tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87222338911207926962024-03-06T02:09:18.177-05:00...it's the Preacheran occasional series about life and ministry.Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-80435254953086595412015-07-19T14:01:00.000-04:002015-07-19T14:01:29.493-04:00Moving Day.After several years of sporadic blogging on this sight, I have decided to make a concerted effort at more regular updates. To facilitate this, I have moved to this <a href="http://www.itsthepreacher.org/" target="_blank">site</a>. This site will remain as an archive.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
'Bye now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-51529862512373811052015-07-15T18:36:00.001-04:002015-07-15T19:37:34.020-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So. I am at this writer’s conference at Kenyon college, which, you
may be surprised to hear, is<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> not</i> in
Nairobi.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpcLntfjWFuEZrdx9pVkgx3UbP2f1v9Y0Te9g72QK8B_n-r89rh_htjTTFpLuF30QRApnUfLlCxt79Yc-oxxHAsjkhYwd3SaSRoln62wC6IU17_duAUpm3zXDLXutN3Gqfv-PP2th_ss/s1600/Kenya_safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpcLntfjWFuEZrdx9pVkgx3UbP2f1v9Y0Te9g72QK8B_n-r89rh_htjTTFpLuF30QRApnUfLlCxt79Yc-oxxHAsjkhYwd3SaSRoln62wC6IU17_duAUpm3zXDLXutN3Gqfv-PP2th_ss/s200/Kenya_safari.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Which may explain why there are no photo safaris scheduled.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since continuing education is important, even crucial to
maintaining a healthy effective ministry, such events have become an intrinsic
part of what I do; which doesn’t mean I like it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not a mixer. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssuBKfuU0RqbIWF9R3_z3sJs5zMqOKpn_b6nBhyeZYrw0diC6ixg_R-jmnvdFQL1en7i9-nwmakeweNWsuRSE6nq9LMZGYefi-jPrXviIf5uw5iRqAJB5TmAE5kc7BgHqVR2l-suP1pI/s1600/Kenwood_Chef_Model_700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssuBKfuU0RqbIWF9R3_z3sJs5zMqOKpn_b6nBhyeZYrw0diC6ixg_R-jmnvdFQL1en7i9-nwmakeweNWsuRSE6nq9LMZGYefi-jPrXviIf5uw5iRqAJB5TmAE5kc7BgHqVR2l-suP1pI/s200/Kenwood_Chef_Model_700.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">No.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMix-YJSscCpplvf2CZOq8h0THIfFU_qv-YNdwdQ-E48cx2Frcy2Uh5jxJT96EDJ8j5Qm6PXCWfRsM-gZSw9WvtF3GqsInndHzOuUhrWLyPPUE7DrthNQpTmPmaMg_1hvQOrV0boiGta8/s1600/448799824_ce5e94c4cc_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMix-YJSscCpplvf2CZOq8h0THIfFU_qv-YNdwdQ-E48cx2Frcy2Uh5jxJT96EDJ8j5Qm6PXCWfRsM-gZSw9WvtF3GqsInndHzOuUhrWLyPPUE7DrthNQpTmPmaMg_1hvQOrV0boiGta8/s200/448799824_ce5e94c4cc_o.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">No.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t0SAxZ4smj2Lmi7loI2iM9LSpQ_JV_MOdsZltlejwMOc6whMdRDLn4o5obERpId8rai2oNh-r1vFSKyHBWmxD0vYCHmKSAr2Fft5EFHoUe_CxBo01ZcCPbi1OoG9xocQaxJ6ilcjzp0/s1600/Hipp_hipp_hurra%2521_Konstna%25CC%2588rsfest_pa%25CC%258A_Skagen_-_Peder_Severin_Kr%25C3%25B8yer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t0SAxZ4smj2Lmi7loI2iM9LSpQ_JV_MOdsZltlejwMOc6whMdRDLn4o5obERpId8rai2oNh-r1vFSKyHBWmxD0vYCHmKSAr2Fft5EFHoUe_CxBo01ZcCPbi1OoG9xocQaxJ6ilcjzp0/s320/Hipp_hipp_hurra%2521_Konstna%25CC%2588rsfest_pa%25CC%258A_Skagen_-_Peder_Severin_Kr%25C3%25B8yer.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Just stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At a conference or seminar, I tend to find one
particular place to sit at meal times, one particular table. If others come and
sit, that’s fine, but I don’t really seek out new adventures in dining halls;
very often, I am reading, which really does tend to discourage all but the
stoutest extroverts from joining me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ1tofi0OxbNBMIr9eB2AYdP8u_TgbeVKS7TlY2g4zN8Am8etfAGd8UdpeyPnxAIUBeHp0_RD5m_WhUZjvHwBZliFtDLDHnDKdYO7of4A4SMWVK6KCT1fRzAIo1F2h8EsQ7sl5-jhOMo/s1600/GaryBuseyOct07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ1tofi0OxbNBMIr9eB2AYdP8u_TgbeVKS7TlY2g4zN8Am8etfAGd8UdpeyPnxAIUBeHp0_RD5m_WhUZjvHwBZliFtDLDHnDKdYO7of4A4SMWVK6KCT1fRzAIo1F2h8EsQ7sl5-jhOMo/s320/GaryBuseyOct07.jpg" width="206" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Like this guy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suppose such self-imposed solitude is
the lot of the introvert, but it <i>is</i> self imposed. And that makes a
difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I often choose isolation, not because I stand in opposition to those around me, but simply because I find relationship building to be exhausting rather than exhilarating. The truth is, in scanning my life, I can recall perhaps a single instance where I was the pariah, the outcast, the enemy – whether in the lunchroom, or the classroom, or the church meeting, or the pulpit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5WK9MN3eUa86Y45LooxDR6ACrHKvDs-XAAfoUyKa4qkoBn4WlcIsgi_mlgWcGE6yokLAXOjSe-DGxmMwGWV1ysIMwASY1dlkPgTt30cAduLtUi2fHedOccE4sad_vtWk3KYIOeTRbBA/s1600/4855565ec91128b3bf28eea7604a086f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5WK9MN3eUa86Y45LooxDR6ACrHKvDs-XAAfoUyKa4qkoBn4WlcIsgi_mlgWcGE6yokLAXOjSe-DGxmMwGWV1ysIMwASY1dlkPgTt30cAduLtUi2fHedOccE4sad_vtWk3KYIOeTRbBA/s320/4855565ec91128b3bf28eea7604a086f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is not me. Honest.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">So it is with a sense of wonder and confusion I find myself
contemplating the passage from the Psalm: <i>Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies…</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Kenneth Bailey, founder and director of the Institute for Middle Eastern New Testament Studies, spent 40 years living and teaching in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus. His decades of field research have brought to life much of the Biblical witness, including the Psalms of David and the Parables of Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQwozjueA5rX7Ts4y-RR1Q6ShcfxsrfBYUAeBFUE-Cj3Nf_GO53flTpbXQuP79m7gdY3heT2cwC9tQDFtULtAeiTYk8RAMhU9mRftTYLo11W7ZMgYtMb-IrUaiBMQID3NKM-EG38rHw4/s1600/bailey-featured1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQwozjueA5rX7Ts4y-RR1Q6ShcfxsrfBYUAeBFUE-Cj3Nf_GO53flTpbXQuP79m7gdY3heT2cwC9tQDFtULtAeiTYk8RAMhU9mRftTYLo11W7ZMgYtMb-IrUaiBMQID3NKM-EG38rHw4/s200/bailey-featured1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is Ken Bailey.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once, when speaking of hospitality, he outlined <i>the Law of the Desert, </i>which requires one to welcome the stranger, sharing one’s food, drink and shelter with any who happen along. This was simply enlightened self interest; in the searing heat of the desert, the law of hospitality was a matter of survival - you welcomed others so that they might one day welcome you. Further, custom dictated if someone was on the run from their enemies, they must be made welcome in your company, fed, sheltered, defended – while their enemies were mandated to retreat beyond the distance of the firelight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpiWe9wCqjWyNNl3v99ggt2VY4st8jw9dDPtQ4iwwEA3JUtRxauxaQv7Uyqp6QhM4pU82qJvzIruR_o1y-WpcVCkyCSgXFbFpAp3BCr2dSutnnFB1pbfTZQU9ExXo6lNH1zHO_AsNdZg/s1600/eyes-in-the-dark-royality-free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpiWe9wCqjWyNNl3v99ggt2VY4st8jw9dDPtQ4iwwEA3JUtRxauxaQv7Uyqp6QhM4pU82qJvzIruR_o1y-WpcVCkyCSgXFbFpAp3BCr2dSutnnFB1pbfTZQU9ExXo6lNH1zHO_AsNdZg/s200/eyes-in-the-dark-royality-free.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such law, such hospitality predates theology; it is custom old beyond reckoning. Over time, though, the polar forces of western culture and Sharia law served to erode this Law of the Desert, as they have so many other customs and traditions throughout the Levant. But Dr. Bailey recounted one story of hospitality that was at once ancient and immediate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
As a professor in Egypt, he was arrested by the authorities for the crime of evangelism – ‘Shaking the faith of a Muslim.’ The penalties for such a crime, while not necessarily as severe as other transgressions under Sharia, nonetheless put the defendant in a tenuous position within the community -even if charges were to be dropped, such an accusation alone can prompt mob action in defense of Islam. The accusation required Bailey to travel from his home to Cairo, where news of his arrest had become common knowledge. Having admonished his brothers and sisters in Christ to distance themselves from him, for fear of their own safety, he travelled alone, fearful for his future. He was shocked then, when he descended from the train, to discover the Christian community of Cairo awaiting him, en masse. They conducted him to a public square, where in an outdoor café, they he was treated to a great banquet… under the watchful eyes of the authorities.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuM9w20iFqVNMJ3lVa1d0aZcU-348lFtdKlWef5__wCZErokCxakL94y8wB5wwNC1_lNIdWEFl0f66saFLHYfjxRb0TZ4lY0I_WTlR_exdPWIbb6-AczM1oOOuw5Rlk3yY-kmWJ5Bd64/s1600/Peter_Paul_Rubens_-_Banquet_d%2527Ache%25CC%2581lou%25CC%2588s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuM9w20iFqVNMJ3lVa1d0aZcU-348lFtdKlWef5__wCZErokCxakL94y8wB5wwNC1_lNIdWEFl0f66saFLHYfjxRb0TZ4lY0I_WTlR_exdPWIbb6-AczM1oOOuw5Rlk3yY-kmWJ5Bd64/s200/Peter_Paul_Rubens_-_Banquet_d%2527Ache%25CC%2581lou%25CC%2588s.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You get the idea.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To open one’s table, one’s home, one’s life to the stranger is gracious; to do so in the presence of their enemies is defiance. In doing so, we may become a target - their enemies might become our enemies. And yet, that is just what God does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Hospitality becomes something more, something sacred, when it becomes dangerous, for it reflects the grace God bestows on us, and helps us to be the conduits of God’s love we are each called to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPpqRtvjzY0yCyPz68UP6coMflkCnKWssWO8Z5fnjY4NVVmaNQaxURpSBj6BwLdC0pUopeKo0km17OTOlYKLk8gkxGNZJWAk5AF99gdtOAqZtekty56A29Gu1jwA7mcV_3KUY9H8srAU/s1600/egypt-muslims-protect-church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPpqRtvjzY0yCyPz68UP6coMflkCnKWssWO8Z5fnjY4NVVmaNQaxURpSBj6BwLdC0pUopeKo0km17OTOlYKLk8gkxGNZJWAk5AF99gdtOAqZtekty56A29Gu1jwA7mcV_3KUY9H8srAU/s320/egypt-muslims-protect-church.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
I may be sitting alone in the dining room, but I like to think if you were in a jam, I’d make you dinner. May it be so for all of us.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-28945939982879662232015-04-23T16:35:00.003-04:002015-04-23T19:18:16.532-04:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Acts 1. </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that
Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he
was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy
Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After
his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs
that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and
spoke about the kingdom of God. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;">On one occasion,
while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Do not leave
Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard
me speak about. For</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;">John baptized with<sup> </sup>water, but
in a few days you will be baptized with<sup> </sup>the Holy Spirit.” </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bodoni 72 Book"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Then
they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to
restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to
them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by
his own authority.</span><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni 72 Book';"><span style="font-size: 12.222222328186px;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” </span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni 72 Book';"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni 72 Book';"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">After
he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him
from their sight. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">They were looking intently up into
the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside
them. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do
you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from
you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into
heaven.”</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">So. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I signed
another contract with the Smyrna Session, marking my second anniversary as Interim
Pastor. This will (almost) certainly be the last contract I sign; while three
years isn’t really that long for a church to be ‘in transition,’ it is rather long for an Interim Pastor to serve, at least in </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Presbyterian circles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUL20wxCE9kgS9T1mljM5CQ2pUWUqYmOOIFfBQYhQBgo3es92ym5doKLPUx_bLyjDv5kxdWFBL8bpx77Wlm2sfAj_fQzuVApJEGRvtrp1CNYI7qblyyiJnswdZAaK7aytNEf-HHbw2A0/s1600/CircularFiringSquad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUL20wxCE9kgS9T1mljM5CQ2pUWUqYmOOIFfBQYhQBgo3es92ym5doKLPUx_bLyjDv5kxdWFBL8bpx77Wlm2sfAj_fQzuVApJEGRvtrp1CNYI7qblyyiJnswdZAaK7aytNEf-HHbw2A0/s1600/CircularFiringSquad.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sometimes it's just too easy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since this is
the Easter Season, I have been thinking a lot about the post-resurrection
stories of Jesus. After he was raised from death back to life, Jesus was a busy
fellow; turning up in several places to meet with the disciples. The first few
of these appearances were mostly for show – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for
demonstration purposes</i>; in the cemetery, and in the locked upper room, the
amazing thing was just that Jesus was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there
-</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">alive.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxrI6-2HRsDxH3Z6yZSVQMcAehRTIfYPGxmz9VeptfN3UCv1p6H6O4OnMvuSFNnpVHsfaCYT9mHg-y63-04jdb7y7gVhP17AgoFT3qOUYzv5btBu6z3m2xQUKi-SEUHWReqL4UiBTyYY/s1600/comics-Cyanide-and-Happiness-jesus-bread-379891.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxrI6-2HRsDxH3Z6yZSVQMcAehRTIfYPGxmz9VeptfN3UCv1p6H6O4OnMvuSFNnpVHsfaCYT9mHg-y63-04jdb7y7gVhP17AgoFT3qOUYzv5btBu6z3m2xQUKi-SEUHWReqL4UiBTyYY/s1600/comics-Cyanide-and-Happiness-jesus-bread-379891.png" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But these appearances
quickly develop an agenda:<i> Jesus helping the disciples prepare for what was to
come.</i> There were things they needed to know, to understand – so Jesus taught
them, interpreting scripture in a radically new way; there were things they
needed to hear, and say – and Jesus spoke to them, and demanded from them a
response. They needed to start looking for – preparing for - what would come
next, so Jesus promised them a new counselor, as he arose out of sight, leaving
them staring after him, thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what
ever shall we do? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>That’s right: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>the Risen Christ </b></span><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">was an Interim.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I especially
like that last image – I imagine the congregation assembled in the parking lot,
gazing after my belching rattle can Volvo as is putters off into the sunset…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoIQrK3lCL4k1WuDKXAe3a_gfMKXFuW9un6q8e4SeiFxeE-DWiPqpaNgFgDTd2DQjdTwU4NxZ8031pzC2BBeJYkCaK3HgPo6_RZy9BItAODzCInmrsw0eeuIdhqju1qjXbZMsbL7-w-Y/s1600/smoke-screen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoIQrK3lCL4k1WuDKXAe3a_gfMKXFuW9un6q8e4SeiFxeE-DWiPqpaNgFgDTd2DQjdTwU4NxZ8031pzC2BBeJYkCaK3HgPo6_RZy9BItAODzCInmrsw0eeuIdhqju1qjXbZMsbL7-w-Y/s1600/smoke-screen1.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">I may need to get the injection pump checked.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seriously, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have</i> been thinking a lot about this; my
Call and my job, not the ‘Jesus was an Interim’ thing. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I have been pondering how my
position fits into what my Catholic friends call the </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Christian Vocation.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9EQwKfxrHkdzjgyYTF6rE7vigaH7wY6c8WzKDbWgWCxc0P_7oujvhhL2alLTdZ2y9Wg_VTffFXZd0dQlx5lCgg-NV35c1AS2uZxgV3Jm2Da14QkfiUv-SUfgb0Q8JRNaPonVNvHofTE/s1600/A-Swiss-Guard-salutes-Pop-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9EQwKfxrHkdzjgyYTF6rE7vigaH7wY6c8WzKDbWgWCxc0P_7oujvhhL2alLTdZ2y9Wg_VTffFXZd0dQlx5lCgg-NV35c1AS2uZxgV3Jm2Da14QkfiUv-SUfgb0Q8JRNaPonVNvHofTE/s1600/A-Swiss-Guard-salutes-Pop-010.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">One does miss out on some things being Protestant.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We Presbyterians
tend to have a pretty high sense of Call, especially when it comes to what we call </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Teaching Elders. </i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">W</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">e </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">used to people like me call<i> Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, </i>before that became too much of a mouthful and we went <i>back to the future </i>with a traditional title. A</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Teaching Elder, for example, does not have a </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">contract </i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">with a church;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> they instead agree
to </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Terms of Call, </i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">which</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> includes not just basic compensation, but much more - it is actually a covenant in which both pastor and congregation promise to care for one another. While </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Terms of Call</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> may be negotiated by smaller groups within the church,
the </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Call </i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">itself is extended to a
Teaching Elder by an act of the congregation, and ratified by the Presbytery; as such, it is not easily
rescinded. But for us </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Interim Pastors, </i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">the
work, and thus the ‘Call’ are not quite the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>What’s the dif? </i>you might ask. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlGh6VY4k69dlcgSsVdYyrVyG8aRwTwb-gbDOqgK7SOCj5jqRwhlOOBW0flpd3736Ys7m0fk3_SW2pL8D8XyilvUYfqcIr5vph1f0hyphenhyphen5KFSNpHGD6ztCOVFN5aNhU3_3kRxfGPJMX2aM/s1600/racoon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlGh6VY4k69dlcgSsVdYyrVyG8aRwTwb-gbDOqgK7SOCj5jqRwhlOOBW0flpd3736Ys7m0fk3_SW2pL8D8XyilvUYfqcIr5vph1f0hyphenhyphen5KFSNpHGD6ztCOVFN5aNhU3_3kRxfGPJMX2aM/s1600/racoon2.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Especially if you’ve just arrived from 1919. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Both preach, Both run meetings, and visit sick people; </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">what the heck?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ah, but it<i> is</i> different -<i> very</i> different. For the Interim, the relationship is not defined by a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">covenant</i> with the congregation; but
rather by a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">contract</i> with the
Session, which outlines specific responsibilities and covers a set period of
time<span style="color: red;">. </span>Instead of defining ministry in terms of
deepening relationships and expanding programs, the Interim’s task is
delineated by a sort of <i>checklist: </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saying
