The Gleanings of St. John’s SEPTEMBER 2015 Gleaning is Our Life God sends us out into the world to proclaim the Good News of God’s love as revealed in Jesus Christ. We are sent to a broken, sinful, divided world to glean any that we can from the myth that life is meaningless and the universe doesn’t care. Jesus died on the cross and was raised again so that we might be gathered to God. Gleaning is our life. excerpt from The Rector’s Message, p.2 Gleaning Day September 12 St. John’s and the Bedford community will be gleaning at Johnson’s Orchard from 8:30–noon on Saturday morning. Parish Picnic September 13 The annual parish picnic will be held in September this year and we will combine it with our “back to school” potluck. Sunday School September 20 A new year of Christian Formation classes, including Adult Forum, begins. The Gleanings has gone digital. To join our mailing list, please send an email to [email protected]. When viewing the newsletter, if the print is too small, please note the option to “zoom” (enlarge) at the top center of the viewing window using the “+” or “–”. You can also download it to your computer or print it your- self if you would rather read a hard copy. On an iPad, you can save the PDF to your iBooks library. IN THIS ISSUE Message from the Rector Gleaning at Johnson’s Orchard Parish Picnic Rwandan HUGS Youth Happenings Nancy Strachan meeting HUGS goats on her recent trip to Rwanda. DATES TO REMEMBER www.stjohnsbedford.dioswva.org
Transcript
The Gleanings of St. John’sS E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5
Gleaning is Our LifeGod sends us out into the world to proclaim the Good News of
God’s love as revealed in Jesus Christ. We are sent to a broken,
sinful, divided world to glean any that we can from the myth that
life is meaningless and the universe doesn’t care. Jesus died on
the cross and was raised again so that we might be gathered to
God. Gleaning is our life.excerpt from The Rector’s Message, p.2
Gleaning DaySeptember 12St. John’s and the Bedford community will be gleaning at Johnson’s Orchard from 8:30–noon on Saturday morning.
Parish PicnicSeptember 13The annual parishpicnic will be held inSeptember this yearand we will combineit with our “back toschool” potluck.
Sunday School September 20A new year ofChristian Formationclasses, includingAdult Forum, begins.
The Gleanings has gone digital. Tojoin our mailing list, please send anemail to [email protected].
When viewing the newsletter, if theprint is too small, please note theoption to “zoom” (enlarge) at the topcenter of the viewing window usingthe “+” or “–”. You can also downloadit to your computer or print it your-self if you would rather read a hardcopy. On an iPad, you can save thePDF to your iBooks library.
I N T H I S I S S U E
Message from the Rector
Gleaning at Johnson’s Orchard
Parish Picnic
Rwandan HUGS
Youth Happenings
Nancy Strachan meeting HUGS goats on her recent trip to Rwanda.
D A T E S T O R E M E M B E R
www . s t j o h n s b e d f o r d . d i o sw v a . o r g
A Message from the Rector The Rev. F. Wilson Brown
Dear friends in Christ,Our parish newsletter is namedThe Gleanings. I would be veryinterested to know if some ofyou can tell the origin of thetitle. It is descriptive.
In my old Webster’s NewWorld Dictionary, the third def-inition for glean is “to collect or
find out (facts, information, etc.) gradually or bitby bit.” The Gleanings, as a parish newsletter, doesa wonderful job of collecting up church news andannouncements and presenting the information tous. We are very, very fortunate to have ChandraSchmehl compile this for us each month.
For us though, gleaning evokes much more than asimply collecting information. To glean is an agri-cultural activity. The word’s primary meaning is“to collect (grain, etc. left by reapers).”
To glean is to gather up the crop that has been leftin the field. The harvesters do not get everythingthe first time through the field. Gleaning is theprocess of collecting up what remains.
Gleaning is an important word and an importantconcept for our church. In the Old Testament,Israel is told not to glean everything from the field.Rather they are commanded by God to leave someof the harvest for the poor and destitute: “Whenyou reap the harvest of your land, you shall notreap to the very edges of your field, or gather thegleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip yourvineyard bare, of gather the fallen grapes of yourvineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and thealien; I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:9 &10. See also 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24:19-21)
Gleaning, at very least, reminds us that Godexpects us to make provision for those who haveless than we do. We are called to be stewards ofwhat God has given us. We get to keep most of the
crop. Some is to be left for those in need. Sincemost of us don’t farm, we now speak of giving ourtime, our talent, and our treasure.
