The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1449492
The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, Feburar y 9, 2022 D-3 PAWS WEEK PAWS WEEK Pet of the LIZ Blessed are those who love puppies, for they shall never be lonely. This week PAWS is fea- turing a sweet young pup named Liz, who is about as rambunctious as they come, and can always be seen tugging on her sis- ters tail or playing tug of war with her chew toys. She is a chubby brown ball of fur, who loves everyone she comes in contact with. Liz and her sister Lil were found abandoned by their mom, but are both eating well, and seem to be thriv- ing since their arrival at PAWS. They are approxi- mately seven weeks old and can be adopted by calling 812-354-9894. "For what saith the Scrip- ture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted un- to him for righteousness. "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righ- teousness" (Romans 4:3-5). This just a thought. I wonder how many idled mobile gen- erators there like mine full of rotten gas in the tank. It is something we don't give any thought to. Mr. Phil came out and went back in because he seen his shadow. If you believe in his prognostication we still have some bad weather coming. I hope this wrong because I have had enough. I hope an- other ground hog predict- ed another forecast. I'm not a ground hog but February has always been a month of surprises as the weather in this month has always been un-predictable. So much for my weather forecasting. One of my friends took a picture of the icicles hang- ing to the top of the trees. I noticed the icicles hanging up high in the trees at our house and I can't help but think how blessed we were that we didn't have a tree or two down from the ice. Bless- ings come from God and He has often spared us from di- sastrous possibilities. His hand has definitely been up- on us. There have been bad things happen as well but ev- erything considered He has helped us lots more than we give tribute and honor to Him for. The parking lot at Cup Creek General Baptist is iced over so they have decided to not hold services this week. I feel like I miss a part of me whenever we have to close our services. I feel blessed to feel this way, because it sort of keeps you in check. There was a time I thought the church ceiling would fall in if I went to church, but thet only thing that happened was I had a good time. When I was a child I tried to go to Sunday school but seldom to worship service. I grew older and got to having no time for God until I had a family of my own. Then worship became more important because I wanted them to have a rela- tionship with God. They ar- en't in church now, but most of the things we have tried to teach them has remained. I sometimes get them to go with me on Father's Day. Poor guys they have gotten our bad traits as well as our good so there is hope. This is a morbid thought starting out and then be- comes one that maybe more of us need to think about. I have always compared my life to the lives of my family before me. I have had some die young, while some have lived long lives. It has been on my mind for awhile how long will I live. This has been a waste of time because I am Lowell Thomas and not someone else. I have my own problems and I deal with them as well as I can. My likes and dislikes are defi- nitely different and as such I am an individual who has a life of my own. So I must live and be as the Lord has creat- ed me to be and to live as the individual I am. Oh well, enough of my silli- ness let us go out and be the blessing we can be to others. Talk again later in a week. MINUTES RAMBLINGS Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 POINTS Continued from page 1 been the response from ma- ny governors. Yet many na- tionally recognized public of- ficials and celebrities, while demanding strict adherence to COVID polices by citizens, have been caught flaunting said rules. Here in Indiana, all 92 counties are in the red, which means a high trans- mission rate. Conversely, many states, including Mis- souri, have similar transition rates and concerns. You may recall, during last year's lockdowns, atten- dance at sporting venues was severely restricted. You saw cardboard cut outs in the stands and heard piped-in fan noise on televised events. Last year only 17,000 fans, about 1/3 stadium capacity, were allowed inside Arrow- head Stadium in Kansas City to watch the AFC title bout between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, and face masks were required. This year, with COVID rates soaring, over 70,000 scream- ing fans wearing no masks watched the title game. This year's Superbowl will be played in Los Angeles at So- Fi Stadium without need of cardboard cutouts or piped in cheers. Los Angeles' COVID numbers are soaring, but the show must go on to a capacity crowd of over 70,00. To calm a growing agitated populace, the government has decreed, let the games begin. How is that for getting back to nor- mal? When the pandemic be- gan, most churches re- sponded and closed, pre- venting millions of the faith- ful from attending church. Most church leaders felt this was the right thing to do under the circumstanc- es, because "do no harm" is our motto. But as they eased the