly miserable climate than we had for the Licking Valley game. (Cue reminiscences of legendary bad weather long ago, fade to black under swelling music and closing credits…)
With a night like that, you just have to salute the kids on the field, including football players, band members, and cheerleaders, for putting up with it all in generally good cheer and keeping up doing whatever it was their job to do, right down to the water bottle gang who, quite frankly, seemed kind of redundant under the circumstances.
Along with all the football and band seniors recognized, a great big Lakewood salute has to go to the retiring David Wolford, who will no doubt long remember (for many reasons!) his 310th marching band performance before a still appreciative if soggy crowd.
It’s too soon to say goodbye, but congratulations on a job well done, Mr. Wolford. Some in the crowd, now lawyers, business owners, moms and dads themselves, were part of that number one performance, and considered it an honor to be present for number 310.
Drew Daubenmire gave us what we hope is a preview of coming attractions for the Lancer football program with those last two touchdowns. Anyhow, congrats to LV and good luck in the playoffs.
Some other youth interests are getting attention in Hebron these days, even as flag football and soccer wind their way to a close for the season. Beyond the new parking area at the northwest edge of Evans Park on Refugee Rd., a few loads of dirt were brought in for a “bike park” as part of the activities out at our ever-growing recreational facility.
Mike McFarland says that, when the earth was scheduled to be dumped, a crew of 15 youths with shovels, rakes, and some turning-to with bare hands went right to work shaping lumps, bumps, and jumps. They were happy to do their part in creating their own fun, and were appreciative of the village support they got. Another tip of the Big L cap to those who did the work and will no doubt enjoy their dirt biking all the more for knowing they made it happen!
If you get this by Friday, Nov. 1, the village will sponsor another Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 pm to 6 pm in the Municipal Complex. Your correspondent will be checking folks in, and giving a pint himself which makes 8 gallons. If I can donate 48 times, you can drop by and give it a try, can’t you? Takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you get a quick health profile to boot, not to mention the cookies.
Don’t forget that Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day; the fine folks who serve as poll workers are set up and ready at 6:30 am, which takes care of me, Ken George, and Mayor Mason. They’re ready for you when you get done with work, too, right down into the evening at 7:30 pm. The Lakewood levy for operating expenses and new heating for Hebron Elementary, the Hebron continuing levy for streets and services, and a variety of state officials will be up on the ballot.
Please make sure to vote, swipe off the back of your ballot for hanging chads, and thank a poll worker as you head out…they’ll be glad you noticed!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and someone who even votes in uncontested primaries; if you have Hebron area news to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
Nov. 3 cover
Hebron’s Future Is Now
by Jeff Gill
Contributing Writer
“It’s amazing,” muses Mindy Kester, village tax administrator, “but I really don’t think people realize what’s happening in Hebron.”
“You have to get out and around and see for yourself.”
Kester has lived her whole life in Hebron, but worked outside of the village until six months ago when she was hired to replace Mike McFarland, who became village administrator.
“I had to work here to realize just how much is in the works for Hebron,” says Kester, who adds, “and the really amazing thing is how much room there is to still grow and yet keep that small town feeling we all love about our home here.”
A small town with new sidewalks and an improved water system, that is. Kester and McFarland were happy to share all the news that was already apparent with the concrete forms for curb cuts and new walks along Main St. in evidence from downtown out to Ninth St., linking with those already installed for Evans Park on Refugee Rd. and the Municipal Complex and Library.
Less obvious, but with larger implications for economic growth in the Hebron area, is work going on at the Water Works on S. High St. just past the entrance to Lake Forest, the Dominion Homes subdivision with its own expanses of new pavement and freshly turned earth.
“We were getting close to maxing out our water pumping capacity at one million gallons a day,” reports McFarland, “so we’re glad to start this expansion that will double our capacity.” The Waste Treatment plant on N. High St. is slated for work planned in another six months to double the capacity there, too. Work has already begun, though, to reduce the “infiltration” through storm drains of run-off water, which increases waste treatment capacity even further at minimal cost. Major excavations along Cully St., paralleling Main to the north, are one example of this work.
“All of this kind of municipal investment is what developers and investors want to see as they decide where to put their money,” says McFarland.
One of the obvious results of this longer-range view towards economic development is the east side of Hebron, where on the further side of the Rt. 79 bypass from Dominion Homes is the peaked roof of Buckeye Outdoors’ new 43,000 square foot retail center, and an even newer peak east of their store marking the site of the Kroger Corporation’s latest investment in Ohio.
After a rousing grand opening a few weeks ago (see Hebron Crossroads from last week - jbg), followed by a number of promotions including a visit from Buckeye great Archie Griffin, store manager Jill Graham feels ready for the long haul.
