This is NOT Brantley!

This is NOT Brantley.  This is Champ.  Who came to visit the church yesterday.  I was lucky enough to get to see him and to hold him.  He is four months old. Cute as can be.  And almost as big as our Brantley.  Already.

And he looks a lot like Brantley, too.  Doesn't he?  Champ even fooled Judy.  When I sent her this photo she texted back, "Why is his face dirty, was he out in the yard?"  Thinking it was our dog with a mussy muzzle.

No, Brantley was just as neat and tidy as ever, at home.  And Champ looks like this all the time. 

Here is the back story about Champ...

Emily and family "may" be adopting him.  If they do, they are going to change his name to Charlie.  But if they do  not, Anne says that she wants first dibs. Here are a few photos that show you just how Anne feels about Champ.

Paul and Patty in Coordinating Outfits Today!

“Nothing can separate me from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:39  This is a Wekivaword

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“The secret is that Christ lives in me and I have assurance of sharing his glory.” Colossians 1:27  This is a Wekivaword.

“I display a new nature because I am a new person, created in God’s likeness – holy and true.” Ephesians 4:24  This is a Wekivaword.

“God’s discipline is always good for me because it means I share in His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10  This is a Wekivaword.

Anniversary Musings

Twenty-eight years ago, yesterday, Judy and I were married in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, Indiana.  A photo that is displayed in our home, shows the two of us during the recessional.  The church was packed, as you can sense from the photo.  We had invited the entire congregation as well as our family and friends.  They all came, for which we were glad.  The receiving line thereafter took nearly two hours...

Often, the Senior High Mission Trip falls at the same time as our anniversary.  This means that in many years, Judy and I are not in the same state, let alone in the same place, when the day arrives.  This year, the trip is setting out a week later, so we had the joy of spending the day together.

We decided to have a nice relaxing anniversary day, yesterday.  I thought it was very pleasant to see the cards we gave each other, side by side, since they look as if we had picked them to go together.  This is the kind of thing that happens to us a lot.  I guess great minds think alike...

Our day took us to Mount Dora, where we had a quiet lunch, window shopped, and even found one or two things to bring home with us.  Some of the pottery we saw in one window is shown above.  As many of you know, I have been collecting old American Art Pottery since the early 1990s.  We found lots of interesting things, along that line, but none of them came home with us.

We also did not bring home the other "find' you see below... 

On the way home we stopped for produce in Zellwood, including sweet corn.  That is for our Memorial Day meal.

“As you draw near to God, God draws near to you.” James 4:8  This is a Wekivaword.

“God’s love is made complete in me when I follow God’s instructions.” 1 John 2:5  This is a Wekivaword.

“I can never be separated from the love of God.” Romans 8:35-39  This is a Wekivaword

“I follow God’s principles because I love him.” John 14:15  This is a Wekivaword.

Bountiful Bonnets

Sunday was BOUNTIJFUL BONNETS SUNDAY followed by the PW Mother Daughter Tea and Re-fashion Show.  At the right moment in the worship service, we invited the men of the congregation to share in a special offering to donate more dollars than the number of bonnets in the sanctuary.  (Of course, every one was welcome to share in this special offering!).  The proceeds benefit the Swain-Hood Scholarship Fund.

Old Testament Fast Forward

The CHILDREN’S MUSICAL, The Old Testament Fast Forward was presented by the KIDS CLUB CHOIR, at 6:30 PM this past Sunday, in our Sanctuary.  Everyone did a marvelous job.  Miss Aloma brought the lively musical to life and Jennifer's sets were a wow.  The kids looked darling in the fabulous costumes--especially the ones having to do with the Ark, which as you can see was nearly life size!  What fun!

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” Psalm 139:14   This is a Wekivaword.

“The water Jesus gives takes away my thirst altogether.” John 4:14  This is a Wekivaword.

“Jesus keeps pruning me so that I will be even more productive for God.” John 15:2  This is a Wekivaword.

“With God in my life, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26  This is a Wekivaword.

“God’s principles are perfect. They are entirely worthy of my trust.” Psalm 119:138  This is a Wekivaword.

Tread the Trails of Glory

Tread the Trails of Glory

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: RACHIE

Meter: 6565D with refrain

Tread the trails of glory,

Serving Christ the king;

Step by step in daily living,

Loudest praises bring!

Joining in the journey,

Walking in Christ’s way

In the presence of the Savior,

Through the day!

Refrain:

Tread the trails of glory,

Serving Christ the king;

Step by step in daily living,

Loudest praises bring!

Jesus calls disciples

To become His friends,

In the company of caring,

So Jesus sends.

Onward through the ages,

Outward to the world,

Filled with confidence and joy, now

Serve the Living Lord!

Refrain:

Sisters, will you join us?

Brothers, shall you share?

Friends, delight in reaching others,

Here and everywhere!

Bring the gifts and talents

God has given you—

As you give them, Christ will use them;

See what Christ can do!

Refrain:

Copyright © 2012, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

Please note also that this text is not strictly 6565D with refrain, but that is the meter designation for the old Welsh tune RACHIE, and if you listen to it, you will find that the words match the notes in the tune effectively.

