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Rev. Thomas to retire after more than 46 years of ministry

Reverend Richard Thomas is retiring from the pulpit after more than 46 years of ministry. He has been the minister in 18 United Methodist churches in Ohio, six UM churches in Indiana, and two Presbyterian churches in Missouri. He has served the past 13 years at the Tunnel-Warren Chapel Charge of the United Methodist Church. At his recent retirement reception, he was presented with a memory quilt crafted by the Sew and Sew group. The quilt blocks are embroidered with the names of the churches and charges that he has served. Pastor Richard was born in Logan, Ohio. His father worked for ...

The gift of truly letting go

Last month, I wrote of my sadness that bluebirds had not built a nest in our bluebird house for over two years. In early spring, I went through a series of disappointments each time a pair of bluebirds explored our birdhouse but didn’t stay. Then God gave me another perspective. Instead of bemoaning the fact that no bluebirds had come to stay, I needed to rejoice at seeing five pair of bluebirds up close as they were exploring the birdhouse. And I vowed to myself to let go of my disappointment over what I didn’t have and rejoice in what I did have. So I released my hopes to God and ...

Reflections for the new year

Have you ever pondered all that has happened in the course of one year? I often do, especially as a new year is about to begin. As 2018 comes to a close, I look back at both its joys and challenges. Things like being sick with influenza, finishing my thesis and successfully defending it come readily to mind. Heartaches like the death of loved ones and the sickness of others bring tears. Joyful graduation celebrations and special time with friends and family bring smiles. Work completed and tasks accomplished produce gratitude to God for strength and guidance given in me. Thinking back ...

Remember the reason for this holiday season

As families prepare for Christmas, colorful lights twinkle in night’s darkness while plastic Santa Claus figures, waving snowmen and an occasional nativity scene sit on lawns. Gifts will be wrapped in colorful paper and placed under lighted trees decorated with ornaments which sparkle amongst the lights. At family get-togethers, cameras will capture people smiling as they open their gifts, while photos of others who enjoy rather rambunctious Christmas parties will be snapped participating in worldly foolishness. Unfortunately, a day which is supposed to celebrate the miraculous ...

Parliament of religions gives new perspective on Christmas

My routine requires leaving the house very early. During these winter months, only the clock tells me it’s morning; otherwise, I’m truly in the dark. There’s a small stoop before three steps into the garage where I stand to reach for the garage light. After closing the door to the house and while feeling for the light switch on the wall, there is a second where I have a chill of real insecurity. I’m alone in the dark, and I mentally shudder in a shake of fright in that second before I trust the light will come on for me. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve gone through ...

The crimson power of the Lord

Several months ago, a dear friend’s husband was experiencing growing fatigue, along with bouts of breathing difficulties. After being put through various tests it was discovered that he was losing blood. Thanking the Lord, his situation was surgically corrected. This is a situation that, if not promptly addressed, could result in death. As one thinks about this medical condition, one must realize that life is in the blood, both physically and spiritually. Physically our blood, the liquid of life, makes up approximately 7 percent of our human body weight, contains red and white blood ...