Beyond that, we can wrestle one more image outof the word, gleaning. If gleaning means to collectthat which is left behind, then surely gleaning isour mission.
God sends us out into the world to proclaim theGood News of God’s love as revealed in JesusChrist. We are sent to a broken, sinful, dividedworld to glean anything that we can from the myththat life is meaningless and the universe doesn’tcare. Jesus died on the cross and was raised againso that we might be gathered to God. Gleaning isour life.
This month we have the opportunity to glean inthe old sense. You have been hearing that onSeptember 12th we are going up to Johnson’sOrchards to gather fruit which will be received bythe Society of St. Andrew. We will be picking upfruit that has fallen to the ground. Danny tells usthat, once the fruit has fallen, he is no longer ableto sell it—even though it is perfectly edible. Itbreaks our hearts that so much food is wasted in ahungry world. We are inviting all of Bedford tocome glean with us. On the 12th we glean fruit. Aswe do so, we remember that we are sent into theworld to gather and care for people.
Your brother in Christ,—Wilson+
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Upcoming Events & Parish NewsGleaning at Johnson’s Orchard— Saturday, September 12th at 8:30 amSt. John’s is organizing a “gleaning” event atJohnson’s Orchard. Gleaning = Picking upfallen fruit. It is no longer salable but is quite
useable. The fruit is donated to feed the poor.People of all ages can help with the gleaning and weare encouraging everyone from St. John’s to partici-pate as well as the larger Bedford community.
Details: Meet Saturday, Sept. 12th 8:30 am untilabout 12:30 pm, Johnson's Orchard, 2122 SheepCreek Road. Park at Johnny Appleseed statuebehind the store.Those wishing to carpool are invit-ed to meet at St. John’s at 8:00 am.
Participants may want: hats, gloves, sturdy shoes,bug repellant, and any snacks or refreshments.Water will be available.
It would help to know how many are coming.Please call the office at 586-9582 to respond.However last minute "walk ins" are most welcome.
The event is being sponsored by the Society of St.Andrew, http://endhunger.org/virginia/. Fromtheir website: “The national headquarters for theSociety of St. Andrew is in Big Island. This officecoordinates all the ministries of the organization.
The Society of St. Andrew has delivered more than104 million pounds of salvaged potatoes and otherfood to the needy in Virginia through the GleaningNetwork and the Potato & Produce Project. Thishas resulted in approximately 312 million servingsof food going to Virginia’s hungry.”
9–11 Community Prayer Breakfast Also the 14th annual 9-11 Prayer Breakfast will beFriday, Sept. 11th, from 7:00–8:00 am, at MainStreet United Methodist Church. The guest speakerwill be Vietnam Veteran and Orthodox Priest,Father Sam Gantt.
Church Picnic & Welcome Back Potluck—Sunday, September 13th at 10:30 amThe Church Picnic and our Back-to-School Potluckwill a combined event this year. It will be held onSunday, September 13th at Falling Creek Park. We
will have use of the park pavilion from 9:00 am–2:00 pm for a worship service and lunch. The serv-ice will be held at 10:30 am, followed by a potlucklunch. St. John's will provide lemonade and iced tea,ice, paper products, cups and utensils. There arerestrooms, a playground area, trails for walking andbiking, and a disc golf course.
Falling Creek Park is located behind the BedfordCounty Nursing Home, across from the Sheriff’sOffice. Contact the church office if you need direc-tions. You may wish to bring lawn chairs, or use thepicnic tables provided. We hope you will join us!
Christian Formation Classes Begin—Sept 20th
Mark your calendars: Sunday School classes resumeat 9:30 am on Sunday, September 20th. There areclasses for all ages—children to adults.
Beginning Sunday, September 20thwe will be studying the Bible usinga new book on the parables byAmy-Jill Levine, who teaches atVanderbilt Divinity School. It’scalled Short Stories by Jesus. Levineappreciates the Christian devotionto Jesus, but she also likes to get
readers thinking —so this could be a discussion ofthe parables that will stir things up a bit. Amy Willis isscheduled to kick off the series, leading the discussionon September 20th and September 27th.
If you wish to purchase the book or get more infor-mation, click here.
