GroshLink

On Tuesday, August 31, we will gather friends from Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA, http://www.cmda.org) to hear Scott Boyles, CMDA's Northeast Regional Director. Scott will present on "Connecting along the Journey."

Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (PSU-CMS), Noon, PSU Hershey Medical Center, Room 1847. If you're not regularly involved in lunch lectures, please RSVP to me.

CMDA South Central PA, 7pm. Acorn Farms, 3141 Mount Joy Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552. RSVP to me.

Scott's looking forward to connecting with as many CMDA members as possible with the goal of hearing how things are going for you and sharing an update about CMDA, especially a slightly new direction for Campus and Community ministries — the grassroots ministry arm of CMDA. If you're part of the CMDA mix (or desire to become a part of it), I encourage you to make every effort to come out.

Last Thursday night's singing at Allegheny Mennonite Meetinghouse provided a unique opportunity for Amish participants.  This morning, they'll either be worshipping with other families at a farm or with their own family in their home (i.e., if it's an off week for their district).  Their several hour district gathering focuses upon preaching from the Word.* At the singing time, songs were offered/announced and then led by the leaders sitting at the table in the center of the meetinghouse (note:  rows were set-up on three sides of the table and a bench against the wall which served as the 'front.'  I'll look for a picture on meetinghouse layout). 

Typically only the first two of many verses were sung.  As there was no music for most of the songs (and no accompaniment, setting of the pitch by pipe, or 'going over the tune'), my best guess (if it wasn't a 'Gospel' tune) came during the second verse.  Some songs had a slower Amish version, similar to a Gregorian Chant.  These were requested after the first two verses.  Many times only the Amish sung these verses.  Line singing was tried several times, but didn't have much success.  More verses were sung of "popular" songs with a lead out after the given before the offering of the next song.  Sometimes particular later verses with special meaning were chosen.  Note:  Interested in samples of this style of singing? Click here.

At various times, respected members of the communities shared thougths regarding various songs.  Toward the end of the meeting, John Ruth was asked to share the Anabaptist story through the lens of his recent travels to Europe.  More coming. ...

*Note:  Interested in learning a little bit more? Visit http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Religious_Services.asp.

On Thursday, I picked up some Amish for a night of acapella Ausband singing at the Allegheny Mennonite Meetinghouse.  It was a long drive from the Oxford, PA, area, for them to be with some of their Mennonite friends [particularly from Franconia Mennonite Conference (Mennonite Church USA)], but they didn't want to miss the opportunity for this annual event.*

Sitting among and hearing the songs of these brothers and sisters in Christ brought forth a beautiful vision of the countercultural nature of the Kingdom of God.  And I really enjoyed the rich travel conversation regarding daily life and the laughter over some English-PA Dutch cross cultural encounters (including language slips).  What a way to cap off several days engaged in "Theology of the Church" (Brethren in Christ Core Class). 

Hoping for future opportunities to serve the Amish culture, maybe in relationship to the work at PSU-Hershey.  You might find of interest that I was picking up the tunes and the pronunciation -- at least that was what I was told by an "English" neighbor."  Will this inspire me to return to learning German (or PA Dutch)?   More reflections on the evening and thoughts regarding the Amish coming.

*Note:  Interested in samples of this style of singing? Click here.

Note: resonse to a final exam essay question for "Theology of the Church."  You may note it's hurried pace and it's need for refinement.  Please feel free to comment and make suggestions.  It was written in 1 hour with attention given to drawing in references from the class readings.  As I mentioned on Facebook here/there, I didn't have time to include Facebook, blogging, sharing herbs (herbal recipes), and being part of the local fair -- let alone the Christian Scholar Series ;-) 

Why do many of us, even in the heart-land of Lancaster County Anabaptist hospitality, yearn for more genuine community in our local congregation? How do we criticize and energize our local congregations as we engage busy schedules which lack reference to our call to be the people of God?

