2008.12.29 Monday Morning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! That's our prayer for you from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma!

When we read our New Testament in English, we must remember it is a translation from the original Greek. Frequently in Greek, words have multiple meanings which we may miss in English translations.

A good example is the word "end" where "end" includes "a goal", "an aim".  Maybe that's why we make New Year's Resolutions. Not a bad idea!

We all need goals, a sense of aim.  Without them we drift.  With them life becomes a "pilgrimage" with purpose.

A good New Year's resolution: don't put off what can and ought to be done today until tomorrow.

Happy New Year! Enjoy!
Richard

2008.12.22 Monday Morning!

Fond best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones from historic Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

Have a fun-filled, memorable Christmas day! As you get together with family and friends to open gifts, eat and drink (both in moderation, of course), no squabbling please!!!. Play games rather than argue politics and/or religion!

We've sung our carols and hymns, listened to the lessons from the prophets and gospels, and prayed for you, near and far. Now is the time to celebrate.

Jesus loved parties, and I hope you do as well. ENJOY!! Some friends may complain about "commercialism" at Christmas. If the result of "commercialism" is no worse than to prompt a person to give gifts to a spouse, to parents, to children and grandchildren, and to be extravagantly generous for once, I assure you that there could be many worse things.


Celebrate!! Enjoy!!
Merry Christmas,

Richard

2008.12.15 Monday Morning!

Christmas is almost here! Pilgrim Presbyterians, who worship inside the walls of a beautiful sanctuary, in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma, have a passion for those outside those walls.

In a truly ecumenical spirit, "Pilgrims" are working in a community mission/outreach with friends at St. John's Episcopal Church and Salvation Army.

Cash gifts and food items are being collected for Attucks Alternative Academy, for Salvation Army's Backpack Program for school children, and the Army's food pantry.

In addition, gifts of toys and books for prison inmates to give to their children, and bingo prizes, hats and gloves for the Vinita Day Care Center, and Bundles for Babies will brighten the lives of scores of families.

That is not the end of the ecumenical spirit alive and well at Pilgrim Church. At worship, on the second Sunday of Advent the choir from St. John's, joined by Joyce Dishman and Suzie Cresap, sang an anthem, accompanied by the organist from St. John's. Yesterday, the third Sunday of Advent the Silvertones from the First Baptist Church provided special music.

Though Romans chapter 12 may not be what you expect to read before Christmas, I suggest it does reflect a wonderful description of the way "Pilgrims" understand their discipleship. I am grateful for this community of faith, scattered far and near, and its big, big heart!


Peace, may authentic peace be yours,

Richard

2008.12.08 Monday Morning!

Advent greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. The hope of Monday Morning, these weekly messages, is to keep in touch, and responses received indicate that is being achieved.

Do you ever read the comic strips? I've been an avid fan of "Pogo" no longer with us, and "Peanuts", still appearing though its creator, Charles Schultz, is dead. There is a lot of sound theology in the comics!

I remember when Charlie Brown and Lucy were leaning against a tree and Lucy asks, "What do you think security is?"

Charlie, or "Chuck" as Lucy calls him, replies: "Security? Security is sleeping in the back seat of the car when you're a little kid and it's night. Your parents are in the front seats and they've done all the worrying. They take care of everything."

Lucy smiles and says: "That's real neat."

"But," Charlie Brown says, "it doesn't always last. Suddenly you're grown up. And it can never be that way again. Suddenly it's over and you'll never go to sleep in the back seat again. Never!"

Lucy gets a sad and scared look on her face and says: "Never?" Then Charlie, who has scared himself with this terrible truth, says, "Never."

In the last picture Lucy, aware of the real world, reaches over to Charlie and says: "Hold my hand, hold my hand!"

We can't hold one another's hand over the miles, but we can "keep in touch." Isn't that what the gospel teaches?

"Keep in touch", my friends...keep in touch with loved ones, with friends, and with the God whom we know in the face of the Babe of Bethlehem.