The Vestry’s monthly meeting was held onWednesday, August 19, 2015. Our calendar ofevents was discussed: Upcoming items of interestinclude: Labor Day Sunday, Gleaning at Johnson’sOrchard on September 12th, The Parish Picnic onSeptember 13th, Domestic Violence PreventionMonth is October, Blessing of the Animals ServiceOctober 4th, October 9th and 10th is Centerfest.October 24th is a preliminary date for a newcomer’sevent. Planning is underway for most of these events.
It was noted that Marilyn Rowe will be resigning asChair of the Community Outreach Committee.
Bedford Lutheran sent a note that they may like tocollaborate on services for Christmas Eve as theBower Center continues to undergo renovations.Wilson and the pastor of the Lutheran Church willbe discussing suitable possibilities in the comingmonths.
Treasurer's Report: Alan Pipkin submitted hisreport in writing. He noted that income was downas a general trend over the summer. This is notunusual for St. John’s. Pledge income is slightlyunder the anticipated mark. The treasurer’s reportwas accepted.
Senior Warden’s Report: Rob Jarvis reported thatthe Baseball with the Bishop event went well.There were about 60 people from around the con-vocation in attendance. He further reported that theconvocation may be invited to participate in a workday for Boys’ Home.
Junior Warden's Report: Bill Jackson reportedthat both signs are complete. The old sign has beenmoved to the rear entrance and installed there.
Rector's Report: Wilson submitted his report inwriting. He noted that he has begun trying to workon a solution for the kids who like to skateboard intown. He also reported on his various pastoral carevisits over the month. Many of St. John’s membershave had health troubles and Wilson has visited asmany as possible. A funeral for Annette Fessel, who attended heremany years ago, was held on August 18th.
Destiny Greer has asked for advice and guidance inobtaining adequate funding for her schooling.Martha Nowlin agreed to follow up with her andher family.New Business: • Audit: Brenda Johnson sent over her draft of theAudit. Alan Pipkin moved and Bill Jackson second-ed that the audit be accepted as presented. The motion passed. Unfinished Business• The Action Items were reviewed. Wilson Brownwill continue to work with Alan Pipkin to get moreinformation to the newspaper.Committee Reports• Liturgy: Cathey Burks will be taking over theLiturgy Committee. Wilson will meet with her andRob regarding the committee.• Christian Education: Martha Nowlin reportedthat Sunday school resumes on September 20th.• Fellowship: Blu Ayers reported that the icemakerneeds fixing. She thanked Bill Linkous for his helpin supplying all the coffee hour needs. She reportedthat there was a need for new dishcloths and teatowels.• Community Outreach: John Waff noted that thecommittee is working on the Blessing Buckets andwill be filling those and getting them out soon. • Church Growth: A meeting is planned for August26th at 6:00 p.m. A newcomer’s event is beingplanned for October. The possibility of handing outwater bottles with St. John’s logo on them atCenterfest is being considered. • Stewardship: Alan reported that he is beginningto work on a narrative budget.Don Rowe expressed his appreciation for everyonewho assisted with Marilyn’s recent illness.The meeting closed with prayer at 7:45 pm.
The Vestry Report Jenny Shutt, recording secretary
Next meeting: Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 pm
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The Youth Groups from St. John’s and Main StreetMethodist floated down the James River on August16th. Nearly 30 kids and adults gathered at TwinRiver Outfitters in Buchanan and spent the beauti-ful afternoon relaxing on the river. It was a perfectway to spend the last day of summer vacation. Ourthanks to Wendy Witt, Scott Fogleman, and KaraSensenig as well as leaders from MSUMC, fororganizing the trip.
Youth Breakfast is Back on Third Mondays !On Monday, September 21st, breakfast returns toSt. John’s for the Youth Groups. We are thankful forthe youth leaders from Main Street UnitedMethodist Church, who prepare the breakfast.Middle and high school students are invited toshare a hearty meal at St. John’s before heading offto school. Join us and bring a friend at 7:30 am foreggs, meat, potatoes, pastries, fruit and beverages.
Third Sundays with MSUMCYouth will meet at noon on third Sundays at MainStreet Methodist for prayers/devotions, lunch and adifferent activity organized by different families.
