August 31
I am listening today to Krista Tippett interview Eugene Peterson who wrote the Message translation of the Bible. I highly recommend listening to this episode.
https://onbeing.org/series/podcast/
Peace be with you,
Jerry
Friday, August 31, 2018
Post Sabbatical -- Return of the Jerry
August 30
I made a return to the office this morning. Got here just past 7:30am and waded through a mound of mail after making coffee. I made several pastoral phone calls and got right back into it.
About 8:45 my Thursday coffee buddy showed up, then another and another.
Lunch was with the Friendship Bunch to Pilot View Mini Mart. Lee drove the church bus and I rode in the back with the church ladies. That was a good decision. Lunch was great. Pilot View Mini Mart is awesome. The ladies are great. The food is always outstanding. The value is high. You also get to listen to the gossip of the western Clark County farmers -- which can be entertaining.
At the end of the day I made my first Emergency Room visit of my return. One of the church members fell and needed to be checked out.
In the evening I was the PA announcer for Lexington Catholic Boys Soccer, again. Coach Kincheloe emailed me earlier in the week and asked if I would do it again this year. I can't say no, even after the fiasco/near brawl/debacle that was the Dunbar pre-state game last fall.
I won't continue to write this blog every day post-sabbatical. I wrote during the sabbatical to partially fulfill the requirements of the sabbatical. However, having said that, this blogging has opened up something in me that I don't want to close down -- so I am going to continue writing.
I will come up with a plan and try to post once a week on the same day of each week. You may not continue to be interested or really have the time to look at these pages, and that's ok. This has been good for me. It has been a spiritual discipline, in fact. I intend to keep at it for the benefits it is bringing my spirit. If, upon reading these posts, the blog benefits you as well, then I couldn't be more happy.
I would appreciate your prayers as I try to make my way back into the congregation at FCC. A lot has been going on in the church while I have been away. Rather than being static they have made some very dynamic moves that I have not been apprised of yet. How and where I fit back into the congregation remains to be worked out. So, please remember me in your prayers as changes are revealed and a new way of being Senior Minister unfolds before me and within me.
The peace of Christ be with you.
Jerry
I made a return to the office this morning. Got here just past 7:30am and waded through a mound of mail after making coffee. I made several pastoral phone calls and got right back into it.
About 8:45 my Thursday coffee buddy showed up, then another and another.
Lunch was with the Friendship Bunch to Pilot View Mini Mart. Lee drove the church bus and I rode in the back with the church ladies. That was a good decision. Lunch was great. Pilot View Mini Mart is awesome. The ladies are great. The food is always outstanding. The value is high. You also get to listen to the gossip of the western Clark County farmers -- which can be entertaining.
At the end of the day I made my first Emergency Room visit of my return. One of the church members fell and needed to be checked out.
In the evening I was the PA announcer for Lexington Catholic Boys Soccer, again. Coach Kincheloe emailed me earlier in the week and asked if I would do it again this year. I can't say no, even after the fiasco/near brawl/debacle that was the Dunbar pre-state game last fall.
I won't continue to write this blog every day post-sabbatical. I wrote during the sabbatical to partially fulfill the requirements of the sabbatical. However, having said that, this blogging has opened up something in me that I don't want to close down -- so I am going to continue writing.
I will come up with a plan and try to post once a week on the same day of each week. You may not continue to be interested or really have the time to look at these pages, and that's ok. This has been good for me. It has been a spiritual discipline, in fact. I intend to keep at it for the benefits it is bringing my spirit. If, upon reading these posts, the blog benefits you as well, then I couldn't be more happy.
I would appreciate your prayers as I try to make my way back into the congregation at FCC. A lot has been going on in the church while I have been away. Rather than being static they have made some very dynamic moves that I have not been apprised of yet. How and where I fit back into the congregation remains to be worked out. So, please remember me in your prayers as changes are revealed and a new way of being Senior Minister unfolds before me and within me.
The peace of Christ be with you.
Jerry
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Sabbatical -- Last Day: Home
August 29
We left Bobbi and headed south to home. Kelly was insistent that we stop in Ashland, OH at Grandpa's Cheese Barn. I was not interested at all. However, Kelly wanted to stop, so without any fussing on my part, I pulled into Grandpa's Cheese Barn in Ashland.
We were greeted before we got in the door by a happy gentleman. The place was immaculately clean on the outside. There were tables and chairs, and buildings and a pond -- all of which were placed, trimmed, arranged and maintained beautifully.