Peace,
Richard

2008.12.01 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Like Christians all over the world, we at Pilgrim Church have entered the season of Advent, waiting for Christmas and the birth celebration of Jesus, whom we call Christ.

There are times when waiting is a pain. I could give you examples, but you have your own frustrating experiences of waiting.

At other times, waiting can be exciting. Waiting for our children or grandchildren to come home for the holidays is pleasant anticipation.

What are you waiting for? The kids to grow up? Your next vacation? An exciting date? Retirement? Or, are you simply enduring the present while you wait for a better tomorrow?

Waiting can be frustrating, diminishing us, or it can be creative and challenging. It depends on the reason for our wait and how we might draw possibilities of waiting.

"Don't let any waiting draw from you the juice of life."

Try reading Matthew 25:1-13.


Cheers,
Richard

2008.11.24 Monday Morning!

Thanksgiving greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. We worship as a family each Sunday morning at ten o'clock. Whenever possible, come and share in our service. If you can't be with us, say a little prayer for us in the "friendly Church of the faith."

At times, all of us have specific reasons to be thankful. At other times, lacking specific reasons, we may become cynical and say "I've got nothing to be thankful for."

A worthwhile Thanksgiving Day exercise might consist of sitting down with two sheets of paper. On one we might list all the things we crave and are yearning to acquire. On the other sheet we would enumerate all those things we have and could lose. I rather think that we would find the first list quickly exhausted, while the second would appear endless. We might then understand better the meaning of the prayer:

"You have given so much to me, O God.

Give me one thing more - a grateful heart."

Happy Thanksgiving,
Richard

2008.11.17 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

I know that a large number reading Monday Morning have no connection with Pilgrim Church or Vinita. However, in the afterglow of the Church's 125th anniversary celebration, I report, with thanks, this event and offer my hope that it will become an annual happening.

It was a joy to read letters from Mrs. Margaret Kennedy, wife of a former pastor, Mitch Kennedy; from Brian Dishman, who grew up in Pilgrim Church, and now living with his family in Japan; from the Rev. Neal Dancer, often a guest minister in the congregation; and from our own Elder and Church Treasurer Terry Brown, who had to be out of town. Thanks for writing, your correspondence is appreciated.

Our thanks: to the large Children's Bell Choir (and there must have been 10 youngsters happily ringing their bells); and to Suzie Cresap, for directing the choir and singing a solo "Good Morning"; to Pam Benne for the easily understood Children's Sermon - and the cupcakes; to Lorrie and Bill Stull, who set up a mammoth inflated playground for children; to Toni Moore, who arranged displays of great interest; to Dave Haney, for his consistent work behind the scenes; to the crew who spruced up the basement; to Doris Olson, chairperson of the Celebration; to the Board of Deacons; and to all who provided an abundance of delicious food.

About 100 worshipers raised their prayers and songs of praise with thanks to God for a goodly heritage.

It was a splendid day in every way.


Cheers,
Richard

2008.11.10 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. If you have relatives or friends who may like to get our Monday Morning email, please send addresses to Donna in the Church Office.

Moving from one residence to another is a test of patience, strength and endurance. Last week my wife and I moved from an apartment to a house. Humdrum as moving may appear, I assure you it is a test. But isn't all life a series of tests? I found a scribbled note among papers I've been sorting, and it's worth sharing with you today.

"When a neighbor has been bruised, our kindness is tested. When he or she has been blessed, our generosity is tested. When we have been hurt, our forgiveness is tested. Trouble tests our courage. Temptation tests our strength. Friendship tests our loyalty. Failure tests our perseverance."

We are all tested. How do you fare in life's constant quizzes?

Cheers,
Richard

2008.11.03 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, 125 years young, and still sending Christ's message to a post-Christian world! We'll be celebrating our past with an eye to serving our Lord and Master Sunday next - November 9 - beginning with worship at 10:00 a.m. If you can't attend, please send an email greeting. The congregation will be delighted to hear from you!

Everyone has a story to tell, but it was Jesus who was the Master storyteller. His teaching arose out of real life situations, and were used to evoke a response. Perhaps his story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) is his most popular and best known of the 50-60 stories recorded in the New Testament.