September 20SML Outing or Cinemark Movies 10 (weather will determine activity; watch your emailfor details)Organizer & Lunch: TBA
October 18Picnic & Hike to Sharp Top, followed by a Bonfire & S’mores at the Sensenig’sproperty on Stoney Creek RoadOrganizer & Lunch: Sensenigs & Witt providingmeat, everyone bring a side dish
November 15AMF Bowling in LynchburgOrganizer & Lunch: TBA
December 20Christmas Service Project, Lunch and Caroling(Elks/nursing homes, elderly) Party/Bonfire at the Hicks’ HomeOrganizer & Lunch: Beth Hicks & TBA
January 17, 2016Ice Skating in Lynchburg OR Tubing atWintergreenOrganizer & Lunch: Garretts & Schmehls
February 21, 2016FunQuest Organizer & Lunch: TBA
Youth Group
Youth and adults from St. John’s and MSUMC floating downthe James River in August.
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Vestry Person(s) of the MonthVPOM September—Don RoweDon and Marilyn Rowe weredrawn to the area by the quietrural beauty of BedfordCounty. Friends brought themto St. John’s where they havebeen active members for many
years. Don has previously served on the Vestry,both as Junior and Senior Warden. He is a leader ofSt. John’s Adult Forum. He has a thriving law prac-tice in Bedford with his daughter, Emily, and has
been an attorney since 1977. He graduated fromKings College and earned his law degree fromUniversity of Virginia School of Law. He enjoysgolf, tennis and vacationing in Ireland with Marilyn.A quotation from Robert Kennedy sums up Don’sapproach to living: ‘There are those who look atthings the way they are, and ask why... I dream ofthings that never were, and ask why not?’ Don’sfavorite book of the Bible is The Gospel ofMatthew.
Fellowship Blu Ayers & Julia Baker
C O M M I T T E E S
September Coffee Team Schedule
September 6 Childers
September 13 Picnic/Guerin
September 20 Mays
September 27 Hodnett
Parish Concerns Rebecca Mays
On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, the Parish Concernscommittee joined with Fellowship committee inpreparing food and serving at a reception followingthe memorial service for Annette Fessel.
Blu Ayers, Rebecca Mays and Judy Whiteheadenjoyed meeting the family of Annette Fessel whomoved away from Bedford over ten years ago toMaryland to be near her daughter and her older son.
Our thanks to Frank West for doing the sound andBill Mays for ushering.
A box of get well cards has been placed in the drawer of the table in the Parish Hall for use duringcoffee hour when we learn of an illness within ourparish community.
We hope if you yourself are ill or anticipating treat-ment or surgery that you will inform the office. TheParish Concerns committee will be happy to pro-vide assistance with food or errands to the individ-ual and family.
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Blessing Buckets for God's Pit Crew The Community OutreachCommittee is pleased to havecollected items to fill about 18“Blessing Buckets” for God’sPit Crew this year. Thanks toall who made buckets or
donated money for the items. Blessing Buckets con-tain necessary food, personal hygiene and comfortitems for victims of natural disasters.
Shepherd's TableWhat a busy day we had on Friday, August 21st.The usual first Friday date was swapped due tovacations, so we opened early and worked hard. Atotal of 103 plates were served. They consisted ofhot dogs with mustard, onions, homemade chili,and ketchup, tossed salad with dressing and home-made dessert.
Those furnishing food were Jo Bell, Sally Counts,Pat Nelson, Marylin Sites, Marge Rucker, LouisePipkin and Kathie Childers. Others who helpedcook or serve as well as furnishing food wereRevelle Hamilton, Peggy Jeffreys, Cheryl Miller,Ellen Wandrei, Brenda Arbogast, Laura Rodes andJim Hueber. A special thanks to Darren Craig whostopped by the church and brought over donatedfood left in the kitchen and refrigerator.
We also were able to offer clients fresh fruit includ-ing apples gleaned from local orchards by theSociety of St. Andrew. They were so happy to takebags home to cook and eat.
Our next meal will be served on Friday, September4th. Please call Judy Whitehead at 297-5480 if youcan volunteer or donate food for this worthy cause.
—submitted by Judy Whitehead
Community OutreachC O M M I T T E E S
Next Shepherd’s Table: Friday, September 4
BLESSINGBUCKETS
Laughter is truly the best medicine. At least that iswhat Reader’s Digest has told us for years. In truth, agood belly laugh is good for you in many ways.When we laugh chemicals are released into our bloodstream and our whole body system get benefit.
