07/29/04 Dear Ones – As some of you already know from Judy, and have been kind with your notes back, today happens to be the 20th anniversary of my ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The writing on my ordination certificate is rather faded, but the date written there is July 29, 1984 – wow. How times flies when you’re having fun – really. Some Good News – and praise God! Charlie Stirsman is coming
home from the hospital later today (Thursday). When I saw him early this morning
he was walking the halls with the physical therapist. When he saw me, he picked
his crutches off the ground, walked up to me and said, ‘How’m I doing
Pastor Ken?” The therapist got a worried look on her face! He’s doing
great, and hopes to be in worship Sunday. Lori Witherspoon has been
worshipping here at Beulah regularly for some months now, and has decided she
wants to reaffirm her faith in Jesus Christ and again be placed on the roll of
active members! Yeah Lori. Lori is the daughter of two of our saints who have
gone before us – Fred and Flo Schmidt. Word from the Mark and
April Leach household is that little Juliet is doing just fine. Soon
and very soon Kristin Wood Mischel and Todd Mischel (daughter and son-in-law to
Carla and Bob Wood, sister to Carrie Wood Rutledge, and Dwayne, etc) will be having
her baby – so stay tuned. Jeannie Koerber is having a visit with
us here today at the church office, and she say’s hi – and is grateful
for your cards. Remember you can still email her (she checks at home) at her usual
address, jeannie@beulahpresbyterian.com Bob Tackett, despite biopsies
and anxiety over possible future surgery and/or chemotherapy was riding the lawn
tractor here at church yesterday, and Jane was out weeding (and asks for more
help – just come on over and weed some!). His attitude is great, and they
are visiting with the doctor this coming Wednesday to discuss treatment options.
Cliff Stout, while still in the hospital, is improving. He seems more
alert and aware, and hopes to be home as soon as possible (and I suspect he may
need some help at home). It is – and has been – a beautiful
day in the neighborhood these days. Please keep your pledges coming! Jack reports that we are behind some $19,000 in meeting mission and other obligations through the end of July. This is the summer crunch, but it is a bit harder now. Several members have paid their pledges for the year some months ago. And we usually have a lot of up front costs for youth retreats and trips that have to be paid by June 1 – which makes the summer even tighter as people travel and are not regular in their giving. Please, Please, Please, as soon as we all can, let us bring our mission and ministry support up to date, and if you are blessed in these days with some extra, please be generous in sharing – for as Paul says, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 Hoping to worship with you this Sunday (and the Offering of Music will be an extra special treat, so don’t miss it), I remain, Yours in Christ Pastor Ken H. |