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The Rev. Dr. Anita Herbert Senior Pastor

Bo Hamilton Parish Associate

William Bennett Director of Music

Ana Hill Interim Director of Children’s Ministry

Allison Bond Director of Youth & College Ministries

Cecelia Bond Financial Assistant

Julie McCormick Administrative Assistant

Jim Moore Organist

Walter Sadlak Sexton

Roy Gay Assistant Sexton

Connections: Hunter Harris (Chair) , Sandra Lindsay

Leo Lorenz, Samantha Smith Fellowship:

Harl Porter (Chair), Claudia Terranova, Claudette Young

Nurture: Diane Dunham (Chair), Sandra Otero

Service: John Franks (Chair), Joseph Friday, John Croft

Spiritual Growth: Sherry Roberts (Chair),

Daniel Selander, Robin Legare Support:

Sam Ferguson (Chair), Terry Simpson, Scott Wilson

Personnel/Finance: Jeff Bowers (Chair)

Worship: Debbie Lindsay (Chair), Candace Pratt,

Tim Owens Clerk of Session: Joseph Friday

SESSION STAFF

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US? Visit our website at: www.spcweb.org Facebook at @SummervillePres

3rd chronicles Summerville Presbyterian Church

407 S. Laurel Street, Summerville, SC 29483

Non-Profit

Organization U.S. Postage Paid

Summerville, SC 29483 Permit No. 43 Return Service Requested

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FROM THE PASTOR

Summerville Presbyterian Church

407 S. Laurel Street, Summerville, SC 29483 843-871-0280, www.spcweb.org

3rd chronicles MARCH 2020

Vol. XXIII, No. 3

During the months of January and February I preached on texts that helped us reflect on vision--seeing the world and our purpose in it from God’s perspective. The series was meant to be inspira-tional and to make the case for the importance of a church having a vision. Now we begin the work to define God’s vision for SPC, which will require much ongoing prayer, conversation and reflec-tion.

We can certainly speak about vision for the church in general terms, based on the scriptural directives we have received: to go and make disciples; to be Christ’s witnesses to the ends of the earth; to care for the “least of these” among us. I believe all churches are called to these functions. But I also believe each church must discover and live out a vision that is unique to them. It is unique because churches are made up of particular people and exist in a particular time and in a particular community.

In March, Session will begin a several months study of a book enti-tled Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger. Bolsinger names what most pastors and many congregations already know. The influence of the Christian church has declined, and ministering in today’s world is a whole lot different than it has been in the past. In short, we are entering uncharted territory as we attempt to engage a world that is dismissive, and in some cases hostile, to the message of the gospel. And most pastors and Christian leaders are realizing that the training we received is for a world that is quickly disappearing. The question then remains, how do we respond to these adaptive challenges of our day? If what got us here won’t take us there, then how might we “find the courage and develop the capacity for a new day”?

While the Session and pastors have a specific responsibility as spiritual leaders for guiding this process, one of our responsibilities is to invite the congregation to pray, discuss and reflect on these challenges and opportunities with us. This new day will require creative thinking, new ideas for ministries and new ways for people to get involved in those ministries. There are three ways we invite you to be engaged as we get started. 1) Consider getting your own copy of Canoeing the Mountains and reading along with us. Bolsinger is a good writer who uses the metaphor of the Lewis and Clark expedition as an analogy for his ideas. 2) Talk to un-churched neighbors and family members—what about the message or methodology of the church is not connecting with them? 3) Reflect on why you want SPC to be here 25 years from now and what are your dreams for the next generation of Christ’s disciples?

These are challenging times, but also exciting ones as well. We are invited by God to be a part of a new thing he is doing. So jump in the canoe and join with us! In Christ,

Anita

Table Of Contents

From the Pastor.……….....1 Worship……...…………..2-3 Grow……………....…...…4-5 Share…….………..…..….6-9 Care…...…………….…….10 Serve..………….…...…….11 Staff Listing....……….......12 Ministry Team Listing…..12

We are a Christ-centered church which values an open and friendly congregation that is dedicated to the spiritual growth of all God’s children and is called by God’s Spirit to serve our neighbors, locally and globally.