The Good Samaritan had this view of Life: "What is mine, is mine, I'll share it." That is amazing, considering the bad blood that existed between ancient Jews and Samaritans.

When a traveler was robbed and left half dead on the roadside, a passing Priest ignored the victim. However, the despised Samaritan stopped to help. The message is clear - while we may not like people of different nations, cultures and languages, or people in our own country who are different in color, speech and beliefs from us - we are all God's children.

Jesus calls his followers to unite and assume renewed responsibility for the peace and well-being of all.

We can't change the world, but with civility and decency we can respect those who are different from us, and we can show acts of kindness and infectious cheer. It's surprising how gifts of small acts, of mercy, "are twice blessed". And often the giver is helped more than the receiver. Giving gives meaning to existence!

What's mine is mine, and I'll share it. It's no wonder we call that Samaritan "Good".


Cheers,
Richard

2008.10.27 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. We want to "keep in touch" with the Pilgrims past and present, living far and near. We are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Church on Sunday, November 9. You'll get a letter about planned events, and be sure to attend, if at all possible. If you cannot attend, please send an email greeting.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), we meet a Priest who ignored a badly injured man lying on the roadside. His view of life: "What's mine, I'll keep it." The Priest had no time or concern to share.

This attitude reminds me of a classic story which Dostoevsky wrote about a woman who died and went to hell. In her agony, she cried for help. At length, an angel answered: "I can help if you remember one altogether unselfish thing you did on earth." Finally, the woman remembered a withered carrot she had once given to a beggar. Checking the record, the angel confirmed that this was an unselfish act.

So down the limitless space which separated heaven from hell was lowered a withered carrot on a slender string. It did not seem that it could bear her weight and lift her out of torment. She grasped the carrot and slowly began to rise. Then she felt a weight dragging her. She looked down and saw others clinging to her, hoping to escape torment. "Let go", she cried, "the carrot won't hold us all." But they held on and again she cried, "Let go, this is my carrot." And at that point the string broke, and she fell back into the pains of hell.

That sums up the fate of anyone who lives with the view "What's mine, I'll keep it."


Peace,
Richard

2008.10.20 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. If you have email addresses for former members and friends of Pilgrim Church, who you think may like to get our Monday Morning Message, please send them to Donna at the Church email address above. We want to "Keep in Touch"!


Jesus, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, (Luke 10:25-37), gives us a word picture of three views of life. The first, represented by robbers, is "What's his is mine, I'll take it!"


Cunning and resourceful, those robbers were preoccupied with material riches. They took what belonged to the traveler on the seven mile stretch of road from Jerusalem to Jericho, beat him half to death, and fled.


Their blurred values - "What's his is mine, I'll take it" - and the decision to rob had to be kept secret. If they were caught, they would be ready with a cover-up story.


Decisions which need to be hidden are not uncommon in our society. Robbers are found at every level, and when they are caught they try to get out of the mess which they should not have gotten into in the first place.


Beware of any decisions you make which must be hidden.


Peace,
Richard

2008.10.13 Monday Morning!

Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.


My "Pearl of Value" today is practicable and important!

"Listening is a gift worth cultivating."

A young friend told me that he joined a "Speakers Club" to improve his public speaking skills. I applaud the intent to the group and the desire of my friend. If preachers were required to be members of such clubs, there would be less harangue from the pulpits, and shorter sermons!


"Speakers Clubs" are valuable, but is there a club dedicated to the art of listening? Let me know if you find one. All of us do a lot of talking. Can we learn to devote more time to listening rather than talking? All about us there is a great deal of talking, and shouting, too, but very little listening.


Many lost friendships and many family break-ups are traceable to the lost art of listening. When was the last time you listened attentively to others without interrupting?


Listening is not easy! It requires patience and a lot of caring, but the rewards of listening are great. When we listen to others we open channels of communication which enable us to touch and be touched so that all are enlarged.


The gift of listening was recognized as important by the ancient King Solomon who asked not for power or wealth, but for a "listening heart."


