This is how Vice-President Spiro Agnew described the President’s critics over 40 years ago.
How else could we describe the current Republicans’ common and declared stance?
It seems that this has become a litmus test to which all Republicans have sworn.
It has informed all efforts so far to deal with Federal Budget issues and the “so-called” debt ceiling.
This constant negativism is getting so tiring.
Why would anyone elect a person to a Federal office who promises to do what he or she could to bring down the government he or she swears to uphold?
Not only are they liars, but it seems that they are treasonous as well.
Speaker “Speaks-With-Forked-Tongue” Boehner, Senator Mitchell and countless others have openly stated that their main focus during Obama’s presidency is to oppose everything that comes out of the White House.
Shameful.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Top 15 Reasons to Come to Church – Even Though It’s Summer:
15. Sundaes at the Dairy Queen are just not the same thing!
14. With a little luck, the sounds of the air conditioner will drown out the pastor’s voice!
13. Early dismissal means first in line for brunch!
12. If you think it’s hot now – think ahead!
11. This week’s absentee equals next week’s sermon illustration!
10. Come as you are – no need to dress up or down!
9. Comfortable cushioned chairs lets you nap better during the preacher’s sermon!
8. You don’t need sunscreen!
7. Non-fattening Sundays + awe-robic exercise = stronger heart and more healthful soul!
6. Collect additional stars for your crown!
5. Your presence encourages the others so much!
4. The air-conditioner helps to cool off some of the preacher’s hell-fire and brimstone!
3. Chance to hear some good sermons in our pastor’s absence!
2. The fourth commandment doesn’t have loopholes!
1. You are a valued part of the Body of Christ, and the rest of us can’t get along without you!
14. With a little luck, the sounds of the air conditioner will drown out the pastor’s voice!
13. Early dismissal means first in line for brunch!
12. If you think it’s hot now – think ahead!
11. This week’s absentee equals next week’s sermon illustration!
10. Come as you are – no need to dress up or down!
9. Comfortable cushioned chairs lets you nap better during the preacher’s sermon!
8. You don’t need sunscreen!
7. Non-fattening Sundays + awe-robic exercise = stronger heart and more healthful soul!
6. Collect additional stars for your crown!
5. Your presence encourages the others so much!
4. The air-conditioner helps to cool off some of the preacher’s hell-fire and brimstone!
3. Chance to hear some good sermons in our pastor’s absence!
2. The fourth commandment doesn’t have loopholes!
1. You are a valued part of the Body of Christ, and the rest of us can’t get along without you!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
16 Reasons for Be At Christ Church Easter Sunday
- You will be among friends.
- Celebrations are good!
- Your spirit will be up-lifted.
- You will be accepted here - no matter what you wear.
- You will be welcomed here - no matter what you’ve done.
- You will be welcomed here - no matter where you’ve been.
- You will be accepted here - no matter what you may have said.
- There will be familiarity to the service - presented in an informal fashion with full explanation of what to do when.
- Easter breaks through religious rituals to reveal the birth of a whole new way of doing things.
- You can help CPC break out of old odes of being church and reinvent a new church model more suitable for the 21st century.
- You might find new meaning and purpose for your life.
- You won’t be as lonely as you otherwise might be.
- You certainly will be appreciated.
- You would be listened to - and heard.
- Your presence would give hope to all others present.
- Where else, besides your car or shower, will you get to sing out loud?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Top Reasons to Be at CPC Palm Sunday:
1. It’s good to just celebrate once in a while.
2. It’s good to sing out loud in public!
3. It’s good to join a parade (even if symbolically)!
4. It’s a way to visibly demonstrate your faith.
5. Everyone welcomes you.
6. You will hear a message that could affect your life.
7. You will be among staunch believers – as well as questioners, sceptics, and seekers.
8. We, too, like those of old, will be celebrating the presence of Christ in our midst.
9. Your presence will be noticed by others.
10. You can come as you are – no matter what.
11. You will be welcome.
12. You will be expected.
13. The more the merrier – and we all need more merry, don’t you think?
14. You will bring a smile to someone’s face – guaranteed!
15. Folks banding together can change the world – we see it on TV!
16. Parades are fun!
2. It’s good to sing out loud in public!
3. It’s good to join a parade (even if symbolically)!
4. It’s a way to visibly demonstrate your faith.
5. Everyone welcomes you.
6. You will hear a message that could affect your life.
7. You will be among staunch believers – as well as questioners, sceptics, and seekers.
8. We, too, like those of old, will be celebrating the presence of Christ in our midst.
9. Your presence will be noticed by others.
10. You can come as you are – no matter what.
11. You will be welcome.
12. You will be expected.
13. The more the merrier – and we all need more merry, don’t you think?
14. You will bring a smile to someone’s face – guaranteed!
15. Folks banding together can change the world – we see it on TV!
16. Parades are fun!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
6 Years Cancer Free!
The annual encounter with my Urologist was good.
