Year End Review

Well, here we are...only days away from the end of 2014 and the beginning of a new year. This has been a tough year for me and for NPUMC. We need a NEW year! While God gives all of us all we need to handle anything the world sends our way, it still can be tough and weigh heavy on our spirit. The accident by Les Brown and his hospitalization. Don Ellis's back and leg pain. Doris Vandine and her spinal pain. Jack Zerkel's ongoing pain issues....it just goes on and on. Recent losses of Dale and Ann Kitley were hard to accept even though they are now together and were 92 and 95 respectively. I will miss my visits with them. They loved the Lord and showed it in their daily lives.

After the wonderful and exciting trip to Africa to honor Glen Beck and opening the "Glen Beck House" there, Kay Gumberts returned home only to succomb to a brain tumor. Doug Hare, after battling multiple myoloma for over 20 years, passed into his reward. Grant Hampton, knowing the end was near, called in friends he held dear, and all of his family. Then he went to sleep only to awaken with his beloved Nancy as he transitioned into heaven.

Now, I know that we all will die. I know that death is inevitable. Sometimes I wonder what glory we will see in the "afterlife." I've read the Bible and I know all of the Revelation descriptions. I feel like I'm ready when HE calls me home. It just seems like there are so many things we'd like to be here for. Don't we all have these feelings of woe at times? I'm sure we do!

However, now let's look UP! The Lord has promised that He will never, ever leave us. He is here with us in all circumstances. We need to accept "life" and its ups and downs. We need to smile in the knowledge that God hears our prayers, He smiles with us, He weeps with us. We need to make the best of what ever life has for us. When we remember the promises Christ left with us, LIFE is a breeze. Death is an honor. Heaven awaits! I am looking forward to that glory! So until He calls each one of us, let us all decide to live life to the fullest. Let's decide to live according to HIS purpose. Let's make every day one that will honor Christ.

May God bless you in the new year and may you accept His grace and promises...always!

Hospitals are NO fun!

This week marks the three year anniversary when my nephew Ted donated a kidney to a school collegue. Now, is that the spirit of Christ or what? The kidney worked well for the recipient and Ted is fine too. Now, I find out Kevin McCarty is having more surgery, Don Ellis is having surgery, Helen Putty is in Tucson having surgery,and my oldest Granddaughter, Morgan is also. Hospitals are no fun so if you have the time to visit, do! If you are a note writer, by all means, write a note. If you just want to pray for these folks, God will hear you. In some way exercise you privilege of being a Christian this week!

Another Angel Goes Home

I believe our good friend Dale Kitley has been a member of NPUMC his whole life. He has held just about every leadership position possible in our church family. At over 90 years young, he is well respected by all. He needs his church family today! This morning, his beloved Ann, went home to her eternal rest in heaven. Ann fought the good fight in this world. She was a tireless worker for Christ. She led Bible studies and knew the Lord well. While I know she was ready to see Jesus, she didn't want to leave her best friend, and husband, Dale. We can rejoice with Ann, but we also need to grieve with Dale. He needs and will continue to need the love and support we can share with him. We know Christ's grace is sufficient for us all, sometimes WE have be his voice and his strength. Please pray for Dale; send him a message of hope, or give him a call. God will bless you ...and him.
Goodbye Ann... my good friend and sister in Christ. Go into the presence of Christ. You deserve your reward!

Friends Missing...and other random thoughts...

I ran into Carolyn Jean Jonas last night as Anita and I ate at Bob Evans in Indianapolis. She said she had been sick, in and out of the hospital, and now OK. She also wondered why I hadn't visited her. Well, first I didn't know of her maladies. Second, I told her I miss my good buddy Kay Gumberts! Kay was always good about letting me know when one among our church family was ailing. That's is only one of many reasons I miss Kay and so many others that have gone to their reward this year. I loved Kay. Her straight forward comments made me laugh so much! I continue to pray for Jake and the "boys." God blessed me by allowing me to be friends with Kay.
Today was a special day for Kay also. The BBQ with God, when several church members go downtown to feed the homeless, was dedicated to Kay's memory.
If ever YOU need a visit, let me know and I'll be there!

Welcome Kay...a faithful friend and example of Christ's love

Kay Gumberts lost her battle with a brain tumor late Wednesday evening. When I heard, I was devastated. I love Jake and Kay. They are such wonderful friends and genuine people. What you saw is what you got. No pretense. No nonsense. Just faithful, honest, hardworking friends. I have been praying for all the Gumberts for some time. Now that Kay has transitioned into God's kingdom, I'll continue to pray for comfort and healing for Jake. He has three great boys who will keep him busy, but he'll still need the support of friends and neighbors. I feel so helpless. But my strength comes from knowing the Lord and His promise of eternity for those who believe in Him. All of us will die. None of us know exactly when. I hope when it's my time I am even close to the example Kay was Christ's love. Can you say you are prepared for Heaven?