Peace,
Richard

2008.10.06 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

People consult the stars and tea leaves in an effort to unveil the future. However, if we knew what was going to happen tomorrow and the day after, and all the tomorrows that are to be, wouldn't life lose its zest and excitement? It would be boring to play out life mechanically! Thank God we are not robots. We have freedom to determine the shape of our tomorrows by what we do today.

Our future depends largely on what we place in store for the future. Not the stars, nor cards, but our own actions will determine the shape of things to come.

Our "Pearl of Value" comes from Viktor Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning:

"Turn your predicaments into achievements - you have that capacity."

With blessings and best wishes,
Richard

2008.09.29 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma!

My thoughts about "loveless orthodoxy" last week raised a few gentle questions. Why do I believe that we distort the Bible when we interpret it literally? For me, the following passages are troublesome - and these are only a few:

Genesis 9:25-27; 19:8
Leviticus 17:11-14; 20:13
Numbers 31:1-2; 31:15
Deuteronomy 14:21
I Corinthians 14:34,35

You decide whether to take these samples literally.

For today's "Pearl of Value" think about this:

"God summons us to be masters, not of others, but of ourselves."


Peace!
Richard

2008.09.22 Monday Morning!

From Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma comes this Monday Morning "Pearl of Value".

"For too many of us, religion, while it is orthodox and respectable, has become almost totally irrelevant."

There is an "orthodoxy" with lovelessness that carries disapproval of those unable to believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. It sits in judgment on the faith and belief of others with intense spite and hatred.

Self-identified "orthodox Christians" have the right to believe the Bible as literally as they wish, but I resent their need to claim their interpretation of Scripture is the only truth, and then label the rest of us as "heretics" or "apostates".

We distort the Bible message when we interpret it literally!

More on this subject next Monday Morning!


Cheers and best wishes,
Richard

2008.09.15 Monday Morning!

It's MONDAY MORNING again, and I'm back with a story about our granddaughter, Megan, who has celebrated her 21st birthday.

When Megan was a year old, my wife and I gave her a necklace with one pearl. On each subsequent birthday, another pearl was added. Now, a senior student at OU, she seems pleased and proud of the lovely necklace of 21 pearls.

It occurred to me that sharing a "pearl of value" with you each MONDAY MORNING isn't a bad idea. How is this one for a start?

"Life demands from you only the strength you possess.  Only one feat is possible - not to run away." (Dag Hammarskjold)

Why not get a notebook and write down your own collection of "pearls of value"? They'll recast your life!



With blessings and all good wishes,

Richard

2008.09.08 Monday Morning!

It's Monday Morning once again in Vinita, Oklahoma, where Pilgrim Presbyterian Church sends greetings and best wishes to everyone in our email family. Do you know someone who might like to get Monday Morning messages? No problem! Please call Donna in the Church Office (918-256-2258) or email her at pilgrimpresby@sbcglobal.net with the information. She'll gladly add names to our address book.

For years, while reading, I've jotted down "pearls of wisdom", and I've written some things which I call "clam shells", not pearls. I'm not the best organized person on the block, and most of these jottings were written on loose sheets, now scattered everywhere in my untidy study. Unfortunately, many do not indicate the source, which I regret. Nevertheless, I am trying to gather these "pearls", and some "clam shells" to share with you.

Here are a few today...more will come!

FOR PILGRIM CHURCH: Needed: renewed enthusiasm and undiminished zeal!

FOR EVERYONE: Needed: an engaging sense of humor which is always charitable.

"Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much." Erick Fromm

"A genuine faith in God is acquired slowly in regular doses. Religion is not a dramatic firecracker."

"While we have loved ones, we ought to tell them of our love and gratitude."

A determination never to be useless will take a person a very long way.

"Hearts starve as well as bodies; give me bread, but give me roses, too." J. Oppenheim

What do you think? Do you want more "pearls" or is the above enough?


Richard

2008.08.25 Monday Morning!

We're always sending greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church. And, we mean what we say! Whether you are reading this in Vinita, Oklahoma or at a distance, may your week be joyful!

