Revive! Ash Wednesday Evening Service of Prayer & Praise 2013 February 13

All silently gather. Any procession should be in silence.

CALL TOWORSHIP

Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Ps. 51:1–17

Let us return to the Lord.

God is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love.

Have mercy on us, O God,

according to your unfailing love.

Wash away our iniquity;

cleanse us from our sins.

The sacrifice acceptable to God

is a humble spirit.

A broken and contrite heart

God will not turn away.

"Even now," declares the Lord,

"return to me with all your heart."

With open hearts

we call upon the name of the Lord.

Let us worship God

Come, Let Us Return

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the following prayer may be said:

1 2 Year A B C

Gracious Almighty God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and neighbors.

You despise nothing you have made and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Call forth our prayers and acts of tenderness, and strengthen us to face our mortality, that we may reach with confidence for your mercy… Create in us new and contrite hearts, that truly repenting of our sins, and acknowledging our brokenness, we may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness; through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [208] Amen.

Turn Our Hearts

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Joel 2:1–2, 12–17; Isa. 58:1–12; Ps. 51:1–17

O Lord, you are gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

You have called us to return to you with all our hearts.

Forgive us, for we have been slow to share with the poor,

but quick to point the finger and pass judgment.

Even when we do not withhold from those in need,

we hope for some reward or recognition

for doing only what we ought to have done.

Hide your face from our sins, O Lord, and blot out all our iniquities.

Do not cast us away from your presence,

and do not take away your Holy Spirit.

Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and sustain in us a willing spirit.

Create In Me a Clean Heart

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Let us pray.

After a brief silence, the following prayer for illumination may be said:

God our helper, by your Holy Spirit open our minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may be led into your truth and be taught your will, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open the Eyes of My Heart

GOSPEL READING and REFLECTION Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

Open Our Eyes

INVITATION TO THE OBSERVANCE OF THE LENTEN DISCIPLINE

The following or similar words may be spoken:

Friends in Christ, every year at the time of the Christian Passover

we celebrate our redemption through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery. We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If ashes are used, the following may be said:

We begin our journey to Easter with the sign of ashes.

This ancient sign speaks of the frailty and uncertainty of human life,

and marks the penitence of this community.

The minister continues:

I invite you, therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent

by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting,

by works of love, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.

Let us bow before God, our Creator and Redeemer,

and confess our sin.

The people may kneel or bow down.

Silence is kept for reflection and self-examination.

PSALM 51        Psalm 51:1–17 is sung or said.

Psalm 51:1–17                 Tone 7; PH 195, 196; PS 48

R
Change my heart, Oh God, make it ever true, Change my heart, Oh God, may I be like You

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *

in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *

and cleanse me from my sin. R

3 For I know my transgressions, *

and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against you only have I sinned *

and done what is evil in your sight.

And so you are justified when you speak *

and upright in your judgment.

5 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *

a sinner from my mother's womb. R

6 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *

and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

7 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *

wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

8 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *

that the body you have broken may rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins *

and blot out all my iniquities. R

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *

and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence *

and take not your holy Spirit from me.

12 Give me the joy of your saving help again *

and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. R

13 I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *

and sinners shall return to you.

14 Deliver me from death, O God, *

and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,

O God of my salvation. R

15 Open my lips, O Lord, *

and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

16 Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *

but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.

17 The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. R

LITANY OF PENITENCE

Let us pray.

Holy and merciful God, we confess to you and to one another,

and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth,

that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed,

by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength.

We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven.

Have mercy on us, O God.

We have not listened to your call to serve as Christ served us.

We have not been true to the mind of Christ.

We have grieved your Holy Spirit.

Have mercy on us, O God.

We confess to you, O God, all our past unfaithfulness:

The pride, hypocrisy, and impatience in our lives,

we confess to you, O God.

Our self-indulgent appetites and ways and our exploitation of other people,

we confess to you, O God.

Our anger at our own frustration

and our envy of those more fortunate than ourselves,

we confess to you, O God.

Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts,

and our dishonesty in daily life and work,

we confess to you, O God.

Our negligence in prayer and worship,

and our failure to commend the faith that is in us,

we confess to you, O God.

Accept our repentance, O God, for the wrongs we have done.

