2010.12.27 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes to you, and your loved ones, in the New Year!

I've been teaching an adult study class, "To Know My Bible - 101", and realize how much God must love stories.  The Bible revolves around stories and Jesus was a master story teller.

 

The story of Jacob, in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, tells about a spiritual traveler.  Like all of us, Jacob was flawed.  He tricked his brother Esau, and deceived his father, Isaac, and then ran away from home.

 

Many years later, Jacob decided to return home.   Enroute he had an experience that convinced him of God's presence.  After searching his soul - his authentic inner self - he was faced with a crucial question:  "Am I traveling in the right direction?"

 

All of us need to ask that question for ourselves.  I believe "God is with us",  and to determine the right direction for our travel into the time ahead is to treat others the way we want to be treated.

 

Sounds simple, but it's not always easy, yet it's worth an effort.

 

Happy traveling in the right direction in the New Year!

 

Richard

Christmas Sunday Photos

The Chancel on Christmas Sunday.

April Wheeler, flutist; Teresa Wheeler, harpist

The Morgans lighting the Advent Candle, Jared, Jewell, Jacob, Josh, and David Morgan

"Thank You" to Jewell Morgan for continuing to send Church Photos for the blog!

2010.12.20 Monday Morning!

Greetings and Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas from all of us at Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Do your best to be consistent.  Let your outward life, visible to all, reflect your inner life.  That may be the best Christmas gift you can give yourself.

 

Will Durant, who wrote an eleven volume story of history said, on his 94th birthday, "Loving kindness is the most successful method of behavior."  Loving kindness...warm fuzzies...will equip you to live as God intends life to be lived.

 

The good news of Christmas is reconciliation, beginning with oneself.  Go for it and enjoy a Merry Christmas.

 

Richard

Christmas Eve Service at 1st Presbyterian Church Chelsea

1st Presbyterian Church Chelsea will hold our Christmas Eve service at 7:00 pm. We would like to invite all of our Vinita friends and family to attend!!

Merry Christmas!!

Alaine Dye

For more information please contact Alaine Dye at:

AAA Insurance
445 S Brady
Claremore, OK 74017
918.341.2100
918.341.2154 fax

2010.12.13 Monday Morning!

Best wishes for a MERRY CHRISTMAS from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Christmas is a time for lights.  Beautiful lights are shining in every city and village.  Lights are an important part of Christmas, symbols of the Christmas story:

    The true light that enlightens every person has come

     into the world in the birth of Jesus.  In him was life,

     and the life was light for all people.  His light shines

     in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

                                            (Will you read John 1:1-18, please?)

 

The mood of despair, however, is familiar in our dark patches.  Immense problems face our nation and the world;  war, an economic recession, unemployment, hunger, home foreclosures, terrorism.

 

And, there are personal difficulties:  problems within families and among friends, jobs that no longer give satisfaction, loss of health, unexpected death of a loved one.

 

I understand how people may feel abandoned by God.  Sometimes I ask myself "Is there really a God who cares?"

 

Then the light of Christmas comes with the assurance that in smooth and rough places "God is with us".  None of us is alone.  Confident of that helps disperse times of darkness.  I haven't  answers to the many questions that bother me, but of this I am sure; God is with me and helps me carry on with courage and strength.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with friends for whom 2010 has been a shattering year.

 

Richard.

2010.12.06 Monday Morning!

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

 

Do me a favor this week?  Will you read a story found in Matthew 25:1-13?  You may think it is an odd request for this Advent season, but, like all Bible stories it is a guide from which we can receive ancient wisdom into our life.

 

Five of the maidens discovered they could not borrow oil for their flickering lamps.  There are things in life we cannot borrow, and faith is one of them.  We can't live off the spiritual capital of someone else.

 

The birth of Jesus is an opportunity to rekindle connection to "God with us", and to the responsibilities those three little words place upon us.

 

God needs our services.  By our little and big acts at this season - by writing cards and notes to friends from the past, by visiting a shut-in, by phoning a lonely person, we affirm our contact to "God with us."  We become God's instruments of love and friendship.

 

Share the depth of your spiritual capital.

 

Cheers,

Richard

 

2010.11.29 Monday Morning!

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

I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day, and that now you will journey through Advent to Christmas and the glorious celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Nothing is more important than “to keep in touch” with God, with family and with friends.  To “keep in touch” one must be able to share the small and big events of life.  The holidays provide that opportunity, especially when we live far away, in distance and time, from those whom we love and with those who were close to us at different periods in our life.

This story, which I heard tell, is about a minister who loved golf more than almost anything.  He feigned sickness one bright Sunday morning and after his family left for Church, he snuck out the back door and went to his favorite golf course.

There, on the 7^th, he shot his first hole in one.  But who could he tell?  He couldn’t share a big moment in his life and he felt embarrassed and empty.

Let Advent and Christmas lead you in the direction of happiness in our complex world.  “Go, tell… that Jesus Christ is born.”  “The Word has become flesh and dwells among us, full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:14)

That’s good news worth sharing!