The life story of Glenn Cunningham, who set a record for running the fastest mile, which he held for years, is a fascinating one.

When a boy of 8, Glenn was a victim of a kerosene explosion. His legs were so badly burned that doctors proposed amputation, but his Mother would not hear of it.

After six months in a hospital, a series of skin grafts and endless hours of massaging by his Mother, Glenn began to walk and then to run to strengthen his crippled legs. At 21, he set a world record for the fastest mile, providing truth to Ernest Hemingway's words. "The world breaks everyone, and afterward many are strong in broken places."

In the soil of suffering some of the noblest traits flourish, such as empathy, kindness, patience, understanding and courage.

We can grow in spirit when we choose to grow strong "in our broken places!"

With blessings and in friendship,
Richard

2008.08.18 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. A friendly church of the faith, everyone is invited to our services and to the life and work of the congregation.

For me, the two high watermarks of all religion are these:

1. "...what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

2. "...you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27-28

Who is my neighbor? Read again the beloved parable of Jesus, which we call "The Good Samaritan." (Luke 10:30-37).

You can't go wrong following these words and then striving to be on the inside what you appear to be on the outside.

Love your God...love yourself...love your neighbor and you'll have strength of faith without being self-righteous.


Peace,
Richard

2008.08.11 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning...greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

If you are in the Vinita area on Sunday, you are invited to our 10 o'clock morning worship. The Rev. Neal Dancer is our pastor this summer, and he is a good preacher with a big pastoral heart.

One question...are you "keeping in touch" with God during these summer months? The Book of Psalms will help in your devotions. They are an important part of Christian-Jewish worship, and touch at every point of life. Nowhere else have people, through the centuries, found themselves in closer touch with God than in the Psalter.

Here are a few Psalms, from the first part of the book, which are my favorites. I hope they may become a part of your favorites, too!

Psalm 1;8;9;16;19;23;24; and 27; 31;32;33;46

And, read these verses: Psalm 18:1-3; 20:7; 31:24.

More suggested readings to come!

Richard

2008.08.04 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

My sole message today may be summed up in four words: "DON'T DESPISE SMALL THINGS!" To be faithful in little things is a great qualification for great things!

Perhaps the greatest fault of our age is that we are in too big a hurry to pay attention to small things which might improve our life.

What are some of those small things?

1. convey congratulations to friends (especially young people) when some success or happiness comes to them.

2. extend a word of appreciation for the work of someone you know.

3. extend sympathy. Comfort comes when one knows that others are sharing their sorrow.

Perhaps being diligent in doing small things prompted Emerson's fable, "The Mountain and the Squirrel."

"The mountain and the squirrel had a quarrel. And the former called the latter 'Little Prig'; Bun replied, 'You are doubtless very big; but all sorts of things and weather must be taken in together, to make up a year and a sphere. And I think it no disgrace to occupy my place. If I'm not so large as you, you are not so small as I, and not half so spry. I'll not deny you make a very pretty squirrel track; talents differ; all is well and wisely put; if I cannot carry forests on my back, neither can you crack a nut.'"

"Talents differ!" Thank goodness we're not all alike!


Peace,
Richard

2008.07.28 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Hopefully you are having an enjoyable , safe summer!

I used Shakespeare's words, "Noble Anger" in a recent sermon. There may be a misunderstanding of my use of them, which I hope I can clarify.

More often than not we are quick to condemn anger as being a destructive emotion. We frown on anger!

Despite this, anger is as normal an emotion as love, grief, joy, fear. Anger denied festers like a sore which poisons the mind and spirit. Our prisons are full of people who expressed anger in unacceptable ways. Our psychiatric hospitals have patients who are unable to express any anger.

"Noble anger" is a mighty force when expressed at the right time and for the right purpose. Jesus was angered by the way religious leaders seemed heartless. Abraham Lincoln's fierce opposition to slavery was born out of "noble anger".

Be careful...when we "boil over" in anger, remember anger is lacking only one letter spelling danger. It's time to apologize.