For our neglect of human need and suffering

and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,

accept our repentance, O God.

For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors,

and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,

accept our repentance, O God.

For our waste and pollution of your creation

and our lack of concern for those who come after us,

accept our repentance, O God.

Restore us, O God, and let your anger depart from us.

Favorably hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.
[209]

IMPOSITION OF ASHES     Change My Heart, Oh God

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth. May these ashes be for us a sign of our mortality and penitence, and a reminder that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. [210]
Amen.

PRAYER              Refiner's Fire

God of compassion, through your Son Jesus Christ you reconciled your people to yourself. Following his example of prayer and fasting, may we obey you with willing hearts and serve one another in holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[212]
Amen.

OFFERING, BLESSING AND CHARGE

An offering may be received. The minister gives God's blessing to the congregation.

1 Thess. 5:23

May the God of peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

All quietly depart.

Don't be…. God will….

Eight years ago this week in January, my family and I were moving in to our new home in New Castle, Indiana. It was in the midst of downright frigid, subfreezing (if not subhuman) weather that I remember the movers from New Jersey unloaded the truck while whipping winds walloped anyone exposed to the external elements of that wintry day. And, if being subjected to that kind of "welcoming" environment wasn't enough, it was at the same time necessary to keep the front door open with the crosswind gusts rushing in, especially during the challenge of maneuvering our Steinway grand piano from the cold outside into the not-so-warm house inside.

 
 

We were trying hard as we could to help effect our move into the new place expeditiously, but it was all too easy to become overwhelmed by the seeming immensity of the task remaining before us. I marveled then at the tenacity of the workers doing the work of helping relocate a large family of eight in the bleak midwinter of the Midwest.

 
 

From the time of the kings of old in ancient Israel, there comes to mind a verse which the Spirit brings for my continued reflection in the Word this month.

 
 

"Don't be frightened by the size of the task. Be strong and courageous and get to work for the Lord my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28:20 (TLB/NRS)

 
 

These were words from King David speaking to his son Solomon who would be the king presiding over the building of the temple in Israel. The plans for the task at hand were vastly enormous! So many grand and intricate details and logistics to comprehend and oversee were to be passed on from one generation to another that the next mighty moments in Israel's worship of the Lord their God would be manifested, embodied in the building of a temple for the majesty and glory of God to be known and witnessed all the more into the future.

 
 

This is not unlike what some may be facing in our own day and time of these latter days. Even as the wisdom given from on high to King Solomon came to bear upon the way of building the temple for the Lord God almighty in the ancient days of Israel, the writer in Ephesians (5:16) exhorts anew the reader and hearer of the New Testament to wisely make "the most of the time, because the days are evil."

 
 

Beloved, this is indeed no time to minimize our pledge to the gracious and almighty Lord our God, of whom it is said by James (1:5) that to those needing wisdom who ask God, "gives generously to all without finding fault."

 
 

The Lord Jehovah Jireh our God is always and for ever our provider. The Lord will provide for everything we need in order to accomplish the task given us in these days. He's at our side until every last detail is completed. Will we act faithfully in a way "worthy of the calling [we] have received" (Ephesians 4:1) by renewing our pledge to Christ and his church? As the Word is proclaimed in Revelation (4:11, 5:12), he is worthy to receive all glory, honor, blessing, and power.

 
 

In a loud voice they sang:"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

 
 

Courageously yours in Christ,

Pastor Rex

Revive Epiphany II Evening Service of Prayer and Praise on Wednesday 16 January 2013

PREPARATION

O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your glory is proclaimed in all the world. From Where the Sun Rises

One or more of the following is said or sung:

this or another prayer of thanksgiving

Blessed are you, Sovereign God,
our light and our salvation,
to you be glory and praise for ever.
You gave your Christ as a light to the nations,
and through the anointing of the Spirit
you established us as a royal priesthood.
As you call us into your marvelous light,
may our lives bear witness to your truth
and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.             Hope of the Nations


O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name!
Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,
high on his heart he will bear it for thee,
comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
Fear not to enter his courts in the slendernessof the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:
truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.
These though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,
he will accept for the name that is dear;mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,
trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name!        J S B Monsell

This opening prayer may be said

That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful,
let us pray with one heart and mind.

Silence is kept.