Richard

2010.11.22 Monday Morning!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.  I suggest that at your Thanksgiving gathering someone read aloud Psalm 100.   To give thanks for specific reasons is reasonable.  In good conscience all of us can be thankful for the good things of life which we have received.   If, however, one of those specific reasons for thanksgiving is lost, can we still be thankful?  Yes we can if we cultivate an attitude of thanks toward all life.  An attitude of thankfulness sustains us and enhances purpose and meaning in all the situations we meet.   Shakespeare captured that truth in Henry VI:        "O Lord that lends us life,          Lend me a heart full of thankfulness."   A heart full of thankfulness is an attitude toward life itself. That is the absolute character of genuine thanksgiving.   Consider thankfulness not for a day, but as a life long attitude.   Cheers and best wishes, Richard

2010.11.15 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. A week ago, on a beautiful Sunday morning (Nov.7), our congregation met for devotions in the Sanctuary and then "car-pooled" to Pheasant Hill Cemetery, about 7 miles out of town.  It was our annual pilgrimage to the area where Presbyterian missionaries founded Pilgrim Church 128 years ago. There, under a bright sky, and framed by a brilliant splash of colorful autumn leaves, we celebrated Holy Communion.,  We gave thanks for a goodly heritage, while acknowledging that life is a journey of limited time for each of us. A genuine faith in God expresses appreciation for the past, and then offers a sensible declaration and demonstration of the story of Jesus today.  Don't let the precious, irretrievable moments of today slip by you.  "This is the day the Lord has made, be glad and rejoice in it." Cheers, Richard A PEARL OF VALUE: "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year."                                 Ralph Waldo Emerson

New Kitchen Photos

Hello to everyone!

While I believe everyone knows about the new kitchen by now...  I have only recently received photos documenting how nice it really is!

I like many others, still remember the old kitchen...  Wow!

Terry, Walter, and Jim holding a discussion in the new kitchen.

As always, I would encourage everyone to share their photographs of Church Life!  I will be more than happy to share them.  If you are not able to get them to me, contact the church for assistance.  

My eMail address should be easy to find in the left column.    

Peace, B. D.

Happy 128th Birthday to Pilgrim Presbyterian Church! (Pictures!!!)

We traveled to Pheasant Hill Cemetery North-West of Vinita

 to have communion at the site where our founders, the Chamberlains are buried.

It is the 128th birthday of our church.

Madison Kroll, Janie York, Fred York, Julie York Osborn

Jeanne Cowley, Sarah Bruce, Joyce Dishman

Richard Evans preparing communion, Shelby Brown, Kitty Brown

Richard blessing Communion, Doris Olson looking on


I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jewel Morgan
 for sending the pictures used above!

A note to all who read this blog, if you have pictures of our Church or of events in conjuction with Church activities or of Richard (to which he would not object) please send them to me or to Jewel Morgan and I will see that they are made available here!

 Thanks Again to Jewel Morgan for sharing!!

- BD

Church Announcement (For "On-Site" Types) ;-)

Sun. Nov 14 Deacons Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

Congregational Meeting following morning worship,

Thanksgiving Dinner in new kitchen.

A-G, dessert, H-O, salad, P-Y vegetable

Burroughs Manor residents are invited!

2010.11.08 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes to each of you, our extended family. 

Thanks for visiting us "off site/on line".


Perhaps another birthday, fast approaching, has caused me to think about aging. Aging is an undefineable thing. Despite the date on your birth certificates, I know some people who were never really young, and others who never seem to be old. Where does the spirit of youth come from?

I think that spirit comes from "interests". People who have little or no interest in things outside their job are likely to become bored. Boredom is a major cause for a feeling of emptiness. What keeps a person really alive is interest.

Interests differ from person to person. We need not grow old in God's world of wonder, and in the world of human relationships.

Learn to be interested and stay young in spirit!

Cheers,
Richard

A PEARL OF VALUE:

To live all the days of our life

is to live fully with our whole being,

with heart and mind and spirit.  It means

"to act justly, to love kindness and to

walk humbly with God."

(Micah 6:8)

Message to all Readers

Hello to Everyone,

It would seem that our old counter has died and/or the homepage company I am using is forcing us to use a new guest counter, so if the number of visits has all of a sudden Jumped to a much smaller number than previously, there is nothing I can do about it.  I guess we shall continue on.  I do know that we were around 1200 - 1300 visits recently.  Anyway, while this may not be very many, it is still not so nice to loose around 800 visits from our counter.

Thanks for your continued visits and your hard work for all of us Richard!

- B. D.

2010.11.01 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.  Thanks for visiiting us.  I hope you find our weekly messages helpful. There is a golf course near our home, and when I saw golfers playing in a light drizzle last week I wondered what it is about the game that makes so many ardent enthusiasts. Then I thought back to my youth when I played golf, rather poorly I confess.  Yes, though a poor golfer I went to the links with hope of getting a birdie on the long four and sink a 20 yard putt at any hole.  Golfers go with the hope of doing NOT what they do at their worst, but what they can do at their best. Isn't that the way we ought to live? It is stifling to be perfectly satisfied the way we are.  The  golfer is driven by the hope that the next 18 will be better than the last. To aim at our best means never to abandon hope that we can do better. A Pearl of Value for this week: "Keep what is greatest of all, keep your hope." Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be held November 14 following morning worship at 10:00 a.m. and Congregational Meeting at 11:00 a.m.

2010.10.25 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Dare I get personal with you today?  Ordinarily I have an abundance of pep, lately I've been feeling very tired (lazy?).  A week ago I opened William Barclay's book of devotions and on the page that stared at me were these words:  "tiredness is often as much staleness as anything else."  Barclay went on to write that tiredness comes when ones personal resources have been over strained.  He illustrated his point with this example: "When a car battery is exhausted...it must be brought into contact with a new source of electrical power from which it may be recharged." Repeatedly, Jesus had to go into a lonely place to pray - to listen to God - so that his strength might be renewed.  What was necessary for Jesus is far more necessary for me.  How about you?  O Lord, keep me from going stale! With Blessings and Cheers, Richard

2010.10.18 Monday Morning!

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

After 128 years of mission and outreach, "Pilgrims from Vinita" continue to share Christ's good news with people 'round the corner and 'round the world.