“Our first week, I was just thrilled,” says Graham, who has helped open a number of new stores for Kroger. She opened the first Kroger fuel station for the company, and says “fuel sales here are good, very strong for a new store.” They expect to draw on a range of customers that extends both west, north, south, and well to the east.
That “well to the east” business model must be true, because clerks at the Duke & Duchess gas station and convenience store in downtown Hebron report that “business is about the same now as it was before Kroger opened.”
Across Arrowhead Drive from Kroger, Buckeye Outdoors personnel said that “fall is always a good time for us, regardless. Even when the economy drops, you can always hunt.” Most of the major bow, blackpowder, and rifle seasons start around Autumn.
Maurice and Sharon Potvin have built their outdoor sporting business on a client base from Wheeling to northwest Ohio, and having a reputation for good stock and reasonable prices gives a whole new meaning to an employee’s comment, “People want to hunt, and they’ll hunt.” Hunting for bargains, it seems, is always in season.
News of the merger with Vance’s in Columbus opens up new markets even beyond the store’s walls, and those walls go quite a ways out, with trophy mounts and displays of gear, clothing, and hunting or fishing accessories as far as the eye can see.
Staff said it was too early to tell if the Kroger opening would increase their business, but “it was pretty good already.” One clerk pointed out that “people love to bring their kids here, and make it a family thing, because children love seeing what’s on display.” The full-size stuffed rhinoceros in the middle of the sales floor appeared to agree.
Next door at the Amerihost, brand-new manager Kris Moore was of much the same opinion, telling of steady, good business at their location, but with nothing new to add to the ongoing rumors about potential occupants of the lot in front of their motel. “We’ll all know about the same time when someone decides to break ground there, but it’ll be a help.” Moore was very upbeat about the “pool memberships” Amerihost offers for $40 a month to local residents to use the recreational facilities between 8 am and 10 pm.
Just north off of 79 is the new McDonalds in Hebron. Store manager Lee Freeman has been preparing new employees since last July, and while job applicants have been steady, the training has surprised some.
“This store has a number of prototype pieces of equipment,” points out Freeman, “and it isn’t all just dunk fries and flip burgers anymore.” So the training continues, with even MickeyD’s becoming a high-tech employer. “But business has been good, and we just want to keep up with it, and maintain a good customer experience.”
New business and economic activity in Hebron isn’t limited to big name brands. Small business growth includes the arrival of PAL Printing next to the Duke station, Cheapskate Music next to JT Computers and Video just down Main, Unique Boutique behind the Shopper Cleaners on N. High, just across from one of the newer professional additions to Hebron, Mantonya Chiropractic Clinic.
At the crossroads of Main and High, Park National Bank’s Rob Springer says, “we’ve refinanced pretty much everyone who’s going to refinance.” He and Betty Green have been kept busy with the sheer volume of refinancing through this recent period of low interest rates, but expect rates to start to increase in the near future.
Back at the municipal building, Kester and McFarland point out that, along with the Lakewood levy for increasing resources to the local school district, there will be a 2 mil continuing levy for the village to maintain and improve basic infrastructure. This will replace the current 2 mil levy which expires next year. They hope area voters will approve both this Nov. 5 Election Day.
“I think we’ll be amazed at where we’ll be just a very few years from now,” says Kester, as she orders the village’s second set of “Hebron thank you” note cards, which will go out even faster than the first box did according to village staff. “We want to be thankful right now for what people are doing for the quality of life here today,” adds McFarland.
Or as Carly Simon sings, “these are the good old days!”
* * * * * * *
Hebron Crossroads 11-03
by Jeff Gill
If you attended the last Lakewood home football game for Senior Night, you’re probably still drying out as I am.
I’ve seen harder rain, and I’ve sat through colder rain, but I’ve never seen harder rain go on for longer and generate a more lastingly miserable climate than we had for the Licking Valley game. (Cue reminiscences of legendary bad weather long ago, fade to black under swelling music and closing credits…)
With a night like that, you just have to salute the kids on the field, including football players, band members, and cheerleaders, for putting up with it all in generally good cheer and keeping up doing whatever it was their job to do, right down to the water bottle gang who, quite frankly, seemed kind of redundant under the circumstances.
Along with all the football and band seniors recognized, a great big Lakewood salute has to go to the retiring David Wolford, who will no doubt long remember (for many reasons!) his 310th marching band performance before a still appreciative if soggy crowd.
It’s too soon to say goodbye, but congratulations on a job well done, Mr. Wolford. Some in the crowd, now lawyers, business owners, moms and dads themselves, were part of that number one performance, and considered it an honor to be present for number 310.
Drew Daubenmire gave us what we hope is a preview of coming attractions for the Lancer football program with those last two touchdowns. Anyhow, congrats to LV and good luck in the playoffs.