So how do you dare laugh with all that is going onin the world? Find something to laugh about. Itcould be reading a funny book, or simply watching aTV show that you know is funny. Or even inviteyour children or grandchildren to tell you a joke.
Do this on a daily basis, and more if possible. WhenI shave in the morning, I look at the old man in themirror and say, who are you?? I begin to laughbecause that old man in the mirror is ME!! Or Iwatch a DVD that I may have watched several timesbefore, but I still laugh at the silliness of it.
When in doubt, laugh and laugh some more. It makesus feel better and is a good form of stress relief as well.
Here is a joke to get you started: Two groups offriends decided to go to a football game. It wasagreed that whoever got there first would save aparking spot for the other. So after a while the firstgroup got to the stadium and marked a spot wherethe other group could park.
Time went by and the game was over when the sec-ond group showed up. The first group was upsetand asked what took them so long as the they left atthe same time?
The second group said all was well except theynoticed as they drove, about every mile or so theysaw signs saying “STOP, Clean restrooms.”
Take care and if you should ever see someone whoneeds a smile, give them one of yours.It does notcost anything, but the benefits are awesome. And don’t forget to laugh.
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
Health Tips Bruce L. Brinkman
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The Gifts of RwandaI received many gifts during my August 3–20 trip toRwanda. Among the most memorable are:
• Reconnecting with HUGS partners and visitingwith so many people who have benefited from thebenevolence of Rwandan HUGS. It was very clearand deeply reaffirming that the hard work andinvestments we have made are “bearing good fruit.”
Everywhere I went, without exception, people spokeof how working together on HUGS projects hashelped develop community, build unity, and deepenfriendships in a country where the shadows of thegenocide linger. Countless people told how theirlives had improved due to a goat, a rabbit, a chicken,a garden, a sewing machine, or school fees.
One lady called her gift of a goat “manna from heav-en” and a widow raising two orphans received a
HUGS rabbit, bred and sold 10 bunnies, and paidfor a new roof. A genocide survivor shared that shelost her job at a genocide memorial site and is nowselling vegetables in the street, but is able to keepher two sons in schools due to HUGS support.
Mbyo peace village residents gathered to share howour projects have created prosperity and opportuni-ty in their community and how much they appreci-ate HUGS paying teacher's salaries for their Angelschool.
• Danielle Sarchet, volunteer coordinator atGleaning for the World and director of their Wings,feminine hygiene kit program, was my first travelingcompanion in Rwanda since my 2007 trip withImmaculee.
RwandanHUGS Update Nancy Strachan
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
Nancy distributing seeds to a gardening cooperative.
In addition to daily companionship, Danielle’s giftswere joy (Rwandans gave her a Kinyarwanda namemeaning “jolly”), curiosity, friendliness, adaptability,focus, and an easy-going nature. I am grateful thatshe also now loves Rwanda and is developing longterm projects and goals.
• New friends: Greg and Harriet, cousins, whoestablished Red Rocks (www.redrocksrwanda.com)Harriet, age 25, is Rwandan but attended highschool and college in the USA (UCLA psychologygraduate). Her beauty, vision, energy, devotion toGod and servant leadership, creativity, versatility,and wisdom combine to make her one of the mostexceptional young Rwandan ladies I've met.
Along with her cousin, Greg, they have created amultifaceted hostel, vibrant arts, crafts and culturalcenter, dynamic agribusiness, and training facilityfor youth and women. Her dream is to open adomestic violence shelter in Musanze.
• New friend: The day before we left we discov-ered a national treasure two blocks from ourhouse— Pacifique Niyonsenga and his stunningNiyo Cultural Center. What a thrill to meet this 25-year old dynamo, artist, musician, visionary, formerstreet kid who now mentors 60 street kids. He justflew to the USA for a 5-week tour (NY, California,& Nevada) where he will exhibit art, dance, anddrum. He will be an artist in residence in St. Louisschools. Next year he plans to come to Virginia andwe are excited to host him here in Bedford.
Thank you to all my dear friends at St. John's foryour enduring support. Your gifts are making a bigdifference and I am forever grateful.
Rwandan HUGS Thrift StoreRwandan HUGS Thrift Store September Sale—bigger savings: buy 1, get 1 free on ALL clothing!!!We are still overstocked with summer merchandiseand need to clear our racks to make room for falland winter items.