Hospitals...yuck!

Hospitals...yuck! Yeah, I despise hospitals...not the building, not the people who work there, just the idea. When someone HAS to be in the hospital, something serious has happened. Well, yesterday Anita and I spent most of the day learning (at the hospital) what's going to happen when she has her knee replacement next month. The sessions were very informative. I think the new information may have eased Anita's mind some. We also had a visit with Dr. Estes who will operate. We have every confidence that he will do well for Anita. We found out all the preparations necessary for avoiding infections. We learned how the operation will be done and how the rehabilitation will take place. We want the pain gone...but the anxiety over the surgery and rehab is tough. Hopefully, it will go well. We are blessed to have friends like Bonnie Petrow and Mary Armstrong who have had this procedure already and are offering support. While this visit to the hospital was not too traumatizing, I still don't like 'em.

We also visited my football buddy from high school who is in bad shape in St. Vincent's Hospital. His name is Bill Funke and he has had an infection and an internal bleed. He was not conscious when I saw him and he needs many prayers! Thanks friends for you ongoing prayers and support!

In His Service,

Roger

Monday Prayer Breakfast

It is so good to start the week with prayers for others. Each week, many of us gather at Jay-Raes or Seros for breakfast, sharing and prayers. May God bless all who intercede for others!

Not Superstitious!

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do things seem to happen in threes? Why is Friday the 13th feared as unlucky? I don't know the answer to any of these questions but I do know who to turn to if it bothers me. Just a few weeks ago, one of NPUMC's "all-stars," Kathy Wilson, passed away suddenly. People said, "It's God's plan." People said, "It was her time." I say God has a plan for us and He hopes we choose to follow it. But... and this is a big but, He allows us free choice! We choose to eat poorly or healthily. We choose to exercise our bodies and our brains...or not. We choose our life goals and our spouses. God is right there beside us to guide us when we are smart enough to call on Him...but WE make the choices. Sometimes our choices or the choices of those near us impact us greatly. Sometimes stuff happens and it's out of our control. In all those things that seem good to us...we can thank God. In all the occurrances that effect us badly, we know we can turn to God for comfort and support. God is good...He is love...He always wants the best for us!

In the past 10 days our congregation lost three members, George Faut, Diane Carter and Don Phillippe. Things happen in life! Don and George were over ninety years old. They had great lives, wonderful wives and families. Both were World War II veterans. They served our country and helped to keep America free. They left a great legacy! Diane had a dreaded cancer. She leaves behind a loving husband, Ken. However, all three knew Christ so they didn't fear death. They knew where they were going! We know they are with our saviour Jesus in Heaven. Was their death fate? Was it God's Plan? When we think about it we realize that we are beginning to die as soon as we are born. What our "legacy" is depends on us. It depends on how much we trust God and live according to the Bible. (Somebody said that it's Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth...BIBLE!) Rest in God's loving arms...Kathy, George, Diane and Don!

Well, I've rambled enough for tonight. I'm really not superstitious. I read lots of stuff to shape my attitudes...but I read the Bible to shape my morals, my basic standards for life. I hope you do too!

In His Service,

Roger

Good Bye My Friend

Just two weeks ago I called on our NPUMC Prayer Warriers to send cards, notes and messages to cheer up Don Phillippe. At age 95, he was really down and tired of being at Morristown Manor away from home. Many friends responded and he cherished every message! However, Wednesday February 19, 2014, he left behind his sons and grandchildren and his many friends to join his beloved wife Ruthie in heaven. I will miss him dearly. He was a great friend and an inspiration to me.

Yesterday, his grandson Jonathon and I conducted his funeral. I knew it would be difficult for Jonathon but I didn't realize how hard it would be for me. It is tough to say goodbye. It is tough to think I won't visit him or drink his coffee any more. But, I am truly happy for Don. He so wanted to see his bride again. He was more than ready to go. I am certain that he's where he wanted to be...with Jesus and Ruthie. Don was an example of Christ's love here in this world. I am sure he'll join a host of angels in heaven!

UPWARD Breakfast

What are you waiting for? Each Saturday during UPWARD, we host a wonderful breakfast in Fellowship Hall. It is a team effort and a ministry of love for the 15-20 volunteers who show up and work from 7:00 -11:00 those Saturday mornings. Each of the volunteers kinda have their own responsibility and many do several jobs. It's ALOT of work but fun and rewarding too. Join us for breakfast Saturday!