When we are angry at the right time and for the right reasons, we'll be in the company of Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and "Honest Abe".

"for everything there is a season..."


Peace,
Richard

2008.07.21 Monday Morning!

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


Some of you, living far away from Vinita, remember your childhood and youth as part of this community of faith. I want you to know that the congregation remembers you, too. "Greetings and best wishes" are sent each week with sincerity and with thanks for technology which keeps us in touch.


I used to say "a stamp has power", and of course it does. But, how much more power (and speed) has email. Whether by stamp or by email "keep in touch" with family and friends. Sharing your joys, brings joy; your success does others a lot of good; and sorrows shared can help others carry your burden.


In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul wrote to his friends, "You are a letter from Christ." Does that sound odd? It's not, really, when we think that it is through us that Christ communicates.


Continue writing your letters/emails which keep family ties and genuine friendships in constant repair.


A stamp has power! Email does, too.


Keep in touch,
Richard

2008.07.14 Monday Morning!

Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

I am privileged to serve this congregation as a "temporary supply pastor" and I can say that it is extraordinary in its understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a community of faith that knows that life cannot be self-centered, that it must be one of care and concern.

One example of "faith in action" was told in an article in The Tulsa World (06/16/2008) Home of Hope expands joy.  The article, posted on the bulletin board of Pilgrim Church, tells how Jane Hartley, who was a "Pilgrim Presby", and her friend, Laura Cupp, founded Home of Hope 40 years ago.

Home of Hope assists people with mental disabilities, through its residential and vocational programs. Today more than 250 people benefit directly from the vision of these two women.

In addition, there are family members, friends, and employees in Vinita, who love the people from Home of Hope. In their hearts, nothing can replace them. For them, a profound sense of usefulness is derived from supporting Home of Hope and for the residents comes the blessing received by their and concern and that of the staff. Talk about being "twice blessed"...from Home of Hope flows multi-blessings, the result of the vision of two women some 40 years ago.

A determination to be useful will take you a long way in doing God-like work at your doorstep and around the world!

With all good wishes,
Richard

2008.07.07 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Vinita, Oklahoma, where Pilgrim Presbyterian Church still sends out the good news of Jesus Christ from the corner of Thompson and Illinois.

Since the 4th of July, when we celebrated Independence Day, I've been thinking a lot about how difficult it must be for immigrants to understand America. We are a land of paradox!

The magnificent story of our nation began as a primitive country. Now, we are wealthy and powerful, yet health insurance is beyond the reach of millions of our people.

America produced Abraham Lincoln, and the KKK. Billy Graham is a household name as is Jeremiah Wright, another preacher.

We have a high standard of living, we eat well, but, how we do love our hot dogs! We have a rich musical heritage and we've invented be-bop. We've built a multi-billion dollar TV industry, and we sit to watch soap operas.

Contrasts galore!

We who have been born and raised in America seldom find these contrasts difficult to understand. Be patient with immigrants who are bewildered by them. Apart from Native Americans, all of us at one time were strangers in this fair land.

Peace,
Richard

2008.06.30 Monday Morning!

It is hard for me to believe that today is the last day of June. One half of 2008 is behind us. The older one gets the faster pages on the calendar disappear. But, I'm still up and around and able to send warm greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

My wife, Helen, and I intended to spend July and August at our summer camp in the Adirondacks, where we have been vacationing since 1960. This year, however, our trip is delayed - not postponed - until Helen is feeling better.

During July congregation. (On the q.t. - Mrs. Dancer has a beautiful singing voice! Knowing that, you may ask her for a solo...)

Your favorite Monday Morning message will continue, so you can begin your week with an upbeat nudge, thanks to Donna, our computer savvy Church Administrator.

Our dear friend, the Rev. Judith Henderson will be going to Malawi, Africa in July, where she'll be teaching three courses. Our thoughts and prayers are with her. Be safe, Judy!

And to all of you the same word: Enjoy and be safe!