</i>the things the congregation needs to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hear;</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">teaching</i> them things they need to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">learn;</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">encouraging</i> them to do the things they need to<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> do,</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> t</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">o prepare for what God has in store for them.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>These, along with<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>other
benchmarks, help the Interim gauge how close the congregation is to that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">next </i>transition, the one that leads to a
new Call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, one
can argue such things come under the heading of ‘God’s Time,’ and I do – often
with myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s true the process
of discernment has led the Smyrna Session to consider new models of ministry, and that takes
time, especially if you want to do it right. But the clock is running – I can
feel it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWEDykB-uqSIH1InTM9uraDUMuCiLQdMN6IaJqdorK6tF9I8VQvQqmkaGE4RhV6u396YyXLZbdUZH45vf32i3Ej9lGL3CixBNeCQ8YimKbcPQrbN46PBJxoYzoy8mn_NTJwXmkBz20rk/s1600/hourglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWEDykB-uqSIH1InTM9uraDUMuCiLQdMN6IaJqdorK6tF9I8VQvQqmkaGE4RhV6u396YyXLZbdUZH45vf32i3Ej9lGL3CixBNeCQ8YimKbcPQrbN46PBJxoYzoy8mn_NTJwXmkBz20rk/s1600/hourglass.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t get me
wrong – I’m having a ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship at
Smyrna is just a delight – I have more fun in the pulpit than anyone really
should (including probably me); meals and receptions are great; and even the
mundane meetings about which we preachers like to complain are mostly fun. And,
truth be told, there are some definite perks to being an Interim; I get to be myself, but in the best
way;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-n4-snyRxavw5z2BC-7E-cRNRbuwChnWzUkYoahqMxmfTrdp8jsMaK8aKO_3ZWESoMWJN8pWs_GkGFHGEaC4b1CXrRBQYfe0aNw0mEvch9R3pGSiXg5lq38YFnMd-kAE7sB9aScFcrM/s1600/slynewrecord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-n4-snyRxavw5z2BC-7E-cRNRbuwChnWzUkYoahqMxmfTrdp8jsMaK8aKO_3ZWESoMWJN8pWs_GkGFHGEaC4b1CXrRBQYfe0aNw0mEvch9R3pGSiXg5lq38YFnMd-kAE7sB9aScFcrM/s1600/slynewrecord.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Thank you.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I get to go with my best stories, reconstruct my best sermons, trot out
all my very best examples; I get to answer questions not just honestly, but </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">candidly,</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> without the hesitation that
comes along with a vested interest in a long term pastoral relationship; in
short, I have the luxury of calling things as I see them, without worrying
somebody won’t like it and will then make my life miserable. After all, I’m
just a temp; if you don’t like what I’m telling you,</span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">you
can take comfort in knowing that soon my belching rattle can Volvo will be
puttering off into the sunset for the last time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYugi49nwAzSmkILmvxjj4t0jD4QUd68YlxDM8Ke5tVHDbbxc_CcCNk8_uCIf2trycc4uyMZDHKUysc-r2rPpWYwCKSh5USZVcBOJWG_H3zbnmPzud0AudzruAvtj_OU5krS_F-ZR7vEQ/s1600/1f11502a17b57300cb9ff46f11b9ef623f678ae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYugi49nwAzSmkILmvxjj4t0jD4QUd68YlxDM8Ke5tVHDbbxc_CcCNk8_uCIf2trycc4uyMZDHKUysc-r2rPpWYwCKSh5USZVcBOJWG_H3zbnmPzud0AudzruAvtj_OU5krS_F-ZR7vEQ/s1600/1f11502a17b57300cb9ff46f11b9ef623f678ae.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Don't forget me, Preacher!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Truth be told,
my checklist is largely complete. After looking hard at themselves, and looking
out into the community, these folks are pretty much ready to go. There is
restlessness here, in the church, a longing for the kind of relationship with a
minister that can only develop over time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfsH8t4qR6tDvt_baxLQ4RMso_3WjUI3s7-K0dy1HJdoqbo-J9Q_zkghwEcVlS7Z5J0CaakRRg0F55pk3XVg-KVTloFPms4CwWazy8NndgTXd85sifTFHR_RiVcf4MSQ2YC1cs-xxbWA/s1600/gcemoyvjdpj5mrpfi05c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfsH8t4qR6tDvt_baxLQ4RMso_3WjUI3s7-K0dy1HJdoqbo-J9Q_zkghwEcVlS7Z5J0CaakRRg0F55pk3XVg-KVTloFPms4CwWazy8NndgTXd85sifTFHR_RiVcf4MSQ2YC1cs-xxbWA/s1600/gcemoyvjdpj5mrpfi05c.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Just kidding.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s getting to be time for the Smyrna to form the kind
of open-ended relationship that leads to deep and lasting connections; and that
just isn’t in my job description. I don’t know just when, but the days are
coming for a new Call here at Smyrna.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-53528491982470400102015-02-23T18:05:00.000-05:002015-03-05T17:21:29.157-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hate snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I recognize that
may seem to be a precipitous statement (precipitous, HA! because snow=precipitation),
but I have my reasons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good reasons.<i> Very good reasons.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First, snow is cold. </b>I recognize this is axiomatic, but consider
for a moment my feet.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8DG7RfU5T0MGm8YZwjOcCakdvMgG7yQ9ajbmoBltgjmtcI4HCAeKTQqTFW474LoG5I4ZaBWSnRhrpUVTWt286FUNAX5LyV99dY4tp9nj50vxr92lgyzcZ5uanA3jVwr9AYsl1ZnfqdA/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8DG7RfU5T0MGm8YZwjOcCakdvMgG7yQ9ajbmoBltgjmtcI4HCAeKTQqTFW474LoG5I4ZaBWSnRhrpUVTWt286FUNAX5LyV99dY4tp9nj50vxr92lgyzcZ5uanA3jVwr9AYsl1ZnfqdA/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I grow old ... I grow old ... I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.*</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Be glad they're in slippers. Feet are kind of gross.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For as long as I
can remember, cold feet have been the salient feature of winter for me - especially
in the snow, which seems to be a thoroughly efficient conduction medium. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once my feet get cold, the beauty of a freshly
fallen blanket of white quickly turns to ice. Purple, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this little piggy went to the meat locker</i> ice. As someone who grew
up refusing to button my jacket ever, for any reason, and who still tends to go
without outerwear much of the time, this may seem spurious; but consider this:
I ALWAYS wear socks. And shoes. But the truth is, thermal socks are a joke;
insulated boots lie. (I will admit I never tried those weird electric sock things because, let’s
face it, live wires woven around my person sounds more like a torture method
than a winter strategy.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFU0p8CRQ-DLOnBWjjBIZKyXBJ-DpkTL8FgWCBw77hJ1BWT0ySV08e5bFtlrSZbN9HEN1hkqjax3Wtvh4H4pEgVottexfo7Bce4aGMQ2fMKPu-vLK4RAKlWZC3yyiG4S48boduhiYyZk/s1600/electric+socks.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Really - who wants to attract lightning with their FEET?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">No matter what I do, my feet get cold, and I believe I
am on firm, temperate ground when I say this:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When your feet are cold, there is no joy
in the world.</span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Then there’s the shoveling</b>. I have a theory: a person’s
appreciation for snow is in inverse proportion to the amount they have actually
<i>had</i> to shovel - those who love it most (children, rich skiers, my dogs) are the
ones who shovel it the least, and vice versa. Some of you might take exception
to this, insisting that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you <i>just love
</i>shoveling snow, or <i>don’t really mind</i> wrenching your back over and over again, or think frostbite and a nasty Ben Gay addiction is <i>a small price to pay</i> for
winter beauty; feel free to peddle your bizarre life observations to whoever
will listen, he says with his fingers in his ears while he says LALALALA...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have said it before and I’ll say it again:
I shoveled enough snow in 1977 to last me a lifetime. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then I did it again
in 1978. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3VaG-QcBS-8Gu3SRNK1jnR3sW-e-4eYEqG0kF7O1_mMT6QO_QqVNRP2bTlpDohNcbCYAMJUzqVZpB4zNGKaJBmwJIwiA5mRF3Wy_UxcTFpwmr1bsuDhKQD8gNeearlTXz1zW24dphyphenhyphen0/s1600/Scan+150540001-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3VaG-QcBS-8Gu3SRNK1jnR3sW-e-4eYEqG0kF7O1_mMT6QO_QqVNRP2bTlpDohNcbCYAMJUzqVZpB4zNGKaJBmwJIwiA5mRF3Wy_UxcTFpwmr1bsuDhKQD8gNeearlTXz1zW24dphyphenhyphen0/s1600/Scan+150540001-6.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To give you a sense of scale, my sister is seven feet tall.<br />And standing on my shoulders.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Snow in Pittsburgh. Snow in Finleyville. Snow in Leicester. Snow in Linesville. Snow in the
Valley. My life has been full of snow - mountains and mountains of snow. I get tired just thinking about it. And my feet are getting cold.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
And consider
this: <b>snow is a lie</b>. It offers a sort of false reprieve, - a fleeting illusion that things
are <i>fine, lovely, even, clean</i>.<b> </b>A story: in one of those dark, snowy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>high school years, a friend brought me home
from a band rehearsal in the family truckster – a <i>Chevelle Malibu Station Wagon.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7Ahw4wiwjr2QEGqHV8Qeqnde_Q0YpUld3qH9OhQQUQUETcsU9YFJm1KfrOxr1tMFm6YujC89iCSmFCnfhMGawaEvVgOyrtUx22N7cdAfejqEBR1US21bePJ6wph6qXoZHybRbDB-KqE/s1600/49530968_17efbdbce3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7Ahw4wiwjr2QEGqHV8Qeqnde_Q0YpUld3qH9OhQQUQUETcsU9YFJm1KfrOxr1tMFm6YujC89iCSmFCnfhMGawaEvVgOyrtUx22N7cdAfejqEBR1US21bePJ6wph6qXoZHybRbDB-KqE/s1600/49530968_17efbdbce3_o.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Photo by </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Roadsidepictures</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Check out the angle of the tailgate – it will become significant in just a second.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After I removed
my guitar case from the way back, he went to shut the tailgate, failing to
notice how far back the rest of the equipment had shifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down came the tailgate; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">crash!</i> went the back glass; @#$%! went my friend. The back window was <i>everywhere, </i>except in the back window– mostly on the floor of the car, but quite a lot in the driveway, too, it
turned out. I say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it turned out </i>because
at that moment, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I couldn’t tell</i> – all
those little pellets of window were nestled snug in the snow that covered<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> everything</i>. It wasn’t until spring (sometime
in July, I think), long after my friend had invented some story about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those darn Baldwin Borough kids throwing
snowballs</i>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my father asked me, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what is all this glass doing all over the front yard? WHAT DID YOU DO??? </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And lest you think this sort of s<i>now hiding a multitude of sins thing</i> is somehow a rare occurrence, just come look at our back yard when the big thaw comes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ye42hSlxejRFeIj-oSFmb-hn7PFbGxpxS8ik_FFy3tojLGF5BaCbuqPfM15AOHZOt_UiT6ZquBxC1iq4X_2TUaxjMCaM7EccT3-pKOuoTOD7uUFiCm3LHlAXLUgdzAwpe-S_TquzIsY/s1600/2015-02-16+05.44.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ye42hSlxejRFeIj-oSFmb-hn7PFbGxpxS8ik_FFy3tojLGF5BaCbuqPfM15AOHZOt_UiT6ZquBxC1iq4X_2TUaxjMCaM7EccT3-pKOuoTOD7uUFiCm3LHlAXLUgdzAwpe-S_TquzIsY/s1600/2015-02-16+05.44.09.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They may look dead, but trust me, their alimentary canals are open for business.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Which brings me
to <b>Lent. </b>Clever transition, I know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have always
found it intriguing that American Christians use such decidedly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rustic,</i> (that is to say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pagan</i>) words to describe both the
central defining event of the faith, and the period of preparation which
precedes it; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Easter </i>is derived from
the Old English name of a Germanic goddess of the dawn, while Lent is a
shortened version of the Old English for Spring (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lencten,</i> reflecting the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lengthening</i>
of the days...) Within these Old English terms there is, I believe, an
instructive lesson in the purpose of what is called in Latin <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><i>Quadragesima</i>, the forty days, and of the
significance of the <i>Paschal </i>celebration of the resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For many of us, Lent comes around at the low point of the year. The 'fun' of Christmas
is long gone, and the worst of winter has settled upon us; it's freezing, and we’re
tired of the darkness, of the extra effort required to do the most mundane things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3MlGShPo0tH5Dy7kTy2j8BbvMP7-hZUSpspaFb_cyIrCDYO8J0wk6l8kheS3F44zEbJLG6FPnqpVNVeCXLkW0Vu7D4nb_a8wpIuZgwNGosIQri5CfuMVOFV129WLoxtxRTZE0marsk0/s1600/4214324955_f0d68c6eb5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3MlGShPo0tH5Dy7kTy2j8BbvMP7-hZUSpspaFb_cyIrCDYO8J0wk6l8kheS3F44zEbJLG6FPnqpVNVeCXLkW0Vu7D4nb_a8wpIuZgwNGosIQri5CfuMVOFV129WLoxtxRTZE0marsk0/s1600/4214324955_f0d68c6eb5_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Tobi Mattingly</span></div>
Getting the paper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But all at once, we have the opportunity to <i>change our frame of reference.</i> </span>Ash
Wednesday reminds us not only of our mortality (which certainly puts my cold
feet in perspective), but of God’s amazing love for his frail, broken children.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJq6qMo9swZetsUKM4AO_gnFpuPrOn5S2OZRQcli2z6lQ4iH6nzFf-_5rtieBeKOtvTnVjwLzdHUQElQ_9WJLQbYTPMbKEzpUqdQjjaew-hQu1SizDvo8dCM68cSW7VjQIqlw-pjGErM/s1600/Ash+Wed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJq6qMo9swZetsUKM4AO_gnFpuPrOn5S2OZRQcli2z6lQ4iH6nzFf-_5rtieBeKOtvTnVjwLzdHUQElQ_9WJLQbYTPMbKEzpUqdQjjaew-hQu1SizDvo8dCM68cSW7VjQIqlw-pjGErM/s1600/Ash+Wed.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Each day in Lent, we are challenged to consider that truth, in all its glory, all its
contradictions. Using the disciplines of the church, we can mark the movement
from winter to spring with our own journey from sin to salvation, a journey
which takes us deep into our own hearts, then back to Jerusalem with the cheering crowds, through the Stations of the Cross
with Jesus on the road to Golgotha, to a borrowed tomb with Joseph and the women, and a locked second story room with the disciples, awaiting the dawn of a new day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lent starts out in the Bleak Midwinter<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**</span>, and it is work – hard work, sometimes. But if we do it
right, it shatters the illusion that our darkness, our sin, is hidden away; it uncovers the truth, in all its ugliness and beauty, and shows, once and for all, we <i>can</i> clean up the mess, because in Jesus Christ, God says we can – and he’ll
even help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode">All images are subject to the Creative Commons license.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">* from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot (1888-1965). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">**A fine poet, Christina Rossetti apparently forgot to check the calendar; Christmas is at the beginning of winter. Barely. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Yes, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I was a Lit major; get over it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-89069213979182859172015-01-22T17:32:00.000-05:002015-07-15T16:15:22.866-04:00<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Football,
Cheating and the Morality of the Fan</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>I haven’t
watched an NFL game this season. </b></i></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>I may never watch one again.</b></i></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">That’s a
tough thing to say. I was a football fan for as long as I remember, long before
I understood any of the finer points of the game. I grew up with football. When
I was very small, back in the dark days of Steeler history, my family shared a
row house with their punter, Frank Lambert.<sup>*</sup></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6r8EtGnFAErerwNRd8n9peq3WV1pH7cR8heKsUIO065DsJ1sOLt5sWvOYi5wP6Uz3DNDjXDwvfjR46QoRoDT42AZ7iMI2nK3lrpBcUsEuUs6UnL6sglDPC_MnMEtXHAChY5wB7rsNME/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6r8EtGnFAErerwNRd8n9peq3WV1pH7cR8heKsUIO065DsJ1sOLt5sWvOYi5wP6Uz3DNDjXDwvfjR46QoRoDT42AZ7iMI2nK3lrpBcUsEuUs6UnL6sglDPC_MnMEtXHAChY5wB7rsNME/s1600/1.jpg" width="231" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">I actually have this card. Cool, huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">I remember
the antics of Joe Namath in the late sixties, but my first clear memory of a football game was watching Johnny Unitas and the Colts edge out the
Dallas Cowboys 16-13 in Super Bowl V, a game also referred to as </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">the Stupor Bowl</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">. I rooted for Baltimore – after all, Unitas was
a Mt. Washington boy, just like my grandfather.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXGirRbosDXijLVICo-_C06bZmH74mhyphenhyphen9bArLooRcT5Fv-8lM8xbEv3PA30XvneFQqWN2n8rNcIQRIu-mZVi8zD0ghtb9Rckha3Nk0JCG6mQqQv639qGY4wjI1iPqcBy_7X7yEar_OZc/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXGirRbosDXijLVICo-_C06bZmH74mhyphenhyphen9bArLooRcT5Fv-8lM8xbEv3PA30XvneFQqWN2n8rNcIQRIu-mZVi8zD0ghtb9Rckha3Nk0JCG6mQqQv639qGY4wjI1iPqcBy_7X7yEar_OZc/s1600/2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">It was perhaps not the most auspicious game with which to start.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">A few years
later, my dad took me to see the University of Louisville play when he was a
graduate student there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqBC5bBWk-fzBb7QpCSn41jIh1GXpQ4ZamdrYwjfCXabKFhpLxBhEZeHrShvUy8sPM6p_KOWhtd0CsZOp8Tlr4Kla00WtmPNg9vt7SiMHryRSx19N-MyJOv2GnuPHf5WG6IoQdchxJBo/s1600/3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqBC5bBWk-fzBb7QpCSn41jIh1GXpQ4ZamdrYwjfCXabKFhpLxBhEZeHrShvUy8sPM6p_KOWhtd0CsZOp8Tlr4Kla00WtmPNg9vt7SiMHryRSx19N-MyJOv2GnuPHf5WG6IoQdchxJBo/s1600/3.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Louisville coach Lee Corso, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">before he went completely around the bend</span></div>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">and started wearing bizarre costumes</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> on ESPN.</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">My playing
career was mercifully brief: one seemingly endless season as center on a Pop
Warner team at the St. Matthews YMCA. I was a preternaturally tall, painfully
thin klutz, who was routinely submarined by any and all nose guards who lined
up against me. I quickly tired of the repetitive drill, the yelling, the strict regimentation and, in particular, the divots of turf I had to pick out of my face mask with
depressing regularity. But I learned some things about the game, and just in