When we walked in the door a young lady smiled and welcomed us and asked if we had been there before. "No," I said, "and I didn't want to come. I am being dragged in here against my will." She laughed at me and told me where to find the meat and cheese. Upstairs. I followed Kelly up the stairs and voila, the whole world changed. I was blown away by the array of meats and cheeses, the displays -- all immaculate -- and the samples in little bowls.
I will be brief. There was sausage, bacon, jerky, cured meats, franks, and ribs. There was every kind of cheese known to humanity and a few more. There were pickles and crackers and salsas and jams. I tried the hottest stuff they had -- ghost pepper salsa, and it was good. This place rocks. If you go to Ashland, OH, I suggest you stop. Plan a little extra time. Did I mention that in one of the buildings they had a sweets shop? Fudge. Chocolate covered anythings. Gummies. You name it -- even candy pizzas.
I thought the whole thing was hokey. I was wrong. It was awesome. It was a great stop on the way home.
We stopped in Cincinnati at Dodd Camera to have lunch with Hal Barkan. Hal and Kelly attended the Antonelli School of Art and Photography together and have stayed friends. 16 years ago I married Hal and his wife, Michelle, in the garden on a plantation at the Isle of Palms. Hal is a wonderful man. I always enjoy seeing him. He's a talented photographer. Very talented. He is an artist. He is a creator. Working in a camera store doesn't suit him well, but sometimes you do what you must to get to the next thing.
We left Bobbi and headed south to home. Kelly was insistent that we stop in Ashland, OH at Grandpa's Cheese Barn. I was not interested at all. However, Kelly wanted to stop, so without any fussing on my part, I pulled into Grandpa's Cheese Barn in Ashland.
We were greeted before we got in the door by a happy gentleman. The place was immaculately clean on the outside. There were tables and chairs, and buildings and a pond -- all of which were placed, trimmed, arranged and maintained beautifully.
When we walked in the door a young lady smiled and welcomed us and asked if we had been there before. "No," I said, "and I didn't want to come. I am being dragged in here against my will." She laughed at me and told me where to find the meat and cheese. Upstairs. I followed Kelly up the stairs and voila, the whole world changed. I was blown away by the array of meats and cheeses, the displays -- all immaculate -- and the samples in little bowls.
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| Heaven, in a meat and cheese shop |
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| Grandpa's Cheese Barn |
I thought the whole thing was hokey. I was wrong. It was awesome. It was a great stop on the way home.
We stopped in Cincinnati at Dodd Camera to have lunch with Hal Barkan. Hal and Kelly attended the Antonelli School of Art and Photography together and have stayed friends. 16 years ago I married Hal and his wife, Michelle, in the garden on a plantation at the Isle of Palms. Hal is a wonderful man. I always enjoy seeing him. He's a talented photographer. Very talented. He is an artist. He is a creator. Working in a camera store doesn't suit him well, but sometimes you do what you must to get to the next thing.
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| Kelly and Hal |
When we left Hal we headed on home, arriving home just before 4pm. I jumped into the shower. Headed for the First Christian Church Children and Youth Pool Party at the Winchester Country Club, and just like that the sixty days of sabbatical came to a close.
I am grateful for this time. I am glad to be home.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
Jerry
Sabbatical -- Day 64: Buffet, Buffet, Buffet
August 28
The sun came up over Niagara Falls this morning. Literally.
We went to breakfast at the Milestone Restaurant in the hotel - which overlooks the Horseshoe Falls. They had a large buffet for breakfast which Kelly chose. I opted for a smaller selection of food but did enjoy the Canadian Bacon for breakfast. The Buffet was $25 Canadian. In the short time in the country I have not acclimated to the exchange difference.
After breakfast we went back to the room and sat a spell, gazing out the windows at the Falls. Realizing we probably won't ever visit again we breathed it in. The natural wonder of it is inspiring. To see it, feel it, hear it, and to sense something of it that isn't received by the senses but understood through intuition has left a lasting impression on me.
We checked out of the hotel and were launched by a near 30 MPH wind into the car, the trunk lid a weapon. As we cruised around looking for a suitable souvenir shop we stopped at the light in front of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Cafe and the wind buffeted the car to the point it felt like we were on a roller coaster -- while completely stopped. My guess is that with the wind, the tall hotel buildings crammed together and the Bernoulli Effect, the street became a venturi, accelerating the winds above 40 MPH as they buffeted the car in front of Jimmy Buffet's.
Getting back into the USA at the border was very simple. We made our way back to the Courtyard where we had stayed on Sunday night. I had left my two nice Land's End pullovers in the closet. We went to see if they had found them, and they had. That was a relief.
Back through Buffalo. Back to western New York. We stopped at the Barcelona exit off of I-90 and visited the lighthouse there.
This trip we have walked the shores of both Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Something I really wanted to say I had done.