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.                Every Time That We Are Gathered


Refrain:    You created all things, O God,
and are worthy of our praise for ever.

 
You are worthy, our Lord and God, •
to receive glory and honour and power. (Refrain)


 
For you have created all things, •
and by your will they have their being. (Refrain)


 
You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain, •
and by your blood you ransomed for God
saints from every tribe and language and nation. (Refrain)


 
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests
serving our God, •
and they will reign with you on earth. (Refrain)

Revelation 4.11; 5.9b, 10

To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb •
be blessing and honour and glory and might,
for ever and ever. Amen.

 
You created all things, O God,
and are worthy of our praise for ever.          Above All Others


 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

These scriptural verses are to be used throughout the time

after Epiphany (from the Baptism of the Lord through the

Transfiguration of the Lord) as a repeating, seasonal "envelope"

around the Prayer of Confession for the day.

Though darkness covers the earth,             Isa. 60:2
and thick darkness the peoples;
the Lord will arise; God's glory will appear.

 
That this evening may be holy, good and peaceful:
we pray to you, O Lord.

 
That your holy angels may lead us in the paths of peace
and goodwill:
we pray to you, O Lord.

 
That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offences:
we pray to you, O Lord.

 
That there may be peace in your Church and for the whole world:
we pray to you, O Lord.

 
That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit,
in communion with all your saints,
entrusting one another and all our life to Christ:
we pray to you, O Lord.

 
Arise, shine; for your light has come!             Isa. 60:1
The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

 
Almighty and ever-living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth,
hear our prayers for this congregation and community.
Strengthen the faithful,
arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.
Grant us all things necessary for our common life,
and bring us all to be of one heart and mind
within your holy church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


 

The Response here may be sung after each of the following petitions:

"O Lord, Hear My Prayer… when I call, answer me… Come and listen to me."

 
In peace, let us pray to Jesus our Lord,
who ever lives to make intercession for us.

 
Savior of the world,
be present in all places of suffering, violence and pain,
and bring hope even in the darkest night.
Inspire us to continue your work of reconciliation today. R


 
Lord of the Church,
empower by your Spirit all Christian people,
and the work of your Church in every land.
Give us grace to proclaim the gospel joyfully in word and deed. R


 
Shepherd and Guardian of our souls,
guide and enable all who lead and serve this community
and those on whom we depend for our daily needs.
Grant that we may seek the peace and welfare of this place. R


 
Great Physician,
stretch out your hand to bring comfort, wholeness and peace
to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
Fill us with compassion, that we may be channels of
your healing love. R


 
Conqueror of death,
remember for good those whom we love but see no longer.
Help us to live this day in the sure and certain hope of
your eternal victory. R


 
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

 

Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.

The Collect and Lord's Prayer follow.

 

AN EVENING COLLECT

Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray,
and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night,
for the love of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

 

THE LORD'S PRAYER

 

From Where The Sun Rises

• Graham Kendrick
  
• Make Way Music

 
Hope Of The Nations

• Brian Doerksen
  
• Integrity's Hosanna! Music

Every Time That We Are Gathered

• Denise Graves
  
• Maranatha Praise, Inc.
• Word Music, LLC

Above All Others

• Craig Musseau
• Mercy / Vineyard Publishing
• Vineyard Songs Canada

O Lord, Hear My Prayer

• Jacques Berthier
• Taizé (France)

http://daily.commonworship.com/prayers/prayers.html

http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/morneve/morning-and-evening-prayer-in-seasonal-time/epepiphany.aspx

http://www.thepresbyterianleader.com/Content/Site116/Basics/56990BookofOcca_00000010726.pdf

http://bookoforder.info/Book-of-Common-Worship.pdf

I will… smile

As I recently shared in reflection upon the smile of a dear saint's service of witness to the resurrection and the life, I was led to search for the word "smile" in various translations of the Holy Scriptures. One collection of three consecutive verses from the Bible caught my eye.

 
 

Job 9:25-27 (NIV1984)

^{25 "My days are swifter than a runner;}

    they fly away without a glimpse of joy.

^{26 They skim past like boats of papyrus,}

    like eagles swooping down on their prey.