Calendar Highlights

March 1 - Young Adult Sunday School March 8 - Daylight Saving Time March 9 - Imani Milele Dinner Concert March 10 - PW Circles Meet March 13 - Young Adult Pizza Party March 15 - HOC Undie Sunday March 19 - First Day of Spring March 21 - Puerto Rico Mission Trip March 21 - Walk for Water

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WORSHIP Lenten Sermon Series: I Give Up

We often think about biblical passages that talk about perseverance, endurance and not giving up, since the path of discipleship requires all of these things. There are things, however, that we should give up-these are often found in “vice lists” that Paul occasionally includes in his letters, things that we should “put off” or endeavor to stop doing. Playing off the “giving up something for Lent” theme, each Sunday in Lent

we will look at five attitudes or practices that Scripture tells us we should give up.

Lenten Prayer Meeting

Join us Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in Lent for a 35-45 minute prayer meeting in the sanctuary. We'll take time to talk more about the areas of our lives identified by each week's sermon--worry, judging, envy, pride and anger. Then we'll spend time in prayer for these and other concerns. Lent can be a meaningful time to make strides in our commitment to Christ--consider including praying with your SPC brothers and sisters as

one of those strides!

History of Hymns - .THE OLD RUGGED CROSS

George Beverly Shea recalled seeing George Bennard, author of this hymn, many times at Winona Lake Bible Con-ference in Indiana. “Though a preacher-a good one-he would sometimes sing,” wrote Mr. Shea. “His voice was not trained or out of the ordinary, but he had great feeling and expression and could really put over any hymn. I remem-

ber how moved I was the first time I heard him sing his own ‘The Old Rugged Cross’. What a distinguished looking man-slight of build, short, with glasses, the most memorable thing about him was his long, white hair.” George Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, shortly after the end of the Civil War. His father, a coal miner, moved the family to Iowa, and there George came to Christ through the ministry of the Salvation Army. He felt inspired to train for the ministry, but his plans were disrupted when his father’s death left him responsible for his mother and sisters. He was 16 years old. Instead of theological school, he worked by day and devoted his spare time to books.

Eventually George’s obligation lessened, and he was able to move to Chicago, marry and begin in ministry with the Salvation Army. Later he was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a traveling evangelist. On one occasion, after a difficult season of ministry, George realized he needed to better understand the power of the Cross of Christ. He later said, “I was praying for a full understanding of the Cross…I read and studied and prayed…the Christ of the Cross became more than a symbol…it was like seeing John 3:16 ('For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life.') leave the printed page, take form and act out the meaning of redemption. While watch-ing this scene in my mind’s eye, the theme of the song came to me.” It took several months for the words to formulate in his mind. As he preached through the Midwest, George would carry the words with him, working on them, polishing them and sometimes singing them in his meetings. It always struck a chord with his audience, At last his hymn was finished. George went to the home of his friends, Rev and Mrs. Boswick, and sang it to them. After the last note, he looked to them and asked, “Will it do?” The Boswicks were so moved that they helped pay the fees to have it printed, and it soon began appearing in hymnbooks across America. Taken from - Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

Date Title Old Testament New Testament Key Verse/Focus

Mar 1 Give Up Worry

Proverbs 12:25

Matthew 6:25-34 “Do not worry about your life…” 6:25

Mar 8 Give Up Judging

Leviticus 19:15-16 Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge lest you be judged…” 7:1

Mar 15 Give Up Envy

Proverbs 23:17 1 John 2:15-17 John talks about avoiding the “desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes” 2:16

Mar 22 Give Up Pride

Proverbs 16:18 Philippians 2:1-11 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or con-ceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves” 2:3

Mar 29 Give Up Anger

Proverbs 15:1, 18 Ephesians 4:25-32 “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” 4:26

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SERVE

3rd Chronicles Staff: Carol Austin, Diane Burden, Merze French, Frieda Hughey, Merrilyn Long, Julie McCormick, Janice Sharp

3rd chronicles

Send questions, comments and news to: 3rd Chronicles Summerville Presbyterian Church 407 South Laurel St. Summerville, SC 29483 843-871-0280, fax 843-871-0300 thirdchronicles@hotmail.com The 3rd Chronicles deadline is the second Tuesday of each month.