Some other youth interests are getting attention in Hebron these days, even as flag football and soccer wind their way to a close for the season. Beyond the new parking area at the northwest edge of Evans Park on Refugee Rd., a few loads of dirt were brought in for a “bike park” as part of the activities out at our ever-growing recreational facility.
Mike McFarland says that, when the earth was scheduled to be dumped, a crew of 15 youths with shovels, rakes, and some turning-to with bare hands went right to work shaping lumps, bumps, and jumps. They were happy to do their part in creating their own fun, and were appreciative of the village support they got. Another tip of the Big L cap to those who did the work and will no doubt enjoy their dirt biking all the more for knowing they made it happen!
If you get this by Friday, Nov. 1, the village will sponsor another Red Cross Blood Drive from 1 pm to 6 pm in the Municipal Complex. Your correspondent will be checking folks in, and giving a pint himself which makes 8 gallons. If I can donate 48 times, you can drop by and give it a try, can’t you? Takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you get a quick health profile to boot, not to mention the cookies.
Don’t forget that Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day; the fine folks who serve as poll workers are set up and ready at 6:30 am, which takes care of me, Ken George, and Mayor Mason. They’re ready for you when you get done with work, too, right down into the evening at 7:30 pm. The Lakewood levy for operating expenses and new heating for Hebron Elementary, the Hebron continuing levy for streets and services, and a variety of state officials will be up on the ballot.
Please make sure to vote, swipe off the back of your ballot for hanging chads, and thank a poll worker as you head out…they’ll be glad you noticed!
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church and someone who even votes in uncontested primaries; if you have Hebron area news to share, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
The Church Window -- Hebron Christian Church
Nov. 2002 print newsletter
(pastor's text material; send me an e-mail to go on mailing list! - jbg)
Notes From My Knapsack
We’ve got a variety of interesting articles for you to read this month. But I would like to encourage everyone to think about something coming up next month. . .sooner than we might like to think: namely, Christmas.
We traditionally give gifts for this holiday, and to the degree that we’re echoing the Magi in their joy and sharing with the Christ child, when we’re giving of ourselves for the happiness of others, gifts can be a great part of the holiday season. Yet we got an interesting hint recently of just how this tradition gets mangled.
You may have heard news coverage of the recent longshoreman’s strike on the West Coast, and seen pictures of idle container-loading docks and schools of cargo ships bobbing in the waters off Long Beach, San Diego, or Seattle. But did you notice that the big fear for the wholesalers and retailers was that the big toy sellers, the likely "craze sales" like Cabbage Patch dolls or Tickle Me Elmos of years past, were stuck out at sea, and might not make it to store shelves in time for Christmas.
Just think about that for a moment: we don’t even know what those products are yet (trade secrets, y’know), but the makers are so sure of their ability to make us crave and covet these yet-unkown products that they’ve already had made in China and are in the middle of shipping to us that, if they don’t get ‘em here by mid-December, they’ll go broke. The whole business is dependent on getting us to want, on demand and with precision timing, what they want to sell us even when we have no idea we want it.
Remember that as you start to browse the shelves and ads for your Christmas shopping this year; is that what someone really desires for themselves, or are we just "wanting" on cue for the benefit of someone else? Give gifts this Christmas, not products. That helps the giver and the receiver get a little closer to the reason for the season!
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
For more information on the recent Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Ohio, see "What’s New" at http://go.to/Hebron_Christian for a rundown of development with Basic Mission Finance (BMF), soon to be renamed Disciples Mission Fund, or (you guessed it!) DMF. The special day offerings (inserts & envelopes) will change in their purpose as well to reflect the new priorities built into the DMF system. Talk to Pastor Jeff for more details.
* * * * * * *
Pastor Jeff will join his wife Joyce at the National Association of Interpretation (her professional assoc.) annual meeting in Virginia Beach, VA Nov. 12-17; so they and Chris can take some vacation time this year, Jeff will be off from Nov. 11 to the 19th. The elders will be available for pastoral needs and to preside over worship on the 17th. The elders will be able to contact the pastor if necessary, but will take care of most congregational needs through this time.
* * * * * * *
Program Planning Retreat
Sat., Nov. 9, 9 am to Noon
"Open Wide The Door"
Theme - Organizational Evangelism
Leadership study – John 10:1-18 & Rev. 3:7-8, 20-22
Open to all members; elders, the diaconate, and officers of the church are expected!
* * * * * * *
Community Thanksgiving Service
Sun., Nov. 24, 7 pm
Lakewood High School auditorium
Please bring a friend or neighbor to this ecumenical service of thanksgiving
Nov. 2002 print newsletter
(pastor's text material; send me an e-mail to go on mailing list! - jbg)
Notes From My Knapsack
We’ve got a variety of interesting articles for you to read this month. But I would like to encourage everyone to think about something coming up next month. . .sooner than we might like to think: namely, Christmas.
