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Wednesday, 25 November 2009 16:01 |
Consider the church mouse
By JIM SMITH
Staff writer
Many years ago, shortly after my wife and I moved to Grayling, we decided to choose a new church to attend. We ended up at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church, which has a one-hundred thirty-year history in the Grayling community. Sitting in favorite spot way in the back pew, I noticed, after a few Sunday Services, an “inconsistency” on the crown molding about 10 feet above the choir loft.
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| Michelson’s Church Mouse keeps tabs on the congregation from his perch high above the choir loft. Made by a now-gone wood carving church member, the mouse was placed there years ago and remains as a reminder of those who came before and the community spirit that exists amongst the congregation. |
Several weeks later my curiosity got the better of me.
Closer inspection revealed a life-size, perfectly carved, wooden mouse, complete with whiskers. I asked a couple of the other church members and few if any, had ever even noticed the visitor. None knew its history. Time passed and as with anything that is always present, I forgot it was there. Every year or so I would notice the mouse again because it had moved. It was always on the crown molding but in a different location.
The “Church Mouse” has been with us for years in different contexts. Some times it’s as an idiom, such as “poor as a church mouse” or “quiet as a church mouse.” Sometimes the church mouse becomes the voice of a group, as in a news-letter. Google the noun “Church Mouse” and you’ll receive more than 1.5 million results.
The ubiquitous rodent has its origin buried in the veils of time.
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Sunday, 15 November 2009 09:12 |
Saving Stittsville Church
By JIM SMITH
GRAYLING – By the time the spire of the Stittsville Church was lifted into position high above the ground, spirits were right there along with it – on cloud nine.
On Nov. 6, the sound of the workmen’s hammers driving the last nails into place echoed through the fall colors at Wellington Farm USA as a six-year odyssey reached completion .
Starting in the summer of 2003 when the officials of Norwich Township offered the abandoned church to the Crawford County historic farm, the efforts of volunteers and supporters worked diligently, overcoming numerous obstacles to preserve another piece of rural Americana.
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Sunday, 15 November 2009 07:50 |
Sunday Notes
Salt
by JANICE MILLER
In the autumn, I find myself wanting comfort foods. You know, warm breads and rolls, delicious and savory soups and stews, and hot chocolate, too. So, I eagerly prepared my favorite soup, Cream of Broccoli, ready for the enjoyment to follow. I chopped the vegetables, added spices, and finally, the cream sauce. It was a beautiful sight but when I tasted it, I could tell there was something missing: Salt. Without salt, the soup lacked flavor, even though I had added delicious vegetables and spices. Salt brings out the flavor in foods.
With everyone talking about the 2009 H1N1 flu, I asked my doctor what I could do to lessen the chances of getting the virus. She said, “Wash your hands with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer, gargle with salt water and use a saline spray solution up your nose. Germs can’t live in salt water.”
According to saltinstitute.org:
The most familiar use of salt undoubtedly is in the kitchen and on the dining table. Salt accents the flavor of meat, brings out individuality of vegetables, puts "oomph" into bland starches, deepens the flavor of delicate desserts and develops flavor of melons and certain other fruits. No other seasoning has yet been found that can satisfactorily take the place of salt. But there are other uses around the home, too. Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, by itself or in combination with other substances. A solution of salt and turpentine restores the whiteness to yellowed enameled bathtubs and lavatories. A paste of salt and vinegar cleans tarnished brass or copper. Pour a strong brine down the kitchen sink to prevent grease from collecting and eliminate odors. Salt helps destroy moths and drives away ants. A dash of salt in laundry starch keeps the iron from sticking and gives linen and fine cottons a glossy, like-new finish. A thin paste of salt and salad oil removes white marks caused by hot dishes or water from wooden tables. A box of salt is an important item in many bathrooms. In mild solutions, it makes an excellent mouthwash, throat gargle or eye-wash; it is an effective dentifrice; an antiseptic; and it can be extremely helpful as a massage element to improve complexion.
Keeping all this in mind, I wondered what Jesus meant when He said, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. Matthew 5:13 and in Mark 9:50 says “Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
Salt was still highly valued in the days when our Jesus was on earth. The Roman soldiers of the time were paid a salarium (Latin for salt), the basis of our modern word "salary." Salt in those days was not only valued as a seasoning for food, but in a era lacking refrigeration, salt was necessary for preserving food and, for that matter, for preserving life itself.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His listeners that they were the "salt of the earth." Now much has been said and written about the obvious meanings of this scripture. We can see, as salt seasons food by being lightly scattered upon it, so too the followers of Jesus season the earth by being scattered throughout the earth. By living in accordance with God's Way of Life, Christians also preserve the earth by slowing the decay of morals in the society around them.
How can a few people effect such a large region as the world? By working silently as salt with the gospel of Christ! Just as a handful of salt disperses its taste throughout food, so the teaching of the gospel is cast far and wide, reaching the hearts of humans. The salt of the gospel cleans and preserves our souls. It is an everlasting covenant between God and true believers.
Be the salt of the earth!
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Wednesday, 11 November 2009 11:50 |
Community Thanksgiving
Free Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Meal
East Tawas Assembly of God Church is continuing their free community meals this month, this time hosting a Free Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 p.m.
All are welcomed to attend.
The Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Meal will serve a variety of meats and side dishes for everyone’s tastes including turkey, ham, venison, potatoes and gravy, vegetables, breads, rolls, pies, and more. Like preceding meals, these dishes are lovingly prepared in the homes of members of the church and served to the first 200 people or until the food runs out. The meals are not limited by family size or economic status. All who need to eat are welcomed to come for this free dinner. Anyone who is alone for the holiday, or in need of a good meal for themselves and their family, are especially welcomed.
During this free community meal, the church will also have their food pantry and clothing pantry open for those who have needs in our area. “Sometimes you just need a little boost” is the theme of the Eta-3 ministries at the church that runs these areas. That is exactly what these pantries offer free of charge. Quality clothing and food items are available for anyone who needs them.
So if you are looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving or need a good Thanksgiving meal for your whole family, join the ETAG family for this Free Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, Nov. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. The meal will be served at the East Tawas Assembly of God Church’s Family Life Center, 311 E. Lincoln Street in East Tawas.
For more information call the church at (989) 362-5742.
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