It was quite a sight. I received a call at 1:45 AM telling me the fire alarm had gone off at the church. So it is now 2 AM and I am pulling into the church lot after driving through a severe thunderstorm to see three very large fire trucks surrounding the sanctuary.
The rain stopped as I stepped out of the car which caused me to have new respect in the eyes of the firemen. The church had sustained a lighting hit which caused the alarm to go off. Fortunately, there was a minimum of physical damage. A light controller no longer functioned and our phone system is still down. But it could have been a lot worse.
In thinking about it, however, I realized I gained new insight into the ministry of our volunteer fire department. Here were about 12 men who probably had been in their beds but were now out in bad weather ready to face unknown challenges. So I ponder about all those folks who stay vigilant throughout the night to guard our safety. They are a special breed.
July 11, 2007
PASTORAL PONDERINGS
Psalm 9:
18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish forever.
Dear Friends,
I spend a lot of time in hospitals. I am usually concerned with the spiritual needs of people. But I came upon this economic need. 68% of American households that have health insurance but still have medical-bill problems. Add to that the millions who are uninsured and this certainly gives you something to ponder. More and more in this country your lifespan is determined by the amount of money you have in the bank. This should be a concern to us all.
July 25, 2007
PASTORAL PONDERINGS
Acts 1: 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Dear Friends,
Today we ordered a Bible in Spanish. This may not seem like an important event, but it is for Reformation. When I came here almost 30 years ago, about 5% of the congregation were native born Germans. Over this summer, about 10% of our congregation has had Spanish as their native language. Now we are planning for our first bi-lingual service. I ponder where this small taste of Pentecost will lead us. I am sure it will be to some new and exciting places.