RwandanHUGS Update (continued) S P E C I A L R E P O R T
Hungry child eating atShallom's once weekly feedingprogram in Kigali. Hugs sup-plies seeds, tools, fertilizer, &land for women to cultivateveggies for this program. If wecan find folks to commit to $5per month per child they canprovide breakfast 5 days aweek.
Nancy with Mybo Angelschool students who needsponsorship.
Left: Nancy with her dearestfriend in Mybo peace village,Jackie, a seamstress trainedwith Hugs funds. They arewearing matching dressesJackie made.
Mathius (left) killed most all of the people in Janet's family dur-ing the 1994 genocide. She forgave him and now they are goodfriends & neighbors in Mybo peace village where his family oftenbabysits her kids.
Prayer ListName Prayer Concern Relation to St. John’s Carolyn Bagley healing of clavicle and hip pain Member of St. John'sBenMays shoulder surgery Son of Bill MaysKaren Bassett chemotherapy Sister of Kay Waff & Kathie Childers Robert Ballard cancer and heart failure Friend of Revelle HamiltonBeverly Briggs kidney issues Sister of Nancy StrachanEthel Roehsel grief and recovery from stroke Friend of Mel and Martha NowlinElizabeth Everidge arthritis Sister of Mary Ann WilsonLaura Hubbard recovery from heart surgery Friend of Chandra SchmehlTom Brace cancer Brother in law of Mary SiegelMargaret Brace lupus Sister of Mary SiegelHunter Rock brain surgery Friend of Meredith DooleyElla Justice illness Mother of Rhetta WatkinsKaren Murphy cancer Friend of Rebecca and Bill MaysGary Harrison Illness Friend of Blu AyersRon Beach Lymphoma Friend of Janet HardisonDanny Morgan stroke Friend of Nancy JohnsonBettie Leonard paralyzed Friend of Nancy JohnsonKarla cancer Friend of Sherri HodnettScott Morrow cancer Friend of Heather GarrettAndrew injured in car accident Friend of Heather GarrettJan Hueber illness Daughter in law of Jim & Betty HueberKenny Turner cancer Cousin of Nancy StrachanJacqueline Ellege cancer Friend of Sherri HodnettBrian Bassett stroke Nephew of Kay Waff & Kathie ChildersRick Guerin Lymphoma Member of St. John’sDavid Peterson Lymphoma Friend of Rick and Gail GuerinLinda Struck illness Cousin of Gail GuerinMarilyn Rowe stroke Member of St. JohnsEd Cobb stroke Friend of Jim VestTed Green encouragement Member of St. John’sPatricia Amen surgery Niece of Linnette HealyKathy Updike illness Mother of Heather GarrettJay McDaniel heart attack Member of St. John’sAnne Soukhanov broken hip Friend of Ellen WandreiLynn Doherty ovarian cancer Family Member of Bob & Ellen WandreiPatrick Ellis recovery from bypass surgery Friend of Rob JarvisLaura Rodes cancer Member of St. John’s
Elderly Homebound Polly Henderson Virginia Philbrick Nina West Louise Robertson Doris Handy
Serving in the US Military Chris Woodward Ben Melton (Ft. Bragg) P.J. Walerko (Fort Hood, TX) Olivia Brown (Afghanistan)
The Bedford Community For the Bower Center and their arts programs as they strive to enrich our lives with creativity
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Around St. John’sWelcome back to Bev Henderson who traveled toVermont with two hiking friends to complete theAppalachian Trail in Vermont.
Speaking of Bev, her hus-band, Roger, has beenvery busy with volunteerwork including buildingthe “Little Free Library”located at the Peaks ofOtter Lodge. It is the firstof its kind to be located inBedford County and theproject has recently beencompleted by the Bedford
Rotary Club with help from Randy Patterson onthe installation.
To learn more about this growing interest in sharingbooks, go on line to “littlefreelibrary.org” and be
prepared for a treat seeingoriginal structures all overthe United States andbeyond. Consider seekingout the hardcover book byMargaret Aldrich TheLittle Free Library Book:Take a Book Return a Book.The Bedford Rotary Club
will be looking to other members to find a suitablesite and to build another design to delight youngand old.