time; when we moved back to Pittsburgh, the Steelers were poised to become a
citywide obsession, the preeminent team of the 1970s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBtcnb7qaUMHYck_r-_ID6zPkXyhYjN6_ZeIsy6E-ELyT-wUx76jruJx23E7oS-Bib1SQqIeVeLH1k80r1exSw8gY_wVvIb47rot7hAburnJc-ekMW38fBPij9jA0sn_h1kVshzAb_mY/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBtcnb7qaUMHYck_r-_ID6zPkXyhYjN6_ZeIsy6E-ELyT-wUx76jruJx23E7oS-Bib1SQqIeVeLH1k80r1exSw8gY_wVvIb47rot7hAburnJc-ekMW38fBPij9jA0sn_h1kVshzAb_mY/s1600/4.jpg" width="249" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I had a Terrible Towel®, too.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">At Bethel
Park High School, I played a little basketball, but was really a band geek. The
marching band, though, was an integral part of every football game, so I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> a Blackhawk.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEVFmsV0Nou3E6DOrA9JQlIOvy-tskr0Zz8LqYU7smuKqTC06IJd2hLOriiWUUQbIiXXkjd-qtdiv4ZYWb7kD40eaRfTYP14vnYgsQSI8NkBWeXIHYKGnEJJD_M5kMBfjZNDJLUmXAB8/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEVFmsV0Nou3E6DOrA9JQlIOvy-tskr0Zz8LqYU7smuKqTC06IJd2hLOriiWUUQbIiXXkjd-qtdiv4ZYWb7kD40eaRfTYP14vnYgsQSI8NkBWeXIHYKGnEJJD_M5kMBfjZNDJLUmXAB8/s1600/logo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Orange and black, attack - <i>ATTACK!</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">In my time,
I have rooted for Pitt over Penn State, Texas A&M over Texas, Fort Defiance
over Harrisonburg, Virginia Tech over Virginia. In turn, I have hated
Cleveland. And Dallas. And Oakland. And Houston. And Baltimore. And New
England. And refs, who made bad calls against any of 'my' teams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ue6Se_iSlAMcAvb7GfacdbEE7duOv82_1RAYmJxhJyGXvNMVqtyLj1nOIR16jCyvrX1amiK1CwRqCT_j8OdEJkA4awyHHleUBp7BVGHeuD9GetzXTll3p3GaPwIWEpSRCa3KEGhVRa8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ue6Se_iSlAMcAvb7GfacdbEE7duOv82_1RAYmJxhJyGXvNMVqtyLj1nOIR16jCyvrX1amiK1CwRqCT_j8OdEJkA4awyHHleUBp7BVGHeuD9GetzXTll3p3GaPwIWEpSRCa3KEGhVRa8/s1600/5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">For some reason, the Vikings only aroused a vague sense of pity</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I loved football, especially football on television, with that evolving combination of commentary, analysis and personality which not only made sense of the action, but drew you into the experience. After more than 30 years, I still remember the disappointment of my first (and to date, only) live, in person Steeler game – the cold, the bad sight lines, and what I can only describe as the <i>lack of a coherent narrative.</i> </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Television, and the media in general, had provided for me a particular narrative: the tale of the kindly owner who paid $2500 for a franchise in 1933, and worked hard to establish the struggling NFL;
the decades of humiliation and mediocrity until the trinity of Noll, Green and
Bradshaw arrived to transform<i> the Smoky City</i> into <i>the City of Champions; </i>the narrative of a benevolent <i>paterfamilias</i> who embodied all the best of the league he loved, and passed that legacy on to his family, a sacred trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg07W9QqwBYZNYzyg8cpe3mn5LQmIQAKvHlmD7CHqwNBvFAnylmmQpe_-hpHv-g02-gpdb6_uT1EQCrIC4tp6uX1mWpKfIARguA27d36wEpLH_yXjk-lzavl1Vkxtwxbe90tiNpNiKFs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg07W9QqwBYZNYzyg8cpe3mn5LQmIQAKvHlmD7CHqwNBvFAnylmmQpe_-hpHv-g02-gpdb6_uT1EQCrIC4tp6uX1mWpKfIARguA27d36wEpLH_yXjk-lzavl1Vkxtwxbe90tiNpNiKFs/s1600/6.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Of course as part of that narrative, I believed
that <i>Tom Landry</i> was a soulless technocrat, ruining the game with his formulas
and charts; <i>Bum Phillips</i> was an ignorant blowhard, and that <i>John Madden</i> was a
big old dirty cheat; while <i>Chuck Noll</i> walked on water, even when the Allegheny
River <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wasn’t</i> frozen. </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqEPC3btL5uMsSdji2ptrWVKQosYjmh13JPOLiVvPKHeejc5jxErdH3pUcfEjhNGa-W4Bja9QZdCdWLEL9aJUm3d-ZLOwr8z-PGJMTS6TavuD-KfgnbR58J-FLYM_nU7tPdf4xPeQUjU/s1600/tom-landry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqEPC3btL5uMsSdji2ptrWVKQosYjmh13JPOLiVvPKHeejc5jxErdH3pUcfEjhNGa-W4Bja9QZdCdWLEL9aJUm3d-ZLOwr8z-PGJMTS6TavuD-KfgnbR58J-FLYM_nU7tPdf4xPeQUjU/s1600/tom-landry.jpg" width="111" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgZc7Hz_fz_o7L0fUAuafS3JSFXGbkQr-2gwLt_kzRDIIwUqH3rdcN-4NV7YZajR44nC490v2cCVZ9q-0AZizwNnIfdKHtS9l_NhbNSNAD49x3JVlgWZCOrDG-4k0UVg8JJ7slmhkmtM/s1600/bum-phillips-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgZc7Hz_fz_o7L0fUAuafS3JSFXGbkQr-2gwLt_kzRDIIwUqH3rdcN-4NV7YZajR44nC490v2cCVZ9q-0AZizwNnIfdKHtS9l_NhbNSNAD49x3JVlgWZCOrDG-4k0UVg8JJ7slmhkmtM/s1600/bum-phillips-2.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbrE1lQQJYvnUNOJuCVsiYMd3Okr-MHI8ib1u7g5CY-ERrJ8YD072m2OqMeBlZsj_4i1m0_I4fLFpkI0xszpQu1i13qutJQPipP0wHunJ5xnfPnnO-VAwzPT_qB5N4D842IRo6P1BvBY/s1600/w_madden2_195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbrE1lQQJYvnUNOJuCVsiYMd3Okr-MHI8ib1u7g5CY-ERrJ8YD072m2OqMeBlZsj_4i1m0_I4fLFpkI0xszpQu1i13qutJQPipP0wHunJ5xnfPnnO-VAwzPT_qB5N4D842IRo6P1BvBY/s1600/w_madden2_195.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Sorry, guys.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">It turns out,
Landry was the consummate gentleman, Bum, the quintessential player’s coach,
Madden an entertaining, down to earth expert on the game; and Chuck Noll was a
complicated and mercurial man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Likewise, I grew up
believing Joe Green and Jack Lambert <i>were tough competitors</i>, but the Jack Tatum
and Conrad Dobler were <i>thugs,</i> who ought to be locked up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaDqs1gu3Pwp4II86NqgrmAMeN6Bv_pnjbAiL6fuh3DT_FwOgG1u0sDSybnsH54iTQzvHGqlIk_Vhj0h0rtSEm7KSGW4zAk2ABQSeLt_jfBcaKjAuLCxCQ-owwn4zJG6XLLbmFEJGDJw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaDqs1gu3Pwp4II86NqgrmAMeN6Bv_pnjbAiL6fuh3DT_FwOgG1u0sDSybnsH54iTQzvHGqlIk_Vhj0h0rtSEm7KSGW4zAk2ABQSeLt_jfBcaKjAuLCxCQ-owwn4zJG6XLLbmFEJGDJw/s1600/7.jpg" width="219" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Of course, this didn’t help.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I realize now that being a fan, <i>accepting the narrative, </i>as it were, seems to lead to an awkward level of</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">...well, </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">moral flexibility,</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> at least for me. To wit: </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 1.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I was
indignant about the plea bargain offered </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">to Ravens linebacker and alleged murderer Ray
Lewis in 2000.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50eoWM8b-2-CrHoFffGULaMJsUBmWxUwPgyn9HRzCmgFFVJQp9MgcbgGiafvOb1sFW2vkTdXN8Tp9Dcq-mgERN_2czBomnowb8R6pX7auTg3s29c0L6cSWdvW_olmurf_blDwuVcXwKI/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50eoWM8b-2-CrHoFffGULaMJsUBmWxUwPgyn9HRzCmgFFVJQp9MgcbgGiafvOb1sFW2vkTdXN8Tp9Dcq-mgERN_2czBomnowb8R6pX7auTg3s29c0L6cSWdvW_olmurf_blDwuVcXwKI/s1600/8.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Yet somehow
I managed to compartmentalize </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">the various accusations of Rape and sexual
assault </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">against Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zsAbCdcgQYb6YJNVkvmbpJzIWfEdzkbazeaB7TAGBmMalusNevbmKHb4qZAKuZz31VEXH26agYixKc2DEzlpYL_PyC4ez8Jz2hZby7vHvR_tDPxNMfSgBgNXSYZGCYdFXW8bboSw594/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zsAbCdcgQYb6YJNVkvmbpJzIWfEdzkbazeaB7TAGBmMalusNevbmKHb4qZAKuZz31VEXH26agYixKc2DEzlpYL_PyC4ez8Jz2hZby7vHvR_tDPxNMfSgBgNXSYZGCYdFXW8bboSw594/s1600/9.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">I mean, <i>really; </i>I am the<i> father</i> of two daughters</span>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I had no
problem believing this could be an accident:</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueTr-22T5a0Y5bcYt6a8N0zeHVUMrE3F4cL9a1XMQOA7nckImEaVpGy4Nv011S2nPV7qQrkQ6-xamvUPQXuyhw4yiXwhxizTBitfUle1Y0yssz_sGchcyD73TPWPApff4rL31WSYZG8Q/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueTr-22T5a0Y5bcYt6a8N0zeHVUMrE3F4cL9a1XMQOA7nckImEaVpGy4Nv011S2nPV7qQrkQ6-xamvUPQXuyhw4yiXwhxizTBitfUle1Y0yssz_sGchcyD73TPWPApff4rL31WSYZG8Q/s1600/10.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">While at the
same time believing the dastardly Bill Belichick </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">had cheated by spying on his
opponents’ signals.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh002yVnxIR2blE2CToyhAg6rA5NOsvnRXf6fgwv8FmYgzaqU0KwP4Bi4OHs_SYMxeK2wuUwGeQ2q0QWRndTG09Qm3hvXF4GIRqAR-oxGEenYpmgTlZC-rL6YrntyhPIpy3g75H_hHwM-o/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh002yVnxIR2blE2CToyhAg6rA5NOsvnRXf6fgwv8FmYgzaqU0KwP4Bi4OHs_SYMxeK2wuUwGeQ2q0QWRndTG09Qm3hvXF4GIRqAR-oxGEenYpmgTlZC-rL6YrntyhPIpy3g75H_hHwM-o/s1600/11.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Actual incriminating photo.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I grew up
understanding that football was a tough sport for tough men; men who do whatever it takes to win; men would rub
some dirt on it and get back into the trenches; men who were used to pain –
inflicting it, playing through it; reveling in it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s what makes it so good,</i> I told myself. </span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I never thought
those men were killing themselves to entertain me. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And I certainly didn't think the NFL would put profit above literally everything else, including the well being of everyone </i></span></span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">who may have a relationship with an NFL player.</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But then my eyes began to open, just a bit, and my mind began to change; I began to see </span><i style="font-size: small;">another narrative. </i></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">O</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">n October 9,
2015, The documentary <i>League of Denial,
the NFL’s Concussion Crisis</i> was broadcast as part of the PBS series <i>Frontline.</i> </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Based on a book by ESPN
reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru, <i>League of Denial</i> examines the long-term effects of traumatic head
injury on NFL players, and the league's response. Exhibit number one is the life and death of Hall of Fame center Mike Webster,
whose sixteen year career with the Steelers left him with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_traumatic_encephalopathy">Chronic
Traumatic Encephalopathy</a> (CTE), a degenerative neurological disease. CTE
caused amnesia, Dementia and Depression, which exacerbated the crippling bone and muscle pain of the NFL veteran. Webster died homeless in
2002 at age fifty, even as friends, family and former teammates sought to help him. The Fainaru brothers make a persuasive argument that for almost thirty years, the NFL consistently denied there was any connection between head trauma and neurological damage, even when confronted with the evidence.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JInvdmCh3oa9xSJLjJjl8CqMZ19hcwSl2P02FP8nKQuSQ-mlICBjUII2cZIl_IJCSg6Qckv4C8fnBIsaKNy1f3AoogjqKS3aNWAXCurFMfOFDO14oT8BrTbBYvA5QDKA7K1sYqa21MY/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JInvdmCh3oa9xSJLjJjl8CqMZ19hcwSl2P02FP8nKQuSQ-mlICBjUII2cZIl_IJCSg6Qckv4C8fnBIsaKNy1f3AoogjqKS3aNWAXCurFMfOFDO14oT8BrTbBYvA5QDKA7K1sYqa21MY/s1600/12.JPG" width="244" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rest in Peace, Iron Mike.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; tab-stops: 31.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">And then in the spring of 2014, it
was reported that Ray Rice, running back for the Baltimore Ravens had assaulted
his fiancée, Janay Palmer in an Atlantic City hotel, knocking her out cold and
dragging her inert body out of an elevator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; tab-stops: 31.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; tab-stops: 31.5pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">I had a picture here,
but no.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Although charged
with Aggravated Assault, Rice would end up married to his victim, in a Pretrial
Intervention Program, and an unrestricted Free Agent as of December 1. Finally, in September of last year, Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson was indicted for Reckless or Negligent Injury to a Child, after it was found he had beaten his four year old son with a tree branch. This time, the inconsistency of the league's responses was on public display. A new narrative emerged:</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JJHprEulmMmoAMtSvZsDppHw0mtIdeQSUvot7zKsIDbeTUgVfzmlaXTXGxdxmIhIfHnvVdv7BdjZ4wIHgNIPqlIV38mnDDnnc0LMhcTqVjp01BYgxLHlaDxXZ_VPVZ70I48pi1Af-PQ/s1600/15718009-mmmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JJHprEulmMmoAMtSvZsDppHw0mtIdeQSUvot7zKsIDbeTUgVfzmlaXTXGxdxmIhIfHnvVdv7BdjZ4wIHgNIPqlIV38mnDDnnc0LMhcTqVjp01BYgxLHlaDxXZ_VPVZ70I48pi1Af-PQ/s1600/15718009-mmmain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">What finally
dawned on me was this: despite years of hard work, and millions of dollars
spent to craft an image as a noble endeavor, a sport which
represents the finest qualities of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">America
the Beautiful,</i> in reality The National Football League is a sordid business, in which greed has
trumped both short and long term concerns over the health of its employees, <i>even though</i> <b>they are its only draw; </b>a business that is only too happy to cultivate women and exploit children as
consumers, even what it ignores them as potential victims of their own
employees, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because</i><b> they are its only draw; </b>a business which is more concerned with how its employees<i> look</i> to their advertisers than how they <i>behave</i> to those closest to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">And so I
stopped watching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">As I write
this, the narrative spectacle of the 2015 Super Bowl has been tarnished by
reports that 11 of the 12 footballs prepared and used by the Patriots in their playoff
rout of the Indianapolis Colts were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">under</i>
inflated, thus making them easier to both throw and catch. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOCemC6ft0w8UXRKd1QO3ZQbtCJvDGtwyvXHYhJUQxTbLtzXi68lBUL1ySfnn1VgDCxk996p28kv4MvcPUnDhX44zENtMeYQfGl_B_Dml9zZ08398rY1rQJv122EIFuZO7wYBO-oevSk/s1600/07094c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOCemC6ft0w8UXRKd1QO3ZQbtCJvDGtwyvXHYhJUQxTbLtzXi68lBUL1ySfnn1VgDCxk996p28kv4MvcPUnDhX44zENtMeYQfGl_B_Dml9zZ08398rY1rQJv122EIFuZO7wYBO-oevSk/s1600/07094c2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Under inflated? Are you sure?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This sounds a lot
like cheating, being as there is an actual rule specifying how much air each
ball should contain. I have been asked for my ‘take’ on this, the latest
Patriot cheating scandal so here it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Does Bill Belichick cheat? Yeah, probably - just look at the man:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHZEdALL98UGHX6664VDzxhejmu_5GDOdpTfHPMNLBtLqjdc2Mq1jp3uNGn2dfWYk_7RQKHAKXhixGiEOoEHxnN5HSEc5fvRLPv1A9X_xg59gZJxoT6vy7N4bXe2VvCk0gh1EZSSnDxk/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHZEdALL98UGHX6664VDzxhejmu_5GDOdpTfHPMNLBtLqjdc2Mq1jp3uNGn2dfWYk_7RQKHAKXhixGiEOoEHxnN5HSEc5fvRLPv1A9X_xg59gZJxoT6vy7N4bXe2VvCk0gh1EZSSnDxk/s1600/13.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That’s him on the left. I think.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>But so what? </i></b></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The
National Football League has bigger problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Like the
fact that Ann and I are going to see a movie on Super Bowl Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Dr. Franklin T. Lambert. Punter, Pittsburgh Steelers,
1965-1966 seasons; Professor of History at Purdue University; author and fascinating
fellow. You can read about him here: <a href="https://pittsburghsportsdailybulletin.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/frank-lambert-steelers-punter-1965-1966/">https://pittsburghsportsdailybulletin.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/frank-lambert-steelers-punter-1965-1966/</a>)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
border:none;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="Body" style="border: none; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 0in 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-16396293222969230152015-01-06T15:16:00.000-05:002015-03-05T17:10:45.058-05:00<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Apple iPhone® has revolutionized various things in my life. Thanks to Verizon's® coast to coast coverage and 4G LTE network (except, for some reason, in West Virginia), I am always just a few awkward thumb strokes away from whatever arcane piece of trivia I may be lacking at that second. It is easier than ever to check my calendar, as well as keep it up to date - <i>guess which one I do</i>. On long trips, I can binge listen to whatever weird podcast I have discovered recently. But perhaps the best thing is how my phone has transformed being <span style="color: red;">ON HOLD.</span> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaakXiyTJKd5urwF6XyfrnZ8KCzTmePE0Wnz15-Y028N4O2dazitq3AvjwsMEbtUFT3AvCbGFKiTVik9lmMGDPmuf4PSKKf12-AQt-6HeulJfUEp73PQcgSmrFoij2Xr0x8vUnKBeXbAM/s1600/Hold+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaakXiyTJKd5urwF6XyfrnZ8KCzTmePE0Wnz15-Y028N4O2dazitq3AvjwsMEbtUFT3AvCbGFKiTVik9lmMGDPmuf4PSKKf12-AQt-6HeulJfUEp73PQcgSmrFoij2Xr0x8vUnKBeXbAM/s1600/Hold+Button.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Michael Daines</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I hate being </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">ON HOLD.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Being<span style="color: red;"> ON HOLD</span> is worse than picking the short line
at the grocery store, only to discover that the old woman ahead of you is
writing a check, but her address is a PO box and she doesn't know her 911
street address because she has lived there since the Revolutionary War and they
didn't have 911 then, or house numbers, or checks. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In case you're wondering,
yes, that happened. Yesterday. The manager came over twice. I had two items.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuLuX1iGip0Z9E0rNduR5AlfcoyHr5zWLeIRvzuzK2QjQuUumB42ioNqonu9ycLE0JU_CNdI2fLkmypkWWHfC1GXQybk4VBf43H1hHJBnUA6U_FgYJ85NQy-SAbyh2x-Xmx8J7pLbM_M/s1600/4382111719_21a106418d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuLuX1iGip0Z9E0rNduR5AlfcoyHr5zWLeIRvzuzK2QjQuUumB42ioNqonu9ycLE0JU_CNdI2fLkmypkWWHfC1GXQybk4VBf43H1hHJBnUA6U_FgYJ85NQy-SAbyh2x-Xmx8J7pLbM_M/s1600/4382111719_21a106418d_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Obama!*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Being <span style="color: red;">ON HOLD</span> is worse than that - or at least is
was. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">BUT NOT ANYMORE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, when I call the Xfinity® people, or the Dish Network® people, or the Anthem ® people, or even Verizon®, I can simply put the phone on
speaker, and go about my business, secure in the knowledge that, when and if a
live person comes on the line, I can just maneuver back toward the phone and share
my tale of woe, or ask my burning question.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's actually gotten even easier; a few
weeks ago, my computer and my iPad® began to ring <i>when my phone rings! And I can talk through them! Right there! No
phone! I don't know why!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some might call this 'multitasking,' a trendy work
to describe what mothers have been doing since before time, but I disagree.