^{27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint,}

    I will change my expression, and smile,'

 
 

Here, the Old Testament character of Job presents us with one whose relationship with God is replete with conversations which depict the height and depth of human suffering for one whose plight in life is faced with challenges that strain much of his dialogue with the very Lord of the universe.

 
 

As swiftly passing by the days of life may run their course, seemingly flying away without even as much as a glimpse of joy, skimming past like fleeting boats of papyrus as Scripture tells us, not unlike eagles swooping down upon their targeted prey below, we are presented with a choice in the wake of this Advent season of Thanksgiving and Christmas following into the New Year ahead. We are given occasion to choose what kind of attitude we may respond with whatever life may bring our way. Come what may, we can adapt in the midst of our situation(s) by deciding to adopt an attitude of gratitude, or give in to griping, begrudging and complaining.

 
 

Despite the potentially debilitating predicament of Job in the Bible by which he could have easily denounced with deep despair his sordid, sobering situation in utter despondency, he instead gives remarkable consideration to saying, "I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile"! :) While the rest of the passage provides greater context for this statement in which we find Job in further ruminations, lamenting his sorry state of late, the chapter ends with a telling turn of phrase from another translation.

 
 

Job 9:33, 35
(NLT)

^{33 If only there were a mediator between us,}

    someone who could bring us together.

^{35 Then I could speak to him without fear,}

    but I cannot do that in my own strength.

 
 

The Scriptures of the New Testament tell us that we have indeed been given a mediator in Jesus Christ. In the apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy (2:5) we read, "there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus" whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. The book of Hebrews (9:15; 12:24) refers to Christ as "the mediator of a new covenant". Jesus himself embodies the love of God that drives out all fear as expressed so affectionately in the Johannine accounts (John 3:16) and letters (1 John 4:8,18). Because of Jesus the Christ, we can have close conversation with God in prayer without being afraid as we approach the throne of grace. But, as Job points out, we cannot do this in our own strength. Only by grace can we do so. As Paul wrote to the Philippians (4:13 CEV), "Christ gives [us] the strength to face anything."

 
 

My hope and prayer for you and yours, and for all of us in this New Year in the Lord, is that God would gift us with renewed capacity of strength imbued upon us in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Blessed with certain temerity of resolve and determination toward the better future God has in mind for us, may we forge ahead into the New Year knowing that God is smiling on us with wisdom and favor from on high.

 
 

Numbers 6:24-26

The Message (MSG)

^{24 God bless you and keep you,}

^{25 God smile on you and gift you,}

^{26 God look you full in the face}

    and make you prosper.

 
 

Pastor Rex

Of Christ in Christmas: In the Garden of Eden, God Planted the Seed

'Twas the week before Christmas but nobody knew,

No stockings, no ornaments, no gifts or good news.

All the world had lost hope; all the people felt fear.

Now listen; I'll tell you why Christmas came here.

Has your heart ever had a big secret to share?

A surprise no one knew that you planned with much care?

Did it tickle your tummy? Were you so excited?

God, too, has a mystery; and we're each invited.

From long, long ago our God knew what we'd need;

In the Garden of Eden, He planted the seed.

Like a scavenger hunt, He left hints through the years

How to find His great gift, Who was soon to be here.

(the Narrator in What God Wants For Christmas excerpted from FamilyLife)

 
 

Around Christmastime, one of the rituals in which our family has participated in years past was that of opening up our storage boxes containing Christmas tree ornaments. We would take things out of their containers and then consider out loud together how we might specifically trim the tree for the occasion at hand. We would at times set the scene beforehand and build the experience up as a great and wonderful adventure to unearth things from the past. What wonders we might find in the vast numbers of various possibilities of trimmings awaiting for us to rediscover amidst the sea of boxes large and small all spread out across the living room floor!

 
 

While our practice of this yuletide rite may seem simple and ordinary enough to reenact, there was for us in this blessed event a special aspect that served as an opportunity for us to be drawn closer to one another in Christ at Christmas. In this case, it involved not only the physical task of finding and putting the various ornaments in place upon the tree, but the mental, spiritual and emotional exercise of remembering the significance of each piece and its association with a particular treasured memory in our common journey(s) of faith together.