Roger also mentioned three such libraries inLynchburg: at the city market, at Riverview Park,and at Blackwater Creek trail shelter. These werebuilt by the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Clubmembers in Lynchburg. B
St. John’s is pleased to welcome Annette Kendallwho you may see seating with Pat & Mike Rieley(Annette & Pat are board members of the AvenelFoundation). Annette lives on Oakwood Street inher homeplace, built by her father, Wesley E.Kendall upon his safe return from the D-Day inva-sion. Annette is a familiar face at Centra BedfordMemorial Hospital where she is an imaging tech-
nologist. She is the proud grandmother of 2 grand-daughters and 2 grandsons ranging in age from 3months to 8 years. B
A wonderful “happening” occurred when Brenda& Jim Church attended Sunday services at TrinityChurch in New Orleans recently: the Bishop ofCuba, The Rt Reverend Nerva Aguilera, was inattendance. B
Sunday, August 23, 2015 was a joyous Sunday aswe welcomed home both Greg Baltad from hiscross-country bike ride on behalf of the Blue RidgeParkway, and Nancy Strachan from her 3-weekjourney to Rwanda. Both Greg and Nancy havewritten of their experiences in this newsletter.Please welcome them back to St. John’s.
We are praying for several members of our St.John’s family for healing and return to goodhealth:
Barbara Murphy dislocated her hip and is receiv-ing therapy at Oakwood Manor; cards may bemailed to at 1613 Oakwood, Bedford, VA 24523,Room 220 B. She’d love to have visitors as well asgreeting cards.
Laura Rodes as she begins treatment at theUniversity of Virginia for stage 4 ovarian cancer.Our hearts go out to her, her husband Jim and toher children. We will surround you in prayers forhealing, Laura, and do all we can to support you atthis difficult time.
During the month of September, RevelleHamilton will be showing new paintings at theBedford Central Library on the mezzanine alongwith seven other good friends. They call themselvesThe Virginia Eight and have been exhibiting togeth-er since 1996. A reception will be held on Friday,September 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Enter throughthe Bedford Room after 6:00 pm. B
Bill & Rebecca Mays wish to thank Bill Jacksonwho so ably led a tour at the D-Day Memorial fortheir three nieces visiting from the Midwest; theywere very impressed by the memorial and touchedby the sculptures and the presentation. B
Around St. John’s (continued) My Ride for the ParkwayBy Greg Baltad
Since returning to Bedford after a bicycle ride fromthe Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast I have beenmet with many questions. Recently, someone sug-gested I compile a list of answers to the most fre-quent inquires; so here goes.
I rode my bicycle from Astoria, Oregon toYorktown, Virginia as a fundraiser for our beautifulBlue Ridge Parkway. But in truth ever since I was asmall boy I have loved to go bye-bye!
The four thousand three hundred sixty miles cov-ered was a predetermined route mapped by anational cycling organization called AdventureCycling. This distance does not include the manyextra miles I put in as the result of wrong turns andunsigned roads. Apparently our neighbor Kentuckydoes not believe in wasting money on road signs. Itwas explained to me that the reason for this was toencourage travelers to meet the local folks throughasking directions.
I often claim the most difficult portion of my ridewas crossing the rollercoaster hills of the Ozarks inninety-six degree heat and sweltering humidity.Actually any obstacle I was encountering at themoment was the hardest. Fortunately the edges ofpain quickly melt and after few days I found myselfthinking, “That wasn’t so bad.”
There is no way to determine my favorite place orencounter. Montana’s Bitter Root Valley was highon my list as was the one pound hamburger I ate inFarmington, Missouri.
Such an adventure taught me so many things.Among them is that our county is filled with kindand generous people; also a tube of toothpaste isthe same size and shape as a tube of “PreparationH” and they can easily be confused for one anotherin a dark tent!
Thank you all for your support and loving welcomehome. —Greg B
Carol & Ron Martin are in the process of sellingtheir home at 306 Woodberry Lane, Lynchburg,and looking for a new home in Ashland, VA. Weappreciate and thank Carol for doing blood pres-sure checks during coffee hour and writing thehealth column in the newsletter. Best wishes tothem for an easy move. B
Girl Scout Troop 525 spent the last weekend inAugust at Camp Sacajawea, near Lynchburg.Thanks to St. John’s for sponsoring the troop byproviding our regular meeting space. Girls in 2ndthrough 10th grade are welcome to join the troop.We meet 2nd and 4th Sundays in the Parish Hall.See Chandra Schmehl for additional information.
Please send your contributions to “Around St. John’s” to Chandra Schmehl at [email protected].
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