Being <span style="color: red;">ON HOLD</span> is not a task; it is the waiting to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> a task. What I have discovered is a way to do something <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">while I'm waiting</i> to do something. And I
am pretty impressed with myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33M6HHbzowhpwZNTKyWogThv4LpHwhsjE5DvMoVPG0LhQi4zOUAv_2wt9xqzFQKEkxx7NuTrTDy9j2F8HWv15kFLQvhtHsiupe3PzVbIXIVxGkqFCLbAfjco3oFkwbfQGWwBR9Belg20/s1600/16174660966_cfa47b70a5_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33M6HHbzowhpwZNTKyWogThv4LpHwhsjE5DvMoVPG0LhQi4zOUAv_2wt9xqzFQKEkxx7NuTrTDy9j2F8HWv15kFLQvhtHsiupe3PzVbIXIVxGkqFCLbAfjco3oFkwbfQGWwBR9Belg20/s1600/16174660966_cfa47b70a5_o+(1).jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Tom Simpson</span></div>
That's me on the left, I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, a few observations: first off, if you figured
this out a long time ago, perhaps even in the<i> hard-wired, party line, heavy black bakelite phone days</i> - <b>just keep it to yourself. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Next, and more to the point, one
might assume all this <span style="color: red;">ON HOLD</span> business is a <i>metaphor. </i>This being a vaguely theological blog post, and
all, one would be correct.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you have been following along at home, you'll
remember the cervical fusion surgery that included a side of vocal cord
paralysis, and the enforced quiet that ensued. Well, the vocal cord is still
paralyzed, but thanks to a nifty procedure on December 23, my left vocal fold
now resembles Angelina Jolie's upper lip - that is, <i>fat and full of collagen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHYAzP5AORd4CEiiDT7WOfTjC4-nTzBw5xoCuoy1l_q7nRYxBU2qRQhU9azxrno6OMect0sZ0iVclmQSt-2z5cDJvK3Tnlh62kzAo6ey4kgHsgSEhFTccIrDhlqCDFJLL4t9Ly69ockE/s1600/3401782142_ff4bba401e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHYAzP5AORd4CEiiDT7WOfTjC4-nTzBw5xoCuoy1l_q7nRYxBU2qRQhU9azxrno6OMect0sZ0iVclmQSt-2z5cDJvK3Tnlh62kzAo6ey4kgHsgSEhFTccIrDhlqCDFJLL4t9Ly69ockE/s1600/3401782142_ff4bba401e_o.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo by cliff1066™</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">ACTUAL ENDOSCOPE PHOTO.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This allows me to speak, in a voice that is
recognizably me, if by 'me' one means <i>'old Burgess Meredith with a bad cold.'
</i>This is a temporary procedure, a sort of a 'fat bridge' intended to mollify me
and give the nerve time to recover, which the doctors say may still happen. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Others tell me it will get better, either
because of their experience with similar complications or their unbridled
confidence in the power of prayer. Me, I'm not so sure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am depressed,
certainly, and naturally a bit pessimistic, which does color my expectations
for the future. I continue to pray with confidence, but the fact is, I am too well aware of how
little I understand of God's big picture to expect that for which I pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI84s41EkJp2yOhyphenhyphenRRnbDW8htE1sDzzhVZxStRmBFEEkt8QrpC3YMDnnrE5srHAJwJ4rCuq1Bbcns1eG5QO_E_Q5fLjjP5jKlbLRki9rWEYR4aaBqY5RKg4IDYdJcMRn39KcBLi9jaBc/s1600/4826446565_c737f57445_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI84s41EkJp2yOhyphenhyphenRRnbDW8htE1sDzzhVZxStRmBFEEkt8QrpC3YMDnnrE5srHAJwJ4rCuq1Bbcns1eG5QO_E_Q5fLjjP5jKlbLRki9rWEYR4aaBqY5RKg4IDYdJcMRn39KcBLi9jaBc/s1600/4826446565_c737f57445_o.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Manuel Barje</span></div>
After all, I wish for this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtjb5NjvF2i_A_uCFyzSWXo1N8N9Ewju2Lpu1oQs00R3uDRbdzf88Lp8RJHykr6kqyh5aSLxRkJd4_OQIld0huUsM3IQtCJ_6dWjWrM9EiVqnE78BAYk_cJ_Pl9rdk-qVM7xAmieGZOk/s1600/61175_1618288093926_7508531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtjb5NjvF2i_A_uCFyzSWXo1N8N9Ewju2Lpu1oQs00R3uDRbdzf88Lp8RJHykr6kqyh5aSLxRkJd4_OQIld0huUsM3IQtCJ_6dWjWrM9EiVqnE78BAYk_cJ_Pl9rdk-qVM7xAmieGZOk/s1600/61175_1618288093926_7508531_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">...and still drive THIS.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All this means that I am <span style="color: red;">ON HOLD.</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I do not know
whether I will sound like a broken down boxing trainer for the rest of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUKMIbp_mqBr6AmxaZaKS1v-dy3D-FfDFwJhud3934s36cXkHUKcxhIAxdu_9FABIp23VYCVmGlpTBh9FP2GS7i35C4qX4Tgkd3WIDEDoLUHlL5AOy-O3AHH_vZ7z0nkOqQdXOpt6SNk/s1600/2596151837_279dd38c0b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUKMIbp_mqBr6AmxaZaKS1v-dy3D-FfDFwJhud3934s36cXkHUKcxhIAxdu_9FABIp23VYCVmGlpTBh9FP2GS7i35C4qX4Tgkd3WIDEDoLUHlL5AOy-O3AHH_vZ7z0nkOqQdXOpt6SNk/s1600/2596151837_279dd38c0b_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Jason Matthews</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">One thing I will promise: I will never tell <i>anyone</i> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">they're going to 'eat lightning and crap thunder.' </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I do not know if I will ever sing again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdotV8Hq-u4clTF0gEmLtBI3-gAOd_gH56fPvk7OOVAbBcz9dCQj859zjbOT8TCNHQCFSjzCx_gAXtqjBYJLoLWFZ5s8SaMmDihSqNY9-4pYD-_-qG06QBDgiU2D7MVNlAuFuBnIgF5P8/s1600/bobdylansmileybuzz+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdotV8Hq-u4clTF0gEmLtBI3-gAOd_gH56fPvk7OOVAbBcz9dCQj859zjbOT8TCNHQCFSjzCx_gAXtqjBYJLoLWFZ5s8SaMmDihSqNY9-4pYD-_-qG06QBDgiU2D7MVNlAuFuBnIgF5P8/s1600/bobdylansmileybuzz+(1).JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Bryan Maciel</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Or I may become the voice of a generation.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I DO NOT KNOW. And I hate that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wise ones have counseled me to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have patience,</i> but in this case, patience feels to me a lot like holding
the phone, tethered to the wall, handset held up to my good ear, making it
sweat, listening to cheesy muzak and staring into space. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXpogi8A7MCLm4M-XyCiXO6-TRF9SLrJFsRAvv7M7kY6b24h-qWpVv-LVHCWFGVbJJ58nY4tKEvPrYfME1ygIsNrgjY5iP1eKVcUyoYPouYQs7ty3EPuyN8KwxFp_TeVCInSyIsO_h8k/s1600/Waiting-on-hold-forever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1xtWSOB2qIH9uXr3wFGEGdu4L-VS_zd6NqdT-7ujvK_RB9Xtl9LgRTojEAO1RWWALPY9oZMJ7ihLdGUJODikqu-y8j6EW6h2hyphenhyphengjCxzyOTBNpbalsGpKLj29Ctobsq6cJQwgDXU2U24/s1600/DonAdams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1xtWSOB2qIH9uXr3wFGEGdu4L-VS_zd6NqdT-7ujvK_RB9Xtl9LgRTojEAO1RWWALPY9oZMJ7ihLdGUJODikqu-y8j6EW6h2hyphenhyphengjCxzyOTBNpbalsGpKLj29Ctobsq6cJQwgDXU2U24/s1600/DonAdams.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead, I have chosen
to <i>turn on</i> the metaphorical speaker, <i>put down</i> the metaphorical phone, and <i>get
on with life.</i> If something good happens, I'll be ready shout and holler and
sing; but until then, I'm just going to deal with the other stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicGogzTUTJdxF3wTKy_EiPq_bTwyi8e-Okb9VyefvPDNimJPIx57akNV7Hs2xQgHzyRfgAGGo8eNKtT-OYWi8GXJltTssMyUraGW0GwRbIBVOBpmW4sq6pn1HDu_txV92DBQyhU46QR0/s1600/Friedrich_John_nach_Mattha%CC%88us_Loder_Sisyphus_ubs_G_0825_II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicGogzTUTJdxF3wTKy_EiPq_bTwyi8e-Okb9VyefvPDNimJPIx57akNV7Hs2xQgHzyRfgAGGo8eNKtT-OYWi8GXJltTssMyUraGW0GwRbIBVOBpmW4sq6pn1HDu_txV92DBQyhU46QR0/s1600/Friedrich_John_nach_Mattha%CC%88us_Loder_Sisyphus_ubs_G_0825_II.jpg" height="400" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 'Sisyphus' by </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthäus Loder</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I can probably find something to fill the time.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Once again this seems to be all about me, and it is; but it might
also be about you, too. Life puts us all ON HOLD from time to time; the
question is, how do YOU respond?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Mark-13-32" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">32</span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24750Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24750Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="text Mark-13-33" id="en-NIV-24751" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">33</span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Be on guard! Be alert<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24751e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24751e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>!<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24751Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24751Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> You do not know when that time will come.</span></span><span class="text Mark-13-34" id="en-NIV-24752" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">34</span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24752AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24752AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Mark-13-35" id="en-NIV-24753" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">35</span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="text Mark-13-36" id="en-NIV-24754" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">36</span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="text Mark-13-37" id="en-NIV-24755" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">37</span></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” </span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Mark-13-37" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark 13, New International Version</span></span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>660</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3764</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>31</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4416</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br />
*<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">Photo by Embajada de Estados Unidos en Bolivia</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode">All images are subject to the Creative Commons license.</a></span></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-13859014081276351892014-12-11T16:15:00.001-05:002014-12-11T16:22:27.227-05:00<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is a preacher to do when he cannot preach? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"It was
impossible for me to say to others: speak louder; shout! for I am deaf. Ah! was
it possible for me to proclaim a deficiency in that one sense which in my case
ought to have been more perfect than in all others, which I had once possessed
in greatest perfection, to a degree of perfection, indeed, which few of my
profession have ever enjoyed?" </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ludwig von
Beethoven</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">, <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Heiligenstadt Testament,</span></i><b>
</b>1802</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">I cannot speak.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Now, that is not
entirely accurate; I have not been struck dumb or rendered mute. There was this
pain in my neck, which turned out to be not just some colorful metaphor, but a
degenerating disc, serious enough to require Fusion Surgery, which is almost as
painful to contemplate as Fusion Cuisine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Southwestern Eggrolls? REALLY?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i>How is that even a thing?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
During such a procedure, it is necessary to move all one's neck goodies -
windpipe, esophagus, and whatnot - out of the way so they can remove the disc, insert the zombie bone, screw a plate to the whole thing and call it a day. But in my case, when they
put it all back, one vocal cord didn't work. So now my voice is a ragged, breathy
whisper; think Kathleen Turner in <i>Body Heat</i>, only...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Actually, scratch that. Thank about that screaming goat, only not screaming.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNS43fiOX7LUvCAfR3ENsKTZh5p2mIZAsPrKrki9dDd5NaOYrxUIvziDGUv19O692bqMBu7vCoKCCM6waTGHjB3N6DT6LogkqGkzXYv1m9n_Q2fHt_Hs1ZFf3mK9DJvUSPYcNSJnrKOQ/s1600/Goat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNS43fiOX7LUvCAfR3ENsKTZh5p2mIZAsPrKrki9dDd5NaOYrxUIvziDGUv19O692bqMBu7vCoKCCM6waTGHjB3N6DT6LogkqGkzXYv1m9n_Q2fHt_Hs1ZFf3mK9DJvUSPYcNSJnrKOQ/s1600/Goat.png" height="170" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yeah that's <i>much</i> better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I guess they told
me this might happen; I seem to recall one of the interns reciting something that sounded like the end
of a <i>Viagra </i>ad - something about a possible side effect being death, and so on.
Nonetheless, I was really unprepared for my surgeon to say, 'Yeah, that happens some
times,' as he discharged me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
After a week with
no change, it was off to the ENT. "It's a stretched nerve," Dr. Treebeard says. "Wait a month or two," he says. "It could take six
months - maybe a year," he says. "It may never come back," he
says.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj4r7rCrYxsMz1eyxGzFxSem9gRQgfNLsfiAQK1PFEPcQiokZ76cwxHI5N5lyElvxKArJb7XLyqGTOXKRam4Vvkuh9cHyKzbsFgVUI30KHAnuGrRqCTqv1p-A6Kv98cBxdRioIAflVuY/s1600/Ent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj4r7rCrYxsMz1eyxGzFxSem9gRQgfNLsfiAQK1PFEPcQiokZ76cwxHI5N5lyElvxKArJb7XLyqGTOXKRam4Vvkuh9cHyKzbsFgVUI30KHAnuGrRqCTqv1p-A6Kv98cBxdRioIAflVuY/s1600/Ent.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 94.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
"You've got to
be kidding me," I say. Only I don't, because I cannot speak.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNS43fiOX7LUvCAfR3ENsKTZh5p2mIZAsPrKrki9dDd5NaOYrxUIvziDGUv19O692bqMBu7vCoKCCM6waTGHjB3N6DT6LogkqGkzXYv1m9n_Q2fHt_Hs1ZFf3mK9DJvUSPYcNSJnrKOQ/s1600/Goat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNS43fiOX7LUvCAfR3ENsKTZh5p2mIZAsPrKrki9dDd5NaOYrxUIvziDGUv19O692bqMBu7vCoKCCM6waTGHjB3N6DT6LogkqGkzXYv1m9n_Q2fHt_Hs1ZFf3mK9DJvUSPYcNSJnrKOQ/s1600/Goat.png" height="170" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Get it? Kidding? KID? Goat? </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I still crack myself up. </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It has been more
than three weeks now, and still my voice is a ragged breathy whisper - a voice
wholly unsuitable to the things I do best: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">preaching,
teaching, pontificating, prevaricating, guffawing, bellowing. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I am bereft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Being a
theologically minded person, I have reviewed several subscription options, many
of which are offered by well meaning friends and acquaintances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
First, there are
the arguments based somehow on the will of the Almighty:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is part of God's inscrutable plan.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45lI6mp0QP8V8TKqrv4N8ckRu_RNYEBkI0IotLxWMhTKIWMHE__hY3MoG1MGdY0K9N0NbsAUP0pxdOQsO5HzPJutXGQbtzqUtiSkec-qe4eCS-5wVwja2EypfjucgmihpGJUC-kve78A/s1600/Inscutable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45lI6mp0QP8V8TKqrv4N8ckRu_RNYEBkI0IotLxWMhTKIWMHE__hY3MoG1MGdY0K9N0NbsAUP0pxdOQsO5HzPJutXGQbtzqUtiSkec-qe4eCS-5wVwja2EypfjucgmihpGJUC-kve78A/s1600/Inscutable.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God has done this to punish my many and varied
sins.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76ora-qUvGD7PPpazP8KFdBvzuc5GZxIdQ3ustw6gVAuPCTtHYgJ1UuK54GYt66ceRMiMdQ5S4_qwJxvI1-jGZQcGHwJX5A9U0lQH4SgKEmPWT-ksMffrDbHjX0P5ockVtPvm_rvZWw4/s1600/Zachariah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76ora-qUvGD7PPpazP8KFdBvzuc5GZxIdQ3ustw6gVAuPCTtHYgJ1UuK54GYt66ceRMiMdQ5S4_qwJxvI1-jGZQcGHwJX5A9U0lQH4SgKEmPWT-ksMffrDbHjX0P5ockVtPvm_rvZWw4/s1600/Zachariah.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, behold,
thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">until the day
that these things shall be performed,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">because thou
believest not my words,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">which shall
be fulfilled in their season. </span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke 1</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God has done this for no reason, or out of spite.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3SLmGVyYwhENKRLMmKnArjKjQYjFckK0y17VgVVjKUZzADAd7K4k0d4U_qutKcdDnxrMGcnsvX-4Z4Ir4tT0zvLALflt-7tlZWJ_VTXR9fdrV7oRuqhuwyMHxa27FRnmb-EIrWlJn0U/s1600/Constantine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3SLmGVyYwhENKRLMmKnArjKjQYjFckK0y17VgVVjKUZzADAd7K4k0d4U_qutKcdDnxrMGcnsvX-4Z4Ir4tT0zvLALflt-7tlZWJ_VTXR9fdrV7oRuqhuwyMHxa27FRnmb-EIrWlJn0U/s1600/Constantine.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 130.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">For the record, I don't buy any of these.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Then there are what
are technically referred to the <i>$#@!
