Mark's Blog

Technical difficulties

2005-07-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

Do you remember growing up when, in the middle of your favorite TV program, a screen would suddenly appear that said "We are experiencing technical difficulties"? I really did not like that message, but I guess it was necessary. I hope you have noticed that very few blogs have been published in this space for a few weeks - the reason is once again some technical difficulties. We are trying to work them out, and when we do, my goal is to publish something every weekday at least, early in the day. Thank you for being a reader, and we hope to do better in the near future. Until then, stand by...

Plymouth Rock

2005-07-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

Plymouth Rock Inscription

This spot marks the final resting-place of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. In weariness and hunger and in cold, fighting the wilderness and burying their dead in common graves that the Indians should not know how many had perished, they here laid the foundations of a state in which all men for countless ages should have liberty to worship God in their own way. All ye who pass by and see this stone remember, and dedicate yourselves anew to the resolution that you will not rest until this lofty ideal shall have been realized throughout the earth.

Growing up

2005-06-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

Perhaps it is just a sign of approaching middle age, but many of the things I used to “hate” I now prefer. Foods, activities, even haircuts. Let me explain…

I grew up going to an old-fashioned Italian barbershop in Canton, Ohio with my dad every month – you know, they had the old striped pole outside the shop and everything. Tony, my barber, gave me my first haircut, and hundreds of others through the years. As I approached my teen years, though, I wanted a style somewhat different than the way Tony had cut my hair for 15 years or so – something a little more “cool” and a little less “military.” Tony only knew one way to cut my hair, so I ventured off to other places for many years.

Now in my 30’s, I struggle to find a place to cut my hair, what remains of it, like Gus did lo those many years ago. I have even stopped in the old Italian barbershop in Canton a time or two the last few years – and they still cut hair pretty much the same way – but 2 hours is a little too far to drive for a haircut, right?

The point is, as we age, we change. Things we once didn’t care much for are now important to us. This is natural, and hopefully always good. The same is true with our spiritual lives. As we grow, we mature – we change. Things that we once did not like, we grow to appreciate. Things we said we would never do, we find ourselves involved in thoroughly.

I never would have agreed that one day I would stand in front of an audience and speak – but things change, God works, we change. What is it that has changed in you the last 5 – 10 – 15 – 20 years? What in you needs to change in the next 5 – 10 years as God continues to work on you?

Hear again the meaningful words of the Hebrew writer, when he said:

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

2005-06-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

I met several interesting people last week in my class in Memphis, TN. One was a campus minister from a major university out west. He has been working in campus ministry for several years under the sposnsorship of the Independant Christian Church, a branch of the American Restoration movement. We share many beliefs in common, but one of the major differences, of course, is the use of instrumental music in worship services. They do - we don't.

He was talking to us one day about his work, and he mentioned how he and his co-worker were struggling with the idea of giving up the instrument in worship - basically because their people depended on it too much and had never really learned to sing. He said it was interesting to him that so many in the Independant churches were thinking the same thing, while at the same time so many in churches of Christ were flirting with the idea of adding the instrument to their worship. He was impressed with the beauty and the purity of acapella singing, even with just 15-20 people as we had last week in chapel services.

This kind of sentiment could be repeated over and over by people who attend our services from an outside perspective - so often they comment on the beauty of the singing - and those in the know say we would be foolish to abandon acapella singing for the instrument.

I agree - but not just for reasons of beauty and simplicity. I agree because I think the Bible teaches that God wants acapella worship in his church. I also agree because church history says this is the way it was done for more than 1,000 years. "Acapella" means "in the way of the church." I am not so arrogant as to believe they had it all wrong for a millenium - most of them were a lot closer to the first century than us - in fact, all of them were. Their example is worthy of deep consideration.

Listen to this...

2005-06-28T10:29:00.000-05:00

Either I am getting older or...