Important Dates for Hands of Christ • Sunday, March 15 – Undie Sunday • Sunday, April 19 – Sock Drop Sunday • Wednesday, August 5 – Volunteer Meeting

6 pm • Sunday, August 9 – HOC SetUp 5 pm • Monday August 10 – Distribution Day

HELP of Summerville: Its food bank needs

individually wrapped oatmeal, grits,

jello/pudding, applesauce and dried fruits.

These items can help shut-ins served by

Meals on Wheels and also fill Buddy Packs

for students.

Costa Rica Mission Trip: Please contact Joseph Friday if

you are interested in taking part in or have any questions

about a mission trip to Costa Rica this year. This year’s trip

is scheduled for June 30 to July 7, and we are excited that a

wonderful group of our high school students are planning

on traveling with us. For anyone interested in traveling

with us, email Joseph Friday at friday.joseph@gmail.com.

Puerto Rico Trip: Charleston Atlantic Presbytery is headed

to Puerto Rico March 21st for hurricane and earthquake

relief efforts. If interested, call Wayne Mayberry ASAP. Also,

SPC is tentatively planning a trip in November.

Home of Hope

Needs

Hope’s House

Needs PRAYER

New bath towels, new twin sheets, paper towels, paper plates, red SOLO cups, disin-fectant spray, bikes

Rock and improvements for front parking area.

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery’s Day of SERVICE - Date TBD CAP is sponsoring a presbytery-wide day of service which will

involve helping on the grounds of the Orange-burg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency’s Head Start playground in Or-angeburg. All who are interested in helping with this project should gather at the playground, which is located at 1822 Joe S. Jeffords High-way in Orangeburg. Please bring a bag lunch, bottled water, work gloves and enthusiasm for working with others across our presbytery for this Day of SERVICE.

WALK for WATER:

Registration at: events.watermission.org/

goto/spcteam. Our team captain is Ana Hill.

We have a modest goal of $1,500.00. That’s

60 participants. The event is March 21. Be-

sides Jesus, what is more precious than

water? You can even donate, not walk and

still get a T shirt. Everybody will think you

did. Any questions, please ask Wayne

Mayberry, Ana Hill or Allison Bond.

Hands of Christ wants to give a huge Thank You to Presbyterian Women for their generous donation of hats, gloves and scarves. The PW Winter Tea has been a generous and faithful supporter for many years. Thank you all!!!

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CARE BEREAVEMENTS

We extend our sympathies and prayers to:

Merrilyn Long and family on the death of her husband, Bill Long.

Congregational Care Communications

I was overwhelmed with the loving care you showed Jim and me,

after my aortic valve was replaced. The meals were a blessing,

and the prayers helped me through each day. A special thank

you to AJ who colored a picture for me with a reminder that

Jesus loves me. Thank you Bo for your presence and prayers at

the hospital. It’s such a blessing to be a part of this congregation.

Wanee Krofta

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your cards, calls and prayers during my

recent illness, as well as for the beautiful flowers. I have recov-

ered from the surgery and the aftermath. It is truly a blessing to

belong to such a caring congregation.