Living Lord, of Grace and Blessing

Living Lord, of Grace and Blessing

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: BLAENWERNBLAENWERN

Meter: 8787D

Living Lord, of grace and blessing,

You have called us as your own,

Given us your word unceasing,

Loving kindness, you have shown!

May our hearts rejoice in caring

For the ones you make and tend;

May our hands reach out in sharing,

And encouraging each friend!

Living Lord, so strong and soothing,

Grant your mercy, balm and care—

Healing, guiding, helping, doing

Loving kindness, everywhere!

We would set aside distraction

Concentrate on doing good,

May we be your church in action,

Serving daily as we should!

Living Lord, death could not keep you

From the rising from the grave,

Faithful people ever seek you

For you free and bless and save.

Make us more alert in doing

All you say, with joy and grace;

May our lives be spent pursuing

Righteousness in all our days!

Living Lord, each morn we seek you,

And your guidance we would take;

Ever-blessed because you speak to

Every prayer and plea we make.

God who made and knows us wholly,

Christ who is our saving friend,

Spirit sent to make us holy:

We will praise you, without end!

Copyright © 2012, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

Down the Ages

Down the Ages

A hymn of the ongoing work of Christ - For All Saints Sunday

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: COEDMOR

Meter: 878787

Down the ages, saints have offered

Endless praises, wise and well.

Sharing wonders of the Gospel,

As they worked, good news to tell—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Since the day when Jesus called them

As God’s word inflamed their soul

And the ways of faith enthralled them

Saints still seek the kingdom’s goal—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Come and cast off vain ambition,

Clothe yourselves in love and grace,
Serving Christ, your only mission,
As God sets the time and place!
Living in the light of Jesus,
Down the ages, to this day!

Humble servants, scholars and poets,

Teachers, preachers, all who care,

Friends who love the Lord and show it,

Taking Jesus everywhere.

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

See them in one great procession,

One in Christ and one in faith,

Praising, serving, in succession,

Christ the Living Lord of grace!

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

 

Copyright © 2012, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.


The great Welsh tune COEDMOR brings to mind a stately setting in which the panoply of saints are gathered, from all times and all places, processing and praising God as one great company of the faithful.  This hymn would be effective on All Saints Sunday or for the ordination, installation, confirmation, or commissioning of God's people.

Wekiva Presbyterian Church - Before and After

These photos are before and after photos of Wekiva Presbyterian Church. 

The upper photo shows the church as it appeared circa 1997. 

Below it is what you would see today, mainly the result of the building program we undertook in 1999-2000. Ken sent these to me yesterday, with the note that they had at first thought about putting this set of photos in the display portion of clock the church presented to me on my fifteenth anniversary of serving them.  Here is what Ken wrote:

John,

We tried to get a picture that would fit in the frame next to the clock. We didn’t do very well and decided on the copy of the bulletin insert – we needed your photo skills I guess. I couldn’t get rid of them without sharing these with you. In 15 years you have made a lot of changes in the church and everyone’s life.

Ken

“God gives me power when I am worn out and strength when I am weak.” Isaiah 40:29  This is a Wekivaword.

If We Go Where Jesus Leads Us

If We Go Where Jesus Leads Us

A hymn of discipleship

Text: John A. Dalles, May 17, 2012

Tune: CALON LAN

Meter: 8787D

If we go where Jesus leads us,

He reveals a better plan,

For the route to gallant highlands,

Calls our faith to understand!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the peaceful lilies grow,

From the ground they spring in season,

Bloom and bless Christ by their glow!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

And may all who trust in Jesus,

From old lifelessness move toward,

What reveals our worth and names us,

As the ones who call the Lord!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the smallest sparrows fly

From the fledgling nest, in season,

Tiny feathers win the sky!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the saddest heart shall sing,

From the love that grows, in season,

Joy shall come and earth will ring!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

If we seek the slightest blessing,

Bless all those, this day, we meet,

Show God’s kindliness unceasing:

It is Christ himself we greet!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Copyright © 2012, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

Great God, We Hear You Call

Great God, We Hear You Call

 Text: John A. Dalles, May 17, 2012

Tune: GWAHODDIAD

Meter:  CM (6686) with refrain

 

I.

Great God, we hear you call,

From hearth and home we come,

O make us your disciples, all—

To worship you as one!

God, we worship you!

Christ, your love is true!

Spirit, guiding all we do!

Great God, we hear you call!

II.

Each gift you gave, we bring!

Each heart you formed, we give!

Each angel hymn you wrote, we sing!

Each life made new, we live!

God, we worship you!

Christ, your love is true!

Spirit, guiding all we do!

Great God, we hear you call!

III.

As from the world we came,

So to the world we go,

Our goal, to share Christ’s holy name,

Your grace and peace to show!

God, we worship you!

Christ, your love is true!

Spirit, guiding all we do!

Great God, we hear you call!

IV.

To justly live, we pray,

To kindly speak your word,

To humbly walk with you this day,

To do as we have heard!

God, we worship you!

Christ, your love is true!

Spirit, guiding all we do!

Great God, we hear you call!

Copyright © 2012, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.