2005-06-23T19:24:00.000-05:00

Today in the library at Harding Graduate School, I unexpectedly ran into a young fella who I used to work with at church camp - he as a camper, me as an "old fogey" counselor. I didn't even know he was a student in Memphis, so it was quite a shock to see him. Bob was a young guy that grew up at the same church camp I did - only half a generation later. As he got into high school, he began to get some opportunities to speak/preach at camp during the summer, and he made a great impression not only on me but on all who heard him. I told him at the time he needed to seriously consider ministry on a full-time basis in some capacity in the church. I am sure many others encouraged him as well - especially his great parents and home church. Well, "little Bobby" is now preparing himself to do that very thing - and he will make some church, or some mission field, very happy that he made that decision. That was just about the neatest thing that happened to me today! And that includes eating Memphis barbecue this evening! Looking forward to being home soon...

Daddy's away again

2005-06-22T10:22:00.000-05:00

Being 12 hours removed this week from my family is not something I enjoy at all. But sometimes we have to do things we do not enjoy, right? At least that is what my parents told me growing up. I survive on frequent phone calls. Last night as I talked to each of my daughters in succession, I asked them the same question - "What did you want to talk to me about?" The question sort of caught them off guard a little - they had no real answer. "I don't know, daddy!" "Well, you said you wanted to talk to me, what did you want to talk about?" "I don't know!" I stopped while I was ahead.
I understand what they wanted - the same things I wanted - just to hear their voice and get that little closeness that was possible. I guess it is the same often in our relationship with our God. Reading his word, spending time with his Body - it all helps us get that closeness we desire with our Father. And, you know, he wants that same closeness with us his creatures! Just like any father would...

Another thank you to TDB

2005-06-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

There are some things you can learn from books and classes, and some things you can only learn from a good mentor. Visiting the hurting is an example. When I moved to Vienna to begin my work with the church here, I knew about a few things, but I knew almost nothing about how to make a good visit, be it a home visit, a hospital visit, an evangelistic visit, or a “pastoral” visit. I learned that from a mentor – Tom Butterfield. No one that I know does these visits as well as Tom, so I consider myself greatly blessed to have been trained by him in such matters. I wish every young minister had the opportunity to be mentored in visitation by someone like Tom – many ministries, I am convinced, would be much more successful as a result.

Thanks, Tom, for taking the time not only to visit, but to teach others how to do so!

In class again

2005-06-20T12:24:00.000-05:00

I am currently in Memphis, TN at HUGSR taking my last Master's class. It has actually been cool in Memphis so far, but the forecast says 98 degrees by Thursday - wow! The class I am taking is "Pentateuch." Jews know it as "Torah" - we know it as Genesis through Deuteronomy. I like to call it the Books of Moses - that seems to be the New Testament title for these books.

One of the great things about taking a graduate class is getting to meet the people in class with you - people from many different places and many different areas of ministry. I am in class with a campus minister from Oklahoma U., a missionary-in-training preparing to leave for Papua, New Guinea, a youth minister, a pulpit minister, and most interestingly, an employee of NASA! That's right, he works for the US space agency. Why is he in a religion class? Well, apparently NASA is interested in studying the importance of religion and spiritual things on astronauts involved in long-term space missions. What an encouragement to know that a government agency in a secular society is still interested in spiritual things!

This same fellow attends the church of Christ in Cocoa, Florida, which has 50 or so people involved in the Mid-Ohio Valley WorkCamp this week! It is a small world, folks! Please continue to pray for WorkCamp this week - things got underway today.

Thanks for your prayers for my mother - she is to go home from the hospital today.

Back in town...

2005-06-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

I am back in Vienna after spending a few days sitting in an ICU waiting room once again. My mother seems to be doing much better and making good progress from her episode last Monday. Thanks to all of you for your concern and your prayers.

WorkCamp 2005 is ready to burst onto the scene this weekend. We ask your prayers again for this awesome service and outreach project by our teens in this community. 535 workers - 41 houses in 4 days - and the blessings of God over all! We are amazed at what God is doing with this event year after year. Feel free to stop by the Ohio Valley UNIVERSITY campus or by one of the worksites next week and see what is going on. We have sites in Vienna, Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vincent, Belpre, Marietta, and Newport.