Do you read your Bible every day? If you do, and I hope you do, you'll know that it is not always a peaceful book filled with serenity, green pastures and love. It also reflects human pain, injustice, conflict and disappointment.

One reason for such human misery is envy. No one is completely free from envy. A good antidote to envy is to ask how happy is the person who possesses the object of your envy.

Draw up a list of your blessings, blessings which you often overlook, and then imagine one of them being threatened. I suspect you'll then realize how rich you truly are!

Focus on what is yours, and then live...live to the hilt.


With blessings and all good wishes,
Richard

2010.10.11 Monday Morning!

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

I think today's Monday Morning Message will interest and amaze you!  Were it not for an article on PRESBYTERIAN OUTLOOK - my favorite source of "religious news" - I would not know about this remarkable celebration.

Yesterday, 10/10/10, the city of Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, celebrated its 10,000th birthday!  Yes, you read that right:  The city of Jericho is at least 10,000 years old.  Happy Birthday Jericho!

Jericho does have the distinction of being 850 feet below sea level, the lowest altitude of any city in the world.  Now it adds to that distinction a new milestone - a lifetime of 10,000 years.

I looked up several best known Bible stories which are connected with Jericho.  You may want to read Joshua, chapter 2, Joshua 6:1-25, and Luke 19:1-10.

Fond regards...and thanks PRESBYTERIAN OUTLOOK!

Richard

PS: Link to Presbyterian Outlook:  http://www.pres-outlook.com/

Just click on this link to go to the Web Site of the Presbyterian Outlook!

-Brian

2010.10.04 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.
 
Some of you reading this Monday Morning Message know little or nothing about our Church. Did a mutual friend invite you to visit our blog? A big thanks to whoever that might be! I hope you'll return next week and that you'll invite someone else to be a part of our off-site/on-line outreach.

Our 128 year-old Church is a welcoming, healthy congregation. We know that no one lives by bread alone. From as long as we can go in history, human beings have exhibited a need for religion. Cave drawings indicate that ancients worshiped one kind of deity or another.

For Christians, the development of religion reached its climax in Jesus of Nazareth. Revolting against hardened ritual and pious self-righteousness, Jesus showed us how to live in relation to God and toward one another. (Try reading John, chapter 15). Love is complex. For me, at least, its opposite is not hate but indifference. It's a lifetime task to ward off indifference!

Courage for today in your determination to overcome indifference!


Richard

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, A Pastoral Letter

The following, while not a Monday Morning Message, was so good, I felt it had to be shared.  I hope that this does not cause you a problem, Richard, but your message here is a wonderful one, and one that should be shared with all our readers ...

Love and Peace,

Brian

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

Voice of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church

Vinita, Oklahoma

October, 2010

A Pastoral Letter

Dear friends,

There are times when we get so consumed by work – yes, even church work – that we become obsessed by it.  When that happens we are apt to get overly tired and cranky.

There is a legend about John the Apostle that one day someone found him playing with a tame partridge and criticized him for not doing his work.  His answer was,

“The bow that is always at full stretch will soon cease to shoot straight.”

All of us need some form of relaxation, and the more our work demands of us the more relaxation is needed.  This is as true for a Mother raising small children as it is for a surgeon, a lawyer, a teacher, a street sweeper or a trash collector.  Everyone does a better job when leisure time and recreation become integral parts of daily living.

It’s only once ‘round this track, ENJOY!

With best wishes and in friendship,

Richard

2010.09.27 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma. Today, my Monday Morning message begins with a question: Are your beliefs reflected in your behavior?

About 90% of Americans say they believe in God, according to a recent survey. In the same survey, the majority said that their religious beliefs had little or 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 and values which operate in our life, we are on a slippery slope.

Peace, and may the wind always be at your back!


Richard

2010.09.20 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma. Since Brian Dishman, a son of Pilgrim Church, set up our blog, I've received numerous messages, a few from strangers, more from "old time friends".  It is always good (and encouraging) to get responses (favorable or unfavorable) to our MONDAY MORNING messages.

I had a good laugh reading the following, and I hope it will put a smile on your face too.

A teenage boy had just gotten his driver's license and asked his Dad if they could discuss the use of the family car.  His Dad said he'd make a deal.

"You bring your grades from 'C' to 'B' average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut, and then we'll talk about the car."

The young man thought for a moment before deciding to go for the offer.

After a couple of months, the Dad said, "Son, you've brought up your grades and I've been watching you studying your Bible, but I'm a little disappointed that you haven't had your hair cut yet."

The son looked at his Dad and said, "You know Dad, I've been thinking about that. I've noticed in my Bible studies that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, and I've seen picture of Jesus with long hair."

To which the Father replied, "And did you also notice that everywhere they went they walked!"

Humor is an important part of a full life!


Richard

2010.09.13 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma. It will be a good day if you put a smile on your face. Smiles rejuvenate tired spirits and lost happiness.

A happy life is God's will for you! William Barclay, a beloved New Testament professor at Trinity College, Glasgow, Scotland, wrote "For a happy life three things are necessary: Something to hope for. Something to do. Someone to love."

He then went on to write a timely message for today:

"Something to hope for: The beginning of the end of life is when we live in memory rather than in hope; when our memories are an escape from prison rather than a stimulus for further living.

"Something to do: Anyone who can look to days of unemployment or a time of enforced inactivity, when the hours seem slow and empty, knows that work is not a curse but a blessing.

"Someone to love: When love enters life there comes a new thrill, a new awareness of possibilities undreamed of. When love is born, life and the world are renewed."

Give thanks for the influence of those who have blessed your life, and then live usefully, with hope and love.