Richard

2008.06.23 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, still located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

An overcast, wet Monday morning (June 16, 2008) was brightened as I read about "Home of Hope" in the Tulsa World. Through its residential and vocational programs, it assists people with mental disabilities.

Founded by Jane Hartley and Laura Cupp, it is a perfect example of faith in action! Mrs. Hartley was a devoted Pilgrim Presbyterian, and we do well to imitate her "faith in ac dead!"

There is hardly anything so necessary as the ability to distinguish between that which is important and that which is not. Mrs. Hartley and Mrs. Cupp had that ability and obviously they knew that the most God-like thing in the world is the passion to help others.

Your determination never to be useless will take you a long way in doing God-like work in the world, at your doorstep and beyond.

In friendship,

Richard

2008.06.16 Monday Morning!

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

126 years ago the Board of National Missions of our Presbyterian Church sent missionaries to this part of Indian Territory. Their commitment to Christ, their love of the people, and the land, prompted them to begin the first Presbyterian Church in the Vinita area, which is now called Pilgrim Presbyterian Church.

We are thankful for the vision, faith and courage of those pioneer "pilgrims" more than a century ago.

Now, we have an opportunity to send "missionaries", who with vision, faith and courage carry the good news of Christ to strengthen the work of our brothers and sisters in Malawi, Africa.

In July, our good friend, the Rev. Judith Henderson, will leave for one term, when she will be engaged in a teaching ministry. In October a delegation from our Presbytery will respond to a call from the Livingstone Synod, in Malawi, to visit and help families facing pressing issues which impact their lives.

Will you support this partnership with your prayers and gifts of money? Checks, payable to Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, and designated "Malawi" will be sent as a part of our congregation's benevolence giving.

Many thanks for your support on behalf of the Presbytery-Malawi Partnership Committee.


Richard

2008.06.02 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and best wishes from sunny and bright Vinita, Oklahoma, where Pilgrim Presbyterian Church still sends out Christ's good news from the corner of Illinois and Thompson!


John Grisham, a noted author, speaking recently to a gathering of 15,000 Baptists in Atlanta, said: "For so long, so many Baptists have worked so hard to exclude so many!"


It was Luke 4:18-19 that challenged Grisham, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and others to advocate respect in diversity at this Atlanta gathering.


Presbyterians might do well to take a page out of this Baptist initiative. We need to find a way out of our bitter infighting, which is divisive and unfaithful to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.


I hope the Presbyterian General Assembly, which will meet in San Jose, California on June 20-28, will listen carefully to this passage, Luke 4:18-19. How honest are we when we sing: "We are one in the Spirit, one in the Lord, and they'll know we are Christians by our love"?


Pray for peace and unity, real peace and unity among us.


Richard

2008.05.27 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

Occasionally a small, innovative act can grip the imagination and become something far greater than anything originally planned. Memorial Day is an example of that.

After the Civil War, women in a Sunday School Class in a southern town adopted a spring project. They decided to decorate the graves of their sons, husbands and sweethearts who had died in battle and who were buried in the local cemetery.!

Upon arriving at the cemetery, they expanded their plans and decorated the graves of soldiers from the north, as well.

It was a step toward reconciliation.

When the project was reported in newspapers, the Class began getting letters from people in the north, thanking them for decorating the graves of their loved ones.

Soon the practice spread. The name has changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day, but it is still an important time when we stop to honor all who have died in war.

When the women looked into the darkness, into the pain, of their souls they overcame reasons which might have made them bitter. Instead they found forgiveness which made them strong.

Have all your experiences been in vain?

"Where there is hatred, let us sow love, where there is despair, hope, where there is darkness, light."

And make us instruments of peace!


Richard

2008.05.12 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Vinita, Oklahoma, where the 125 year old Pilgrim Presbyterian Church still stands on the corner of Thompson and Illinois Streets. If you are in the area, and have no church home, come visit us at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. And, if you live too far away to join us for worship, please remember us in your prayers.

If you read your Bible - and I hope you do - you'll know it isn't always a peaceful book filled with serenity, green pastures and love. It also reflects human pain and conflict, disappointments and passions.