No signs of cancer.
"There is nothing for us to talk about," he said.
"See you next year."
"YES!", I said.
6 years ago I wrote these words for our church folks -- and it has since been passed on and on -- I don't know where. You might like to read it. Please let me know if you pass it on.
"Cancer," he said.
"You have cancer."
Sobering words, for sure.
I knew he was talking about the cancer that kills more men each year, save one.
I knew that over 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
I also knew that an estimated two million American men are currently living with prostate cancer.
So, the doctor had my full attention.
Thus began three weeks of whirlwind research and consultations and tests.
Fortunately, all doctors concurred that for my age, and my particular circumstance, the cancer needed to be treated aggressively.
Our research revealed that some surgeons were reporting great outcomes using laproscopic techniques. However, only a few surgeons in the Philadelphia were trained in these procedures and few were actually doing the surgery on a regular basis.
As luck would have it, the most experienced surgeon in laproscopic prostatectomies worked out of Bryn Mawr -- alongside the urologist I have seeing for some 20 years!
Not only had he done more laproscpic surgeries than any other area urologist, but he had documented phenomenal success with positive outcomes. And, he is the first -- and currently, only -- one to use the very latest tool: a robot called DaVinci. And, Lankenau Hospital is the only hospital in the Philadelphia area to have this futuristic machine in use.
I knew from my research that confidence in the medical team was one of the most predictors of positive outcomes. I had that.
I also knew that an even greater predictor of positive outcomes was my involvement with the faith group that is Christ Presbyterian Church.
In recent years I have been collecting scientific studies that confirm what I have observed -- and long suspected -- members of faith groups heal quicker, have less pain, and experience better surgical outcomes than those that aren't.
In fact, research confirms that being a member of a church is a better predictor of positive surgical outcomes than the disease itself, the location of the disease, or, even family history.
The prayers and expressions of concern by so many in the church, in other churches throughout the Presbytery, and in other contexts as well, worked with the skill and dedication of the surgeon and the medical team to help secure the most positive of all outcomes.
Not only has my recovery gone very well -- my hospitalization was only about 24 hours and I have had very little pain or other side effects -- but, tests show that the cancer seems to have confined to the prostate and they got it all!
By all accounts, I am now cancer free!
Sadly, over 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
This is the cancer that kills more men each year, save one.
It is estimated that some two million American men are currently living with prostate cancer.
And this is a cancer that can be beat with early detection and treatment.
It would behoove all men to get checked today.
No signs of cancer.
"There is nothing for us to talk about," he said.
"See you next year."
"YES!", I said.
6 years ago I wrote these words for our church folks -- and it has since been passed on and on -- I don't know where. You might like to read it. Please let me know if you pass it on.
"Cancer," he said.
"You have cancer."
Sobering words, for sure.
I knew he was talking about the cancer that kills more men each year, save one.
I knew that over 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
I also knew that an estimated two million American men are currently living with prostate cancer.
So, the doctor had my full attention.
Thus began three weeks of whirlwind research and consultations and tests.
Fortunately, all doctors concurred that for my age, and my particular circumstance, the cancer needed to be treated aggressively.
Our research revealed that some surgeons were reporting great outcomes using laproscopic techniques. However, only a few surgeons in the Philadelphia were trained in these procedures and few were actually doing the surgery on a regular basis.
As luck would have it, the most experienced surgeon in laproscopic prostatectomies worked out of Bryn Mawr -- alongside the urologist I have seeing for some 20 years!
Not only had he done more laproscpic surgeries than any other area urologist, but he had documented phenomenal success with positive outcomes. And, he is the first -- and currently, only -- one to use the very latest tool: a robot called DaVinci. And, Lankenau Hospital is the only hospital in the Philadelphia area to have this futuristic machine in use.