Surprises can be good or bad. Some people love to be surprised, others don't! Tuesday night as I was pulling onto Marathon Drive, Murfreesburo, Tennessee, my cell phone rang. I had made the trip to babysit my granddaughters. It should have been an enjoyable trip. But the surprise I was about to hear made me sick to my stomach. The news was a surprise that completely devastated me. The caller was Robin Lewis. Her surprising news was about the sudden massive heart attack and subsequent death of my very good friend in Christ, Kathy Wilson. Just Sunday, I teased her about missing Sunday School. She has been attending the middle service not getting to our class. We made coffe together. She helped me with calling on friends. She picked up people for events at church. She was beautiful, through and through. Kathy was selfless. She worked at every event NPUMC held. She served as an "Ask Me" person. She was so very sweet and kind to everyone. I will miss her so much and so will our church. It is a loss that will take a long time to accept. God must have needed another bright star in the sky for Kathy was truly a beacon for Christ and an example of His love. She was an angel here in our world. I am sure she is with Him now. I was completely surprised and flabbergasted by the news of losing Kathy, but I know God is smiling with her in heaven. May God also support and comfort Kathy's family as they grieve her passing. May the peace of Christ be with all of you.

In His Service,

Roger

A New Symbol of Freedom for NPUMC

Now I know it isn't Veterans' Day, Independence Day or any other holiday that brings into our minds the great sacrifice and service many people have given in service to our country. But this morning after prayer breakfast, I was given a new symbol of our country, a U.S. flag. The one that flies over NPUMC all the time had tattered in the weather. Our friend and great patriot, Bill McCoy to the rescue! Bill brought us a new flag and I proudly hung it in its appropriate place in front of church. It is beautiful! It also reminded me of how often I take for granted the privileges I have just because I happen to have been born an American. Thanks be to God that we can fly this great symbol of our country. Thanks be to God that we are still free. Let's all take a moment each time we see an American Flag and realize how many lives paid for our freedom and the privilege we have of flying this symbol. Take a moment and thank our servicemen. Take a moment and thank our veterans. Take a moment and thank our God!

We are all inter-connected!

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one could have had all the fruits for himself they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?''
'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are"

Well, what do I get today?

Here we are on the 35th anniversary of the blizzard of 1978! Deep, blowing snow, freezing conditions and power outages. What a horrible combination! Now, we all had choices...God gives those...and they're free for us. When these terrible weather conditions hit, we could complain, get mad, stay in bad moods. We could be upset with the power company since they can't get out to repair lines. We could even blame God for allowing such horrid things to happen to us.

Well...here's what happened at 3577 (my house.) The snow came hard and fast. The wind blew miserably. Our driveway had drifted shut. No, not just drifted...it was over six feet deep! No exaggeration! My next door neighbor, Jim Marqua's drive was only about four feet deep was closed for about forty feet. "Whaler," (Larry Sullivan) across the road, his driveway was about like mine. Well, the three of us started digging. First, we did my drive, then Larry's and then Jim's. About six hours later Larry and I rode his snowmobile down the road a mile to Dewitt's dairy farm. You see, my daughter Lori was nearly six months old and we really needed milk. Dewitt's couldn't get their milk truck in or out so they were "dumping" milk. They were glad we could use a little. Then back home since Anita couldn't cook...OH MY GOSH...I fired up the grill. We had plenty of food in the pantry so we were good. Then Anita, Craig, Lori and I all snuggled under blankets in the living room and by the light of a kerosene lamp, I read the Christmas story to them all over again. We had a fun afternoon. When it was time for bed we again snuggled together in the living room floor in front of a blazing fire in the fireplace, said our prayers and went to sleep. Sometime later the power came on...surprise! Since all the lights and the TV were on we all woke up with a laugh. What a day! WE all chose to help one another. WE all chose to make it fun. WE all chose to make the best of it! God is good!

Now, we jump forward 35 years to the day! We have more than ten inches of snow, blowing wind and temperatures subzero. Some people are out of power. Some people are "snowed in." Some are complaining. But we all know God is good. We all know He let's weather be weather. He let's us make choices. We can choose to be angry or make the best of it! Isn't that true about every day? We wake up each day to new weather. We wake up each day to new challenges. We wake up each day with a choice to live life to the fullest and trust in God to be with us all the way or let the negatives of the world drag us down.

I choose to live in the love and assurance that believing in Christ allows. I hope you do too!

In His Service,

Roger

WEATHER!!!

Wow...10 more inches of snow...16 or more below zero...icy roads...

It is winter and it has hit with a vengeance! Now, I would normally remind you all how important it is to be with like believers in church. However, if our weather persons are accurate this time, STAY INSIDE. Pray as always...Don't forget to get your tithe ready to turn in later...but stay safe, stay smart and stay home. I love to visit our members when they are healthy but it saddens me when I visit our family in nursing facilities and rehab centers. We need no broken bones! God knows who loves Him.

We want you all to grow closer to our Master...but God gave us intelligence and the freedom to make wise choices. When the weather is better...be sure not to miss.

May God richly bless you and yours now and evermore!

Roger

A member of the church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.' We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

Mitten tree

In 2013, our church really opened their collective hearts to those less fortunate. In addition to feeding the poor and taking many supplies to the Brightwood Community Center, we supplied many, many pairs of gloves. Many thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful cause.

Pictured are a two friends adding to our already overloaded "Mitten Tree."