One conflict in life is envy, and no one is completely free of it. A good antidote to envy is to ask how happy is the person who possesses the object of your envy.

Then, draw up a list of your blessings and imagine one of them being threatened. I expect you'll realize then how rich you truly are.

Focus your attention on what is yours, and live! Live to the hilt, in peace.


Richard

2008.05.05 Monday Morning!

Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. 

My MONDAY MORNING message begins with a question:

Are your beliefs reflected in your behavior?

About 90% of the American people say they believe in God, according to a recent survey. In the same survey, the majority said that their religious beliefs had no impact on their daily conduct!

For too many, religion - while it remains respectable - has become almost totally irrelevant.

We are split personalities! We swear allegiance to one set of principles and live by another. When an abyss widens between values we praise the values which operate in our life, we're in a slippery slope.

Top of the morning, each day - and may the wind always be at your back.


Richard

2008.04.28 Monday Morning!

The woman in my message this MONDAY MORNING is fictional. You'll not find her in Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Nevertheless, you may have met this woman at sometime, somewhere.

She is a vivacious, strong, pious woman.  Faithful to worship services at her little church on the corner of  Wisconsin and Ninth, she nods her head, and shouts "AMEN" whenever her minister condemns drinking, dancing, movies, gambling and Sunday football.

One Sunday her pastor preached against harm! caused by gossip,  and as he droned on (some preachers never know the value of short sermons), she could keep silent no longer.  In a loud whisper, heard throughout the congregation, she said:

"Now he's stopped preaching and started meddling!"

You don't know any self-righteous person like our fictional woman, or do you?

Minds - like parachutes - are valuable only when open!


Peace, and in friendship,
Richard

2008.04.21 Monday Morning!

Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. We are an inclusive congregation that welcomes everyone to share in our life and work. Our Sunday morning service begins at 10:00 a.m. I kid the Presbyterians because an early service gives them plenty of time to get to the restaurants before neighboring congregations.

On a more serious subject, I call your attention to the accelerated change which we experience in almost every aspect of our lives. It is exciting to be alive in a time of change, but it is also bewildering.

Our capacity to change and improve ourselves needs to be balanced by clinging to things that do not change! Here are a few things that don't change:

...the power or compassion
...the transforming power of love
...the supreme value of character

You may add to this list, but never forget the ultimate worth of human life!

Peace and in friendship,
Richard

2008.04.14 Monday Morning!

Today, with greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma, comes a Monday Morning message from the late Professor Leo F. Buscaglia. Have you read any of his books? They are filled with love and hope, and I highly recommend them.

In Living, Loving and Learning (page 171), Dr. Buscaglia wrote, "we can turn despair into hope...there are two big forces at work, external and internal. We have very little control over external forces such as tornadoes, earthquakes...floods...illness and pain. What really matters is the internal force. How do we respond to disasters?"

I suggest that an answer to that important question may be found in Matthew 7:24-27. Dust off your Bible and read this short passage. Does it speak of your need to build your life, day by day, on an enduring rock?

Peace and in friendship,

Richard

Introduction and Explanation

First of all, I like most everyone at our Church, would like to say thanks for people like Richard Evans. Richard and people like him, are the ones that keep groups such as the Vinita Pilgrim Presbyterian Church together. It has meant a lot to me and many others to be able to reconnect with so many at our church, even if we cannot be there physically! These Monday Morning Messages have been responsible for bringing people back together at our church and at the same time expanding our awareness.

I have enjoyed the Monday Morning messages which have come to me now for over a year and wish to put these up for others to see. There is so much that can be learned from what Richard has to say. Therefore I wish that those who do not know of this wonderful list to be able to connect either by viewing this blog or by getting on the mailing list!

If you or someone you know, have a Monday Morning message that I have left off, either by accident or because it is before I began receiving the Monday Morning Messages (early 2008), please email it to pilgrimpresbyvinita@gmail.com and I will see that it is put up here!

Thank you for all the continuing hard work, Richard!


Love and Peace,

Brian Dishman