FOUR CHAPLAINS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2007

Today in churches of all denominations throughout the United States there should be a time for recognition of Four Chaplains Sunday. Sad to say that if you took a nationwide poll and asked, "What is the meaning of Four Chaplains Sunday?" only a very, very small percentage would be able to give the correct answer. Do you know the answer?

The observance today is for the 64th Anniversary of the sinking of troopship Doorchester. The significance is not in the sinking of the ship but what those who survived witnessed as their ship went down. There were four chaplains assigned to the ship. These chaplains represented three faiths, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant. As the ship began to slowly go down, it was discovered that there were not enough Life Jackets for all on board. The Four Chaplains took off their jackets and gave them to four men who did not have one. As the ship went down, the survivors saw these Chaplains, standing by the ship’s rail, united in prayer.

It is written, "Greater love hath no man but that he lay down his life for another." Did your Church recognize Four Chaplains Sunday? Did you see anything in the paper about it? Did your local Veterans Organization make any mention of it?

In the Village of New Washington, Ohio, the local weekly paper, THE NEW WASHINGTON HERALD, annually publishes a Proclamation, containing all of the whereas’s that refer to the heroism and sacrifice of the Chaplains as well as other related clauses, that this day be observed in public places and by prayer in homes and places of worship. The Proclamation was signed by the Mayor of New Washington, Ohio.

I am sure that many other communities also issue such Proclamations, that some Churches observe this Sunday, and that some Veterans Groups give the Day special recognition. If this does not take place where you live, I would encourage you to begin now to contact the proper people and offer to help to Commemorate this Day in 2008.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

02/04/07

TODAY IS PRESIDENTS DAY

Today should be a very special holiday. Unfortunately, it is nothing more than an extra day off for Government workers, some teachers and students, and a few others. Today should be a day of learning about those who have been elected to the High Office of President of the United States, but it isn’t.

In years past, when the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were celebrated on the date of their birth, schools had special programs and news stories abounded. Then some wise? government officials decided that the best thing to do to honor these Presidents would be to give the American people a three day weekend. I am not sure how a three day weekend honors a President.

I remember when the media would give great coverage to the life events of the President. Quotes would be printed, speeches would be reproduced, and we would be inspired to seek a better America. Listen to the radio, watch TV and read the newspaper and magazines to see how much space is given to honoring our Presidents today.

Just because the bands may not be playing and marching, just because you may not read or hear much about Presidents Day, it does not mean that it should be forgotten or neglected.

Today is President’s Day. How are you observing it? If you don’t have special plans, select a President that you know nothing about. Search the internet and find some of the wonderful pages dedicated to those who have been elected to the High Office of President of the United States.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

02/19/07

MARDI GRAS

Mardi Gras is over for another year. It brought thousands of tourists to Bourbon Street, tax dollars to the city, and high income to hotels, bars, prostitutes, makers and sellers of beads and to the pickpockets. It should have brought shame to a city that has called upon God for so much following the tragedy and destruction.

Officials say that they need the tax dollars to move forward in restoring the city. Has anyone ever said how much is received in tax dollars? Has anyone ever said how many tax dollars are spent for overtime police and fire workers or how much is spent for the overtime labor and vehicles used by the sanitation department in cleaning up the massive mess? Has anybody ever said how many people are robbed, assaulted or murdered, or suffered death or serious injury as a result of heart attacks or drug or alcohol over-consumption? Has anybody asked the people whose homes have still not had their homes restored if they are having a good time?

But most importantly, has anyone asked Jesus what He thinks of Mardi Gras as a way to prepare for the Holy Season of Lent?

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

02/21/07

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

Today is the birthday of George Washington. Because the observance was moved to President’s Day, many people will not remember to bake a cherry pie and the "I cannot tell a lie" stories begin to fade from our oral history. While these are not events of Washington the President, they are significant. From what I have read about Washington the General and Washington the President, he was a person who planned things out and then proceeded with confidence. I don’t know if the "I cannot tell a lie" story is fact or fable. I do know that it takes confidence to admit, while it is foolishness to deny. Confidence most often produces success, while foolishness leads to failure most of the time.