Happens</i> arguments:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There is no God. Random chance has simply caught up
with me.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KEXQgDlTk6EdwubIXhmXaJPUmpC_5pu4FyWfkPxzdHOOuQ4PBqWaR5E4wK1IYOtZ3tA1pxWtdOyXSCAg3JUz_n7fvLwNpXWqrlemQtzwZyUHtbxks4cocj-IYXYmYNNZYgiyMEdYebM/s1600/Gould.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KEXQgDlTk6EdwubIXhmXaJPUmpC_5pu4FyWfkPxzdHOOuQ4PBqWaR5E4wK1IYOtZ3tA1pxWtdOyXSCAg3JUz_n7fvLwNpXWqrlemQtzwZyUHtbxks4cocj-IYXYmYNNZYgiyMEdYebM/s1600/Gould.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h1 class="quoteText" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We are here because one odd group of fishes had a peculiar fin anatomy </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">that could transform into legs for terrestrial creatures; because the earth never froze entirely during an ice age; because a small and tenuous species, arising in Africa a quarter of a million years ago, has managed, so far, to survive by hook and by crook. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">We may yearn for a ‘higher answer’</span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">– but none exists. </span></i></h1>
<h1 class="quoteText" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">- </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stephen Jay Gould, famous scientist and dead person</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It's Karma.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dYJDgmskqPb_aRKSORykG_8BuRiOxXthiJtC0mIVMWjY13xEiS5DRiverpsP6kzRhscNGprB2D7VgUzR4_I35zNmOM9ZwEJuymWw-O9y575z-Ifi6wps1vXljg9XiybzuPXXp7aeecQ/s1600/karmaaa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dYJDgmskqPb_aRKSORykG_8BuRiOxXthiJtC0mIVMWjY13xEiS5DRiverpsP6kzRhscNGprB2D7VgUzR4_I35zNmOM9ZwEJuymWw-O9y575z-Ifi6wps1vXljg9XiybzuPXXp7aeecQ/s1600/karmaaa.png" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 99.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The world is just...broken.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJyN91BW6P71R5GekKucokxzTopFJ6BNUPLQIrog1j-l-yNJW5kr2kLjn63w7Nmu5bRfqE17N6HGW185q0dPQ_3YztmrHkUIyovxZnIHeeGT6J_qsi1E6-P8m5oOIev8TcihlAunhv80/s1600/Bender.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJyN91BW6P71R5GekKucokxzTopFJ6BNUPLQIrog1j-l-yNJW5kr2kLjn63w7Nmu5bRfqE17N6HGW185q0dPQ_3YztmrHkUIyovxZnIHeeGT6J_qsi1E6-P8m5oOIev8TcihlAunhv80/s1600/Bender.gif" height="153" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our sin broke the world. God cares, but can't do
anything about it.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS2DGXKNLWwEo4f2G9ld-E_vAjt3sn7BkQ_Gg11D809TugJRd6D3_T6uBM0JrcRuJY6RBFwttocM5i1Pjhftl3wAuNNR797Kp2EVbunaZo2p4pi3xZpIZpLJXt9jB_u8o8y4fIXjyH6c/s1600/Kushner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS2DGXKNLWwEo4f2G9ld-E_vAjt3sn7BkQ_Gg11D809TugJRd6D3_T6uBM0JrcRuJY6RBFwttocM5i1Pjhftl3wAuNNR797Kp2EVbunaZo2p4pi3xZpIZpLJXt9jB_u8o8y4fIXjyH6c/s1600/Kushner.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 112.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 112.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>In the end, I prefer to believe
our sin broke the world, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>but God is right here, <i>with us,</i></b><b> in the midst of the brokenness, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>putting
it back together <i>through us.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVtYWghM9hduvVTaCcJvYbAnFqkM7q-_BCulSTj74bFvIUB-HiBzWb-_EMgHJbzoqNugEBQDBAWa1JCapAohbgNEKzKNQjwvlkLuM6GADbiOSqtaJbBl-WazVYQMLP6BlujDAPl2kjHk/s1600/29333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVtYWghM9hduvVTaCcJvYbAnFqkM7q-_BCulSTj74bFvIUB-HiBzWb-_EMgHJbzoqNugEBQDBAWa1JCapAohbgNEKzKNQjwvlkLuM6GADbiOSqtaJbBl-WazVYQMLP6BlujDAPl2kjHk/s1600/29333.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Incarnation is the ultimate reason </i><i>why the service of God </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>cannot be divorced from the service of man.</i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theologian and generally heroic guy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Through <i>you.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What is a preacher to do when he cannot preach? I don't know, and frankly, that scares me. There are a lot of practical concerns, about how I go
about doing my job when I can't do my job - and I'm more scared every day. But your warm thoughts and prayers, your love and support show
me every day that I am not alone. <span style="text-align: center;">And that's something.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>468</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2671</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>22</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3133</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-83408880191762732782014-09-24T14:47:00.000-04:002014-09-24T14:54:11.734-04:00<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #131313; font-family: "American Typewriter";">Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the
fall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #131313; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: x-small;">F. Scott
Fitzgerald<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #131313;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #131313;">Autumn
has long been my favorite season. Long before I had read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Great Gatsby</u></i> or attended a high school football game, I
was captivated by piles of falling leaves in brilliant shades of red and
yellow, by the buckeyes we collected in the nearby cemetery, by the crisp aroma
of coal fires, the damp mustiness of the earth, the chill in the morning and
evening air. Later, Fall meant the exciting trepidation of a new school year:
new opportunities to succeed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i>fail;
to learn, both in and out of class; to make friends (and perhaps an enemy or
two).</span><br />
<span style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA0vmQ9tY5ImN6-IqM9c4ee9GDsTcmtKFBX2l-JMcks32X8GU7TLE3J8tNgFiQwV44jgR41laz_4AdIXAuHBXFhyphenhyphenL9WjWGWrnV0yYthpO3Yn2i1L8kaDY8sSXdG7sEmoDgwb3uOPydbU/s1600/6020864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA0vmQ9tY5ImN6-IqM9c4ee9GDsTcmtKFBX2l-JMcks32X8GU7TLE3J8tNgFiQwV44jgR41laz_4AdIXAuHBXFhyphenhyphenL9WjWGWrnV0yYthpO3Yn2i1L8kaDY8sSXdG7sEmoDgwb3uOPydbU/s1600/6020864.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #131313;">This
year is no different. With the Mission Study completed and awaiting approval by
the Committee on Church Development, Autumn will see the next major step in
your process of transition: </span><i style="color: #131313;">the election
of a Pastor Nominating Committee. </i><span style="color: #131313;">These folks will undertake some difficult
tasks: </span><span style="color: #131313;"> </span><span style="color: #131313;">interpreting Smyrna Church for
prospective pastors; evaluating those candidates in light of your strengths and
weaknesses, your gifts and your call; and discerning which woman or man is
called to be your next pastor. This is an exciting job, but also a bit scary;
it will require diligence, devotion and a trust that God's Spirit will
strengthen, guide, and encourage each member of the PNC, and the committee as a
whole.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #131313;">Of
course, with the election of a PNC, I begin to see the end of my time at Smyrna
approaching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we will begin the
housekeeping required to make the best impression on prospective candidates,
and I will begin to consider what come next for me. This too is exciting, and a
bit scary; I suspect it will require every bit of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> diligence, devotion and trust in the Holy Spirit to strengthen
me and guide me to the next place I can be of service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>358</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2044</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>17</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2398</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #131313;">I
find it interesting in the end how Fitzgerald turned convention on its head by
seeing rebirth, new life not in the Spring, where one expects it, but in the
Fall. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Gatsby</u></i>, Jordan Baker
argues <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">against </i>the disappointing
sameness of life as exemplified in a tense, sultry summer day, contrasting it with
the refreshing movement of the days and seasons - each one providing an
opportunity for something new and different, if only in a small way. I pray
this autumn will be refreshing for us all, and that the new shoots of life we
sow might conti</span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Description: Deep 13:Users:revppettit:Graphics & Templates:graphics:signature"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:22.95pt;margin-top:137.5pt;width:138.95pt;
height:82.1pt;z-index:251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/revppettit/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="signature"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #131313;">nue
to grow and deepen over the coming days and seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #131313;">Photo by </span><span style="color: #131313;">rcmori, www.panoramio.com</span></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-34001799953226524522014-06-24T20:13:00.000-04:002014-06-24T20:13:50.654-04:00<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
Thursday, it rained in Minneapolis. Now, this is not unusual; Minneapolis
experiences, on the average, 101 days of precipitation, and although most of
them probably involve snow, rain is not necessarily a remarkable occurrence. But
it had already rained on Wednesday, and the rain bands Thursday were even
harder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Riverside Campus of the University of Minnesota Medical Center is just that;
situated on a bluff by the west bank of the Mississippi, this teaching hospital
enjoys a commanding view of the mighty river. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The earth
absorbed all it could, and then some. But while the runoff was swelling the
Mississippi River, some of that sodden earth was transformed from solid ground
into something much more dynamic, much more dangerous. With a low roar, the
hillside began to move like a wave, snapping branches and dragging trees on its
way down to West River Parkway, where it came to rest. In an instant, the Medical
Center was a lot closer to the edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ41j-Tr09kaRFj5vXh74fN4aeU_Mby7395SGWy0srlDDlWCKVMMEjXWi1n_7A1PmSeHxCVlu8LxLiwGtZHJEFo9b9g01PeP7aFjkQYuYOvNPy6K4IyvqREqwNZ-3dZZoYx5MrW3afiNk/s1600/20140619__20landslide1_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ41j-Tr09kaRFj5vXh74fN4aeU_Mby7395SGWy0srlDDlWCKVMMEjXWi1n_7A1PmSeHxCVlu8LxLiwGtZHJEFo9b9g01PeP7aFjkQYuYOvNPy6K4IyvqREqwNZ-3dZZoYx5MrW3afiNk/s1600/20140619__20landslide1_300.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: #434343; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="color: #434343; text-align: left;">Pioneer
Press: John Autey</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I feel a lot like that hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the
aftermath of the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA, there
is at the same time, much and little upon which to comment. There were
decisions on marriage and divestment, guns and prisons, background checks and
Confessions; whether these decisions were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">momentous</i>
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">momentary</i>, only time will tell. At
the same time, there was little of the tension, passion and discord we have
seen at previous assemblies, at least that's the way it seemed watching the live
stream. When it worked. For the first time in a very long time, it seems the
assembly's actions are making more waves out in society than they are within
the denomination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm not
sure that's a good thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After decades
of talk, discussion, dialogue;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> ad hominem</i>
attacks, changes of heart and hardening of positions; after years of half-hearted
overtures for a 'third way,' it seems like we Presbyterians have turned a
corner. From here on in, I suspect those advocating for a more inclusive,
activist church will find the way much clearer, since so many of the most
passionate voices opposing them have taken their theological balls and gone off
to new homes. Which leaves those of us who once took perverse pride in being a
part of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">put upon middle,</i> right
out there on the edge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Look at me
- I am the new right wing of the PCUSA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am
neither fish nor fowl. I am uncomfortable with where my denomination is, and
where it is heading, but I find no comfort in the alternatives. For better or
worse, I am a Presbyterian; this is the church to which God called me, and this
is where I must stay. Of course, this means I will have to speak up, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to speak truth to power,</i> as my liberal
friends are fond of saying. Most likely, it also means no one will listen much.
But I'm used to that - I have children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So, about
those GA decisions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The truth
is, I don't much care whether or not the PCUSA maintains (relatively) miniscule
holdings in those companies; it's clear from their historic lack of response
the companies don't much care, either. Moreover, the policies governing divestment</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ensure
that the failure to own the security will not harm the financial soundness of
the Plan;"<sup>1</sup></i> in other words,</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">we only take the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"bold action"<sup>2</sup></i><sup>
</sup>of divestment when the transaction won't lose us any money. In the end, I
think the Assembly went to a lot of pointless fuss and bother again, and PCUSA
got a lot of news coverage for what ends up being a very small symbolic
gesture.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>I<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> do</i> think we have done a poor job of balancing pastoral concern for
the Palestinians (who are seriously getting the shaft at the hands of Israel
and could use the world's help), and pastoral concern about the American
Presbyterians whose livelihood is derived from the companies we now say are
directly connected to Human Rights violations.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_DvrkL0aRnScHQAP-unPwJpqQZoXBOvluvjcQSotA_HzNjHfsdrvbuaWUs5xOknaShyphenhyphen4XhKzQEXdBYoiEkH9fhG_V8uA1CfnQQ07z6UFSz9o6G_8XwkuvTdAGDviPG9D8hkiSBcSW9I/s1600/mrti-header.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_DvrkL0aRnScHQAP-unPwJpqQZoXBOvluvjcQSotA_HzNjHfsdrvbuaWUs5xOknaShyphenhyphen4XhKzQEXdBYoiEkH9fhG_V8uA1CfnQQ07z6UFSz9o6G_8XwkuvTdAGDviPG9D8hkiSBcSW9I/s1600/mrti-header.gif" height="72" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When it comes
to the redefinition of marriage, I find myself caught between the matrimonial
Scylla and Charybdis: while I firmly believe that both state and federal
statutes should be gender neutral when it comes to civil marriage, I am just as
adamant that Christian marriage is between a man and a woman. So I disagreed
with the action of this Assembly, just as I came to disagree with the Defense
of Marriage Act passed by congress in 1996, and now favor the changing of
Virginia law to allow gender-neutral marriage. What disappointed me, though,
was the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">manner </i>in which the decision
was implemented. The Assembly passed an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Authoritative
Interpretation</i> to the effect that pastors now have the leeway to perform
same gender marriages where they are legal; but to do so they basically had to
turn the language of the Constitution on its head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This feat of linguistic legerdemain was
recognized by the Assembly; thus the presbyteries are being asked to consider a
change to the constitution which would make that interpretation tenable. But no
matter the outcome of that vote, a precedent has been set. It now seems that,
no matter how clear the language, or settled the understanding of a matter has
been, it can <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i> changed, even while
we continue to consider whether it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should
</i>be changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I just
hope the rain stops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxywggOokADiip6PA_LHxWkPRXAckdosjevD11t6-UrAWRq3QrZrCRgt0gMS5twlz1Zy6ZTeB_eYM94dQTjAnlFC749soEELLQ4k7nWykcjBKDo4sLUJRYws_o1aALjQyiAOdj3hpTe0c/s1600/Scylla_and_Charybdis_by_cdra1617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxywggOokADiip6PA_LHxWkPRXAckdosjevD11t6-UrAWRq3QrZrCRgt0gMS5twlz1Zy6ZTeB_eYM94dQTjAnlFC749soEELLQ4k7nWykcjBKDo4sLUJRYws_o1aALjQyiAOdj3hpTe0c/s1600/Scylla_and_Charybdis_by_cdra1617.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i style="font-size: 10pt;">S</i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>cylla & Charybdis</i> by cdra617,
courtesy of deviantart.com</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1 </span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">from General Assembly Item 04-08, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mission
Responsibility Through Investment: Engagement with Corporations on
Israel-Palestine Issues from 2004–2013--PMA<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span></span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">MRTI
recommends PC(USA) divestment of three companies </i>by Bethany Furkin, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Presbyterian News Service (http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/9/12/mrti-<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>recommends-pcusa-divestment-caterpillar/)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>832</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4748</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>39</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5569</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-5673541845190018832014-05-28T22:10:00.000-04:002014-05-28T22:10:40.902-04:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Memorial Day has
come and gone, and so the summer season has begun: out come the white shoes and
purses, the shorts and sandals; off come the robes. The choir ditched theirs
last week, and bowing to peer pressure, I did as well. As a matter of fact, for
most of my career, I have unrobed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(disrobed?!)</i>
for the summer. It's the heat, mostly. When you serve small country churches,
air conditioning is a rarity, and even when it's there, it rarely cools the
sanctuary enough to keep me comfortable in my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tropical Wool Bentley and Simon Clergy Robe - hold the velvet panels, please.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In my first church,
the heat of the summer and age of the congregation prompted the Session to ask
me to remove my jacket at the beginning of worship, and invite all the
gentlemen to do so as well. They never did, which left me the only guy in
shirtsleeves. They also stood up when I entered the sanctuary, but that's a story for another day...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So why do preachers
wear robes in the first place? We have established they can be uncomfortable;
they can also be dangerous (several times I have walked into my hem going up
stairs), and they're expensive, so much so that I wore a...a...well, a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deceased </i>predecessor's robe for more
than fifteen years. And it's not like there's a Presbyterian law that says I
have to wear, well, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anything,</i> really.
What's the deal with clergy robes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The truth is, we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">religion specialists</i> have worn
distinctive clothing since prehistoric times: animal skins, amulets, feathers
all served to set the shaman or priestess apart from the crowd. In the book of
Exodus, one can read detailed descriptions of the garments to be worn whenever
the priests were serving in the temple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, there
were no priests in the early church; leaders simply wore their Sunday best,
which in the Middle East were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">robes.</i>
But time marched on, and styles changed - it wasn't long until the barbarians
brought <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pants</i> to the civilized world!
Of course, church leaders have never much liked change, so they continued
wearing robes. Over the years, the robes became <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vestments,</i> acquiring symbolic meanings and becoming more colorful
and elaborate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With the coming of
the Reformation, pastoral attire really did change. Reformers, such as Calvin,
were strong advocates of an educated clergy, and the black robe of the scholar came
to demonstrate a pastor's academic qualifications; likewise, the tabbed collar
showed a pastor had the approval of their church court to preach.</span><span style="color: #262626; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh-1nTvo5LzS61n-1Y2JX_utJMhh8vE4gTT1wV9iyf-88_7nl63N7aoLaj6Uoy2_jH8pi2oPEwoJGodhXkFu2qgK2njvB7XaSk6TV85rcThUC2b1wc8zn2vMq2ugY_q-pXcSvxmpXX_I/s1600/cutout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh-1nTvo5LzS61n-1Y2JX_utJMhh8vE4gTT1wV9iyf-88_7nl63N7aoLaj6Uoy2_jH8pi2oPEwoJGodhXkFu2qgK2njvB7XaSk6TV85rcThUC2b1wc8zn2vMq2ugY_q-pXcSvxmpXX_I/s1600/cutout.gif" height="200" width="172" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-R8shtGedi3qQzoNPt91Rcoy2FVymCaHwltsRb_E-0Nr_7YXDSoLfkdgUnP3vOb4ODey7nIhqIlM1K3EVqf3NIyBrkC9mkfY9tx9cdcfQL6FyyeWLNZte49qASPaqG9MmJidAbL6HEE/s1600/cutout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-R8shtGedi3qQzoNPt91Rcoy2FVymCaHwltsRb_E-0Nr_7YXDSoLfkdgUnP3vOb4ODey7nIhqIlM1K3EVqf3NIyBrkC9mkfY9tx9cdcfQL6FyyeWLNZte49qASPaqG9MmJidAbL6HEE/s1600/cutout.gif" height="200" width="172" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Over time, the robe
began to serve a more practical function. By covering the minister's street
clothes, the robe was thought to direct the focus of the congregation away from
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">preacher </i>and toward the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">preaching</i>; the robe also </span><span style="color: #032553; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">helps emphasize the office<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>and de-emphasize the individual. That's
why I've worn a simple black robe since I started preaching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #032553; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Except, of course,
when it's hot.</span><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #032553; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>422</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2410</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>20</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2827</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-14566143885690963432014-04-29T13:18:00.002-04:002014-04-29T13:18:29.926-04:00<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The other day, I worked to rehabilitate the old
wheelbarrow. It's every bit of twenty years old now; it's tube and tire have
been replaced more than once; a few bolt holes have been repaired the quick and
dirty way - with the bottom of a tin can; it has been touched up and repainted
and touched up again. Back in the fall, one of the handles succumbed to dry
rot, leading to a tipped load and some choice words. I did actually use it to
move firewood this winter, but it was pretty awkward. Ann and I decided it was
probably time to replace it; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it's had a good
long life, certainly got our money's worth, blah blah blah. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
But then, all of the sudden, it was spring; Ann
was out of town, I needed to move some gravel, and I didn't want to spend that
kind of money without her around because that's usually a bad idea. I figured I
could get a 2x2 board at the local home center, whittle it down to size and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">voila!</i> a new handle. But as I looked
around the Home Depot, I discovered there are such things as replacement handles
for wheelbarrows. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Replacement handles - who
knew?</i> I bought two.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Recently, I began a sermon by talking about the
distinction between those who tend to replace things and those who prefer to
repair them. As I told the congregation, I am a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fixer;</i> I love putting things back together, making them work again.