restriction, church at- tendance did not rebound. Pastors watched in exasper- ation as parishioners who would not attend church be- cause of COVID, had no hesi- tation in frequenting their fa- vorite restaurant, attend ball games, movies, shop for gro- ceries and take vacations. While sporting venue atten- dance is up, attendance at Sunday worship services is still lagging far behind pre- COVID numbers. It must be safer to attend sporting events than a church, where the front pews are always open. Barna Group, a research firm that studies faith in the U.S., estimates that in-per- son church attendance is roughly 30 -to-50 percent lower than it was before the pandemic. Volunteers are not returning in large numbers. Many church ministries are in danger of folding for lack of volunteers. Pastors and church leaders are being advised by church develop- ment experts, not to expect attendance to rebound to pre-COVID numbers. What you are experiencing is your new normal to work with, we are told. How will this play out? The ball team of a certain city produced a terrific re- cord. The owner talked to himself: "What can I do? Fans are ecstatic. My stadi- um isn't big enough to hold all the fans." Then he said, "Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down the nearby church be- cause I need more parking and besides, no one hard- ly attends there anyway, be- cause people are too interest- ed in sports instead of their soul. I'll build a bigger stadi- um to hold all the people. I'll get these games broadcasted on T V and satellite and cable seven days a week so every- one can watch and stay home from church. I'll have a win- ning season and gather all the fans together in one spot for a championship game. A fter the game is over, I'll collect my trophy and count my billions and I'll say to myself, "Self, you've done well! " You've got it made in the shade. Build a bigger sta- dium for next year, and they will come." Just then, God showed up at the stadium and an- nounced to the crowd, "I nev- er knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." 8-5 Pentecostal Nazarene Presbyterian Wesleyan Methodist SPURGEON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 11505 N. Hwy. 61 Spurgeon Pastor Cell 812-202- 8903 or church office 812-922-8215 Church service 9 a.m.; Fri- day Bible study at 1 p.m. "Our citizenship is in heav- en. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Je- sus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). The reality that our "citizen- ship is in heaven" changes ev- erything, including what we hope for and how we live. That hope is fortified by the knowl- edge that with every passing day, we're indeed one day clos- er to Jesus' return. What are some of the things you hope for in this world? How do you think your hope in Jesus influences and affects the earthly things you long and hope for? Father, thank You for the hope that I have in Jesus and in His return. When lesser hopes compete for my heart's affec- tion and attention, help me to lift my eyes to You—Amen. Josh Sanders, Pastor Sherry Julian, Reporter ALFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1709 E. SR. 356 Petersburg Sunday school scheduled the first Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship each week at 10 :30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and worship with us. Shane Springer, Pastor PETERSBURG FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 801 East Walnut Petersburg 812-354-6658 47567fumc@gmail.com Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world Worship service 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school 10 :45 a.m. and Wednesday evening Bible study at 6:30 p.m. We are also broadcasting our Sunday worship service live on Facebook at Peters- burg First United Methodist Church. "O God, you are my God I shall seek You earnestly. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus, I have seen you in the sanctuary. To see Your power and Glory. Because your loving kindness is better than life my lips will praise you. So, I will Bless you as long as I live, I will lift up my hands in your name. My Soul is satisfied with marrow and fatness and my mouth offers praises with joy- ful lips" (Psalm 63:1-5). God Bless. Michael (Mike) Punke, Pastor RUMBLETOWN FREE METHODIST CHURCH 1485 N. St. Rd. 57 Petersburg Morning worship at 10 :30 a.m. The church is located south of Petersburg on State Road 57. David Mullis, Pastor Hope Barnett, Reporter OTWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH P.O. Box 146, 10041E. Washington Ave. Otwell 812-766-3344 Facebook: Otwell United Methodist Church and Jeff Pinney. Otwell United Methodist in- vites you to join us this Sun- day at 10 :30 a.m. as we wor- ship our Lord Jesus Christ; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m. "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach uni- ty in the faith and in the knowl- edge of the Son of God and be- come mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV ). Jeff Pinney, Pastor PETERSBURG FREE METHODIST CHURCH 202 Walnut Street We are back to normal, with the exception that we haven't opened our nursery yet. Normal weekly schedule is as follows: Sunday school starts at 9:30 a.m. with morn- ing worship at 10 :30 a.m.; Teen ministry on Sunday nights at 5 p.m.; Monday at 6 p.m. we have a time of prayer at the church; Wednesday night ministry is for potty trained preschoolers to teen from 6 -7 p.m. There is also an adult Bible study Wednesday at the same time. We will pro- vide transportation for chil- dren who need it on Wednes- day. Peace and joy in the Lord. Mark Schlechty, Pastor ALGIERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Highway 356, Petersburg Sunday school 9 a.m. and worship service 10 a.m. You are always welcome to join our friendly church and worship God with us. Mike Atkins, Pastor WHITE RIVER CHAPEL UMC 3555 W. SR 56 Bowman 812-582-8896 Sunday worship 9 a.m.; Sun- day school 10 :15 a.m. We are exploring the words in Philippians 4:4-9 and how they can help us thrive in cha- os. So many trials come into our lives and along with the business of life. These things can easily choke out the Life of God in us. But praise God, "But seek ye first the King- dom of God, and His righteous- ness; and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). What things will be added? God's order back into our lives— a peace that passes all under- standing—He is in control. Facebook: White River Chapel UMC, Jeff Pinney. Questions regarding church events, call 812-766 -3344 or mail to: 3555 West State Road 56, Petersburg, IN 47567. Jeff Pinney, Pastor PETERSBURG CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 118 West Pike Ave. Church 812-354-8851 Service times: Sunday at 10 :30 a.m. Praise and Worship service; 6 p.m. Bible study; Teen activities; Wednesday at 6 p.m. Bible study. Sunday morning service is available via transmitter. Pull in to the church parking lot and tune your radio to 104.3 FM and hear the service from the comfort of your car. Sunday morning services are available on our Facebook page—Petersburg Church of the Nazarene or look for us on YouTube. Visit our website www.petersburgnaz.com for additional information. We want to be a church meeting the needs of our com- munity. If the church can be of assistance to you, contact us at pastor@petersburgnaz. com. We hope you will join us WINSLOW NAZARENE CHURCH 106 W. Washington St. Winslow 989-941-7190 Love, Care, Serve, Share Sunday morning service at 10 :30 a.m. Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are welcome to connect with our church either in per- son or online. Facebook: Winslow Church of the Nazarene. YouTube: Winslow Naza- rene. Website: bit.ly/winslownaz. Irene's Food Pantry: Every third Saturday from 10 -11:30 a.m. Hope to see you soon. Corinna Williams, Report- er OAKLAND CITY FIRST PENTECOST Hwy. 64 East Sunday morning service 9:30 a.m. with children's Sun- day school during the minis- try of the Word; Wednesday and Sunday evening services are at 6 p.m. All services are CST (Gibson Co. times). We praise the Lord for the good services we have been having. Between the weather and sickness, we have been few in number, but the Spirit of God has graced us with His presence. For all you who are battling the different viruses that are going around, we pray the Fa- ther will send warring angels to minister to your bodies, In Jesus name—Amen. Ron Vickers, Pastor Elaine Young, Reporter, 812-749 -1122 (leave a mes- sage). MAIN STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10th and Main Streets, Petersburg 812-354-6844 Sunday worship 10 :30 a.m. Come visit us, our doors are always open to you. Lenten living Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 this year. Christians have observed this season of the church year since the fourth century. It's traditionally a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. During Lent, some Chris- tians give up something that hinders their relationship with God. Others do some- thing extra for their spiritu- al growth or make a special sacrifice. The key is to make Lent a memorable season of sincere spiritual growth — a time that can set the tone for the rest of the year. Office hours: 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. Amy Melhiser, Secretary OTWELL WESLEYAN CHURCH 2277 N. Mechanics Street Otwell Pastor 812.354.3028 Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; morning worship at 10 :30 a.m.; 6:30 p.m. Sunday eve- ning worship service. Reflecting on Valentine's Day "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" ( John 3:16, NIV ). True love is from God; it does not exist apart from Him. For a marriage to sur- vive, there must be true love in it. God must be the center of it. If God is at the center, then there is true love – a love that can never die. We can stop it from growing or choose to ig- nore it, but it will always be there. That love is what sus- tains and protects a marriage and family. Jesus said, "There- fore what God has joined to- gether, let no one separate" (Mark 10 :9 NIV ). And, as Je- sus later stated, "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NIV ). We invite all of you to come and worship with us. Roy Stilwell, Pastor Pam Lemond, Reporter Sunday as we celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Steve Hamilton, Pastor net edition pressdispatch.net/edition Web, Smartphone, Tablet Streamline the Headline! 812-354-8500 • 820 Poplar St., Petersburg, IN • ads@pressdispatch.net