Sincerely, Kris Boland

SPC, Thank you for all the support you offered me at the pass-

ing of my Father. I never realized how much this would mean to

me. I am so blessed to be a member of this group of very special

“God’s” people. Sincerely, Candace Pratt

All - God has truly blessed me with praying family and friends. I

continue to get stronger every day. A heartfelt thank you all for

your thoughts and prayers. Bob Durand

MILITARY PRAYER LIST

• Derek Bishop, Air Force Reserves—

Charleston, SC

• Derek Craver (son of Don and Patricia),

Navy—Honolulu, HI

• Stephanie Hince (Whit and Frances

Anne Anderson’s granddaughter),

• Joshua Hites, Navy—St. Marys, GA

• Brian Hoybach (Maggie’s son),

• Matt Jenkins (Carolyn Eason’s cousin),

Navy Seal

• Michael Jones, NCIS—Iraq

• Trent Kern (Bill and Gail Hausler’s

grandson-in-law), Air Force—Vance

AFB, Enid, OK

• Matt Kitchen (Merrilyn Long’s nephew),

Coast Guard—Williamsburg, VA

• Seth Malcolm, Air Force—Charleston

AFB, Charleston, SC

• Lance McElhiney (brother-in-law of

Peggy), Army—Iraq

• Andre Maurice Moncrief (son of Sherry

Roberts), Army Reserve—Modesto, CA

• Joel C. Mortimer, Coast Guard—

Yorktown, VA

• Matthew L. Nemetz (Jack and Barbara

Stewart’s grandson), Navy—

Jacksonville, FL

• Elizabeth Rooney (Susan Seay’s daugh-

ter), Air Force Active Reserves—

Langley AFB, VA

• Shaun Rooney (Susan Seay’s son-in-law),

Air Force—Langley AFB, VA

• Eric Stem, Air Force Reserves—

Charleston, SC

• Scott Tetrick, Navy—Charleston, SC

• Christopher Wheeler, Army—

Hinesville, GA

• Terry Wright, Jr. (Barbara Grube’s son-

in-law), Air Force, Mary Esther, FL

• Chaplaincy School at Fort Jackson, SC

• Chaplains of the 4th Infantry Division

Please let the church office know when

changes occur.

MARCH THOUGHTS

Let each of you look not on-ly to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

- Philippians 2:4 ESV

GIVE There’s an APP for Giving! Now you can give to the church on your phone using the Abundant Giv-

ing APP. Just download the APP on Google Play or the Apple Store. Set up your account and make sure

you choose Summerville Presbyterian Church. You may also click on the Giving button on our website

summervillepresorg and then click on electronic giving. Choose how much to give and how often. If

you have questions, just ask Jeff Bowers or Cecelia Bond.

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WORSHIP

Another New Hymn... As many of you know, one of the things that Pastor Anita has tasked me with is picking the hymns for the worship services each week. This is something that I have truly enjoyed doing, but it has come with some change. Last summer I had the great pleasure of attending the Montreat Music and Worship Conference. I was blown away by the daily worship services in that

beautiful space, and I can't wait to go back again this summer. One of the things that was both obvi-ous, and added so much to the worship experience, was the connectivity of the texts throughout the entire worship service. The hymns chosen were connected to the scripture reading and echoed in the call to worship and prayers of the day. This created a cohesive worship experience that rein-forced the scripture of the day and really made the word stick. When I returned I wished that we could create the same experience at Summerville Presbyterian Church.When Anita asked me to choose hymns I knew that this was our chance to do that. Anita sends me her sermon series in advance and I take that and cross reference it with the hymnal and the anthems for each Sunday to attempt to create a cohesive worship experience on Sunday morning. I encourage you to look and see where you can find those textual cross sections through-out the service This, undoubtedly, has led to us foraying into new parts of the hymnal that have not been used in many years (if ever). Many people have come to me and said, "Can't we sing some 'familiar' hymns?" I hear you, and I understand. Anita and I have had many conversations about this, and I am concerned that if hymns are too "unfamiliar" then that creates a negative response to the worship experience, which is coun-ter to what we are trying to accomplish. The other problem with “familiarity” is that many of the "unfamiliar" hymns are familiar to me. I am still learning what is familiar to Summerville Presbyterian, and your feedback has been a great help. We will continue to work to present hymns that we know and love in a way that also brings connec-tivity to the service. It is my hope that all of the texts presented or sung on a Sunday speak to us in their own way, and we are left filled with God's word for us. If that comes through a new "unfamiliar" hymn, then it expands our knowledge of the word, and that is a great thing too. Just remember, even those "old favorites" were unfamiliar to you at one point too. I look forward to continuing our worship experience together. I am always open to suggestions for hymns and music for a service. Please feel free to e-mail me at summervillepresmusic@gmail.com with any suggestions. Thank you all for your continued sup-port of the music ministry at SPC!