We traditionally give gifts for this holiday, and to the degree that we’re echoing the Magi in their joy and sharing with the Christ child, when we’re giving of ourselves for the happiness of others, gifts can be a great part of the holiday season. Yet we got an interesting hint recently of just how this tradition gets mangled.
You may have heard news coverage of the recent longshoreman’s strike on the West Coast, and seen pictures of idle container-loading docks and schools of cargo ships bobbing in the waters off Long Beach, San Diego, or Seattle. But did you notice that the big fear for the wholesalers and retailers was that the big toy sellers, the likely "craze sales" like Cabbage Patch dolls or Tickle Me Elmos of years past, were stuck out at sea, and might not make it to store shelves in time for Christmas.
Just think about that for a moment: we don’t even know what those products are yet (trade secrets, y’know), but the makers are so sure of their ability to make us crave and covet these yet-unkown products that they’ve already had made in China and are in the middle of shipping to us that, if they don’t get ‘em here by mid-December, they’ll go broke. The whole business is dependent on getting us to want, on demand and with precision timing, what they want to sell us even when we have no idea we want it.
Remember that as you start to browse the shelves and ads for your Christmas shopping this year; is that what someone really desires for themselves, or are we just "wanting" on cue for the benefit of someone else? Give gifts this Christmas, not products. That helps the giver and the receiver get a little closer to the reason for the season!
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
* * * * * * *
For more information on the recent Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Ohio, see "What’s New" at http://go.to/Hebron_Christian for a rundown of development with Basic Mission Finance (BMF), soon to be renamed Disciples Mission Fund, or (you guessed it!) DMF. The special day offerings (inserts & envelopes) will change in their purpose as well to reflect the new priorities built into the DMF system. Talk to Pastor Jeff for more details.
* * * * * * *
Pastor Jeff will join his wife Joyce at the National Association of Interpretation (her professional assoc.) annual meeting in Virginia Beach, VA Nov. 12-17; so they and Chris can take some vacation time this year, Jeff will be off from Nov. 11 to the 19th. The elders will be available for pastoral needs and to preside over worship on the 17th. The elders will be able to contact the pastor if necessary, but will take care of most congregational needs through this time.
* * * * * * *
Program Planning Retreat
Sat., Nov. 9, 9 am to Noon
"Open Wide The Door"
Theme - Organizational Evangelism
Leadership study – John 10:1-18 & Rev. 3:7-8, 20-22
Open to all members; elders, the diaconate, and officers of the church are expected!
* * * * * * *
Community Thanksgiving Service
Sun., Nov. 24, 7 pm
Lakewood High School auditorium
Please bring a friend or neighbor to this ecumenical service of thanksgiving
Sunday, October 27, 2002
The Church Window -- news special for Sunday, 27 Oct 2002
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
Hey everyone out there in cyberspace -- I was waiting to get past the Regional Assembly
to send the e-version of "The Church Window" out, and then. . .anyhow, the print version
will go out shortly. (See saved text at http://knapsack.blogspot.com)
You'll get an early November e-letter with Thanksgiving info, but i'm slapping this one
out because i thought you might want to know something i just heard (well, read, at
disciples.org/internal): that Rev. Cynthia Hale and her Disciples' congregation in Georgia,
New Hope Christian Church, will be part of a 60 Minutes piece on "Black migration back
to the South" tonight at 7 pm or when football ends. THAT'S TONIGHT!!!
And just to make it all worthwhile, here's a few more links to sink you teeth into,
first, one on Bible translation and one of the great Christians of the last century:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/011/2.46.html
An amazing new discovery in Israel that i wasn't ready to focus on in a sermon yet:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/141/11.0.html
Finally, one i couldn't resist ('cause if i don't point it out, who would?), esp. #2:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cr/9r5/9r5035.html
In Grace & Peace,
Jeff
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
Hey everyone out there in cyberspace -- I was waiting to get past the Regional Assembly
to send the e-version of "The Church Window" out, and then. . .anyhow, the print version
will go out shortly. (See saved text at http://knapsack.blogspot.com)
You'll get an early November e-letter with Thanksgiving info, but i'm slapping this one
out because i thought you might want to know something i just heard (well, read, at
disciples.org/internal): that Rev. Cynthia Hale and her Disciples' congregation in Georgia,
New Hope Christian Church, will be part of a 60 Minutes piece on "Black migration back
to the South" tonight at 7 pm or when football ends. THAT'S TONIGHT!!!
And just to make it all worthwhile, here's a few more links to sink you teeth into,
first, one on Bible translation and one of the great Christians of the last century:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/011/2.46.html
An amazing new discovery in Israel that i wasn't ready to focus on in a sermon yet:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/141/11.0.html
Finally, one i couldn't resist ('cause if i don't point it out, who would?), esp. #2:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cr/9r5/9r5035.html
In Grace & Peace,
Jeff
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