Posts Tagged ‘Church’

For Unto Us a Son Is Given

December 24, 2008
The manger at Nashville's Opryland Hotel. December, 2001.

The manger at Nashville's Opryland Hotel. December, 2001.

I’m writing this a little early because Betsy and I will be busy later tonight.  We’re going to head down off the Plateau tonight to attend the Christmas Eve service at St. John (Episcopal) Cathedral in Knoxville.  We enjoy our little church up here on the Plateau, but the Christmas Eve carols and choral Eucharist are very special for us on Christmas Eve.

Since Knoxville is about 90 minutes from here, we get another benefit by going there tonight.  Our travel gives us plenty of time to hear the complete Messiah by Handel.  I’ve been listening to Messiah on Christmas Eve for about 40 years now, and never get tired of it.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

May the meaning and joy of Christmas be with you and your family throughout the days ahead.  Merry Christmas.

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Many Acts of Kindness

December 13, 2008
Mom and Dad with Judy (center). December 3, 2008.

Mom and Dad with Judy (center). December 3, 2008.

My parents live in Hendersonville, Tennessee, not quite three hours from where we live here on the Plateau.  Mom, who is 88, has been legally blind for about 15 years.  Dad, who is 96, was diagnosed with macular degeneration this past summer and is now also legally blind.

Both Mom and Dad say they want to remain in their home.  Betsy and I try to get over to their house as often as possible to help them with their finances, shopping, and chores.  My sister, who lives in Tullahoma, also helps out as much as she can.

But Mom and Dad couldn’t remain in their home without the help of volunteers from their church, who see that Mom and Dad get to Sunday and church, doctor’s appointments, and other  places they need to go.  Two of these special volunteers are our friends Judy and Charlie.  Judy works at Mom and Dad’s church and helps coordinate the volunteers.

Last week the church had a luncheon to honor volunteers who work at the church.  Mom and Dad had prepared the sanctuary for Sunday services for over 20 years, so although they can no longer do that, Judy made sure they were invited to the luncheon.  The luncheon had a western theme, so Charlie made sure that both Mom and Dad had the appropriate headgear, as you can see in the picture above.

We (and Mom and Dad) are blessed to have such special friends who show so much kindness — not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.

Thanks, Judy and Charlie!

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St. Michael’s Church

August 3, 2008


On Sunday, June 22, 2008, Betsy and I worshipped at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, in Charleston, South Carolina. St. Michael’s is the oldest church building in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. In the 1680’s a small wooden church, the first in the new town of Charles Town, was built on the present site of St. Michael’s. By 1727 that church, St. Philip’s, was too small for the congregation and a new church was built on a new site.

By 1751 the new St. Philip’s was too small for the increasing population, and a new church was authorized by the General Assembly of the Province, to be built on the old site and to be known as St. Michael’s. The cornerstone was laid in 1752 and in 1761 the church was opened for services. Except of the addition of the sacristy in 1883, the structure of the building has changed very little.

The interior of the church is also like it was when built. The pulpit and pews are original, as is the organ case, although a new organ was installed in the case in 1994.

George Washington worshipped at St. Michael’s on May 8, 1791 and Robert E. Lee worshipped there in the fall of 1861, They both sat in Pew No. 43, originally known as “The Governor’s Pew”. Unfortunately we didn’t know which pew they had used until we read material from the church after we got back home.

The service when we were there was well-attended by people of all ages. The rector gave a wonderful sermon and we enjoyed the service a great deal. I’d like to go back just to have an opportunity to sit in Pew No. 43!

To see more of St. Michael’s click HERE.

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