BOO!

Vol. 2 # 12, Oct. 31, 2003

This Week's Spire Is Good Reading

The October 28 issue of the Spire has more to offer than usual. The reader can still study budget numbers and learn about our excellent start with the stewardship campaign. However, PH would recommend two articles that are excellent. One is the reprint of Woody Hasty's speech at the Annual Loyalty Dinner on November 4, 1962. His speech talks about his "dream for River Road Church." Also PH would recommend that you read the "Ministry of Dr. Woodrow Hasty" as written by Connie Showalter of the church history committee. Also if you read all of the details you will learn that Teacher Bob will return on Sunday morning and we will begin in John 13, verse 2. PH cannot believe that the SSBSC has really completed chapter 12.

Woody Hasty's Memorial Service Is Eleven AM on Saturday

All of us will have the opportunity to remember Woody in a more formal and worshipful manner on Saturday morning in the sanctuary. Many of us only knew Woody as the former minister who returned to us as a fellow member several years ago. His genuine humanity and personhood will not be forgotten. His prayers were like lyrical poetry. Some Shepsons who might possibly be pushing the upper edge of age twenty-nine may even recall when Woody was our pastor from 1950 to 1964.

All Saints Sunday Is this Sunday

RRCB members who have died in the last year will be remembered on this Sunday. Earlier this year Mel Torstrick passed from us and just nine days ago Julia Shepherd completed her journey in this life. As Jim Slatton wrote in the church newsletter twenty-nine years ago:

"We need to remember with humility that life remains, in spite of all we know, a mystery. The symbols of God and eternity can serve as a reminder of that fact. After all, who can plumb the depths of the strange fact that one person sickens, or that another is healthy, that one is spiritually robust, or that another falls ill emotionally or spiritually?

Of course, we know some things. There are the principles of hygiene and health, for mind, spirit, and body. But the fact remains that there is an unknown dimension to every man's well-being or demise, and a little humility is always in order when we stand in the presence of other people's troubles. That goes for the churchman as well as the physician."

Shepson Bill Promises A New Class Roll (or Scroll)

Bill wrote PH the following:

"I will have a brand-new class roll ready to send out via e-mail in a day or two and am hoping to run off about 40 copies to hand out in class Sunday morning."

Bill also reported that the old location for Julia's Tuesday Night Club will be rebuilt and should be completed by mid March. The old location (to become new) was at Skipwith and Broad. Currently JTNC is meeting at the Shoney's at Glenside and Stables Mill. Catfish is on the menu. All are welcome. The conversation can range from Vonda's Virtues to Miller's advice on handling mules.

Peggy Pruden's Mother Has Finished Her Long Journey

Peggy Pruden's mother, Mrs. Gilley, died Wednesday in Martinsville after a courageous struggle following a recent stroke. Peggy was at her mother's bedside when death came. Mrs. Gilley was 92. She won the hearts of many Shepsons in December 2001 with her rousing bell ringing on behalf of The Salvation Army. We will miss her. Her funeral will be held Saturday at 1 o'clock at First Baptist Church, Martinsville.

Kathy Wade Is Back in Oklahoma

A reminder: Kathy Wade's new address is

Route 3, Box 272 J-l
Seminole, OK 74868

and her new telephone number (as of November 1) is 1-405-303-2491

Poor Henry's Almanac Archives Are on the Internet

Many of you may not be aware that RRCB member Eric Johnson has been gradually adding to the archives of PHA. If you go to the link below you will usually find the latest issue of PHA with photos. At the bottom of the web page is an archives section. PHAs going back to January 9 have been placed on line. PH will continue to send Eric old issues of PHA until all of the past issues will be on line.

http://www.rrcb.org/ministries/adult/sundayschool/sspha.html

Can any of you remember what our mission project was on January 9? The PHA archives can tell you. See below from the January 9, 2003, PHA.

Missionaries Bill and Charlotte Report on Duffel Bag Project

15.2 per cent of the duffel bags sponsored to date were taken by members of other Sunday School classes. We see this as further indication that the circle of hands-on local missions friends is expanding significantly, especially since three of our other-class regulars did not make it this morning.