Richard

2010.09.06 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma. Thanks for visiting our blog! We at Pilgrim Church hope that this "off-site/online" outreach is helpful to you. If it is, please pass our messages to others, and let us know if you enjoy them.

I may be naive, but I still believe that the overwhelming majority of Americans want to do what is right and decent. I know there are countless numbers of men and women who are breaking away from moral and ethical standards of the past with good reason. It is not easy to find answers to a question as to what is right.

Can we always be certain of what is right? Probably not, yet here is a suggestion which may help you to walk the right path:

Are you willing to make known your conduct to others?

A desire to keep ones actions secret, whether personal or public, is to be avoided. If one is doing what one instinctively wants to hide, it is probably wrong. On the other hand, if one can tell loved ones what one is doing, it is probably right.

Doing the wrong thing is usually hidden in the dark, while doing the right thing is usually seen in the light.  That's a test as you seek answers to any question as to what is right.

Who said life is easy?


Peace,
Richard

2010.06.14 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian, a friendly Church of the faith, located in Vinita, Oklahoma.
 
Fifty years ago, my wife and I bought a log cabin on the shore of Schroon Lake, NY, in the Adirondacks.  We lived simply in this summer retreat, which had never been modernized.
 
There was an old well from which we drew our cool, refreshing water.  The day came when we decided to move into the 20th century.  Electricity replaced kerosene lanterns, running water gave us indoor plumbing.  No longer was it necessary to carry water from the old well.
 
A few summers passed when I decided one day to inspect the well.  To my surprise, it was dry!  The well had run without failing for many years, yet now it was dry.  There was no water because the well had not been used.
 
Our souls are like that well.  What happened to that well can happen to us if we don't use God's Living Water.
 
There is no need for your soul or mine to be dry.  We can draw from the depths of God's Living Water in fellowship with Christ and his Church!
 
Don't suffer from spiritual dehydration!
 
 
Richard

2010.06.07 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.
 
One of the best known teachings of Jesus is the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).  In the preface to the story (verse 27) we read these familiar words "You shall love the Lord your God...and your neighbor as yourself."
 
How much in you is loveable?  Take a good look into your soul.  What do you find loveable about yourself?  What do you find that's not so loveable?
 
Now, take this little quiz:
1.Do you love being treated justly, fairly?
2.Do you love being treated with kindness?
3.Do you walk humbly with God, or do you have a "know it all" attitude?
 
No one can like everyone.  But if we love justice, if we strive to be kind, and if we walk in humility before God, we will learn to love others, and not throw obstacles in the way of even those people we don't like.
 
Let's try to act on those three requirements - justice, kindness and humility - and not react to the annoying words which come from people we don't like.
 
 
Richard
 
 
PS:  To those participating in To Know My Bible - 101"study:
1.We've entered in our notebooks our favorite verses and passages.  I've shared mine with you.  Please send me your list!
2.Our second exercise is to list Bible stories and characters.  I've suggested readings from Genesis.  Soon we'll begin to list stories from Exodus, the era of Moses.  Go for it!

2010.05.31 Monday Morning!

Top of this Monday Morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Christians are loyal to the Bible which remains a best seller.  Its message is powerful and needed, yet it is not widely read, and when read it is often puzzling.  To help anyone interested, I have created a simple study program - "TO KNOW MY BIBLE - 101".  Suggested readings from Genesis may be found in my earlier Monday Morning messages.

Today I suggest the following readings from Exodus, covering the era of Moses, from about 1500 to 1200 BCE (Before the Common Era).

The Bible is a record of spiritual development. I hope this "TO KNOW MY BIBLE - 101" program will be helpful.

Exodus 2:1-10 - story of baby Moses; Exodus 2:11-15a - Moses kills an Egyptian; Exodus 2:15b-22 - Moses marries Zipporah in Midian; Exodus 3:1-4:31 - Moses is called to a special mission; Exodus 5:1 - 12:36 - Contest between God and Pharaoh; Exodus 12:37-18:27 - Deliverance of Israel from Egypt/march to Mt. Sinai; Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments; Exodus 25:10-22 - the Ark of the Covenant.

From now on I'll offer suggested readings in an occasional "P.S." to Monday Morning messages.  The readings will be arranged in chronological order so we can observe the development of ideas and ideals from a primitive, tribal understanding of God until it reaches its climax in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Best wishes for good reading!

Richard

2010.05.24 Monday Morning!

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

George Bernard Shaw wrote that "the true joy in life is being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one." What lies nearest to your heart?

There is no mistaking what was nearest to the hearts of an early group of 120 followers of Jesus. They recognized their mighty purpose was to tell the story of the gospel to the world. Their passionate commitment to that MESSAGE resulted in a new MOVEMENT, the Christian Church.

The MESSAGE and the MOVEMENT go hand in hand. As Christians, our function is to be a finger, an arm, a signpost pointing to the MESSAGE of God and God's redemptive love.

Inward renewal and outgoing concern are decisive for the effectiveness of the MOVEMENT. The MESSAGE created the MOVEMENT, which confirms the MESSAGE and goes on to demonstrate that caring matters. We live to tell the story and to show how much God cares: "for God so loved the world that he gave..."

Do you remember "tell and show" days in school? Don't abandon those days in your adult life.


Cheers,

Richard

2010.05.17 Monday Morning!

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

Here is a question for you: Are you a good listener? Listening is important! We need to listen with more than our ears. Listen through your eyes, and your heart, too. I am learning to listen to my body more and more. I love gardening, but my body says loud and clear "slow down; don't dig out those overgrown weeds all at once. Tomorrow is another day."

