January 2004 - Tower - Page 2
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The church calendar for 2004 is now being prepared. If you would like to schedule an event, a meeting or any use of the sanctuary and building, please turn in the date and time (IN WRITING) to the church office. Early scheduling will be greatly appreciated.
Mary and I were in New York City for a few days in early December. Our hotel was in the midst of several of Manhattan's largest churches/cathedrals, and on the first Sunday of Advent we managed to make it to the beginning of three services. All the churches were full to capacity, and the full choirs, magnificent organs and beautiful advent decorations added to the festive spirit. We anticipated the thrill of the opening processional hymns at each, but were shocked that very few in the congregation sang! All this glorious sound and no congregational participation! In each case the hymnbooks were not used, as the hymns were printed in the bulletin with words only. What a travesty. How fortunate we are to serve a congregation who responds so well to our music and participates with enthusiasm.
Cold weather is upon us and the XYZs plan to meet Wednesday, January 28 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. Our program will be "A Civil War Soldier's Life" (postponed from September). This should be informative, so bring a covered dish and a neighbor or friend for some good Christian fellowship. A warm welcome to all.
Studies have shown that people who regularity attend church have a 25 percent reduction in mortality - they live longer than people who are not church goers. Depression was reduced 131%. Intangibles, such as the impact of forgiveness, may boost health as well. People who forgive easily tend to enjoy greater psychological well-being and have less depression than those who hold grudges. We need to do our part!
All over the medical field, legitimate scientists are seeking the most ethical, effective ways to combine patient's spiritual and religious beliefs with high tech equipment. There is a tremendous shift in the medical profession's openness to this topic. There are still many unanswered questions. However, we as Christians have the faith and concrete answers are not required. We just believe what can happen with that faith. You and I have seen results and it increases our belief. Is there always a cure? Certainly not. The cure is that we can ACCEPT what is ahead knowing God is with us always and that He will not fail.
Dr. Harold Koenig, director of the Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health at Duke, has stated. "As we moved into the later 20th century, we recognized that there are questions of meaning and purpose that science just doesn't have very good answers to. Also, patients want to be talked to. They are tired of [being] treated like bodies, just physical bodies. Plus older adults in America today are a very religious population."
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update: Jaanuary 7, 2004
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