We are going duffel bag shopping again this week.

Charlotte and Bill

Currently, as all of you should know the October Winter Coat Mission Project has been completed. Charlotte and Bill will report on the final stats on this mission project.

Prayer Rounds

Remember in your prayers the family of Julia Shepherd, the family of Peggy Pruden's mother, the family of Woody Hasty, Dot and Cecil Sherman, Nancy Gayle Smith, Kathy Wade, the Church staff, the Pastor's Search Committee, and those only known to you.

No Shepson Birthdays, But One Anniversary to be Celebrated Next Week

On next Wednesday, Nov. 5. 1977, Charlotte and Jim Ladd will celebrate twenty-six years of wedded bliss.

Has the Cooperative Program Become Uncooperative?

In last week's Religious Herald (October 23) PH noticed a letter written to the editor. The letter was written by L. Milton Hankins of Catlettsburg, Kentucky. Ph does not know Mr. Hankins, but he seems to make a valid point. The letter reads:

Why Support the CP (Cooperative Program)?

"Your (referring to the editor) rhetorical question concerning the Cooperative Program - "What is your church doing about it?" - deserves an answer. You'll probably get lots of answers. Obviously, increasingly churches are either slowly backing totally away from the Cooperative Program or simply doing little to promote it. It is refreshing to see that Southern Baptists are finally admitting the Cooperative Program is "running out of steam;" doubly sad such a splendid program, founded on such splendid principles, is on the demise. To answer your question, the reasons are, like the demoniac's demons, legion. Why would any rational, thinking Baptist congregation support a fundraising effort under which the disbursement of funds is controlled by a hard-line, fundamentalist regime? Let's see - roughly since the takeover of the SBC, the denomination no longer supports the priesthood of the believer, no longer espouses a belief in soul competency, no longer honors the rightful, biblical place of women in the church, no longer respects the "divine calling" of dedicated hardworking missionaries unless they, in effect, sign a creedal statement, has little or no understanding of academic freedom; and decries the right of individual local churches to determine their own internal policies - i.e., whether or not to hire female pastors and/or be accepting and affirming congregations.

Let's face it: the SBC has, over the last twenty or so years, evolved into a polarized, partisan entity identifying itself with fundamentalist, right wing politics. My wife and I have never considered that we left Southern Baptists; but Southern Baptists certainly left us. Why would we want to send money to the Cooperative Program or encourage our church to do so?

Thanks for asking the question which has given me an opportunity to respond with only a few reasons why I'm not surprised the Cooperative Program giving is on the decline."

Joe Alvis Is Ready for the Winter

Joe Alvis lives outside on top of a hill near the Goochland - Hanover line. He loves the scent of the fox and the thrill of the chase. He loves to nestle in his warm house in the winter or during an Isabel. He avoids the limelight. Shepson Brenda with Kitty's help tried to get a snapshot of Joe, but he stayed far from the camera. Attached to this PHA is a photo of Joe at a distance and his house. Kitty is trying to lure him closer to the camera. Joe is a shy Beagle.

PH

Poor Henry's Archives

October 24, 2003
October 18, 2003
October 10, 2003
October 3, 2003
September 12, 2003
September 5, 2003
August 29, 2003
August 22, 2003
August 15, 2003
August 8, 2003
August 1, 2003
July 25, 2003
July 18, 2003
July 11, 2003
July 4, 2003
June 27, 2003
June 20, 2003
June 13, 2003
June 6, 2003
May 30, 2003
May 23, 2003
May 16, 2003
May 9, 2003
May 2 , 2003
April 25, 2003
April 18, 2003
April 11, 2003
April 4, 2003
March 28, 2003
March 21, 2003
March 13, 2003
March 6, 2003
February 27, 2003
February 20, 2003
February 13, 2003
February 6, 2003
January 30, 2003
January 23, 2003
January 16, 2003
January 9, 2003
January 2, 2003
December 26, 2002
December 19, 2002
December 12, 2002
December 5, 2002