William R. Bennett

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GROW

Confirmation Key Dates

• Apr. 30—Confirmation Dinner and Presentation of Faith Statements

• May 3—Confirmation Sunday (11:15 service)

Nursery Coordinator Needed Session approved a Nursery Coordinator position reporting to our Children’s Ministry. The Nursery Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the young children of the church are well-cared for in a loving environment on Sunday mornings and during special events throughout the year. It is their responsibility to keep the children safe while also nurturing their faith and furthering their relationship with Jesus. Experience and Qualifications: Previous experience in teaching or providing care for children under age 5 in a professional setting preferred. Strong organizational skills, readily accessible by text and email, trained in CPR and First Aid – training can be provided by church as needed. Able to lift 30 pounds. Complete a background check. The Nursery Coordinator will have two Sundays off each year. This position should require 20-25 hours per month. The position will pay $15 per hour. If interested, please contact Ana Hill, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries, at

summervillepreskids@gmail.com.

New Young Adults Sunday School Class Beginning March 1st in Room 305 (New Beginnings classroom), join Pastor Anita and her husband Ralph for a discussion class that will initially be based on topics in-troduced by the Lenten series "I Give Up!" Come talk about worry, judging, envy, pride and anger, and see how God's Word can help us deal with these very human emotions. We'll also have lots of opportunity for sharing and getting to know one an-other. Not sure if you're a young adult? We're targeting folks ages 22-45. Spread the word!

Presbyterian Women (PW) Circles Meet on Tuesday, March 10th! Circle 1 - 1:30 pm in Lanneau Hall Circle 2 - 10 am in the Library Circle 3 - 10 am at Dora Snow’s home 140 Tortoise Street

Opportunities for Bible Study:

• Men’s Bible Study, Wednesdays, 6:30 am, Panera Bread, 1311 North Main

Street, Summerville (contact Henry Legare)

• Men’s Bible Study, every other Saturday at 8:30 am, Genesis Classroom,

Rev. Dr. Ralph Herbert

• Kindred Spirits Bible Study Group, Wednesdays, 10 am, Anderson Library

(contact Joanne Spearman)

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Let’s Give A Warm Welcome To Our Newest SPC Members ...

Sheryl & Mike Homola

Lisa & Lauch Blue

Emily & Walt Morgan

Jimmy & Kathryn Tupper

Judy & Bill Underwood

Here is an item of interest for all Veterans in our con-

gregation. I have signed up for the ‘Digest’ (no cost),

and have found it to be both interesting and informa-

tive. If you wish to have other veteran items of interest

published, please let me know…my email and phone

numbers are listed in the SPC Church Directory.

Colonel (Ret) Jon Rockstad, USAF

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SHARE YOUTH

Valentine’s Dinner makes a return... On February 15th, our SPC youth hosted a Valentine’s Dinner Fundraiser where they successfully served 80 people a delicious Italian dinner! Our youth would like to thank everyone for coming to the dinner and supporting our summer trips with your generous tips! Thanks to your support our youth profited nearly $1,000, which will help pay for the cost of youth conferences and mission trips this summer!

Here are some pictures from this well attended event!