Tonight is the big sing at 36th St - hope to see you there as well! Next week, Lord willing, I will be blogging from Memphis, TN. One more class and I am free!

Blogging is slow-going this week

2005-06-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

At least for now, I am limited in my computer access this week, because I am in Canton, Ohio with my mother who is in the hospital after a severe seizure. I ask your prayers for her. I hope to be home soon...

Back from the country

2005-06-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

Well, we found Rosedale, WV in Braxton County last Tuesday - barely. We got lost three times. One time we ran out of road - literally - all that was in front of us was grass and forest - I figured it wasn't the right way, so I turned around. The place we stayed was beautiful - lots of fun for all of us. We got to see true Appalachia as we drove around. Glad we had a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the week thanks to my in-laws.

One of our ladies at church gave me this quote after hearing me talk a little about the trip today: "The freeway is quicker, but the back roads are more interesting." I am sure there is a lesson in that, but I am still working on that one!

Vacation days

2005-06-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

We are going to the country this week - a little place in the mountains of West Virginia. I question whether I even know how to get there or not. I have been told you can not get there from here. We shall see. I hope you have a great week. Congrats to all the kiddos who have finished another year of school this week - have a fantastic summer! No more classes, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks! Well, at least for some of us!

Update

2005-06-05T06:05:00.000-05:00

Last week in this space I asked for your prayers for Royce Dickinson, a preacher from Plymouth, Michigan, who was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident on Memorial Day. We got news yesterday that brother Royce has passed from this life. Our prayers are with his family, and the church in Plymouth, in this terribly painful time. Royce's brother, Ed, remains in the hospital at this time, recovering from his injuries.

1 Corinthians 15!!

They still exist

2005-06-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

We often hear stories of how cut-throat and unkind the business world is - and I am sure that is true in many circumstances. But not in all. My mother had her retirement party last evening from Miller's Rental and Sales, a family owned business with 3 stores in northeastern Ohio. They specialize in home medical equipment. My mother went to work for them 23 years ago, and last night they put on a big party for her that was very special. A catered dinner, speeches, gifts, hugs and well-wishes - it was a wonderful honor for mom.

My mom was not a boss, just a good employee - but they treated her like a queen. You can tell a lot about a person, a nation, even a business by the way they treat those who can do the least for them. Miller's treats people well. That is refreshing, is it not?

Please pray today

2005-05-31T08:05:00.001-05:00

My sister called me late last night and asked for special prayers on behalf of the pulpit minister from their home congregation, the Plymouth church of Christ (http://www.plymouthcoc.com). His name is Royce Dickenson, and he was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident yesterday, along with his brother, and was very seriously hurt. Please remember Royce and his brother, along with their families, both physical and spiritual.

Psalm 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Please pray today

2005-05-31T08:05:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day history