I knew from my research that confidence in the medical team was one of the most predictors of positive outcomes. I had that.
I also knew that an even greater predictor of positive outcomes was my involvement with the faith group that is Christ Presbyterian Church.
In recent years I have been collecting scientific studies that confirm what I have observed -- and long suspected -- members of faith groups heal quicker, have less pain, and experience better surgical outcomes than those that aren't.
In fact, research confirms that being a member of a church is a better predictor of positive surgical outcomes than the disease itself, the location of the disease, or, even family history.
The prayers and expressions of concern by so many in the church, in other churches throughout the Presbytery, and in other contexts as well, worked with the skill and dedication of the surgeon and the medical team to help secure the most positive of all outcomes.
Not only has my recovery gone very well -- my hospitalization was only about 24 hours and I have had very little pain or other side effects -- but, tests show that the cancer seems to have confined to the prostate and they got it all!
By all accounts, I am now cancer free!
Sadly, over 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
This is the cancer that kills more men each year, save one.
It is estimated that some two million American men are currently living with prostate cancer.
And this is a cancer that can be beat with early detection and treatment.
It would behoove all men to get checked today.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sez the Rev:
Jesus warns against us doing all pietistic acts in public:
when you pray, go off by yourself and shut the door – and by the way, stop using all those empty phrases.
When you give alms – do it in secret, don’t even let one hand know what the other is doing.
When you fast – that is to say
when you work to break the chains of injustice,
or to get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
or to free the oppressed,
or when you share your food with the hungry,
or when you invite the homeless poor into your homes,
or when you put clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
or when you are available to your own families –
do it on your on your own time.
These are not things you seek publicity for.
These are not things you should call attention to.
For sure, these things are to be done –
but do it under the radar.
Wash your face and comb your hair.
Let know one suspect.
I think it is clear that we need to pay more attention to these admonitions.
This is essential to the faith that has been passed on to us.
We can choose to ignore it – to our peril.
Or, we can take it to heart and spend these 40 days in Lent to deepen our faith and how it impacts our life – who we are and what we do.
Check it out.
when you pray, go off by yourself and shut the door – and by the way, stop using all those empty phrases.
When you give alms – do it in secret, don’t even let one hand know what the other is doing.
When you fast – that is to say
when you work to break the chains of injustice,
or to get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
or to free the oppressed,
or when you share your food with the hungry,
or when you invite the homeless poor into your homes,
or when you put clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
or when you are available to your own families –
do it on your on your own time.
These are not things you seek publicity for.
These are not things you should call attention to.
For sure, these things are to be done –
but do it under the radar.
Wash your face and comb your hair.
Let know one suspect.
I think it is clear that we need to pay more attention to these admonitions.
This is essential to the faith that has been passed on to us.
We can choose to ignore it – to our peril.
Or, we can take it to heart and spend these 40 days in Lent to deepen our faith and how it impacts our life – who we are and what we do.
Check it out.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sez the Rev:
When Jesus addressed the crowd about correct methods of righteousness, everyone knew what he was talking about.
They knew about the three legs on the stool of righteous living.
These days we don’t like to read this passage –
the only time it is brought up in the Lectionary is for Ash Wednesday services.
So for folks that never go to Ash Wednesday services, never have an occasion to hear this in church, unless their pastor is somewhat eclectic in his or her approach to Scripture.
But, we need to hear these words.
He said: “It is good to put the disciplines of godly living into practice.”
Jesus assumes you will be praying – and even tells you how.
Jesus assumes you will give alms.
Jesus assumes you will fast –
But, he warns about making a show of things when you do these acts of faith –
these acts of godly living.
In fact, Jesus says it is not kosher to do faith acts for show.
Check it out.
They knew about the three legs on the stool of righteous living.
These days we don’t like to read this passage –
the only time it is brought up in the Lectionary is for Ash Wednesday services.
So for folks that never go to Ash Wednesday services, never have an occasion to hear this in church, unless their pastor is somewhat eclectic in his or her approach to Scripture.
But, we need to hear these words.
He said: “It is good to put the disciplines of godly living into practice.”
Jesus assumes you will be praying – and even tells you how.
Jesus assumes you will give alms.
Jesus assumes you will fast –
But, he warns about making a show of things when you do these acts of faith –
these acts of godly living.
In fact, Jesus says it is not kosher to do faith acts for show.
Check it out.
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