Good listeners are desperately needed. Listening is not easy or we wouldn't be such great talkers. (My shoe pinches when I write this truth!). Many estrangements within a family or among friends - and certainly in the Church - are traceable to a failure of communication.

When we open channels of communication we begin to understand others, and we are understood and everyone involved is benefited.

God offered King Solomon any gift he wished, and the monarch asked for a "listening heart". Not bad wisdom from the old Book, is it?

Richard

PS: To you participating in "To Know My Bible - 101": We have completed Section 1 - listing memorable Bible verses and passages. To begin Section 2 - "Bible stories and characters", I suggest the following readings:

Abraham stories - Genesis 12 - Genesis 25:18 (If you haven't time to read all this, read at least chapters 12, 15, 17 and 22)

Jacob stories - Genesis 25:19 - Genesis 36:43 (If you don't have time to read all this, omit chapters 34 and 36)

Joseph stories - Genesis 37 - Genesis 50:26 (chapters 37, 39-47 and chapter 50 focus on Joseph)

2010.05.10 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church.

Sometimes our Christian life calls us to tasks which involve effort and energy. Often it is easier and more comfortable to stay where we are, so we resist the call. Happily that is not true in our small congregation of 50 members. Spurred on by Joyce Dishman, chairperson of our Mission and Outreach Committee, I want to share with you a Minute for Mission which Joyce presented to the congregation, accompanied by graphs, on the last Sunday in April. Thank you Joyce!

There are many ways we as a congregation contribute to various mission projects. Each month we send $150.00 to Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery for general missions making a yearly total of $1,800.00 The yearly budgeted local missions include the following: Malawi Partnership: $300; Dwight Mission: $1,000; Ministerial Alliance: $300; Salvation Army Backpack Program: $200. Also we budget $180 per year for the Theological Education Fund which aids in developing mission-minded leaders for the Church. This year we gave $475.00 to the One Great Hour of Sharing which is an increase over last year’s offering.

In non-budgeted missions it is very important to say thank you for the generosity in donations of time and resources to our church and our community. It is impressive considering all that we do to enrich and empower, and assist others. Your generous support is very much appreciated, and in a few weeks we will extend an opportunity for continued support to some projects that will be set up in the Narthex. This church really can make a difference!

Mother's Day Announcement

2010.05.03 Monday Morning!

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

As promised, here are some memorable Bible verses and passages on my list:

• Genesis chapter 1; Genesis 45:4-5; Isaiah 6:8; 9:2-7; chapter 35; 40:1-11, 27-31; chapters 53 and 55.
• Psalm 1:1-3: Psalm 23, Psalm 24; Psalm 100; Psalm 150; Psalm 42:1-2; Psalm 46; Psalm 16:6; Psalm 121: Psalm 63:1.
• Proverbs 20:27; Proverbs 3:13-26. Job 28:12-28. Habakkuk 3:17-19. Micah 6:8.
• Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7; I Corinthians, chapter 13; Luke 10:27-28; Luke chapter 15; Philippians 4:8; Romans 1:16; Romans 8:35. John 1:14; John 3:16; Hebrews 11:1; James 2:17; I John 4:7-8; Revelation 21:1-4.

Please send me any on your list that don't appear above.

Our second exercise in the "To Know My Bible - 101" is to list Bible stories and characters. I'll list my readings from Genesis next week.


Good reading!

Richard

2010.04.26 Monday Morning!

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

With six to eight members of Pilgrim Church, I spend an hour Monday morning with residents at Burroughs Manor, a retirement home next door to the Church. We call our gathering Monday at Ten. It is a wonderful hour - a "happy hour" - spent in good conversation, singing, a brief message and a closing prayer.

My present intent is to encourage those attending to write their life story. We have unique fingerprints and DNA, but they don't identify us completely. We also have our own soul print. By writing "my story" one shapes ones soul print with loved ones, and it will be cherished for years to come.

Have you written your own story? If you have not, try doing it. Ask yourself "where the meaning of your life lies"? By answering that question I believe you'll remember small things as well as big events.

Here are some tips to get you started: Who were your early childhood friends? What games did you play? Did you take music lessons? What books did you enjoy reading? What school did you attend - rural, town or city?

Did your family have a car? What make? What year? Do you have an idea of the cost of the car? Comparing costs in the past with costs today will be interesting. What did an ice cream cone cost? How much did it take to get into a double feature movie?

What were your favorite radio programs before TV? What's new in the world since your youth? Computers? Cell phones? What else?

Your story will be interesting because it is unique. What a treasure it will be to your descendants. It will be well worth your efforts. Try it!

Richard

2010.04.19 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma. Come visit us if you are in the area. Our Sunday service begins at 10 a.m.

From the four pen-sketches in the Bible (Genesis 2 - 11:9) we learn that human beings rebel against the sovereignty of God and want to do things "our own way".  It reminds me of the song, "I'll do it my way!"

False pride, in contrast to legitimate pride, is our downfall!

Am I right or wrong in my diagnosis of our human situation?  That is something for you to make up your own mind.  Clearly, however, the Bible teaches that we'll not have purpose or meaning in life unless we accept the authority of God.

It is not always easy to accept that when we make moral and ethical decisions.  Perhaps you'll find those decisions easier to make if you ask yourself, "Could I tell my parents, or my son or daughter, about my choice?"  If you know that your decision will likely need a cover-up if discovered, you probably need to review your decision.

Cheers,

Richard


PS: Have you been listing your favorite Bible verses as a part of our "to know" the Bible program?  Topping my list are: Micah 6:6-8 and Luke 10:27-28.  For me, they are the high water marks of all religions.   R.