 
 

One remembrance comes to mind of a Christmas prior to our having children when we as a couple had but only a few ornaments to choose from. Among the precious items laid out on our apartment's beautiful hardwood floor was a Christmas tree ornament from a previous trip to a place out west where we had spent some time by the ocean. Melissa and I loved to walk along various coastlines and visit lighthouses by the sea. It was on one of these our earlier travels when we discovered she was bearing the first seed of our blessed union. Little did we know, that seed would be the first of six blessings for us to bless others with from above.

 
 

I was recently asked why it is that in our annual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols we first include narrative readings from near the beginning of the Old Testament book of Genesis—the account of Adam and Eve. My initial response was that according to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus Christ is referred to in the New Testament as the second Adam. That is, "Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come," (Romans 5:14) however sinned; whereas Christ, who was, and is, and is yet to come again, instead obeyed. As we may read further in Paul's letter to the saints in Rome:

 
 

"Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life.

Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight."

Romans 5:18-19 (NLT)

 
 

Along with my first responsive inclination, Jesus is also referred to at the beginning of the Bible as the seed of the woman, Eve when God addresses the serpent:

 
 

"And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed ; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel." Genesis 3:15 (NAS)

 
 

Because of both the first and second Adam, and especially God's seed of the woman, Eve in Christ who sets us free from sin and the enemy of our souls, we beloved are delivered to be "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" from above (John 1:13). Jesus, God's Seed of Christ in Christmas celebrates us as God's own dearly loved ones, even as we celebrate the Christ child at Christmas. May the truth and reality of our spiritual identity be made more so evident for you and yours this Christmas.

 
 

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Rex

New Castle Courier Times | Roland Selke

Sunday, October 21, 2012 Roland Selke Sunday, October 21, 2012 Roland Selke, 98, died peacefully Oct. 20, 2012, leaving deep sadness along with wonderful memories for his beloved wife, devoted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and so many others whom he loved and mentored. He was born July 4, 1914, in Cincinnati, a son of Chris and Julia Selke. He had two younger sisters and a brother, also deceased. Roland grew up in New Castle during the Great Depression. At a young age he learned the value of hard work, family, helping others and being resourceful and practical as well as appreciating life's simple pleasures. After graduating from high school, Roland received a partial scholarship from his church to attend Hanover College. He studied math and the sciences and played on the college's football team. It was during a weekend home from college - sporting a broken arm from a football injury -- that he and some friends appeared uninvited at a girls' gathering. There he met Waneta La Mar, his life love and partner. From that point on they built a relationship which carried them through the joys and struggles of the Depression, World War II, raising their family and growing old together. They were married in 1937 in the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle where Roland later served as a Deacon and Elder. He and Waneta established an ongoing fund through the church which provides disadvantaged youth the opportunity to participate in extracurricular and enrichment programs. Roland was loyal to the church and devout in his beliefs, which he showed through example in the way he lived his life - always faithful, selfless, kind and forgiving. Roland was employed 37 years at Chrysler Corp. in New Castle as a tool and die designer. He was chairman of the Die Sinker Apprentice program at Chrysler. During World War II, he worked in Los Angeles for ALCOA designing aircraft parts. Roland was a man of many talents. He could build, repair and refurbish most anything. He particularly enjoyed restoring classic cars and collecting and refinishing antique furniture and clocks. He enjoyed sports, music, singing and dancing and once won a Charleston contest at Coney Island in Cincinnati. He and his wife were dance partners well into their 90s. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary just a week ago on Oct. 13. His memberships included the Twenty/Thirty Club in Los Angeles and, in New Castle, the Elks Club, Community Foundation and First Presbyterian Church. Roland believed that his purpose was to provide for others, particularly his family. He designed and with his own hands, built the home in which his family found joy and comfort for 48 years. He was especially proud of the comforts and security he gave his wife and the college educations he made possible for his daughters "without a bank loan." Throughout his long life, Roland demonstrated his compassion, gentleness and strength to everyone he met. No one was a stranger. He greeted those he knew with a hug or handshake and was quick to notice where there was a need. He always was anxious to reach out to help anyone regardless of race, social or economic status or life circumstance by providing encouragement, prayer, a meal, transportation or financial assistance. Roland was the patriarch of the family -- the rock upon which each could rely. The family feels blessed to have had him in their lives. Included are wife Waneta, to whom Roland was completely devoted; his grateful daughters, Diane Robbin of Chapel Hill, N.C. and Susan Nuss of Zionsville; sons-in-law, David Robbin and Bill Nuss; grandchildren (to whom he was "Boompa") Scott Starbuck, Margot Starbuck, Jeff Lantz, Jennifer Moyers and their spouses and great grandchildren, Teague, Ethan, Zoe, Rollie, Abhi, Evan, Mason, Eli, Cash, Eliana and Katriel. He sacrificed to better the lives of his family and was proud of each of them. He will live on in spirit and inspiration through them. Among their favorite memories are summers at Lake Wawasee, sharing popcorn and chocolate sundaes, holiday traditions, family celebrations, singing in church, dancing, his sweet blue eyes and his mischievous smile. He taught many life lessons and what is important in becoming a good person. The family is most appreciative of the personal care, affection, humor and security that their "angel" and Roland's granddaughter, Jennifer Moyers, gave him over his last several years. She lovingly stepped into the role of caregiver allowing Roland and her grandmother Waneta to have the joy and dignity of remaining comfortable and independent. "Fortunate is the man who loves and is loved." Services will be noon Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Mar Fund at the First Presbyterian Church, Big Brothers/Sisters of Greater Indianapolis, and Smile Train with envelopes available at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. A celebration of Roland's life will also be held at Marquette Retirement Living in Indianapolis at a later date. You may express condolences or share a memory at Roland at www.hinsey-brown.com. Oct. 20, 2012 Related Links:

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Fall Into Love With Jesus

Fall Into Love With Jesus

Thursday, October 18, 2012

One of the prevailing habits characteristic of my prayer life is what I sometimes refer to as "drive-by prayers". Having lived in semi-suburban neighborhoods not too far from inner-city urban U.S. metropolitan areas during my childhood, I grew up hearing reports of "drive-by shootings" in places such as greater L.A. and other densely populated sections of our nation. Rather than dwelling on the negative images associated with those incidents of violence, promoting a positive [re]appropriation of the term(s) became for me a way of participating in the spiritual transformation and ministry of reconciliation that I am called to as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Just recently, I again found myself praying (with my eyes wide open, of course) while driving on the highway as I passed by a number of different residences, businesses and churches along the way into town. As I lifted them up to the Lord, asking for God's blessings upon one place of work, home and/or congregation after another, I came across a sign that caught my eye as the Spirit stirred my heart and soul. It read, "Fall into Love with Jesus".

With the leaves on the trees turning in this season of transition toward winter, the lush foliage of autumn colors spreading across the luscious landscape of the midwest is filled with opportunity for experiencing the wonder and awe of God's creation. It is a time in which we can indeed once more for the first time fall into love with Jesus all over and over again and again. Visions of children brushing upon mounds of fallen frond-like laden unfallowed ground come to mind, covering the once greener grass of the past spring into summer last.

We are blessed beloved to be able to behold and appreciate the grandeur of our Lord in the splendor of God's majesty attested to by the entire universe and in nature all around us. The very heavens and earth surrounding us elicit a response of gratitude and praise to Almighty God Who is worthy above all to receive blessing, glory, honor and power. As David proclaimed in the Psalms (19:1a), "The heavens declare the glory of God!"

As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving dinners and other holiday festivities in this season of harvest time, we remember the blessed inheritance bestowed upon us in Christ through generations of saints before us. Members of the body of believers throughout all time and space remain in our collective memories as we may observe All Hallows' Evening on the eve of All Saints' Day. And we commemorate our continued traditions by re-appropriating them in service and sharing the blessings of our communal bounty in the spirit of God's love for others among us in time of need.

In this regard, we give thanks and praise to God once again for the mission and ministry of members effected through the efforts expended in holding our recent semiannual community rummage sale. Would you join me along with others also called by grace through faith in "shouting out" "drive-by prayers" of blessings of God's love showered upon nearby neighbors for the common good of all in our community? Will you prayerfully consider serving in a soup kitchen or helping stock up a food pantry in the coming weeks? Might each of us greet and pay a friendly visit with our neighbor's household or invite another family into our home for some refreshment and conversation? Could we in the process discover ourselves falling into love with Jesus in one another's lives all over again?

May it be so in this season of faith in Christ's love for the world, without end, Amen.

Pastor Rex