Vol. III, # 29, Feb. 25, 2005

Prayer Rounds

Mary Pentecost's brother, D. M. Holbrook, died on February 11 in Georgia. Also George Davis' brother-in-law, Tom Hicks, is doing relatively well. He is awaiting further tests. He had a non-malignant tumor resting against his intestines and his physicians will make a recommendation as what to do about it.

Remember in your prayers: Mary Pentecost and the family of D. M. Holbrook, the family of Kim Williams, John and Margaret Oliver, Carole Royall, Donald and Barbara Deer, IMB missionary John Seale, Diane and Don Retzer, the VCU BSU, Cecil and Dot Sherman, Peggy Harris and her family, Rick and Linda Mears, Audrey Thomson's sister Sharon Ruben and Sharon's family, Jared Oliver, Julia Tyler and her parents, Kay and Bob Culpeper, the Church clergy and staff. Prayers should also be offered for our military and civilians in harm's way and for those only known to you

The Easter Basket ISH Mission Project Is in Full Swing

If you need some ideas as for suitable items to put in the basket you prepare, some suggestions are below:

INFANTS AND TODDLERS: rattlers, soft toy animals, pacifiers, bibs, clothing, baby lotion, baby shampoo, wash cloth, band aids, diapers, children's books.

CHILDREN AGES 5-12: stuff animals, children's books, socks, match box cars, dolls, children's jewelry, toothbrush, toothpaste, frisbee, coloring book/crayons, paint sets, hair ribbons/clips/bows, baseball cards, small item of clothing, flower pot with flower seeds, gift card.

TEENAGERS: flash light, T-shirts, socks, baseball cap, playing cards, toothbrush, toothpaste, music CD, book, small handheld game, Frisbee, hacky sack, jewelry, small item of clothing, flower pot with flower seeds, gift card.

SENIORS: flash light, crackers, socks, straw hat, playing cards, band aids, tissues, Depends, book, note paper, lotion, soap, shampoo, Pop Top fruit/Ensure, flower pot with flower seeds, gift card, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.

Does the Church Court Yard Have a Fountain of Youth?

It is a well known fact or delusion that all Shepsons are twenty-nine years old. How do we maintain our youth? On Sunday, April 10 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM we will have our spring social right on church property in the court yard. There is a fountain in the courtyard. Rumors have spread that this fountain is the Shepson Fountain of Youth. A simple bare Shepson foot in this fountain sends molecules of David cells transdermally into each Shepson body and results in a youthful regression. This is the reason Teacher Bob can travel to Australia and back and not appear tired. This is the reason Julia Tyler can remember hymns from her youthful past. This is the reason Miller Alvis can outsmart Joe the Beagle. This is the reason that Terry Marsh can thump every week. And finally this is the reason that Margaret Oliver looks like a high school prom queen. So, mark your calendar for the spring social and remember to bring a small towel.

Where Will We Be in First Samuel This Sunday?

Last Sunday we really did not study David's marriage with any depth. Thus we could start at I Samuel 18:17. But Teacher Bob could start anywhere. He might want to sling a few stones at Goliath again. Come to church with your Bible and be prepared.

Gene Damon Is Twenty-nine Today

Shepson Gene is twenty-nine today. Has anyone seen Gene near that fountain?

Cross Over Challenge Is Approaching

The Cross Over Ministries is raising funds to open a free medical clinic in western Henrico County. The proposed site is near Regency Mall. Cross Over is the largest free medical clinic in Virginia. Individuals who have no health insurance (not even Medicare or Medicaid) and fall below certain household income limits are eligible for this free medical service. On Saturday, April 23 from 9 AM to 2 PM on the Millhiser Green at the University of Richmond there will be a Cross Over Challenge fun day for all ages. There will be a 5 K run, a family friendly 3 K walk as well as other sports-related events and family activities. Twenty churches in our area are currently involved in this project. The Board of Missions of RRCB is actively involved in this endeavor. Hopefully, Shepsons, other River Roaders and the youth and children will all find time for this event. An early bird registration fee of $15 for the run or walk is in effect through March 23. After that date the fee will be $20. Tickets for the other events of the day can be purchased on site on the day of the events.

For a registration form and details about the day's events go online to http://www.crossoverministry.org/. If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, contact Charlotte Flowers at 262-8535, extension 107 or by e-mail at cflowers@crossoverministry.org. If you serve as a volunteer, you can still participate in the events.

Treasurer's Report

Shepson Dick gave an annual treasurer's report to class members on February 12. Our donated money in 2004 was directed toward the Duffel Bag Campaign, Food Baskets, the Diaper Campaign, ISH School Supplies, Winter Coats/Diaper Campaign and the Central Virginia Food Bank. Our total contributions from January 2004 to February 12, 2005, were $3411.03. The report tells us of our monetary contributions, but many Shepsons do even more with hands on service to those less fortunate.

Because of Winn Dixie

For the first time in the annals of PHA PH will venture forth with a movie review. Readers are invited to send PH their own movie reviews at any time.

Last weekend PH and Brenda saw "Because of Winn Dixie" This a family movie without any profanity or tasteless violence. The story is based on the book of the same name. There are many subtle theological connections. The story is about a ten year old girl named Opal who lives with her preacher father in a trailer court in a small town in Florida. Her mother abandoned Opal when Opal was three years old. Her father does his preaching in a former convenience store. Near the beginning of the film Opal's father sends her to the Winn Dixie to get some groceries. While Opal is in the store she notices a great commotion. A stray dog is the cause of the disturbance. The store manager catches the dog and announces that he will call the dog pound unless someone claims the dog. Opal states that the dog belongs to her and the store manager asks her what is his name and after glancing at a sign on the window of the store, she says, "Winn Dixie." Throughout the remainder of the film Winn Dixie is instrumental in leading Opal to meet and befriend an assortment of interesting people. Among these characters are personalities played by Eva Marie Saint, Cicely Tyson and Dave Matthews. This lovable dog brings about a connection between people who otherwise would have never known each other. The dog howls during hymn singing. Winn Dixie would be right at home howling during our hymn sings.

Words from William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850)

Clouds of Glory

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The soul that rises with us, our life's star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar;
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home.
(from Intimations of Immortality)

The Conscience

But, above all, the victory is most sure
For him, who, seeking faith by virtue, strives
To yield entire obedience to the Law
Of Conscience; Conscience reverenced and obeyed,
As God's most intimate presence in the soul,
And his most perfect image in the world.

PH: Remember that PHA can be viewed on the church website at http://www.rrcb.org/ministries/adult/sundayschool/sspha.html
Eric Johnson does a wonderful job with graphic and formatting of PHA.

Poor Henry's Archives

February 18, 2005
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