2005-05-27T08:07:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day

In 1865, Henry C. Welles, a druggist in the village of Waterloo, NY, mentioned at a social gathering that honor should be shown to the patriotic dead of the Civil War by decorating their graves.In the Spring of 1866, he again mentioned this subject to General John B. Murray, Seneca County Clerk. General Murray embraced the idea and a committee was formulated to plan a day devoted to honoring the dead.Townspeople adopted the idea wholeheartedly. Wreaths, crosses and bouquets were made for each veteran's grave. The village was decorated with flags at half mast and draped with evergreen boughs and mourning black streamers.On May 5, 1866, civic societies joined the procession to the three existing cemeteries and were led by veterans marching to martial music. At each cemetery there were impressive and lengthy services including speeches by General Murray and a local clergyman. The ceremonies were repeated on May 5, 1867.The first official recognition of Memorial Day as such was issued by General John A. Logan, first commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was General Order No. 11 establishing "Decoration Day" as it was then known. The date of the order was May 5, 1868, exactly two years after Waterloo's first observance. That year Waterloo joined other communities in the nation by having their ceremony on May 30.
In 1965, a committee of community leaders started plans for the Centennial Celebration of Memorial Day. The committee consisted of VFW Commander James McCann, chairman, American Legion Commander Oliver J. McFall and Mayor Marion DeCicca, co-chairman, along with Village Trustees, M. Lewis Somerville, Roscoe Bartran, Richard Schreck, Tony DiPronio, and VFW Vice-Commander, Kenneth Matoon. Their goals were: "to obtain national recognition of the fact that Waterloo is the birthplace of Memorial Day through Congressional action" and "to plan and execute a proper celebration for such centennial observance."In May of 1966, just in time for the Centennial, Waterloo was recognized as the "Birthplace of Memorial Day" by the United States Government. This recognition was long in coming and involved hours of painstaking research to prove the claim. While other communities may claim earlier observances of honoring the Civil War dead, none can claim to have been so well planned and complete, nor can they claim the continuity of observances that Waterloo can.The Centennial Celebration that year brought dignitaries from government, military, veteran's organizations and descendants of the original founders of Memorial Day. A once luxurious home on Waterloo's Main Street, built in 1850, was purchased from the county and restored. Now the Memorial Day Museum, it houses artifacts of the first Memorial Day and the Civil War era.

First work with Tom

2005-05-25T09:35:00.000-05:00

As a student in the Bible program at OVC, I was required to do a "practicum" in ministry with a local church. I had recently started attending 36th St during 1990 and asked the powers that be at the time if it might be possible to do a practicum with the congregation. It was agreed to and soon I was working a few hours a week alongside Tom Butterfield for the first time.

What I remember most about that time is that it was spent mostly among the people of 36th St and the community. Tom taught me about hospital visits, funeral home visits, and house calls. That was absolutely priceless teaching, because you get almost none of that in school. I remember one visit in particular we made to a sister in Christ from 36th St - Betty Miller. Betty is, simply put, a national treasure. This was my introduction to her. When we went into the house, she was doing the hair of her sister, whom she had taken care of for years. It was a brief but very pleasant visit. Little did I know that less than 10 years later Miss Betty would be our next-door neighbor!

Some visits were not as pleasant - some of the folks were in great distress, some were near death from illness, some were just troubled souls. But what I am thankful for is that my first non-academic experience of ministry was one in which people were the emphasis. By nature, I was not a people-person. Everyone who knows Tom knows that he is the exact opposite of that. I needed a teacher like Tom, and am so grateful the Lord provided me one. I hope I have learned a few things along the way.

WorkCamp 2005 approaches!

2005-05-24T07:45:00.000-05:00

I don't know whose idea it was originally - I know I thought about it for a couple of years before it happened - but I don't want the blame! But eventually, five area youth workers came together and began planning the first Mid-Ohio Valley Workcamp, which took place in 1999. We began planning in earnest in 1998, in the early part of that year - but soon concluded that we should take a full year to make sure we had all our ducks in a row. So the camp started in 1999, and has grown to intimidating dimensions ever since. The first year we painted 6 houses with about 75 workers. This summer we plan to paint 40 houses with 520 workers, the Lord willing. We are out of space, understaffed - but still having a lot of fun and thanking God for every blessing he has given us in this work. We have painted well over 100 houses in this area - soon we will pass the 200 mark. Lives have been touched - some have been changed forever (more than 30 baptisms!). Churches have worked together. The community has sat up and taken notice of God's people helping those who have needs. We are becoming known as "those people who help people" - and that is a great thing! We ask your prayers as camp approaches in June...

