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

2008.10.27 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