2010.04.12 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes for Good Reading from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma. At last spring has sprung! The town is decked with beautiful colors. Flower beds and flowering bushes and trees make me want to sing "Morning Has Broken" in the shower.

I began with best wishes for GOOD READING. If you are ready to start the second exercise "to know" your Bible, Genesis is the place to begin. It is a book full of marvelous stories. Don't copy the stories verbatim! Instead, identify the stories in your notebook for your own reference. Example: 4 pen sketches of every person: Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark, Tower of Babel - Genesis 2 - 11:9.

This exercise will keep us busy for a long while, but it will be a worthwhile effort. From time to time, I'll mention the stories I've found, but don't count on that every week. We all have to do our own homework!

This second exercise will make the third one easy: "Biography" - to know characters in the Bible. I'll keep the fourth exercise secret for now.

You'll be teaching the development of Bible ideas before you know it! Count on this!


Richard

2010.04.05 Monday Morning!

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

"The Lord takes pleasure in his people" - Psalm 149:4. That God delights in us is a neglected Bible insight. Whatever our gifts, great or small, when we exercise them to the full, God delights in us.

Sometimes we think our gifts are too little to be responsible for great things. Not true! in our personal lives little things play a greater role than we realize.

I have known single mothers who cared for their children, year after year, with inexhaustible love. I knew a delightful lady in my parish near Albany, NY who was stricken with polio. For years she had the 24/7 care and love of her husband and two teenage sons.

You know busy people with the capacity to bring cheer to the lonely and, who without being asked, reach out to help those in need.

Our little gifts give us an opportunity to do great things.

Cheers to you who are doing little things well. God delights in you!

Richard

2010.03.29 Monday Morning!

Greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma, on this Monday Morning of Holy Week.

The drama of Holy Week has three acts, beginning on Palm Sunday with a mood of carnival.  A parade, children singing Hosanna (which means Save Us Now), this first act is one of joy.

Act 2 - the Upper Room...the Last Supper...arrest, trial...crucifixion.  An act overflowing with grief and sorrow.

Act 3 - Easter victory over sin and death.  It was women who discovered the empty tomb.  The men were crushed and doubted the word which the women brought.  Slowly their eyes of faith were opened.  Despair turned to a mood of triumph.  Christ is risen!

We've all known such bittersweet times.  Two moods given - causes for joy, reasons for sadness.  The third offers a matter of choice.  One can choose to accept or reject Christ's offer of new life, of resurrection now and beyond the grave.

It's your choice!

Richard

2010.03.22 Monday Morning!

Top of this Monday Morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

We are told often that we are living in a period in which the Gospel is not relevant and the Church is ineffective. The result has been ceasing to expect anything and realizing our expectation.

There is plenty in the world to make us prophets of gloom and doom. However, Christians can tune into another message which shows signs of hope rather than despair.

One such message comes with an opportunity to give to an annual appeal called the One Great Hour of Sharing. Our Presbyterian Church joins with other Churches in receiving this offering.

You are invited to walk the "Road of Service" (the Jericho Road) and involve yourself in ministry to the physical needs of those crushed by disaster, persecution and war, those trapped in poverty, homelessness, suffering.

For Christians this offering is a moment of spiritual opportunity:

Jesus said: "Truly, as you gave to one of the least of brother and sisters, you did it to me."

"Feed my sheep" with your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing, which will be dedicated at Pilgrim Church on Palm Sunday, March 28.

The quality of mercy still is twice blessed!


Richard

Presbyterian 101 - the Meaning Behind the Seal

The following is an article by Elizabeth Mark.  She has written a very informative article about the Presbyterian Church Seal in the form of our Cross.  It has been a long time since I have looked at this specific cross and I did not realize all the symbolism contained within it.  Perhaps everyone else does, but I thought I would share this article.  I talked with Richard and he thought it would be alright to share, so here it is.  Also if you have a chance, please click on the link provided to visit the Author's blog, A Spiritual Break and have a look at some of her other writings.

** This article has been reproduced with permission of the author, Elizabeth Mark.  If you have any questions regarding the origins of Presbyterian 101, please contact me at briandishman@gmail.com

              Presbyterian Seal

Presbyterian 101

Religious symbols are a part of human history. 

Let’s take a closer look at the seal of the Presbyterian Church (USA). 

This seal is a registered trademark designed by Malcolm Grear (Rhode Island School of Design) and a task force made up of various Presbyterians.  It is comprised of several basic components; the seal being:  cross, scripture, a descending dove at the upper part of the cross, and flames on either side of the lower part of the cross; and the name of the denomination encircling the symbol.  The seal is a symbolic statement of the church’s heritage, identity, and mission.

Now for a closer look at the symbol.

The Cross:  represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ, his passion, his resurrection.  The Celtic cross was chosen as a model because of its association with Presbyterian history.

The Open Book:  The two center lines of the cross are the representation of an open book.  This highlights the emphasis which the Reformed tradition has placed on the role of Scripture as a means of knowing God’s word.

The Dove:  The slightly-flared shape of the top of the cross depicts a descending dove thus a symbol of the Holy Spirit and is intimately tied to the representation of the Bible.  The Spirit is both inspiring and interpreting Scripture in the life of the church.  The dove also symbolizes Christ’s baptism by John and the peace which is resurrection brings to a broken world.

The Lectern or Pulpit:  Beneath the image of the book is the suggestion of a lectern or pulpit, which captures the important role of preaching in the history of Presbyterian worship.

The Flames:  Found in the lower part of the design, they also form an implied triangle with the dove.  The flames have a double meaning.  As a symbol of revelations in the Old Testament when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush; and as a symbol of the beginning of the Christian church when Christ manifested himself to his apostles at Pentecost & charged them to be messengers of the good news of God’s love.

