In 1968, our nation was divided because of the continuing involvement in the war in Vietnam. In that same year, Eric Burden & The Animals released a song entitled “Sky Pilot.” At best, that song poked fun at the role of military chaplains. It probably is not much of an exaggeration to suggest that the song made those who served in that capacity the objects of outright ridicule and derision.  The song strongly suggested that the role of military chaplains basically was to speak platitudes to those who were going into harm’s way. Those who heard the platitudes might be going on a mission from which they would never return alive while the…

Before all the coronavirus shutdowns, Central spent some time emphasizing personal evangelism in a very important series. We spent a few Sunday nights with sermons–the subjects of which you would likely expect. Then, though, we spent a few Sunday nights demonstrating a few methods that we feel are simple but effective. Then…the shutdowns happened, and we are praying we don’t lose all our momentum! But, before the shutdowns, we were also involved in a building project. We have been expanded our lobby space and moving things around to make a new nursery and creating a small balcony (where the nursery used to be). This Sunday, Lord willing, we’ll meet in…

I recently read an online article from The Atlantic that I found interesting.  The title was… After 2,000 Years, These Seeds Have Finally Sprouted Six date seeds as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls are now flourishing as trees on a kibbutz. Below a picture of some date-palm trees, the article provides some information about some seeds found at ancient archaeological sites. Some of these seeds have been planted in recent years. According to the article, “These seeds, according to radiocarbon dating, were about 2,000 years old.” The article explains that some researchers planted some of the more well-preserved seeds. It also discusses the surprise of the researchers about the fact that some…

This is one of those times when I am going to have to ask our readers to stick with my often-strange train of thought. I hope it will be beneficial to those who do. We begin with summer yard work … I bought myself a power washing wand–not a pressure washer, you understand, because those are too expensive–but a power wand that you attach to your regular garden hose. And, boy do I love it! It is much easier to use than a pressure washer and it was one of those rare times when the bargain buy actually does the job you were hoping it would. It is so satisfying…

At Central, we have been meeting in person for five weeks, but we have had to have two services. It looks like that will be changing in the next couple of weeks. Many other congregations are doing similar things (holding more than one service), some have not met in person yet, and others have begun meeting again, but are still seeing very small numbers. All of those are very understandable and leaders of each congregation should be commended for their thoughtful and prayerful consideration of very delicate matters. However, as more congregations prepare to reopen (or to resume more normal schedules), I have a few things that I would like…

I read about this the other day and it broke my heart once again. I read about it from time to time and I have the same response every time those words are read. In my mind I always think, they just had a mob mentality.  Let me share with you some of the things that are included in what I read that caused me to define the situation as a mob mentality. There were accusations.  Accusing someone of something doesn’t make it true. Knowing the facts about a person or a situation is so important, but, sadly, the facts are often unknown or ignored. There was mocking.  Mocking means to make fun…