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Confirmation – Big Questions and Big Answers… “Bo” Hamilton, Parish Associate for Congregational Ministry Way back in the June 2017 Third Chronicles, I shared my experiences from April 30th of that year: “Our Youth led us in two highly inspirational services, as they always do, and made me so proud. The weather that day was perfect and the Fellowship Ministry Team hosted a great picnic. Sarah, Rachael and I met with the 5th graders back at the church at 2:00 for a comprehensive discussion about them joining the Youth program and answering “Big Questions” about their faith. I finally made it home that afternoon around 5:30, and as I sank into my recliner to rest from the day, I opened my iPad to check out any pictures people had posted from the day’s activities. That’s when I saw it – a picture of Sarah, the 5th graders and me sitting on the lawn at the church. The caption read “Pastor Bo and Sarah with the 5th grade Bible study”. That picture, that caption, and reflecting on all the wonderful events of the day flooded me with emotion. That’s when I saw God’s blessings to me for that day; to be a part of the richness and fullness of the life of SPC.” I remember reflecting on the 5th grade Bible study and the enthusiasm, curiosity, and spiritual maturity of the children who were preparing to venture into middle school and the Youth program. I remember thinking “I can’t wait for them to get to confirmation! Fast forward to last month and the kick-off of our 2020 confirmation journey. On January 12th, seven young ladies from our congregation started the journey of exploring their faith and claiming it for themselves. Many had been baptized as babies and raised in our church. Along the way they had been blessed by many great teachers like Mr. Bob Forbes, Mrs. Bonnie Walters, Mrs. Sarah, and so many others who told them the stories of the Bible and showed them what Christian love looked like. And now, they were confirmands. The first month of our confirmation journey has been a whirlwind of activity. The confirmands visited the Presbytery office where they learned about being part of a “Connectional Church” and how to study using their new Bibles. The next weekend the confirmands and their mentors went on our confirmation retreat to Folly Beach where we explored what it means to be “A People of Covenants,” Christians and Presbyterians. Pastor Anita taught the group about the Trinity. In the upcoming weeks we will study the Sacraments, The Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. Along the way: The Reformation; God’s Provision and Grace; serving in worship; completing service projects at the church and in the community; and observing ministry team and session meetings. We will study the Youth Catechism and our con-firmands will prepare faith statements in preparation for Confirmation Sunday, May 3rd. I am so excited that these young ladies are in confirmation and I look forward to the discussions and the discoveries that will unfold through their journey. I’m confident that they will continue to ask “Big Questions” and realize “Big Answers”!

Pastor Bo and Sarah with the 5th grade Bible study The Confirmation Class of 2020

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SHARE MARCH BIRTHDAYS

2 Melissa Bridges Susan Spearman Henk van der Meyden

4 Kristi Selander

6 Don Powell Paul Werksman

7 Mary Ellen Budd Diane Burden BJ Kier Robin van der Meyden

8 Richard Parker

9 Emory McFann

11 Jim Krofta

12 Kaitlyn Lee

14 Bruce Adams Bill Hausler Margaret Hoybach

15 Rodger Bourn Ira Rivers

17 Laura Bourn

18 Stewart Kay Rachel van der Meyden Ken Wilson

19 Erin Friday Welch Raymond Von Dohlen

20 Nancy Fleury Megan Jordan

21 Christi Harley Michael Rose

22 Sarah Christmas Karl Overcash

23 Bob Forbes

24 William Edwards Anna Lybrand Linda Walters

25 Jim Burden Mandy Mercante Kim Smith

26 Nikki Brantley Diane Hill Joe Rhodes

28 Guy Via

29 Philip Dunham Jack Robinson

30 Mark Shaughnessy Joseph Sweet

31 Sandy Lee

YOUNG ADULTS! Ralph and Anita are inviting you over for pizza and fellowship on Friday, March 13th, beginning at 6:00 pm. Location: 103 Glen Abby Drive in Pine Forest. We're targeting folks ages 22-45, and would love to get to know you! RSVP to pastoranitaherbert@gmail.com.

IMANI MILELE DINNER CONCERT

Monday, March 9th at 5:30 pm in the Gym.

• Please use the simple signup sheet in the bulletin to re-serve your spot for the dinner and show.