We made our way southwest to Wooster, where Kelly's cousin, Bobbi Douglas lives. We had a nice dinner with Bobbi, her son, Jaden, and her brother, Wes. We spent the night there. Bobbi's hospitality was wonderful. We gave her the Cream Candy I had purchased in Stanton, and to Wes, a bottle of Blanton's. It was a meaningful visit for Bobbi and Kelly. Their mothers were cousins, but they grew up almost as sisters. It was a stop worth making.
One more day of sabbatical remains.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
The sun came up over Niagara Falls this morning. Literally.
 |
| Sun rising over the Falls, from hotel room on 24th floor |
We went to breakfast at the Milestone Restaurant in the hotel - which overlooks the Horseshoe Falls. They had a large buffet for breakfast which Kelly chose. I opted for a smaller selection of food but did enjoy the Canadian Bacon for breakfast. The Buffet was $25 Canadian. In the short time in the country I have not acclimated to the exchange difference.
After breakfast we went back to the room and sat a spell, gazing out the windows at the Falls. Realizing we probably won't ever visit again we breathed it in. The natural wonder of it is inspiring. To see it, feel it, hear it, and to sense something of it that isn't received by the senses but understood through intuition has left a lasting impression on me.
We checked out of the hotel and were launched by a near 30 MPH wind into the car, the trunk lid a weapon. As we cruised around looking for a suitable souvenir shop we stopped at the light in front of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Cafe and the wind buffeted the car to the point it felt like we were on a roller coaster -- while completely stopped. My guess is that with the wind, the tall hotel buildings crammed together and the Bernoulli Effect, the street became a venturi, accelerating the winds above 40 MPH as they buffeted the car in front of Jimmy Buffet's.
Getting back into the USA at the border was very simple. We made our way back to the Courtyard where we had stayed on Sunday night. I had left my two nice Land's End pullovers in the closet. We went to see if they had found them, and they had. That was a relief.
Back through Buffalo. Back to western New York. We stopped at the Barcelona exit off of I-90 and visited the lighthouse there.
We made our way southwest to Wooster, where Kelly's cousin, Bobbi Douglas lives. We had a nice dinner with Bobbi, her son, Jaden, and her brother, Wes. We spent the night there. Bobbi's hospitality was wonderful. We gave her the Cream Candy I had purchased in Stanton, and to Wes, a bottle of Blanton's. It was a meaningful visit for Bobbi and Kelly. Their mothers were cousins, but they grew up almost as sisters. It was a stop worth making.
 |
Bobbi, Jaden, Wes, Jerry, Kelly |
One more day of sabbatical remains.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Sabbatical-- Day 63: Negative Ions
August 27
George Bailey blogs in his January 28, 2016 post, entitled, "Niagara Falls Negative Ions," that Niagara Falls is the world's largest negative ion generator.
George Bailey blogs in his January 28, 2016 post, entitled, "Niagara Falls Negative Ions," that Niagara Falls is the world's largest negative ion generator.
He writes, "Have you ever heard of these ions? Well, let me tell you about them. Lots of rushing water creates these negative ions (they're good guys).These negative ions some folks say account for the positive feelings you get when you’re near the water. It’s like how you feel when you’re at the beach, or walking in a gentle rain.
Fred Soyka in his book, The Ion Effect (1977) says, “Niagara Falls is the most stupendous neg-ion generator in the world and these neg-ions create a sense of well-being. It may be the reason why Niagara Falls has been a paradise for honeymooners for almost as long as the area has been accessible."
Fred Soyka in his book, The Ion Effect (1977) says, “Niagara Falls is the most stupendous neg-ion generator in the world and these neg-ions create a sense of well-being. It may be the reason why Niagara Falls has been a paradise for honeymooners for almost as long as the area has been accessible."
The day was filled with good feelings.
After leaving the hotel in NY we ventured across the Rainbow Bridge and into Canada. We were able to check into the Marriott very early and went to the room on the 24th floor to cast our gaze at the Falls.
We got in the car and drove to St. Catharine's, Ontario on the shores of Lake Ontario. It was there in St. Catharine's on September 12, 1952 that Neal Peart was born and then raised. It was necessary we make a visit to Lakeside Park, and we did. We traveled around Port Delhousie looking at gulls and sailboats and staring at the endless horizon of water that is Lake Ontario. We ate lunch at the Kilt and Clover, then headed back to Niagara to visit the Falls close up on the Canadian side.
Once we got back to Niagara we hopped on the Blue Line for WeGo and down to the Falls we went. What follows is a major photo dump. No words or captions. Just photos.