When I was a kid, I watched my dad perform his humble magic on a series of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mr. Coffees,</i> cleaning the calcium
deposits out of those teeny plastic lines, bringing them back to life, time
after time. For my friend Rick's dad, repair and rehabilitation were a way of
life; he saved <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything,</i> confident
that it would come in handy to fix something, someday. He would send us to the
shed for one thing, and in our search we would turn up cylinder heads from an
ancient Desoto, steam valves stamped with ominous Swastikas in a box marked <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DuPont Explosives,</i> or jackets from long
gone water heaters. We would laugh or sigh and shake our heads; that is, until the
gas tank in my car threatened to drop out on the road, and Mr. Rothhaar fixed
it with that very same water heater jacket. Rick inherited some of that
philosophic devotion to frugality, but it never really rubbed off on me. For a
long time, though, I couldn't afford to replace things, so repair and rehab were
necessary; only later did they become a way of life for me as well. Which
brings us back to the wheelbarrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I drilled the proper holes in the handles and
replaced the old bolts with new, shiny ones. I turned the wheelbarrow this way
and that, admiring my work, and wishing Ann was home to admire it with me. I
propped it against the wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The next morning, I loaded it up with gravel,
grabbed the nifty new handles and and lifted. Only then did I notice the tire
was flat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of course, I didn't want to waste all the effort
it took to load the gravel, so I dragged it to the front yard. I dumped it and
headed to the hardware store. Three stores later, I had snagged a new wheel,
which at the time of this writing, is still holding air - I just checked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-nvRcFBpJsykvE-RFbZq2zkVmnW2UkHAe3ZHgcQaoYyzRWg6xOCxDXhqJx5MZK55_uZHj6I1ZDcQrwshhrNNnMCY1sKvHvZkJdZH27n_7-0v-dZJGsQWV6A4GYBlmPKwq8lxsD1nXhI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-nvRcFBpJsykvE-RFbZq2zkVmnW2UkHAe3ZHgcQaoYyzRWg6xOCxDXhqJx5MZK55_uZHj6I1ZDcQrwshhrNNnMCY1sKvHvZkJdZH27n_7-0v-dZJGsQWV6A4GYBlmPKwq8lxsD1nXhI/s1600/photo.JPG" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Now, the handles weren't cheap. The new wheel was
on sale (and cheaper than a new inner tube), but it still wasn't cheap. In the
end, I may have saved some money by not just breaking down and buying a new wheelbarrow,
but not much. And the fact is, it is still an old wheelbarrow - functional, but
dented, beat up, worn. Every time I use it, I wonder, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what's next?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
When does a frugal investment become a money pit?
At what point does good stewardship go off the rails and become just a humbler
way to waste resources? I really want to know, because it seems like it happens
to me a lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
For the past several weeks, I (and a few of you)
have been undertaking another rehab job, this one on the shed on the hill
behind our house. Since our son has returned home for a spell, we need an
overflow space; a place where he can find a little privacy, while we get a
little distance. One day, I read an article about the 'Tiny House Movement,'
and realized we had a perfect candidate, on the hill in the back yard. Rumor
has it that once sheltered hogs, and the small door in the side speaks of
chicken coop - facts which certainly add color to the endeavor. It is indeed
tiny, and the concrete floor definitely points downhill, but it is sturdy, and
the rough sawn oak walls are remarkably plumb. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of course, there have been several points in the
last few weeks when I have wondered if this is such a good idea - after all,
building supplies cost money, even if you scrounge, and the next-door neighbor
has a travel trailer for sale in his yard, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">right
now.</i> What keeps coming back to me, though, is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how much fun it is,</i> working together on a project. Whether with one
or two, or five or ten, when we work together, something very exciting happens:
teaching and learning, laughing and sharing, messing up and fixing up, breaking
bread and sharing of our lives: we call it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fellowship,</i>
perhaps the most underrated of all Christian endeavors. I think that's the
difference between a wheelbarrow and a chicken coop - feel free to stop by and
see what you think.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGFjwxHI7KaMbRSEgefDuLC8OFeoC_0_sPMU66ocxtl8aoG4h9VNpBjXsrVxQ0bt1_M-xhd60O1mtKCgTeCS20vgYiyOnhm3rXdJFFTIMkqu7eFmqH56kKn8K07Iu3fCAh8XZGogQAMk/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGFjwxHI7KaMbRSEgefDuLC8OFeoC_0_sPMU66ocxtl8aoG4h9VNpBjXsrVxQ0bt1_M-xhd60O1mtKCgTeCS20vgYiyOnhm3rXdJFFTIMkqu7eFmqH56kKn8K07Iu3fCAh8XZGogQAMk/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>762</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4350</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>36</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>10</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5102</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-10179383784375446162014-03-26T16:35:00.001-04:002014-03-26T16:35:29.953-04:00<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">So let
me tell you about my Lent. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">After going on and in my last post about
how we might use the Lenten season to enrich our faith and our lives, I am embarrassed to say,<i> I haven't. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As I write this, I am huddled on love
seat facing the wood stove. I feel lousy. Periodically, I get up and try and
get the fire to perk up enough to take the chill off the air. I cough, which
makes me feel worse. The weather has turned cold again - it snowed yesterday,
for like the four thousandth time this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Except that it's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">next </i>season -
Spring has already happened! It's almost April, so what the heck? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcsVrn5LqZ5uJxr1o6G18d9ZGf_0ZqK5wyaaOGVKR45Dqrm_G3fZx_K5Ncp9VjBGIBdOullGNNHXaxzZsiwsBGz2ICo00sGEKr60gYQyuzF0n17DSX0lV6p2DUQvN323Hp19ePOCvo6I/s1600/duckrabbitduck43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcsVrn5LqZ5uJxr1o6G18d9ZGf_0ZqK5wyaaOGVKR45Dqrm_G3fZx_K5Ncp9VjBGIBdOullGNNHXaxzZsiwsBGz2ICo00sGEKr60gYQyuzF0n17DSX0lV6p2DUQvN323Hp19ePOCvo6I/s1600/duckrabbitduck43.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">From <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rabbit Fire</i>
(Warner Brothers, 1951), <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">Chuck Jones, director<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Friends, this how I get when I'm sick.
I like to think of it as <i>unvarnished
honesty</i>, but those closest to me just call me a <i>whiny baby. </i></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The fact is, I have pneumonia. According to those who know such things, pneumonia is serious; it's something
one can actually die from. I've had it before. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did I get pneumonia,</i> you might ask, and I would probably shrug
my shoulders and mumble something inarticulate, or perhaps blame all those
people with whom I have contact at the church, or at the hospital. But deep
down, I know how this happened - how this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i>
happens; it happens because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I don't care.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">An interesting phrase, </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">I don't care</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">; it conjures up images of
selfish brats, thoughtless narcissists, sociopaths. And yet, on some level, it
describes all of us: there are certain things that interest us not in the least
- the results of the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Final, perhaps (South Africa
beat Pakistan), or how to prepare Egg in Aspic (what</span><i style="font-size: 14pt;"> is</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> aspic, anyway?) And that's OK.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5TAAuSVlkwAS3JY9KUs4iB9xqVlW9PRDvFR67ywTbL-Rgk8dFd88geGDv83-MJj4bNQJMhv-Hg9J-buLspFiAOVc4rngD634FU0bvp79Qsa2hRt7IF1Ih5GvJ4mci9FSWotjDoKtYOE/s1600/233057127_f7de243899_q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5TAAuSVlkwAS3JY9KUs4iB9xqVlW9PRDvFR67ywTbL-Rgk8dFd88geGDv83-MJj4bNQJMhv-Hg9J-buLspFiAOVc4rngD634FU0bvp79Qsa2hRt7IF1Ih5GvJ4mci9FSWotjDoKtYOE/s1600/233057127_f7de243899_q.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who thought this was a good idea?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">photo by Michael Newman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There are many times, though, when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I don't care </i>really means I don't
care...<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">enough</i>. Often, the word<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> should </i>creeps into the conversation: I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i> be more interested in what's
happening in my community; I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i>
be better informed about world events; I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should
</i>be more proactive when it comes to my health. It's not that we don't care
about these things; we just care <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i>
about something else, and that makes us uncomfortable. Take my health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEM4cJXJplYAQsr_AYqa3_wYk6vmqk1dyNWKfoH3oPXmyq5NHo4UxNC-uMb7Rf5RBgmMRwyG03wXkD_V84UMgU4Juv9upgeV6wbjhbhcR_Qvuk3a2t7z_zBWbSCIa20WhGHL6zYXlqzE/s1600/john5+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEM4cJXJplYAQsr_AYqa3_wYk6vmqk1dyNWKfoH3oPXmyq5NHo4UxNC-uMb7Rf5RBgmMRwyG03wXkD_V84UMgU4Juv9upgeV6wbjhbhcR_Qvuk3a2t7z_zBWbSCIa20WhGHL6zYXlqzE/s1600/john5+-+Version+2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Handsome devil, eh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Once upon a time, I was a reasonably
healthy young collegiate. I walked up hill and down, went to class, mostly, played
basketball a lot; I had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hair. </i>Of
course<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, </i>I ate and drank like a
college student; that is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever I
wanted and could afford.</i> I slept like a college student; that is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not enough and at odd hours. </i>And I lived
on the college student's calendar: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">burn
the candle at both ends AND in the middle, then recover over break</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not as if I didn't care; this way of
life seemed to serve me well, allowing me to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">follow my bliss,</i> while still managing to squeak through with a B.A. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">But then, I looked up and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just like that!</i>
college was over. I found myself in the real world, with an adult's metabolism
and a teenager's sense of responsibility. Working, attending Seminary, starting
a family; for almost thirty years, it seems I have been playing catch up: picking
up habits more easily learned in one's youth; travelling time after time down
the same unproductive paths; learning from experiences that have too often been
painful, expensive and embarrassing. My weight has been up and down, and up
again; my physical condition has gone from adequate, to pretty good, to
wretched. I find myself arising earlier as I age, but no happier to see the
morning; I pray more, but find my prayers more distracted than ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The fact is, I have just entered my
fifty first year, and I am in deplorable condition. Even before the whole
pneumonia thing, I felt lousy; overweight and out of shape. It's not as if I
don't care whether I live or die; I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do.</i>
But there always seems to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something
else</i> to take care of first, something to distract me from what I know is
important, some exception that needs to be made. I'm <i>too busy</i> to eat right;<i> too
tired</i> to exercise; <i>too distracted</i> to just be still and pray. After a lifetime of
caring for others, I have come to realize <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I
don't really care about myself.</i> And that is wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sitting here on this loveseat,
coughing, I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ashamed</i> - not because
I have ill treated this temple of God that is by body (although I have), but
because in caring so little about my own health, I have put at risk all the
things I though I cared about more: my family, my ministry, my relationship
with God. This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sin,</i> and it is
here, fat and coughing and overburdened, that I think I have finally begun my
observance of Lent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore
whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you
suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God yearns jealously
for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives all the more
grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the
humble.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.<b> </b>Draw
near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and
purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your
laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves
before the Lord, and he will exalt you. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">James 4: 4-10<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>885</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4401</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>75</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5275</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-68757880375390046952014-02-24T12:41:00.000-05:002014-02-24T14:18:09.687-05:00<h2>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On Fish, Chocolate and Swearing:</i> coming
to grips with Lent.</h2>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I grew up eating fish on Fridays in Lent. As a
Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, this was less a demonstration of piety and
penitence, and more a reflection on the fact that all my friends were Catholic;
I also had ashes on my forehead long before it was fashionable in Presbyterian
circles, and endured the painful up and down of the Stations of the Cross
service each Holy Week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Peer pressure is a powerful thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In those days, Lent was a bad time to be a cod in
the Steel City. Friday lunch in Market Square meant lines out the door of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Original Oyster House, </i>while out
in the South Hills, places like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doridos</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lackeys Inn</i> served fried fish sandwiches
as big as your head. These gigantic sandwiches were so delicious it was hard to
imagine you were giving up anything. Which was odd, because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">giving up</i> seemed to be what Lent was all
about. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Young and old, Protestant and Catholic, family and
friends would make a solemn vow on that fateful Wednesday, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to give up something</i> for Lent. The list rarely changed; almost
invariably, women swore off chocolate, or candy in general, or perhaps the
liquid equivalent - pop; while the men would swear off, well, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">swearing</i>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- or at least one particularly offensive
swear word that starts with ‘F’ and rhymes with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your mother will beat you with a slotted spoon if she hears you say it</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Occasionally, guys would swear off alcohol, especially if the Mardi Gras
celebration had been particularly rough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
This meant for forty days, as winter gave way to
spring, we endured meatless Fridays, cranky girls dealing with sugar/cocoa
withdrawal, and frustrated guys trying to express themselves with colorless substitutes
for George Carlin’s seven words, or counting down the days till their next beer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
[Actually, now that I think about it, caffeine
would occasionally make the list as well, which added jittery people with
massive headaches to the mix.]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The phrase, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I
gave it up for Lent</i> seemed to be on everyone’s lips. Sometimes, it was in
response to an offer:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bonbon?
Ho, ho, ho, no – I gave up candy for Lent!<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bucket
of tequila? Wish I could, but I can’t: gave it up for Lent.</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Often though, it would be in the form of a
question:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I gave up saying F@*%!</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b><b><i>- what did YOU give up for Lent?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I have to tell you, all this giving up bothered me – and not because I had little willpower or discipline in those days. Although I didn’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What was the
point?</i> I would ask myself. <i>W</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hat did
God care whether I ate Mars Bars or Haddock this month? What value would God
find in forty days of a socially accepted vocabulary, especially since I viewed
it as a sort of punishment I was bound to accept in order to somehow earn the
chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and ham slices of Easter?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
I had a rich and contentious interior life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>25</o:Words>
<o:Characters>143</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>167</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Over time, I went off to seminary, where I came to
learn about Lent, and I discovered it is more than a season of giving up – <i>much
more. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It turns out, the forty days before Easter have long been a special
time in the church. Forty is the traditional number for discipline, and
preparation, harkening back to the Flood. It was the length of the sojourn of
Moses on the mountain (Exodus 24); the length of the spies' mission in the Promised Land (Numbers 13:25); it was how long it took Elijah to reach the cave
where he received God’s vision (1 Kings 19); the time allotted for Ninevah’s
repentance (Jonah 3); and most significantly, the number of days Jesus prayed
and fasted in the wilderness before beginning his earthly ministry. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In the early church, these forty days were used to instruct those who wished to be baptized and join the church. Over time, it
evolved into a season when all Christians are called to use the spiritual disciplines of the faith to remind ourselves of the terrible cost of our redemption. During Lent, we focus on the nature of sin and salvation, as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Take the most common discipline associated with
Lent: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fasting</i>. Contrary to our common assumptions, fasting is more than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not eating</i> something, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not doing something</i>; it is a conscious
decision to use the time and resources usually reserved for one thing for another,
higher purpose – a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">holy </i>use. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
We may choose to fast by giving our lunch money to
the food pantry and spending our lunch hour in prayer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of throwing away our chocolate for
Lent, or staring at it with frustrated longing throughout the season, we might box
it up with a card and share it to with a lonely nursing home resident. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might choose to turn off the television or
computer, and instead dedicate our evenings to learning more about how we might
be the family of God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Far from giving up, Lent is a time for us to
enrich our lives by considering the question<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,
what does it mean to have a savior who would willingly die for us? </i>Lent can
be a time of enrichment and renewal – if we take advantage of the season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Have a Holy Lent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>- try the fish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-51321414824531499242013-09-19T18:28:00.001-04:002013-09-19T18:28:40.059-04:00
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>145</o:Words>
<o:Characters>828</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>6</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>972</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Why are we
here?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Believe it or not, all the work of the Mission
Study Team can be boiled down to this one question: <i>Why are we here?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You might say<i>, That’s easy! It’s right there in the
Larger Catechism</i>: <i>We’re here to
glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.</i> And you would be right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You might say, <i>We’re here because God has called us out of
the world to be his children, the body of Christ in the world. </i>And you
would be right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You might say, <i>My family has been here since the beginning,
</i>or <i>We love the people. </i>And you
would be right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You might say, <i>We’re here to serve and make disciples of
the community around us. </i>And you would be right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The fact is, each
of these answers reveals a slightly different emphasis, a slightly different
assumption – a different facet of that one deceptively simple question. It is
the task the Mission Study Team to delve into each of these facets, by asking
you to help them ask, and answer this question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Why are we
here?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-63595984123937364512013-05-29T21:36:00.002-04:002013-05-29T21:39:48.605-04:00<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>585</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3337</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>27</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4098</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1028"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How does one measure success?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes, it’s easy – High score wins!
