Church

As a priest speaking to people that no longer go to church to pray, I am often told some variation of why they do not need to go to church to pray. They hunt, they fish, they spend time in the wilderness, and in the quiet. It is in these moments that they speak to God. I would not deny them the goodness of what they are saying. Quiet moments out in creation are often wonderful moments in which we can speak to the living God.

Ah, Spring! The leaves are unfurling from their branches, the grass is turning green, and while love might not be in the air, pollen sure is! The warmer temperatures cause us to refuel our lawn mowers, sharpen the hedge trimmers, clean up the garden tools and bring out the power washers to finally rid ourselves of this past winter weather.

When I was a kid growing up in Martins Ferry, Ohio, my Mom and Dad always made sure we attended church. I wasn’t a perfect child for sure, and when I got a little squirmy, my Grandpa Wilson would give me a little square of Chiclets gum to keep me occupied, to the horror of my mother who swore I would just chew it up and get it stuck in my throat.

Romans 16:13 “Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.” NASB

Such a strange verse to use for the recognition of mothers on Mother’s Day but it was my text of choice. Let me set the stage for you here quickly.

On Thursday, May 6, 2021 beginning at noon on the Square, the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer took place. It is not the first time we have observed this Day of Prayer, and, the Lord willing, it won’t be our last.

In Pastor’s Pen articles this month we have been thinking about unity. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called the children of God.” We can ask three questions: What does it mean? Why is it true and important? How do we be a peacemaker?

Pastor Mark Statler announces that the Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) on 353 Moody Ave., SW in Carrollton will be re-opening to in-person services beginning Sunday, March 7, at 10 a.m.

As discussed in last week's Pastor's Pen article, our nation has heard a fresh call to find a greater degree of political unity. One challenge to that is that most issues that society and politicians grapple with have a moral and/or religious aspect that can be traced back to what one believes to be the ultimate authority of truth.

The public is invited to Friday movie nights at the Bridge, located in the Rosebud Mining building at the north end of the Carroll County fairgrounds, each Friday from 7-8:30 beginning Jan. 8 through Feb. 19.

The Calvary United Methodist Church in Sherrodsville will host a drive-thru turkey dinner on Friday, Nov. 13, 4-6 p.m., at 328 S. Church St., Sherrodsville.