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| Praying Mantis on the Ledge, 24 stories up |
Dinner at the hotel overlooking the Falls. Fireworks for five minutes at 10pm.
There were plenty of negative ions floating around throughout the day. I especially enjoyed the trip to Port Delhousie, but the Falls are awe-inspiring. Truly inspiring.
There were plenty of Negative Ions to go around.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
Monday, August 27, 2018
Sabbatical -- Day 62: Play Misty for Me
August 26
This morning we left the house for Niagara Falls in the Maxima. It was around an eight hour drive to our motel in Niagar Falls, New York. We stayed at a Courtyard by Marriott thanks to a discount provided to us by Gwen Hart who is the Banquet Manager at Griffin Gate in Lexington. The Courtyard was built inside and around an old chocolate factory, the Niagara Chocolate Factory. It was a weirdly shaped hotel building, but it's a pretty cool re-use of space.
We went to Niagara Falls State Park, parked in a 20 minute only space because regular parking was $10. We walked about a half mile to the point where the Horseshoe Falls touches the United States. The sound of the water. The mist. The roar. The spectacle of it all was a bit overwhelming. Because we were in a timed space we didn't stay too long, but you don't have to be there long to be impressed.
We drove around Niagara Falls, probably where tourists don't go. Lots of poverty. Lots of shuttered store fronts in what appeared to be an historic downtown -- now abandoned. Our diversion was an in-your-face reminder of a country with enormous wealth and natural resources and also debilitating poverty, drug abuse and economic catastrophe. We came to see the Falls, but our eyes were opened in more ways than one.
Returning to the hotel to freshen we decided to eat dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe. It was a good choice. The food was average. The decor is a lot of fun. Our server, Sam (short for Samantha) was awesome. She grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and had always lived here. She told us some "life hacks" for things to do and how to get around. She was pleasant, attentive and delightful.
After dinner we were in bed before 9:30pm. Old age, here we come.
They say of the Falls, on the American side you feel its power and on the Canadian side you see its beauty. I cannot describe to you how close we were to the roaring water. Within feet. The raw power of that water was immense. HUGE.
Tomorrow is the Canadian side. I have never been to Canada. Looking forward to it.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
This morning we left the house for Niagara Falls in the Maxima. It was around an eight hour drive to our motel in Niagar Falls, New York. We stayed at a Courtyard by Marriott thanks to a discount provided to us by Gwen Hart who is the Banquet Manager at Griffin Gate in Lexington. The Courtyard was built inside and around an old chocolate factory, the Niagara Chocolate Factory. It was a weirdly shaped hotel building, but it's a pretty cool re-use of space.
We went to Niagara Falls State Park, parked in a 20 minute only space because regular parking was $10. We walked about a half mile to the point where the Horseshoe Falls touches the United States. The sound of the water. The mist. The roar. The spectacle of it all was a bit overwhelming. Because we were in a timed space we didn't stay too long, but you don't have to be there long to be impressed.
We drove around Niagara Falls, probably where tourists don't go. Lots of poverty. Lots of shuttered store fronts in what appeared to be an historic downtown -- now abandoned. Our diversion was an in-your-face reminder of a country with enormous wealth and natural resources and also debilitating poverty, drug abuse and economic catastrophe. We came to see the Falls, but our eyes were opened in more ways than one.
Returning to the hotel to freshen we decided to eat dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe. It was a good choice. The food was average. The decor is a lot of fun. Our server, Sam (short for Samantha) was awesome. She grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and had always lived here. She told us some "life hacks" for things to do and how to get around. She was pleasant, attentive and delightful.
After dinner we were in bed before 9:30pm. Old age, here we come.
They say of the Falls, on the American side you feel its power and on the Canadian side you see its beauty. I cannot describe to you how close we were to the roaring water. Within feet. The raw power of that water was immense. HUGE.
Tomorrow is the Canadian side. I have never been to Canada. Looking forward to it.
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| The Rapids |
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| More Rapids |
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| Looking Across Horseshoe Falls from Niagara Falls State Park |
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| Rainbow Bridge in the distance, and American Falls |
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| Play Misty for Me |
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| So close to the edge of the water. So close. |
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| Seneca Nation, Niagara Casino |
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| Fruit Room, Rain Forest Cafe |
Peace and Love,
Jerry
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Sabbatical -- Day 61: PCBWY Asbury Worship Collective and Laura Elizabeth Griffith
August 25
Saturday mornings are often filled with English Premier League games on the television with coffee, bacon and eggs. That happened today.