When considering larger questions, it is important to remember who we are as the people of God, i.e., return to what we have come to know by relationship to God the Father, Son, and Spirit through the Word, Presence, and Body of Christ working out through history. In "Theology of the Church," Terry Brensinger drew attention to the three core characteristics of the people of God which extend through the whole Biblical story and receive full incarnation in the person of Christ, i.e., righteousness, compassion, and worship.

The local congregation is an assembly of the people of God in particular place dwells in, wrestles with, and embraces the larger story of the people of God. Below are some thoughts regarding the building of more genuine community through righteousness, compassion, and worship.  (More)

A friend passed along this encouragement to me.

Nothing is lovelier in life, than the spirit of contentment. Fretting mars the beauty of many a face. Discontent spoils all one's world. Out of whatever window he looks--the discontented person sees something that is not pleasing.

But a contented person sees only good everywhere. The happiest homes in the world are not those in which are the finest carpets, the costliest pictures, the most luxurious furniture -- but those in which contented, joyful hearts dwell. A mind at peace, beautifies the plainest surroundings and even the hardest conditions.  Saint Paul was in a prison when he wrote: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.” The secret was in himself. -- James Russell Miller. Counsel and Help (1907). http://lesson-love.jr-miller.com/2-things-that-are-lovely-3.html.

I am unfamiliar with the author/book.  According to wikipedia, James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 – July 2, 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.  FYI:  I noticed an error in the wikipedia page.  It links to trivia on Charles Monroe Sheldon's In His Steps (note: this link takes you to google books) instead of the earlier In His Steps published by Miller.  The two versions have a different purpose and style of writing.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

A friend passed along this encouragement to me.

Nothing is lovelier in life, than the spirit of contentment. Fretting mars the beauty of many a face. Discontent spoils all one's world. Out of whatever window he looks--the discontented person sees something that is not pleasing.

But a contented person sees only good everywhere. The happiest homes in the world are not those in which are the finest carpets, the costliest pictures, the most luxurious furniture -- but those in which contented, joyful hearts dwell. A mind at peace, beautifies the plainest surroundings and even the hardest conditions.  Saint Paul was in a prison when he wrote: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.” The secret was in himself. -- James Russell Miller. Counsel and Help (1907). http://lesson-love.jr-miller.com/2-things-that-are-lovely-3.html.

I am unfamiliar with the author/book.  According to wikipedia, James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 – July 2, 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.  FYI:  I noticed an error in the wikipedia page.  It links to trivia on Charles Monroe Sheldon's In His Steps (note: this link takes you to google books) instead of the earlier In His Steps published by Miller.  The two versions have a different purpose and style of writing.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situat

A faculty friend recently reminded me not to loose sight of God's resources when discipling students on campus.  Maybe I should find some volunteers to help me start a community garden and cooking/canning classes in 2011 ;-)  Lancaster County, PA, is definitely the place for this education!

But discipleship training would need to include teaching on supporting ourselves from God's resources where we live, so we wouldn't be dependent on stuff sent from China to Walmart.  The Mennonites and others do better at raising enough to store away or freeze for the coming year and developing recipes that are inexpensive yet with good nutritional value with grains, beans, etc.  The first step is to get off addiction to expensive fast foods and mcdonalds type stuff ... less expensive clothing from thrift stores ... and more walking (many students at my college drive five blocks to class).

PS.  Check-out the various cookbooks posted by the Mennonite Central Committee.

A faculty friend recently shared with me this story about a student from class

He quit his high school youth group when they called him an atheist for asking questions.  Most students quit the church sometime during high school.  Maybe they had good feelings about their youth group and perhaps say they "love the Lord", but their minds are left empty.  Some turn to philosophy classes in college, hoping to find a way to the truth that their  youth group never provided.

When Francis Schaeffer was teaching at L'Abri, many students came there who were disillusioned with what the empty or absent teachings  in their churches, and their shallow christian colleges.  There has to be a place where students can ask any questions without confronting a judgmental spirit, find those willing to listen, and work through these questions (assuming they're mostly honest).

What do you think about my friend's comments?