Low score wins! First to cross the line wins! Last one standing wins! Tab A
into slot B = success! No parts left over = success! Starts up after overhaul=
success! But there are many more experiences in life for which the assessment
is much less clear than win/lose or success/fail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, the culture in which we live
seems to provide some universal guidelines for measuring success, benchmarks we
can use to assess our life’s achievements. In one’s career, <i>salary and perks</i> are easy measures,
while <i>authority</i> (how many people
report to us) and <i>indispensability</i>
(how little can be done without our input) are also crucial to assessing one’s
level of success. In relationship, the measurement run the gamut from <i>who loves us, who is our friend, and how
desirable are they? </i>to<i> are one’s
children reflecting well on their parents?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Spiritual matters, the culture seems
ask but two questions: <i>Are we happy, and
if not, are we doing something about it?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the film <i>The Green Mile,</i> there is an scene depicting an improperly prepared
electrocution which is both arresting and gruesome. When asked by the warden
what happened, Corrections Officer Paul Edgecomb, (played by Tom Hanks)
responds, “An execution – a successful one.” The warden, incredulous, wonders how
he could call the prolonged, graphic, painful episode a success. The answer is
simple: “Edward Delacroix is dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Success here is measured in its <i>definition</i>; <i>what we’re after</i> determines how we gauge <i>whether or not we have achieved it. </i>In the case of Edward
Delacroix’s execution, success was defined, simply, <i>as achieving the stated goal </i>– the death of a condemned inmate<i>. </i>Of course, the warden’s questions
demonstrate the truth, that there was much more at stake than the execution of
a lawful sentence on a prisoner. We all know success is more than simply doing
what one sets out to do – there is always another agenda, a fundamental truth
by which we measure every thought, every action. The truth is, when it comes to
defining that kind of success, the culture does a pretty poor job; objectives
are set unattainably high, or using the wrong benchmarks; stated goals often
have very little to do with truth, or real success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here in the church, success is measured
by a very different standard. One way to describe it is to use one of those
trusty visual aids from elementary set theory, the Venn diagram:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<!--[endif]--><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:oval
id="_x0000_s1027" style='position:absolute;margin-left:81pt;margin-top:4.85pt;
width:207pt;height:198pt;z-index:-251657216;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-vertical:absolute' filled="f" fillcolor="#3f80cd" strokecolor="black [3213]"
strokeweight="1.5pt">
<v:fill color2="#9bc1ff" o:detectmouseclick="t" focusposition="" focussize=",90"
type="gradient">
<o:fill v:ext="view" type="gradientUnscaled"/>
</v:fill>
<v:shadow on="t" opacity="22938f" css:blur="38100f" offset="0,2pt"/>
<v:textbox inset=",7.2pt,,7.2pt"/>
</v:oval><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="195" src="webkit-fake-url://182DEC15-8BC8-4588-92FE-A70215F820AC/application.pdf" width="320" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It all boils down to this: if we can
figure out A.) our gifts and talents, and 2.) what God wants for the world,
then we can measure how well we’re using our gifts to do God’s will. That is
the fundamental truth, the basic agenda from which we operate – as individuals
and as the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is also the essence of what we
Presbyterians call <i>The Mission Study
Process.</i> <span style="color: red;"> </span>Because they begin with this fundamental premise, Mission
studies can be crucial for figuring out what lies ahead for a particular
congregation; not just<span style="color: red;"> </span>who the next pastor will
be, but also questions of property use and improvement, ministry opportunities
and initiatives, and community cooperation – all with an unwavering focus on <i>what God is calling us to do with what we
have been given.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the Mission Study process, we will
be gathering data in a variety of ways to answer these basic questions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who are we as a congregation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What gifts and talents do we have? What
resources?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is our community like? What
opportunities for ministry can we identify?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is God Calling us to do in this time
and place?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How can a pastor help us use our gifts,
talents and resources to fulfill that Call?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the Session is entrusted with leadership of the
congregation, and will appoint a Task Force to oversee this process, the fact
is, <i>each member of the congregation is
essential</i> for this mission study to be a success.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look for more information about the Mission Study and how
you can be a part of this important process here at Smyrna Church.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-11847823711839382252013-05-01T09:48:00.005-04:002013-05-01T09:48:46.879-04:00
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>451</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2576</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>21</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3163</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
I’ve been thinking a lot about <i>transition</i> lately; moving will do that
to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of course, I am not only in the midst of what one
might call <i>domestic</i> transition - I am
also transitioning <i>professionally</i>,
moving from the position of installed pastor to what we cutting-edge types in
the church are now calling <i>Transitional </i>Ministry;
after eleven years in one place, I am now an Interim Pastor, serving the Smyrna
church for, as I told one young friend, <i>more
than a month, but less than forever.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It seems like transition is all over the place
these days. The Committee on Ministry looks after churches in transition;
indeed, the presbytery itself is searching for a Transitional Presbyter; and
the PC(USA) continues to transition from what it was into, quite literally, <i>Lord knows what.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of course, I wouldn’t be The Preacher® if I didn’t
use this as an excuse to do some etymological work. So, what is <i>transition,</i> anyway?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Merriam-Webster defines <b>transition (noun) </b>as <i>the
process or period of changing from
one state or condition to another.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In its plural form, <b>Transitions™</b> is a brand of photo-chromic eyeglass lens – the kind
that go from clear inside to
sunglassy outside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In genetics, <b><i>Transition</i></b> is <i>a point mutation that changes a purine nucleotide to another purine (A
↔ G) or a pyrimidine nucleotide to another pyrimidine (C ↔ T). </i>Don’t ask me
– I was an English Major.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In wrestling, <b><i>Transition</i></b> is <i>the</i><i> movement from one grappling hold or position
to another,</i> while in basketball, <b><i>Transition</i></b> is what one calls <i>the change from defense to offense, or vice-versa.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of all these, I particularly like the last two
definitions, for a couple of reasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I can imagine the struggle of Jacob with God that dark night by the
Jabbok river; the grunting, sweating, grabbing and twisting, each <i>transition</i> symbolic of Jacob’s
experience: each clench, each escape and subsequent hold evoking his hard
headed, hard fought approach to life, and the constant, unceasing change in
store for his progeny. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Then again, I think about the importance of transition to winning
basketball games. Each basket or possession change is like a little ending, as offense
changes to defense; but it is also a new beginning, as defense now goes on the
offensive. In those moments of transition, much can happen – baskets made,
opponents worn down, momentum changed -
<i>if </i>a team recognizes the value
of that <i>transitional moment,</i> and
approaches it with specific goals in mind, and the plans to achieve them. Red
Aurebach, legendary coach of the Boston Celtics, was perhaps the first to
exploit this in-between time, advocating the <i>fast break,</i> in which the offense exploits that time of change to
push the ball down the court and score.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As Interim Pastor for the Smyrna Presbyterian
Church, it is my task to help the Session and congregation make the most of
this ‘in between time,’ helping to identify, in the midst of change, the goals
to which God is calling us, the
tools and resources he has provided, and the best way for us to use those resources
in this time and place. May God bless us in this time of <i>transition.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-64529439046711781832012-10-14T22:16:00.002-04:002012-10-14T22:16:25.877-04:00
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>787</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4490</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>37</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5514</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As I have considered the pastor’s annual report
for 2012, I have been thinking not just about the past year, but the past
eleven. A lot has happened since 2001, when I accepted God’s Call and came to
Mossy Creek. The church has dealt with opportunities and obstacles; many old
friends have joined the church triumphant; new friends have joined in our
mission and ministry; and some have moved on, to other congregations or to a
fallow time in their faith. We have dealt with a variety of significant issues
– questions about the church property,
its preservation and expansion; issues surrounding worship;
uncomfortable truths about financial oversight; a rethinking of the meaning of witness and outreach. We
continue to wrestle with concerns about theology, polity, and the future of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
At the manse, our children have grown, with ups
and downs we could hardly have imagined; Ann has furthered her education,
shepherded several congregations through the interim process, and found a
position at Massanutten where her gifts and talents are truly valued. I am
older now, and perhaps a bit wiser; I have gone through desert times, and times
of refreshment; I have learned, and taught, and learned even more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Over the years, many of you have dealt with both the
best and worst of life; birth and death, marriage and divorce, illness and
healing; exciting new
opportunities and difficult, painful transitions. You have celebrated; you have
mourned; you have questioned; you have laughed and cried; and I have been your
pastor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Together, we have built relationships with our
community. We have shouldered the responsibility of a good neighbor, organizing
concrete ministries of concern for many who had fallen through the cracks of
society; we have built, and repaired; we have chauffeured, and provided
company; we have fed and clothed; provided warmth and understanding; we have
mourned with the grieving, comforted the suffering and brought love into the
lives of the lonely; and I have been your pastor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In small but significant ways, we have begun to
rebuild relationships with the Presbytery. We have reached out in service to
the Central Valley Mission Community; we<span style="color: red;"> </span>have welcomed
Presbytery representatives, and utilized presbytery resources for education.<span style="color: red;"> </span>We have opened lines of communication about financial
and theological issues and sought engagement on difficult issues; and I have
been your pastor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I have been your pastor. I have preached the Gospel
with integrity and organized worship in a thoughtful, theologically sound
manner. I have taught every age group in the church, preparing and sharing
thoughtful, accessible programs about biblical topics, church history, the
essential tenets of our faith, books of interest to the thoughtful Christian,
as well as numerous topics related to our faith journey and life experience. I
have stood with the grieving and uncertain, reached out to the hurting, and
celebrated with the joyful. I have served as a resource for both knowledge and
wisdom, and have been available to all who have expressed a need. I have been
accountable to the Session, for the work I have done; to the Presbytery, and to
God. That is my Call, and I have sought to honor God as I live it out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of course, it is not just <i>my</i> Call; a pastoral Call is a relationship ordained by God between
pastor and congregation, in which both parties have responsibilities and expectations.
It is not just the pastor’s performance that is evaluated; it is not just the
pastor who must meet expectations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In thinking back over the last eleven years, I
realize I have sometimes spoken thoughtlessly, or without considering the
effect my words might have on those hearing. I have missed opportunities to
reach out, to build relationships, to anticipate the needs of others. There
have been times when personal issues and family problems have overshadowed my
work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Likewise, there have been times when conversations
among yourselves have come back to hurt me; when complaints about incidental
things have been given the same weight as the good work being done in our midst;
when casual thoughtlessness has led me to question the importance
of our relationship, and my value to the congregation; when confidentiality has
been breached, affecting both Ann and me in our work with colleagues.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It is crucial for the Session and congregation to
examine their own responsibilities in the pastoral relationship –
responsibilities that go far beyond financial compensation. Such reflection
should be an integral part of the annual review process; but beyond that, it
should be an integral part of the relationship we build day by day, week by
week, year by year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As we look forward to 2013, I can say without
hesitation that God has not yet called me away from Mossy Creek - although I am
open to the possibility. Of course, such discernment is not for me alone; you,
the congregation, must concur, along with the Presbytery, which stands ready to
help us address concerns and discern where God is leading us. In the end, we are like every church in every time
and place: ministering in an imperfect world, with an imperfect pastor and
imperfect members; and yet, God has brought us together for His purpose, and
gifted us with Grace sufficient to our Call.<span style="color: #4f81bd;"> </span>It
is my prayer that God would continue to guide and bless us, as we seek to do
His will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-25419724026305927592012-07-10T09:52:00.000-04:002012-07-10T09:52:13.019-04:00So, How was General Assembly?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>335</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1912</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>15</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2348</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>337</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1923</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>16</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2361</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
So, How was
General Assembly?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
As it happens, the
question is not an easy one. I loved being in Pittsburgh, reliving fond
memories while marveling at the transformations. I appreciated the opportunity
to speak to representatives of our agencies – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Board of Pensions,</b> the General Assembly Mission Council (now
called the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Presbyterian Mission Agency</b>),
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Presbyterian Committee on
Congregational Song</b>, the folks responsible for the new hymnal<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, Glory To God </i>- and others involved in
mission and witness. I got to see some old colleagues and truly enjoyed the
fellowship of our commissioners. I even enjoyed reading (some of) the committee
reports, and listening to (some of) their presentations during our plenary
sessions. On balance, I think the decisions reached were probably best for a
church still seeking to live out the promise and pitfalls of the new form of
government. But I was also disappointed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Almost before the
Assembly began, there were opportunities lost; for pastoral sensitivity, and transparency;
for open minds and open hearts; for a willingness to trust in the theology
behind our polity. Far too many debates were derailed by parliamentary
procedures intended to short circuit the process of discernment; far too much
was heard from the same few people on the farthest fringes of our denomination,
while the vast majority of were held hostage to their take no prisoners
attitude.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
In the end, I think the
things which unite (most) of us Presbyterians are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
A deep and
abiding love of Jesus Christ, and for the world</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
A true
appreciation for doing things decently and in order, and</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
An almost
visceral reaction to the extremes </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
which seek
to either purge or re-imagine our denomination</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I saw this at work
within the delegation from Shenandoah Presbytery. While no one would ever
accuse us of agreeing on much of anything, we were able to pray together, look
after one another, talk – and listen – about divisive issues, then vote without
fuss and bother. In the end, I think it safe to say we found ourselves in one
accord: when it came to the anger and frustration, the parliamentary wrangling,
and dire predictions about the future we all wished those folks had come from a
Presbytery where people treat each other better than that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
Like ours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-46205390630635774782012-07-09T22:27:00.000-04:002012-07-10T06:41:17.108-04:00The Elephant in the Convention Center<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s now time to address perhaps the most
controversial issue before the 220<sup>th</sup> General Assembly: the issue of
same gender marriage. But first, a few obvious observations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: center 3.0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Context is profoundly important.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
A conversation is a very different thing
than a public speech, or a sermon. With a small group of friends (or even
strangers), our style is more relaxed and we are able to make subtle points
much more easily. Likewise, sermons preached to small congregations are much
different than sermons to large groups; before a multitude, one must speak slowly and broadly, and
certain subtleties are easily lost. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is also true when it comes to the
deliberations of councils within the church.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
It is much easier to make subtle
distinctions in the context of a Session meeting, where there is a built in
reservoir of trust, and explanations are much easier to make and hear. At the
general assembly level, there is no subtlety, and trust is often in short
supply.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The Committee on Civil Union and Marriage Issues came to three important decisions in their
deliberations. First of all, they recommended the rejection
of so-called ‘relief of conscience’ overtures, designed to give Presbyterian
ministers tacit permission to conduct same gender marriages in places where they are
legal. Secondly, they recommended that presbyteries be directed to engage in a
serious two-year study of the nature of Christian marriage; but in order to
ensure that discussion would be undertaken with the diligence they believe is
necessary, they made their third recommendation: that marriage be redefined in
our <i>Book of Order</i>, from being a civil contract between <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a man and a woman </i>to being between <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">two persons.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #262626;">Aimee Moiso, a teaching elder from San Jose Presbytery was the chair of the c</span>ommittee, and it was clear to me from her presentation<span style="color: #262626;"> that the committee’s intent in recommending this change to
the Book of Order was to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prompt a
discussion</i> – to provide for the largest possible forum in which the Holy
Spirit might operate as the church seeks discernment about this issue. This
would have been the functional equivalent of moving a proposal at a Session meeting, for the purpose of opening
it up for discussion. </span><span style="color: #262626;">But I’m afraid, in the cavernous
expanse of Plenary, </span><span style="color: #262626;">that subtle point was lost on many
commissioners, </span><span style="color: #262626;">and would almost certainly have
been missed </span><span style="color: #262626;">by most congregations, not to mention every
media outlet in the country. </span>As it turned out, the debate lasted for
several hours before the assembly voted 338-308 against the committee proposal
to change the constitution, agreeing instead to commend the two years study by
itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This will be no easy task.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The culture around us is changing: more and
more localities permit same gender marriage, while most churches do not. As
evidenced by the tenor of debate at General Assembly, many Presbyterians have
strong and deep convictions about the issue, and find the notion of dialogue
and discernment almost nonsensical. Pastor to Pittsburgh Presbytery Sheldon
Sorge has written, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I believe our chances
of exercising real spiritual discernment are much better when we’re seeking the
Lord’s will not because we are arming for a vote, but simply because it’s what
God calls us to do. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I pray he’s right.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-59764812336627404692012-07-09T16:24:00.003-04:002012-07-09T20:30:45.521-04:00It is Monday.<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
And I have entered and
exited the fugue state that followed General Assembly to find you, my readers,
are clamoring for an update.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Actually one
person sent me a message on Facebook, </i><br />
<i>but I’m running with it.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
Many of the most
critical decisions made by the 220<sup>th</sup> General Assembly were decided
by the thinnest of margins.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> What does
that mean, you might ask?</i> Well, obviously, it means Presbyterians are not
of one mind about anything, except perhaps that a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mushroom mousse popover </i>makes a lousy entrée. What I do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>think it means is the church is
divided into two camps; there was a lot more going than any
liberal/conservative dichotomy explains.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
Of course, it is
just my luck that the Assembly’s most significant actions were clustered in the
surrealistic marathon of Thursday and Friday; as you may have heard, after a
full day Thursday, Friday at the Assembly began at 8:30 a.m., broke for
worship, lunch and dinner - all at the convention center - and did not adjourn
until around 1:45 a.m. Saturday. I will do my best to summarize the discussions
and decisions taken; my apologies if I miss something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First up: Divestment.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
The Middle East Peacemaking Issues
Committee proposed the PC(USA) become the first U.S. mainline Protestant
denomination to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">divest </i>from companies
doing business with the State of Israel. Specifically, they recommended phased
divestment from three corporations: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Caterpillar,</b>
whose heavy equipment is used by the Israeli military to destroy Palestinian
homes and livelihoods in the Occupied Territories; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hewlett-Packard,</b> which sells <span style="color: #262626;">communications, logistics
and planning hardware used in the ongoing Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza
Strip; and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Motorola Solutions,</b> which
sells surveillance equipment used to protect Israeli settlements in Palestinian
territory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626;">For eight years, we were
told, The Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee (</span>MRTI) used proxy votes, shareholder
resolutions, and calls for dialogue to persuade these companies to limit
non-peaceful uses of their products by the Israeli government and military, but
to no avail. The proposal, which had the backing of the General Assembly
Mission Council (GAMC), would have meant the selling of more than $17 million
worth of stock by the Presbyterian Board of Pensions and Foundation – a lot of
money to be sure, but just a tiny fraction of the Presbyterian Portfolio, and only .018% of CaterpIllar, .014% of HP, and .003% of
Motorola Solutions. In addition, this divestment would be phased, meaning the
vast majority of stock in the companies would be retained until it could be sold
without losing value. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Believe me, the lobbying was intense.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHboNK9ED5CnRbyXU8H_XpQIbMTd9jc9IcSkAhrgjgytcEYoif5wYOdhsx3ycEVPDpxS9hATj7lbIYg-bcQ-mTeqmqoRuZlYC3VYEOTXkf1Sq_awGtjx3Dh6vFwz5Dm-yOq4sul8kJdc/s1600/Christians-and-Jews-for-DIVESTMENT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHboNK9ED5CnRbyXU8H_XpQIbMTd9jc9IcSkAhrgjgytcEYoif5wYOdhsx3ycEVPDpxS9hATj7lbIYg-bcQ-mTeqmqoRuZlYC3VYEOTXkf1Sq_awGtjx3Dh6vFwz5Dm-yOq4sul8kJdc/s320/Christians-and-Jews-for-DIVESTMENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
People came from all over the world to
influence this decision – Presbyterians; Palestinian Christians; Jews both for
and against Divestment. And they were doing a lot more than singing out front: they were at breakfasts and other meals, in the exhibition hall and even in Plenary,
engaging commissioners with arguments on both sides of the issue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
After the Committee’s presentation,<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"> </span>several
commissioners presented a minority report from the Middle East Committee based
on an overture that had actually been approved by the Committee. Instead of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">combining</i> divestment from the
corporations with a strategy of investment in the West Bank and Gaza; the
minority report <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">replaced </i>divestment
with ‘creative engagement’ and investment. After much, much, much debate, the
assembly voted by a vote of 333-331 (with two abstentions) to make the minority
report the main proposal. And then there were still more hours of debate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The arguments as I understand them break down this way: </i></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Divestment would demonstrate the church’s moral opposition to the Israeli occupation; it would focus attention on how these corporations make money from the violence and injustice of the occupation; and would demonstrate support for the Palestinian Christians and others seeking peace with jusrice. Investment is fine, but what Palestinians really need is freedom.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Divestment would do nothing to change Israel's actions, and would unfairly stigmatize corporations who are doing legal business with a trusted ally, and which employ hundreds, maybe thousands of Presbyterians. It would remove the PC(USA) from the discussion with these corporations, alienate ecumenical partners, especially in the Jewish community, and would give political cover to extremists who deny Israel's right to exist.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Divestment, as described by MRTI, doesn't really make a clear statement, since it occurs over time, and is accomplished in such a way that our investment income is not adversely effected. As such it seems to be a hollow symbolic gesture, which may make some people feel better, but will do little to make things better. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
In the end, three statements <span style="color: #262626;">may well have
reframed the entire argument. First, </span>Teaching Elder <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sue Krummel</b><span style="color: #262626;"> of Great River Presbytery (and candidate for moderator) pointed this out:'</span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as Presbyterians, we know about divestment </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">– we call it
‘Withholding Per Capita,’ and we
know it doesn't work. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #262626;">Then, Teaching Elder</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Susan Andrews,</b> Moderator of the 215th General Assembly, truly surprised me. A well know liberal in
the denomination, Rev. Andrews stated her opposition to divestment, advising the
church to remember <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">both </i>the current
suffering of Palestinians <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> the
centuries of Christian persecution of Jews.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finally,
and perhaps most tellingly, the Stated Clerk warned the Assembly<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that
the last shuttle buses would be leaving soon for the hotels.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
In the end, the vote was 369-290 (eight abstentions) to adopt the
minority report calling for investment and not divestment. To his credit,
Teaching Elder Jack Baca of San Diego Presbytery, moderator of the Middle East
Committee, told reporters while it might seem there division in the church on
this matter, in fact the assembly was unified in its desire for peace, security
of Israel and independence for Palestinians. The apparent division was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">simply a matter of the best strategy that
the church can pursue to help attain those goals</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="tab-stops: 2.0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Next up: Same Gender Marriage.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-22102089928175591682012-07-07T07:37:00.000-04:002012-07-07T07:37:19.313-04:00You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>748</o:Words>
<o:Characters>4267</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>35</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>5240</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The next big issue from my Committee addressed the
concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Non-Geographic Presbyteries.</i> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Now, for those of you who need a bit of a refresher course in Presbyterian
History (and who doesn’t need a little refreshment in weather like this?),
almost as soon as the earliest Presbyterian congregations were formed in the
American colonies, they organized themselves in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">geographical bodies:</i> <b>Presbyteries,</b> and then <b>Synods;</b> <b>General
Assembly</b> came a little later, as the most universal expression of American
Presbyterianism. All the congregations in a locality were part of a <i>Presbytery;</i>
all presbyteries in a region (later a state) were part of a <i>Synod,</i> and
everybody was under the authority of the <i>General Assembly,</i> where each Presbytery had both voice and vote. It just made sense; in a world where both
distances and hardships were greater, one coveted the support of neighboring
congregations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>nation grew, and immigrants began to stream in from the four corners of
the world, Presbyterians recognized the difficulties of assimilation; as early
as the 19<sup>th</sup> century Hungarians were joined together in one
presbytery – as safe place for the first generation to worship, and begin the
process of becoming <i>American</i> Presbyterians. Such Presbyteries were based, not
on <i>geography,</i> but on<i> language,</i> and <i>culture,</i> and ended up being a transitional
step in their integration into the life and work of the Presbyterian Church. Of
course, the unity of language and culture had a price; often congregations were
located too far from one another to enjoy true fellowship. Immigrants still stream
into the United States; language and culture differences still pose a barrier
to fellowship and representation in the church. We still have non-geographic
presbyteries, for the same reasons – and with the same shortcomings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Of course, the world has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distance is no longer the barrier it
once; through telephone, e-mail, text, Facebook®, Twitter® and Skype,® the
question <i>who is my neighbor?</i> has taken on a global dimension. We can be present
in many ways with people in every corner of the world; we make connections
with sisters and brothers we may never meet face to face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The issue at hand was
not whether or not the church should take advantage of technology and social
media to expand or transform our ministry; the issue was whether to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">expand </i>our understanding of connection
in such a way as to replace <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proximity </i>with
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">interest;</i> specifically to extend the
use of non-geographic presbyteries beyond language and culture, to what was
termed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>particular missional purposes. </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
Mid Council Commission was clear in its report that it did not consider the
theological implications of allowing churches to align themselves in novel
ways; as a matter of fact, they were enthusiastic about what they saw as an
opportunity for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">experimentation</i> – for
imaginative new initiatives, for thinking outside the box, seeking to adjust
rapidly to a rapidly changing world. But for me, at least two questions arose:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where do one turn when a church burns, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or a hurricane blows it away, or a pastor
is murdered,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or any of the myriad bad things that can
happen in this world<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">happen to one's congregation?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What exactly IS a particular missional
purpose?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I happen to think both are serious questions, but
it was the second with which many wrestled, both in our committee and in
Plenary; like so many other Presbyterian concepts, it was left open for
interpretation. From what I gathered, a <i>missional purpose</i> could be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a passion for service to the urban homeless;</i> it could be<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> the call to minister to the aging in the
community; </i>but it could also be<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> a
desire to do as we will, free from the interference of all those stubborn,
pigheaded, sinful <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>*insert label here*</u></b>
in my geographic presbytery.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
Although a tempting notion, especially when
things are tough<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
and one’s voice seem to be ignored or
ridiculed,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
in the end, it just isn’t Presbyterian.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In his remarks at the Pittsburgh Theological
Seminary Luncheon, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dr. Edwin Chr. van
Driel, assistant professor of theology</i>, contrasted the church is his native
Netherlands with the American church. He recounted the unique experience of
arriving here and having to choose, for the first time, <i>where</i> he would worship.