Just before noon I went out to have a long chat with the needy grass that was signaling it must be cut before we leave town. I went to WalMart and bought some oil, filled up the mower and off I went. After subduing the grass I tackled the weeds in the front flower beds. I pulled. I clipped. I yanked. I weeded and pruned and tried to make the front of the house look a bit tidier while we are gone. Then I got out the string trimmer and went after the grass in the cracks in the driveway, the sidewalk, the planters, around the trees, lamp post, mailbox. String trimming like a man on a mission. With 3 acres there is always plenty to do -- and of course the fence is starting to fuss at me that I haven't completed that project. Won't be done before the end of sabbatical. But, it will be done.
Late afternoon Kelly and I went to Marikka's Bier Stube. Her friends from Dixie Elementary and Crawford Middle Schools were gathering there. Henry Clay High School is having a reunion event this weekend and this event was somewhat tied to that. Kids that went to Crawford back in the day split between Henry Clay and Bryan Station High School. Kelly went to Bryan Station.
I wanted to see the new Marikka's. It's impressive. Indoor and outdoor volleyball courts. Lots of darts. Pool tables. Air hockey and about 20 large screen televisions. They also still have an outrageous selection of beers and a very good stock of bourbon. Though I really didn't know anyone there I was entertained with a Scottish beer which was a Wee Heavy, and lots of sports on television.
Back home there were still some preparations to make for our departure to Canada. I am looking forward to the trip, having never been to Canada but having grown up hearing so much about it. And since my all-time-favorite rock band hails from Canada I have really wanted to get to Toronto.
I have always loved the Canadian national anthem. It is much more easily sung than the Star Spangled Banner, but I also love the Canadian anthem for its lyrics:
Again, I want to say a big thank you to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Winchester for giving me a sabbatical, and for these extra few days to make this one more trek.
Tomorrow morning Laura Elizabeth Griffith, a child of the church and senior at Asbury University, will bring the Asbury Worship Collective to lead worship at FCC. Laura is gifted with perfect pitch, an attenuation to the Holy Spirit, a heavenly voice, and a heart for God. She is, and will be, a gift to the whole Church. She is also a gift to our congregation. May the Spirit of Christ be within you tomorrow, Laura Elizabeth.
The Asbury Worship Collective has a new album out and available on iTunes. You can download it here: The Journey: Asbury Worship Collective.
Peace and Love,
Jerry
Saturday mornings are often filled with English Premier League games on the television with coffee, bacon and eggs. That happened today.
Just before noon I went out to have a long chat with the needy grass that was signaling it must be cut before we leave town. I went to WalMart and bought some oil, filled up the mower and off I went. After subduing the grass I tackled the weeds in the front flower beds. I pulled. I clipped. I yanked. I weeded and pruned and tried to make the front of the house look a bit tidier while we are gone. Then I got out the string trimmer and went after the grass in the cracks in the driveway, the sidewalk, the planters, around the trees, lamp post, mailbox. String trimming like a man on a mission. With 3 acres there is always plenty to do -- and of course the fence is starting to fuss at me that I haven't completed that project. Won't be done before the end of sabbatical. But, it will be done.
Late afternoon Kelly and I went to Marikka's Bier Stube. Her friends from Dixie Elementary and Crawford Middle Schools were gathering there. Henry Clay High School is having a reunion event this weekend and this event was somewhat tied to that. Kids that went to Crawford back in the day split between Henry Clay and Bryan Station High School. Kelly went to Bryan Station.
I wanted to see the new Marikka's. It's impressive. Indoor and outdoor volleyball courts. Lots of darts. Pool tables. Air hockey and about 20 large screen televisions. They also still have an outrageous selection of beers and a very good stock of bourbon. Though I really didn't know anyone there I was entertained with a Scottish beer which was a Wee Heavy, and lots of sports on television.
Back home there were still some preparations to make for our departure to Canada. I am looking forward to the trip, having never been to Canada but having grown up hearing so much about it. And since my all-time-favorite rock band hails from Canada I have really wanted to get to Toronto.
I have always loved the Canadian national anthem. It is much more easily sung than the Star Spangled Banner, but I also love the Canadian anthem for its lyrics:
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Again, I want to say a big thank you to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Winchester for giving me a sabbatical, and for these extra few days to make this one more trek.
Tomorrow morning Laura Elizabeth Griffith, a child of the church and senior at Asbury University, will bring the Asbury Worship Collective to lead worship at FCC. Laura is gifted with perfect pitch, an attenuation to the Holy Spirit, a heavenly voice, and a heart for God. She is, and will be, a gift to the whole Church. She is also a gift to our congregation. May the Spirit of Christ be within you tomorrow, Laura Elizabeth.
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| FCC's Own, Laura Elizabeth Griffith |
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| Asbury Worship Collective |
Jerry
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