The Triangle:  A traditional symbol of the Trinity; also a symbol for Presbyterian government with its concern for balance and order.

Theological symbols:  Let’s see if you can find these.  The body of the dove becomes a fish, an early symbol for Christ.  The center line under the book may look like a baptismal font or a communion chalice (cup).

So, the next time you see this symbol take a moment to think about the Presbyterian heritage and what this special image means to you.

2010.03.15 Monday Morning!

Lent can be an instructive time for all of us! When good intentions are forgotten, when ideals once cherished have deteriorated, when sacred responsibilities make us weary or cynical, Lenten devotions help us rediscover energies which form the inner life.

Take time to retreat into the quiet sanctuary of your soul. That special time will bring an expansion of joy and a buoyancy to your spirit.

There is an unfaltering power in prayer, meditation and daily fellowship with God.


Don't allow your soul to dry up!

Cheers! Thumbs up!

Richard


PS: Try writing in a small notebook Bible verses and passages which you remember from childhood and youth. You'll come up with many, but I'm almost willing to guarantee that Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd", will be on your list. Probably Paul's "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13, will be too. There are "beauty spots" in the Bible never to be forgotten.

2010.03.08 Monday Morning!

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

Last week I wrote that there are four highroads a Christian must travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the Road of Spiritual Awakening. Travel on that road transforms life, thoughts, attitudes, action.

The second road is the Jerusalem Road, a road of commitment. Jesus traveled it to death on a cross. Things that matter most are what we put our life into and what kind of life we put in. That's the test of commitment.

The third highroad on which we travel is the Jericho Road. (Luke 10:25-37). This is the road of service. Travel on this road requires patience and active promotion of justice in our neighborhood and around the world.

The fourth highroad is the Emmaus Road. (Luke 24:13-35). We need to know about Christ as we read our New Testament. Then, we need to walk with him in daily communion. Prayer and meditation sustains our fellowship with Christ and influences the whole of our life by the gift of grace.

This is the road which the Apostle Paul describes as being "spiritually minded which is life and peace."


Peace,
Richard

2010.03.01 Monday Morning!

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

On our Christian journey there are four highroads to travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the road of awakening. On it the Apostle Paul experienced a decisive spiritual transformation. As his life was steered in a new direction on that road, so must our life be.

On the Road to Damascus Paul's whole life - his thoughts, attitudes, actions - was changed forever. We need travel the Road of Awakening, keeping in mind spiritual exercise which will renew us daily.

The second high road is the Jerusalem Road of Commitment. Going to Jerusalem Jesus knew he was headed for death on a cross. Those who followed him were afraid. (Mark 10:32).

To follow Jesus means no reservation in dedication, commitment, whatever the cost.

Next week, we'll consider the other two highroads we must take as pilgrims, following our risen and ever present Master.

Cheers...as we travel together!

Richard

PS: Today is March 1. Happy St. David's Day to family and all my Welsh friends.

2010.02.22 Monday Morning!

Top of this Monday Morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Vinita, Oklahoma.

In the past years I read many books by Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick. In one - and I confess I can't remember which one - Fosdick wrote that there are many ways "to know" your Bible. One way is to list favorite verses and passages, "beauty spots".

During Lent, this exercise may be enjoyable and helpful. I've bought a cheap spiral notebook and will list my favorites in it. Will you try it?

I suspect all who practice this Lenten exercise will include Psalm 23. Apart from that one, it will be interesting to compare our lists. Send them to us and the results will be on our blog after Lent.

In the weeks following Lent, I'll list characters in the Bible who have captured my imagination. There's no sense buying a notebook without filling up every page!

Rather than "giving up something for Lent", how about "taking on something new"? I think you'll enjoy that and I believe it will help you "to know" your Bible a little better.

Give it a try!

Richard

Pilgrim Presbyterian Sanctuary

When  I came home in 2004 for the first time in quite a few years, I was amazed at the changes that had transformed our wonderful church.  I remembered the old church, so many of you can appreciate my shock when I walked in expecting the "OLD" interior.  I was agog!  WOW.  Anyway, I took a few photos and so I will share them here.  I hope no one minds.

- Brian

 Our Sanctuary

Thanks for the Photo of Our Church!

I would like to say a big

THANK YOU 

to Mrs. Kitty Brown for sending me the picture of Pilgrim Presbyterian Church that now resides on our Blog.  It really helps with making it a real part of the community!  I have also added a visitor counter per Richard's suggestion.  It is pretty low right now.  I hope, as does Richard, to see it climb rapidly!!

One more thing, if you have pictures of the our church, for example, special events or services or just wishing to share something about people in the Church community, please send them to me along with some text explaining what is going on at the event and I will see that they get up on our blog for everyone's benefit!

Cheers,
Brian

Photo of Our Church

Hello To Everyone...

I would like to put up a picture of our church on this blog.  If any of you happen to have a nice photo that I could publicly display, please send it to me at briandishman@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Brian

2010.02.15 Monday Morning!

Top of this Monday Morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

There's exciting news for "Pilgrims" wherever you are! We are taking a dip into technological waters! Brian Dishman, a son of Pilgrim Church now living in Japan, has set up a blog for us! Thanks Brian! our address is  

www.pilgrimpresbyterian.blogspot.com/

Please give our address to anyone you think might like to visit us.

Two important facts impact all of us: (1) what we put into our life; and (2) what kind of life we put into our relationships with God and others.

Christianity is profoundly inward (what we put into our life), but it is at the same time outreaching and social (what kind of life we put into our relationships). Christianity calls all aspects of our personality into full function.