Join me in prayer for

1. the student mentioned above and the many others who journey through high school, college, and young adulthood.
2. followers of Christ in education (teachers, students, administrators, etc), the home (i.e., parents), community, youth groups, campuses ministries, and local congregations as we enter a new academic year.  Pray for us to truly lean upon, embody, point to, and proclaim the Way, Truth, Life. 

If you desire to connect and/or have me speak regarding these concerns, drop me an email.  For some of my thoughts/material visit Next steps for Next Steps.

Praise God for the strong launch of Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (PSU-CMS).  About half of the 55 students at our first Tuesday lunch gathering (2nd day of classes) were first year students.  We even had a few first year grad students in the mix with the medical students.  Can't wait until the next class of nursing students arrive!

Several of the students we had connected with ahead of time in person (when they visited campus or students knew one-another from undergrad; for example 3 Eastern Alum, 3 Wheaten College Alum, 4 Messiah College Alum, 7 Grove City College Alum are involved in our fellowship*) or over the internet.  But for the most part students came due to chalk board announcements in the first year Anatomy and Physiology class.

Hayley and I enjoyed hanging out with twenty from PSU-Hershey at Saturday's games night! What a way to kick off a year, I chatted with students over dessert for over an hour before the Chapter President gathered everyone together for introductions/games. We went around the room sharing "What's the most dangerous thing you've ever done?" My response: "Getting married," followed by "having kids." Led to a good conversation in the car with the daughter who had joined me for the evening. Second Question, "What's your biggest pet peeve?"  My response:  When the computer shuts down for some reason while I'm in the middle of writing a blog post.  Good thing that there is an autosave feature :-)

Pray for another strong turnout on Tuesday when the physician who joined our Dominican Republic Spring Break Trip speaks at lunch lecture, followed by frisbee in the evening.  In addition, pray for continued growth in the development of a Health Care Professionals Network in South Central PA which will reach out to area hospitals and minister to 3rd Year Students on rotation along with new residents (i.e., those who have just graduated from Medical School and in the mentoring process).

Upcoming Event: On Tuesday, August 31, we will gather CMDA (http://www.cmda.org) friends together to hear Scott Boyles, CMDA's Northeast Regional Director. Scott will present on "Connecting along the Journey."

Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (PSU-CMS), Noon, PSU Hershey Medical Center, Room 1847. If you're not regularly involved in lunch lectures, please RSVP to me.

CMDA South Central PA, 7pm. Acorn Farms, 3141 Mount Joy Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552. RSVP to me.

*I should take survey on alma maters represented in the fellowship.  Other schools which come to mind include Bucknell, Cedarville, McMaster, Millersville, Mt. Holyoke, Northwestern, Penn State, Stony Brook, Temple, Virginia Tech, William & Mary.

Don't ask me how Theresa had the time to email her thoughts on "The Art of the Apology" to Thursday morning's Smart Talk.  But as it's a topic she has a passion for, she did. Follow the link, http://witf.org/news/smart-talk/4657-art-of-the-apology-. Listen to however much you desire to, but her email is read at ~17:20 with affirming comments afterward. Way to go Theresa!

Since the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) Mtgs in Washington, D.C., there has been a steady stream of ministry:  speaking with Young Adults at Roxbury Holiness Camp, launch of Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (PSU CMS), InterVarsity's Mid-Atlantic Undergrad Region's Staff Conference, and preparation for fall activities.

By God's grace, the family has not been lost in this blur of activity.  In particular, we all enjoyed the special treat of some aspect of InterVarsity's Mid-Atlantic Undergrad Region's Staff Conference and PSU CMS. Pray for us to keep on track during a busy month* which culminates with the beginning of a new school year.  Note:  Eden can't wait for Kindergarten, pray that this keeps up and Eden enjoys the Open House!

PS.  More specific updates on these various endeavors as time permits, some items probably won't 'come across your screen' until September :-0

*Theresa takes the twins to the beach next week, PSU CMS has a number of activities for first year students, our family makes a run to visit friends in Pittsburgh (if you're in the Pittsburgh area, please drop us a line to see if we can connect while we're in town), Tom takes a class on "The Church," we gather CMDA friends together on August 31.