My introduction to Tom Butterfield

2005-05-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

It was 1986 in a chapel service at OVC that I first came into contact with Tom. He was the speaker that day. I was a snot-nosed freshman, just out of high school. I had heard several chapel speakers that year already - but there was something different about Tom. There was a positivity - if that is an acceptable word - that came through in his preaching. He made a good first impression on me, I remember it to this day. Little did I know that less than 10 years later I would be his co-worker - that was the farthest thing from my mind, then. I was going to be a scientist - a doctor of some sort - not a minister. God moved me in another direction. But I remember with fondness the first time I heard Tom speak. I think most people do.

I confess!

2005-05-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

OK - I confess. My wife is a lot better "fix-it man" around the house than I am. If ever there is a job that presents itself that is beyond my pitiful expertise, I turn to her. My shame is deep! For example, just the other day I gave up on a project that I have been working on for over 2 years - trying to get our front door, which I installed, to close properly. I finally told Tracey that she was going to have to look at it if there was any hope. Within 30 minutes, the door was off the hinges in our living room (it was raining outside), and Tracey was showing me where to drill holes and how to reattach everything so it would work. Well, the door now closes. I guess I could be bitter - but I gave that up a long time ago. Now I just give her a hug and say "Thanks again!" Such is the life of a husband with a "Proverbs 31"-type wife.

What we learn from kiddos

2005-05-10T21:09:00.000-05:00

LEARNING FROM CHILDREN

Below are some observations circulating under the title "Things I've Learned From Children" (author unknown).
Those of you who are parents will sympathize. Those of you who are not will have something to look forward to! :-)

** If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42-pound boy wearing Pound Puppy underwear and a Superman cape.
** It is strong enough however to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 by 20 foot room.
** You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on.
** When using the ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit.
** A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
** The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
** When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh," it's already too late.
** A six year old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year-old man says they can only do it in the movies.
** If you use a waterbed as home plate while wearing baseball shoes it does not leak -- it explodes.
** A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. foot house 4 inches deep.
** No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
** Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
** Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
** Always look in the oven before you turn it on.
** Plastic toys do not like ovens.
** The fire department in San Diego has at least a 5-minute response time.
** The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earth worms dizzy.
** It will however make cats dizzy.
** Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

A good sense of humor will get you through most problems in life (unfortunately, mostly in retrospect). Allow me to add a few more things that we can learn from children: purity, humility, willingness to learn, quickness to forgive, and a trust in our Father.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)

Find a child today, take a good look, and learn!

Another piece for moms

2005-05-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

I had several request to publish this since I used it in the sermon this morning - enjoy!

How Moms Were Made

By the time the Lord made mothers, he was into the sixth day working overtime. An Angel appeared and said "why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered and said, "Have you read the spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic; have 200 movable parts, all replaceable; run on black coffee and leftovers; have a lap that can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she stands up; have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart; and have six pairs of hands."The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. "Six pairs of hands! No Way!" said the Angel. The Lord replied, "Oh, its not the hands that are the problem. Its the three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!" "And thats on the standard model?" the Angel asked. The Lord nodded in agreement, "Yep, one pair of eyes are to see through the closed door as she asks the children what they are doing even though she already knows. Another pair in the back of the head, are to see what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third pair are here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an errant child and saying that she understands and loves him or her without even saying a single word."The Angel tried to stop the Lord. "This is too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." "But I cant!" The Lord protested, "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the shower."The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed," but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?" Asked the Angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the womans cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak with this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "Thats not a leak." the Lord objected. "Thats a tear!" "Whats the tear for?" asked the Angel. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment, her pain, her loneliness, her grief, and her pride."The Angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything for this one. You even created the tear!" The Lord looked at the Angel and smiled and said, "Im afraid you are wrong again, my friend. I created the woman, but she created the tear!"

The words of Jesus

2005-05-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

As you think about mom this weekend, realize that you are behaving just like Jesus. Jesus thought about mom - he thought about her, in fact, with his dying breath.

John 19:26-27 - "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home."

Those last few moments of Jesus were the most precious ever lived - and in them he included words of love and concern for mother. Our time is precious when we do the same.