Christ's question to an individual in the New Testament is really addressed to all of us: "Do you desire to be made whole?"

Cheers,

Richard

2010.02.08 Monday Morning!

MONDAY MORNING greetings from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Last week I got an email from a friend, Don Grant. While riding his motor scooter on East Admiral Place in Tulsa, his wallet slipped out of his pocket. When he returned home and discovered his loss, he wrote "I was sick, sick, sick." When a phone call came from a man who had found the lost wallet, and who arranged to meet Don to return it, Don was well.

Yes, as Don said, "there are plenty of honest folks around."

Truth and honesty are woven into the human soul, but it takes effort to cultivate them. When one nurtures ones inner life, good character results. Our outward, visible life is bound up with our inner attitudes.

For better or for worse, the "stuff" that steers and directs us are the "stuff" of our choice, our decisions.

Here's a "Pearl of Value", sent by Brian Dishman, who lives in Japan: "Nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so." (William Shakespeare)

Thanks, Don and Brian, and thanks to all of you in our Monday Morning family.

Richard

2010.02.01 Monday Morning!

Top of this Monday Morning, and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

I've been thinking about many who were brought up in the church, who attended Sunday School and Youth Fellowship and sang in the choir, and who now are drifting away from the church altogether. Oh, I know most of the reasons why...sermons are long and dull...hymns are ancient, and often drag...and it's just comfortable staying home to enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning, or to catch up on household chores.

Nevertheless, I'm old fashioned enough to believe that worship, within a community of faith, provides an experience of joy that comes from a personal fellowship with God and from meeting friends who share that fellowship with you.

Worship is a rich privilege! If you don't believe that consider the plight of Christians living in a place where they are forbidden to gather for worship. They risk their lives by worshipping in what we call "underground churches".

Worship offers an opportunity to withdraw from the haste and speed of our modern world and to be enriched by God's Spirit. From that experience flows a renewed desire to serve the wants and needs of the neighborhood and world.

To give up on worship means, in the long run, the loss of a priceless gem of the soul.

Richard

PS: I'm glad to say that about 70% of the resident members of Pilgrim Church regularly find their way to Sunday worship!

Monday Morning - Dr. Martin Luther King

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

While trying to keep warm in our January frigid weather, I've come up with a question for you: Do you read your Bible? If you do, good for you, but know that you are in the vast minority.

One reason the Bible is left unread, on a shelf gathering dust, is that the "one story line" is not arranged in chronological order. Thankfully, biblical scholars have traced that "one story", which I call "The Golden Thread". Following that thread one finds a development of ideas which reveal the laws, rituals, doctrines and customs in terms of the generation from which they came.

The earliest Hebrews saw their obligation only to family, clan, tribe and nation. Outside those boundaries there was little, if any, obligation. Bigotry and prejudice arise when there is no wider range of concern.

The idea that God's will is the well being of all creation developed slowly, climaxing in the teachings of Jesus. Bigotry and prejudice are sinful. When tempted to make a racial slur, one ought think of a friend of another race and ask, "Would I make the same thoughtless remark to my friend, or my friend's family?"

Intelligent faith goes a long way in fulfilling the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., a non-violent, remarkable American, whose birth we celebrate today.

Peace,

Richard

2010.01.18 Monday Morning!

Monday Morning greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

We are so wrapped by a desire to get ahead in the world that I wonder how many of us have forgotten the underpinning of true success, which is GOOD CHARACTER! Genuine sincerity and integrity equals goodness.

Goodness may well be an adequate description of an old fashioned word, "holiness". It is well to remember that holiness and health derive from the same Latin word..

Physical health comes when we observe good, common sense laws: getting good food, exercise, recreation, washing our hands frequently. Spiritual health comes from its laws: practicing quiet time daily, service to God and others, worship within the family of faith.

Keep well in body, mind and spirit!

Richard

2010.01.11 Monday Morning!

From Pilgrim Presbyterian go these best wishes to you and your loved ones, at the beginning of this new decade:

"Come on everybody, it's time to sing praise to the Lord our God with all our heart."

Time to sing praise to God? How can anyone sing in these chaotic times?

We sang with euphoric gladness ten years ago when we greeted the new millennium. Today, if we can sing at all, it'll be the "blues".

"Come on everyone, it's time to sing...sing out your faith loud and clear!"

"Faith"?...yes, everyone has faith.. Faith can be used for good or for evil. Everyone has faith. It can't be eliminated. Use your faith, don't misuse it. Stand in the sanctuary of your own soul, stand in the presence of God, and your good faith will be renewed.

Let's make this New Year a time to rediscover the spiritual origins of our Christian faith, its endless possibilities, its eternal meaning. God is with us, that's the message of Christmas. That's the foundation of our faith.

That faith is a fountain of power. Release that power and discover victory which overcomes the world.

Go for it...God is with you!

Richard

2010.01.04 Monday Morning!

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

In this my first Monday Morning message of the New Year, I offer you one of the greatest phrases in the Bible: "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord." (Proverbs 20:27)

Within yourself there is a divine capacity which, when brought forth, can enrich your life and the lives of others. To discover that something within yourself, read and re-read Luke and Acts. You'll be amazed how these two books will bring forth hidden strength and enable you to see the full range of human possibilities.

You are a child of God and by kindling the flame of God within you others who may be spiritually barren and bankrupt can begin to see their own divine capacity.

I have found new meaning and reason for Christ's words, "you are the light of the world". (Matthew 5:14), as I reflect on that great, simple phrase - "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord."

Resolve now, at the start of 2010, to discover what you may become! Don't set a limit on what you may be.

Richard