• This dinner is a Potluck (sides and veggies), meat will be

provided by Fellowship. • Please contact Kim Collins direct (229) 435-3317, if

Daylight Saving Time 2020 in South Carolina

will begin at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8th!

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SHARE

HISTORIC TIDBITS - CHOIR IN HARMONY ON FAREWELL

In February of 2004,The Rev. Dr. Charley Hasty left as SPC’s interim minister prior to The Rev. Dr. Mike Shelton becoming our minister. The following was the choir’s contribution to the Hasty’s memory book. Deborah Styles was the choir director at this time. It was composed from the first lines of many hymns. As the choir filed in on Sunday morning, Deborah Styles turns to Jim Moore. “I hope ‘God Himself is with Us’.''

Jim replies, “ ‘ My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,’ ‘I to the Hills will Lift My Eyes’.” With all present and ready to warm up, Deborah announces, “ ‘Come, Christians, Join to Sing’ “ and with the swelling sound of voices, she mutters, “Surely, ’There is a Place of Quiet Rest’.” At the basses’ tentativeness, she encourages, “ ‘O Brothers, Lift Your Voices,’ ‘O Come and Sing Unto the Lord’.” To the altos, talking amongst themselves, she admonishes, “ ‘Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence’. ’” Turning to the tenors striving for the “G”, she cajoles, “Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning’, 'Far Off I See the Goal’.” And as the sopranos reach the apex of the descant, she sighs, “ ‘Amazing Grace, How sweet the Sound’.” Standing in the doorway as warm-up ends, Dr. Hasty says, “ ’Sing Them Over Again to Me,’ you ‘Children of the Heavenly King’.” Administering our choir prayer, he begins, “ ‘When Morning Gilds the Skies’, ‘Almighty Father, Hear Our Prayer.’ ‘With Happy Voices Ringing,’ ‘We Gather Together to Ask the Lord’s Blessing.’ ‘Let Thy Word Abide in Us.’ ‘Let All the World in Every Corner Sing.’ ‘Lift Up Our Hearts, O King of Kings’.” With the end of the prayer, Dr. Hasty raises his hands, “ ’Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.’ ’Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above’.” To you Dr. Hasty, and Lois, the choir lifts their hearts and voices to sing, “ ‘Blest be the Tie that Binds Our Hearts in Christian Love’; ‘Now Thank We All Our God’ for having been blessed with your presence; and ‘God Be With You Till We Meet Again’."

NOTES FROM A CHURCH MOUSE By Ezekiel W. Mouse, Esq.

Special to 3rd Chronicles

“Do not find fault, find a solution.” “Ezekiel, you sound like a fortune cookie.” “That is where I found this message. Someone had eaten a fortune cookie and the ‘fortune’ had fallen to the floor.” “Well, it is good advice. How often do we hear people complaining about one thing or the other?”

“I have heard children complaining about a bad grade at school. They say they got it because the teacher does not like them. They don’t admit they really needed to study harder for the test.” “I have heard grown-ups say essentially the same thing. They say someone else got a promotion that they deserved or that someone got a bigger bonus because they were related to someone. I doubt they put in the time and effort that the other person did at work.” “I have heard some people even being critical at church. One said the church would look tidier if someone kept the weeds in the flowerbeds cleaner. Don’t they ever think that they could be that ‘someone’? It does not take great skill to pull weeds.” "What about the person who says they need more people to make coffee after first service. When the person they were talking to asked why don’t they volunteer, the answer in return was ‘but I would have to get here too early that day’.” “I admire the many volunteers who do see a need and respond to help.” "I have heard that 10% of a congregation does 90% of the work. The others just don’t realize the feeling of belonging to the church this gives you. It makes it truly your faith home.” “Well, Mary, do you think I should make a lot of copies of my ‘fortune’ and leave them scattered all over the church to inspire members to become more involved?” “No, Ezekiel, then some people would just step over the pieces and complain that ’someone’ should pick up all the trash on the floor!"