2011.6.20 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

In ancient times, when God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses, every person in a family or tribal unit was needed to work so all might survive.

 

When a person was unable to work, there was a threat to the survival of the family or tribe.  The old, the weak and frail were frequently abused and discarded.

 

In this setting God spoke with a new commandment to Israel, saying:  "You are not to treat the elderly, the weak, in in the same manner other tribes do.  You are not to discard them.  By keeping in connection with them you honor your father and mother.

 

Today, most people welcome Father's Day with unreserved feelings of gratitude and affection.  Yet, we know there are others who dread Father's Day as a harsh reminder of abuse and unhappiness.

 

So do your best to keep in contact with your parents.  If that is not possible, don't feel guilty; you've done what you could.

 

For those of us whose parents are no longer living, this is a time to remember pleasant times shared.  That's a good way to honor parents.

 

With all good wishes,

Richard

Pentecost Sunday Fellowship

Hello to Everyone!

We have received pictures from Jewell Morgan that were taken in the new kitchen during a fellowship on Pentecost Sunday.  Each picture should have a description below them.  I hope you will enjoy these pictures.

Also I would encourage you to send pictures!  I am not the only one who loves to see pictures about our church.  We always have a big jump in visits after pictures are sent in!  Which means that I am not the only one who enjoys seeing everyone having a good time as well as getting glimpses of our church.

Thanks Again to Everyone and enjoy the photos!

- Brian

Pentecost cloth made by Meryle Duncan, Dianne Rapp's mother.

The Osborn family with Pentecost balloons.

AnnaBelle Mitchell back to church after a long illness.

2011.6.13 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Most people in the Western World, whether religious or not, know that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25.

 

Fewer realize that the Resurrection of Jesus is celebrated at Easter, a holiday which coincides with the Jewish Festival of Passover, a time when Jews celebrate Israel's freedom from Egyptian slavery.

 

Fewer still know that Pentecost, a Jewish Festival commorating the giving of the Law to Moses, falls 55 days after Passover, or the Christian's Easter.

 

It was on the first Pentecost, after the Resurrection of Jesus, that the Holy Spirit filled the minds and hearts of a small band of 120 followers of Jesus.  These early Christians had "The MESSAGE" of God's love for all creation, as recorded in the four gospels.  Now, they were enlisted in "The MOVEMENT" to communicate the MESSAGE to all nations.  You can read about the start of the "MOVEMENT"

which we know as the Church, in Acts, Chapter 2.

 

The MESSAGE and the MOVEMENT are inseparable, both created by God.

 

The next time you nibble on those tasty candies, which are called "M and M's", think about the amazing impact the Christian Message and Movement have upon the world, and give thanks to God.

 

With blessings and in friendship,

Richard

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Richard has recently spent some time in the hospital for more than one reason.  Please keep Richard in your prayers...

Peace and Love,

Brian

The Following is a Pastoral Letter taken from the June 2011 Pilgrim's Progress...

Dear friends,

How is your "Bible I. Q."?  Have you ever wished it was higher?

Since last fall, a group of between sixteen and twenty people have attended an adult study – "To Know My Bible – 101".  The Class will wind down on June 12, but will reconvene in September.

If you are satisfied with your "Bible I. Q." this basic course isn't for you.  Try this little quiz to see if you qualify to attend a '101' course:

1. Which Gospel was the first to be written?
2. Who wrote the two biggest books in the New Testament?
3. Who was the first known martyr among early Christians?  (Acts 7:54-60)
4. Who became a follower of Jesus after his conversion on the road to Damascus? (Acts, chapter 9)
5. At which Jewish Festival were the followers of Jesus "filled with the Holy Spirit"? (Acts 2:1-4)

If you qualify, and if you desire to improve your "Bible I.Q.", prepare to attend the Class by reading the four Gospels and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

Ours is not a Bible reading ages, and the result is spiritual malnutrition.  That's a disease you can avoid IF you desire to learn more about the most wonderful, influential Book in the world.

With best wishes and fond regards,

Richard

PEARL OF VALUE

"For freedom, Christ has set us free."

2011.6.06 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church!

Still going strong at the corner of Thompson and Illinois, in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Our Sunday service begins at 10 a.m....you'll be welcome, if you can attend. If you can't be with us, please say a little prayer for us. We do remember you, our MONDAY MORNING FAMILY, in our thoughts and prayers.

Here is a "Pearl of Value" which comes from one of our church members:

"Knowledge is not likely to enter the head

when the mouth is open."

God endowed us with two ears but only one mouth. Yet, for most of us, the ears are in semi-retirement while the mouth is overworked. There is a great deal of talking, even shouting, but very little listening.

Listening is not easy. Listening with the whole person requires discipline, patience and caring.

When God appeared to King Solomon in a vision , and offered him any gift he wishes, Solomon asked for "a listening heart." Listening is not done alone with ears, it is also done with the heart."

Fondest Regards,
Richard

2011.5.30 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes on this day after Memorial Day from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Memorial Day began in the United States in the late 1860's, after the American Civil War, when a women's Sunday School Class in a small southern town adopted a spring project.  The women decided to decorate the graves of their sons, husbands and sweethearts with flowers out of their gardens.

 

Upon arriving at the cemetery, they expanded their plan.  The graves of all soldiers were decorated, including the graves of soldiers from the North.

 

It was one small step toward reconciliation!

 

When their project was reported in newspapers, the Sunday School Class began to get letters from people in the North, thanking them for putting flowers on the graves of their loved ones, buried so far away from home.

 

Soon the practice spread, and for decades May 30th was called Decoration  Day, now it is called Memorial Day - a day the nation stops to give thanks for the sacrifice made in all the wars for the preservation of liberty and freedom.

 

Let us never forget the cost paid for our freedom, and let us resolve never to abuse that freedom or soil it.

 

Let us remember ... and may God's grace and mercy remain with you, and your loved ones, always.

 

Richard   

2011.5.23 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Today I have a request! Will you read the 15th Chapter of Luke? In this chapter there is a trinity of incomparable parables about a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son.

In each case "lostness" means inability to function as intended. The lost sheep wasn't a bad sheep, it simply had strayed from the flock. The lost coin was niether counterfeit nor defaced, it was unable to fulfill its intended function . The son was lost because bad choices separated him from family.

In each case the tragedy is the same! WASTE!

When a person does not live according to God's intended purpose - and the purpose is to live for the well being of all creation - that person wastes life.

To be saved from "lostness", from a wasted life, be consistent in a daily practice of prayer and devotion. 

My practice of prayer begins with a short prayer upon awakening in the morning and longer "Quiet Time" before going to bed a night. Set a schedule that best suits you, but be consistent. You will find your communion with God will improve your attitudes, and will help you to live a useful, caring life.

Don't waste your life, at best it is brief.

Fond regards,

Richard