In the Netherlands, one’s membership is a <i>geographic parish;</i> when one moves, so
does one’s membership – into the local parish to which you have moved. Without
entering into a discussion of the merits such an ecclesiastical model, I was struck by this
statement by Dr. van Driel:</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The church is not a voluntary organization.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
We may think it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we </i>who decided which church was right for us; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> who decided to become part of the family of God;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> we</i> who decide to serve; but that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just not so.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i> called out of darkness into light; <i>God</i> forgave us and
commissioned us to follow His Son; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God </i>made
us into his family; and it is as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a family</i>
that we must wrestle with even the most painful, divisive subjects, loving the
<i>stubborn, pigheaded, sinful people around us,</i> because God loves them just as
much as He loves the <i>stubborn, pigheaded, sinful person that IS us.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
A note about Friday: The Assembly began it's work at 8:30 a.m. Friday and concluded around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. It's going to to take some time to process all the actions, so look forward to another entry as soon as I am able.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-45688901979009854412012-07-06T00:07:00.001-04:002012-07-06T07:12:02.876-04:00I think I am experiencing what is known as ‘hitting the wall.’<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
Enforced extroversion is taking its toll, and the weight of the
denomination’s concerns would have my head spinning, if the muscles in my neck
weren’t keeping a vise-like grip on my brain pan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
So, how are you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Seriously, we’ve gone through a crush of business
here on Thursday, including, but not limited to, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">General Assembly Procedures, Mission Coordination, Church Polity,
Social, Justice and the Board of Pensions, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
and the Presbyterian Foundation.</i>This morning, my Committee was on the clock.
Committee 5, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Middle Councils,</i> dealt
with a variety of issues, most of which were not controversial, like churches
transferring from one presbytery to another. There were a few issues of some
particular interest, though. Let's look at one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
The first
controversial item was<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> what to do with
Synods?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The Report of the Middle Council Commission had an
answer: <i>scrap them.</i> Their recommendation was to eliminate the synod as a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">council of the church</i> (what we used to
call a Governing Body) and reserve their necessary ecclesiastical functions to a
series of regional Administrative Commissions – leaving presbyteries free to
form mission cooperatives in whatever direction their collective hearts desire.
At first reading, this was quite appealing to me; my opinion about synods is
much like Rick’s opinion of Ugarte, if you catch my meaning. But there were a
lot of unanswered questions in their recommendation – the kind of
constitutional holes that drive clerks crazy, and end up making the
congregations and presbyteries suffer. Then we heard from a lot of people how
much they love their synod, how vital and active they are, how mission-minded
and helpful they are, how clean and bright and beautiful all synods could be.
We found ourselves on the horns of a dilemma: take the word of the Mid Council
Commission, who undertook one of the most thorough surveys ever of our
denomination, or heed the experience of so many (both on our committee and in
open hearing) who weren’t asked what they thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
My head still hurts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In the end, Committee 5 recommended not
eliminating synods, but reducing their number, recommending a Task Force to
figure out how best to accomplish this. And then the Assembly got hold of it,
deciding to simply refer the matter without recommendation to a new task force,
to figure out just what to do about Synods – whether to scrap them, reduce
their number, or perhaps reduce their mandates, giving them more flexibility to
thrive where they are strong, and retract where they are not.</div>Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-30667005624119844282012-07-05T08:49:00.004-04:002012-07-05T08:49:32.031-04:00I woke up this morning with a Presbyterian hangover.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>377</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2150</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>17</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2640</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
No, not that kind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
But if the lobby of the William Penn last night was
any indication, a lot of Presbyterians were ‘blowing off steam,’ as one
overheard commissioner put it. The Tap Room was full; the noise level high, the
message unclear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
At the Pittsburgh Seminary lunch yesterday, I sat
next to a fellow alum many years removed from my time there. She recalled a
visit to the Allegheny County Jail as a part of the Church and Society
Requirement, and how her classmates got into such a heated argument that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the inmates</i> tried to mediate. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We had Baccalaureate and Commencement on the
same day…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because we couldn’t stand to be with other.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
When asked from whence this ambivalence came, she
suggested the seminary had emphasized diversity in admissions that year. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We had the youngest student ever admitted,
and one of the oldest;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the most liberal and the most conservative;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the most devoted to gender equality, and the
most chauvinistic…</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
and so on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast">
Now, that’s just her story, and I know for a fact
that there a lot of<i> Methodists</i> at Pittsburgh Seminary these days; but even so,
I think this describes a worrying undercurrent in our church,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one which has erupted in a place almost
no one would have imagined: the election of a Vice Moderator – a position that
I would be willing to bet few commissioners could describe, about which even
fewer would profess to care.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The Belhar Confession of Faith will now be
commended to the Presbyteries again for inclusion in the Book of Confessions.
It’s overarching theme is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unity: </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">…unity is, therefore,
both a gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">that through the working
of God's Spirit it is a binding force, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">yet simultaneously a
reality which must be earnestly pursued and sought: <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">one which the people of
God must continually be built up to attain…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS;">Therefore,
we reject any doctrine<b>…</b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">which denies<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">that a refusal earnestly
to pursue this visible unity<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">as a priceless gift is
sin…</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Now, without making any suggestions about the
advisability of asking our presbyteries to vote a second time on this document,
I would suggest we all prayerfully
consider this line from the confession:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">that this unity can be
established only in freedom and not under constraint…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
At what point does working <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">toward unity and reconciliation</i> become <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the seeking of tactical advantage in an all or nothing fight? </i>Are
we seeking the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peace, Unity and Purity of
the Church,</i> or fighting over who will control the wreckage of this once
great denomination?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
These are
some of the questions we really need to answer for ourselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-7967642780592826112012-07-05T00:12:00.000-04:002012-07-05T00:12:32.941-04:00So. It’s the Fourth of July, and the fireworks started early here in Pittsburgh.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>699</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3988</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Mossy Creek Church</o:Company>
<o:Lines>33</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4897</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjpCuAIwF2rISyPsMxH33kIyre68q4Fh7ZW1Uk1sKPrr-C0Euhiu1K5p_XImGY6cTCxUJJ7o0vZKG7PXgeaoZX_xYNGe0DQZ9LlfBDWD_OLaMX8rKHvqvF-hmFwUQKO9vFUMCkjiaWLE/s1600/07-04-02_thousands-flocked-to-downtown_420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjpCuAIwF2rISyPsMxH33kIyre68q4Fh7ZW1Uk1sKPrr-C0Euhiu1K5p_XImGY6cTCxUJJ7o0vZKG7PXgeaoZX_xYNGe0DQZ9LlfBDWD_OLaMX8rKHvqvF-hmFwUQKO9vFUMCkjiaWLE/s320/07-04-02_thousands-flocked-to-downtown_420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>OK, so that was too easy, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Holy Cow.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I ducked out of our ‘picnic’ dinner here at the
David Lawrence Convention Center to begin the process of interpreting today’s
Plenary Sessions here at General Assembly – that is the extraordinary
commitment I have to you, my faithful (if only imaginary) readers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>You’re
welcome.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As the more tech savvy of you may already know, the
big news of Wednesday’s first Plenary was the resignation of the <i>Vice
Moderator Tara Spuhler McCabe</i>. While this came as a surprise to many – there
were audible gasps and cries of protest – it was apparently decided sometime
yesterday and was kept under wraps to the point that the Committee on the
General Assembly was blindsided by the announcement. It does seem that some people were
apprised in plenty of time to prepare statements which hit the twitterverse and
the blogosphere almost immediately. For example, the full text of her speech
before the GA can be found at 218 GA Moderator Bruce Reyes Chow’s blog, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/breyeschow/.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I am afraid this is an example of just how serious
the disconnect is between good and faithful servants of God in the Presbyterian
Church (USA). One side simply cannot understand how one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could even consider</i> turning one’s back on the time-honored
interpretation of Scripture and historic witness of the church to preside over
a same gender marriage in the church; the other cannot understand how one could
turn one’s back on children of God entrusted to their care as they seek His
blessing on their love.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>And here we
are, in the same very large room, </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>talking right past each other.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Rev. McCabe defended her decision to preside over
a same-gender marriage as a pastoral decision. She said, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I
think I’m embodying the reality of a growing number of pastors who find
ourselves caught.</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We are caught
between being pastors –being with couples in those sacred moments when they
make their vows to one another…and having a polity that restricts us from
living out our pastoral calling – especially in states where it is legal for
everyone to be married. The tension over this is real, and clearly the energy
and passion of this issue runs deep – and isn’t going away…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The tension
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> real – and talking like this won’t
make it go away.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Now friends, I voted for Rev. McCabe. As the
choice of the Moderator, I thought it was the right thing to do; I voted for
the new Vice Moderator Candidate, The Rev. Dr. Tom Trinidad, for the same
reason. I don’t know Rev. McCabe (or Dr. Trinidad, for that matter), but I have no doubt that
she is a fine pastor and would have served ably and well as Vice Moderator. And
I am all about God being the<i> Lord of the Conscience</i> - as Christians, as
Presbyterians and as Elders. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>But there’s
this thing that bothers me about what’s happened.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As Presbyterians and especially as Elders, we
agree to bind our consciences in a variety of ways – including abiding by the
disciplines of the church, and being held accountable for our actions. If there
is a tension, it seems to me that one resolves it not through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">defiance,</i> but through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">overture,</i> as will be done here at GA. I have
to say; I do not believe <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">civil disobedience</i>
is an acceptable strategy in the church. We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pray;</i>
we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">study;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">petition;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pray;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">advocate;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pray;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vote;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pray;</i> we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">respectfully disagree</i>; we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pray;</i>
and if necessary, we <i>graciously withdraw,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">praying all the while.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The choice to act may have been<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> a</i> pastoral decision, but it wasn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the only</i> pastoral decision; and to
suggest that it was deeply offends many of our brothers and sisters in Christ,
who are trying to deal with the same tension in a way that honors their Call.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>This is not to say they are all are trying very hard, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>or dealing with it very well. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
In her resignation, the Rev. McCabe made reference to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pervasive poisonous activity</i> directed at both GA and the Moderator
in the wake of her election, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unhelpful and frankly divisive blog and
twitter comments </i>which she suggested have been growing since Saturday. While
I was unable to find such comments, I’m sure many people have expressed varying
degrees of dissatisfaction, frustration and even rancor about the issues
surrounding her election - both in conversation and in the ether. Let me be
clear: If the accusations are true, some of the people opposed to Rev. McCabe’s election have
also violated their ordination vows by betraying the Peace, Unity and Purity of
the Church, through rumor, invective and disrespect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Whenever
and wherever such expressions cross the line </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>from respectful disagreement </b><b>into something
dark and ugly, </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>that is wrong, and awful, and not to be borne.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I couldn’t help but see a certain irony in the
liturgy to commission our <i>Young Adult Volunteers and Missionaries, </i>where we proclaimed and called upon our essential unity as Christians. If there is an essential unity, and I
believe there truly is, I think we better start trying to find it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Or maybe we
should just hush up, and let it find us.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722233891120792696.post-12255208664053240992012-07-03T22:14:00.002-04:002012-07-04T06:43:23.625-04:00Tuesday at the Assembly<br />
<div class="Body1">
I have
just returned from dinner with the Presbytery Cohort up on Mt. Washington <span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">–</span> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mahnt Worshington,</i> as my grandfather used to say, and he should
have known- he was born up there. It<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span>s probably just as well that I was late and had to walk all
the way from the convention center; the day made for some reservoirs of nervous
energy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vu5MndwxsCeuOjRtDTYxvMiijH9PDeyZq6yj3HpJ23jZbaWm0O3CuXfgeY9AlCR4KSSMGVKzu4wk46q6ZDN2I7h2bypN3peRR4m5kEMKbab5lT-H-Tn301YI2ZZsuYhwuY3yNYFt6GQ/s1600/Photo27315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vu5MndwxsCeuOjRtDTYxvMiijH9PDeyZq6yj3HpJ23jZbaWm0O3CuXfgeY9AlCR4KSSMGVKzu4wk46q6ZDN2I7h2bypN3peRR4m5kEMKbab5lT-H-Tn301YI2ZZsuYhwuY3yNYFt6GQ/s320/Photo27315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDT5kez5AhfGyKAUAwZaiwffmbt57i-9A1QTyAofjd4Bi9FsrXB-j9tRp1DR7GZuv5BS3yeb029urhArrGzCSmXvfQ7r3tu6FE4P-xFAHWvbCYlqf5m7DVtBAyS7QdA-lYSR6zTI5EGjM/s1600/Duquesne%2520Incline%2520Railcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDT5kez5AhfGyKAUAwZaiwffmbt57i-9A1QTyAofjd4Bi9FsrXB-j9tRp1DR7GZuv5BS3yeb029urhArrGzCSmXvfQ7r3tu6FE4P-xFAHWvbCYlqf5m7DVtBAyS7QdA-lYSR6zTI5EGjM/s320/Duquesne%2520Incline%2520Railcar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body1">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
Today was
devoted to Committee work, which is like the mortar which holds the bricks and
stones of the Assembly together. Of course, if you've ever seen my masonry work,
you know that some people are better with mortar than are others; so, too it is
with committee work. </div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Alas.</i></b></div>
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
I commend
the leadership of Mid Council Committee <span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">–</span> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teaching Elder Larry
Hayward and Ruling Elder Ariel Mink</i>. They did a very good job helping us
get comfortable with each other and with the process. Our Presbytery neighbor
Carson Rhyne likewise did an excellent job as our parliamentarian, and the GA
staff were helpful and accommodating. In particular, our moderator did his
level best to keep us moving through the decision- making process.
Nevertheless, I found myself frustrated early on, not with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">direction</i> of the debate, but rather with
the clumsy use of parliamentary procedure - both by YAADS ( that's Young Adult
Advisory Delegates, for those scoring at home) and by Elder Commissioners, at
least some of whom should know better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Some
lessons learned by experience: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First, don</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">t be in a rush to make a substitute motion.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
I think
it is important to actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">discuss</i> a
motion before suggesting a substitute. Often, the discussion will help clarify
exactly how best to accomplish the change one wants to make.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Second, don</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">t be in a rush to </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">‘</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Call the Question.</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
I know
how easy it is to tire of endless pro and con comments, but I have learned from
experience people feel better about a decision, whatever it turns out to be, if
they have had the opportunity to have their say. Sometimes, it<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span>s the last person to speak who
has been thinking the longest, and may have the crucial insight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finally, don</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">t take yourself too seriously.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="Body1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Our committee was able to get past some of the tense times because the moderator gave us permission to<i> laugh</i> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">–</span> not explicitly, but by
laughing at himself, and allowing us to find the humor in our own anxiety.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
In the end,
our Committee<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span>s
recommendations won<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span>t please everyone; I<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span>m sure the <i>Mid Council Commission</i> thinks we blinked when
faced with their exciting new future of experiments and bold initiatives; a few
presbyteries are going to be annoyed we recommended their boundaries change to
accommodate their requests to move churches from one to another; I understand
even members of the Committee are planning to submit <i>a Minority Report.</i> As for
me, I can attest that we did our work decently and in order, and that our deliberations
were fair and thorough. It is up to the Holy Spirit, working through the
Plenary Sessions, to make of it what is needed for our church.<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Patrick....the preacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07525417959688844658noreply@blogger.com0