Norway?

So, my daughter Jean and her husband Lucas are moving to Norway. Norway? Isn't that where Vikings live?

Devotionals Coming

The Alliance has put in an order for the devotionals (see below). Hopefully they will be in for the following Sunday, May 23. Again, the idea is for the church to use the devotional throughout the month of June. The worship service on June 13 will specifically commemorate Dr. Boice's ministry.

Having said that, this Sunday I will be taking a cue from Dr. Boice's own preaching practices. Occaisionally, he would take the outline of another commentator (always giving credit) because he liked it so much. I have taken his sermon outline from his second sermon on Romans on chapter one, verses one and two. The first devotion of the book is taken from that sermon. It is a way to kick off the devotional and hopefully to encourage you to pick up a Boice book or listen to a sermon. You can purchase his sermon cds or download mp3's from the Alliance. If you have never heard his voice, well then, you must do this. I can preach his material, but I can't replicate that voice.

Remembering Phillip Callaghan

Few will remember him -- always dressed nattily with a bushy mustache and beard -- very Scottish in bearing. Phillip had a bit of a reedy voice, but it was always filled with humor. I met Phillip years ago when the Callaghan family were fixtures at Woodland Presbyterian Church. Many Sunday evenings, members would "double-dip" at our services...including the pastor. Phillip would angle his seat in the aisle (before the pews were properly trimmed to allow for wheelchairs) and participate lustily. Though his glasses usually needed a polish, his mind was clear and his eyes would dance with delight.

Phillip was escorted home yesterday by our Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing him run with abandon in heaven. Though details are still sketchy, pray for his brother Gordon who will be making arrangements for his service at Woodland Presbyterian Church.

UPDATE: The service will be on Monday, May 17, 3 pm at Woodland.

Boice Devotional

I just got my copy of the devotional, To the Glory of God: a 40-Day Devotional on the Book of Romans. This is a project I worked on this past year culling devotions from Dr. Boice's Romans commentary, specifically for Tenth members and friends to use on this tenth anniversary of his death. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is ordering copies to be in the church bookstore before June, and I believe the idea is for us to read through the devotional beginning the first of June. Stay tune for the date of the books' arrival and the special pricing.

More about the devotional. I took selections covering every section of Dr. Boice's outline. Each devotion has the full scripture text printed on the facing page, so that the full book of Romans is printed. The book has the added bonus of the four hymns that Dr. Boice wrote with Paul Jones taken from Romans' passages.

The Short List Exposed

I got it! I got a hold of the "short list" of Senior Minister candidates. You will be impressed with the "outside the box" thinking that is going into this process.

1. Charlie Manuel - Yes, it's hard to understand what he's saying, but he really knows how to get the most out of his staff.
2. Sylvester Stallone - Just imagine the electricity each Sunday morning as he bounds up the pulpit stairs.
3. Bill Cosby - If you ever heard his sermon on Noah and the Ark, you'll know why.
4. Joel Osteen - We might have a problem with presbytery, but before they could act he will have taken care of any financial worries for the church.
5. George Bush - Hey, his last name begins with "B."

Japanese Tutor

Danielle Krammel has been teaching an English class of three or four Japanese ladies near the U Penn campus in Philadelphia and is looking for a replacement teacher as soon as possible. The ladies are all young housewives and eager to learn English. They also pay about $10/person per lesson. The lesson day is flexible but the time is from approximately 10:30-12pm. This is a great contact for the gospel since all of these ladies have met Christians during their time here and are very open to friendships with Americans. This would be a great opportunity for a college student looking for some extra income. Please email Danielle, if you are interested.

Oscar Spragins Service

The funeral for Oscar Spragins, Jr, Vince Spragins' father, is scheduled for Saturday, May 8 at Triumph Baptist Church, 1648 W. Hunting Park Ave. Viewing 8:30a to 9:30a. Masonic service at 9:30a. Funeral service at 10a. Interment at Ivy Hill Cemetery.

Sparrows - Save the Date!

Girls (age 5 and up) are invited to Sparrows on Saturday, June 12, 1:00-3:00pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Mark the date on your calendar! We will be celebrating the start of Summer with a fashionable craft project and some cool treats. More details to come, stay tuned!

The Perfect Gift

Have you ever given someone the "perfect" gift? I mean the gift that the receiver was blown away by. He couldn't believe how thoughtful and generous you were. Well, we've come up with the perfect gift for Phil and Lisa to give on their last Sunday here. It will blow Phil away. It will be from the congregation, so I need church members and friends to kick in on it. You will be glad you did, believe me. No, I can't tell you what it is. I want it to be a complete surprise. The elders know and a handful of others. It is such a great gift!

Anyhow, if you can contribute, make out checks to "D. Marion Clark." No, it's not a joke. The money cannot go through the church; otherwise, Phil actually gets taxed for it. Don't ask me to explain; I just trust what the finance people tell me. Anyhow, make the check out to me and send in to the church with attention to Nancy Hala, or give to me or her on Sunday. She will record it all, Jessie Yang will keep track, and I will deposit. (I'll give it all back for the gift; I promise). I need donations in as soon as possible. No donation is too small, nor too large, for that matter. If you need to discuss amount, give me a call or email me.

Did I mention how great a gift this is?