Old Bronco alumni have been known to moan a bit about the mothball status of the old Jefferson High School building which was condemned as an asbestos pit by the EPA. It will soon be demolished and interested alumni are welcome, according to Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Richard Gates, to have a brick as a memento.
How will the memory of Adam Becker, Doris Marker, Gladys Brintlinger, and other teachers, coaches and school employees (cooks and bus drivers come to mind) be honored without the old building? Good question. The building has been a reminder of experiences and memories of significance in the lives of many alumni of Jefferson. Memories have meaning.
I don't need the old high school to remind me of the message of Miss (Barbara) Macaulay to "be honorable". The meaning of Coach Day and Coach Greg to me is set in my brain and my behavior. No building needed. I agree with many that honoring a leader and administrator like Adam Becker in some physical way on the Jefferson Campus is necessary. How might such a thing happen?
Money.
Alumni who believe in honoring a Jefferson person or memory should be wiling to invest in their belief. What if the bricks were sold instead of free to alumni? What if alums could buy engraved bricks or larger pavers to become part of the expected Jefferson campus expansion, as is common on college campuses with new buildings and special areas? What if alumni donated money to build a special area in the new campus named after Adam Becker?
Can we convert our moaning about our building loss into commitment to give money to reaffirm the meaning of Jefferson to us?
Just a thought. How about it Broncos? "Remember the GOLD and the blue. You've gotta fight, you've gotta win. It's up to you!"
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Jefferson Alumni Banquet 2012: Old Building Report and "Birdbath" Saga
A special event for many in Jefferson Township is the annual High School Alumni Banquet (which I wrote about last year Bronco Pride ). This year a record 365 persons joined to celebrate their shared Jefferson connections. Mildred Baker Kilheffer from the class of 1932 celebrated her 80th year as an alumnus of Jefferson and shared in honoring the class of 1962- the 50th year class. Deanna Broyles and Mike Jonas presented the class data and story in an engaging way, finishing with a classic rendition by Mike of the "Bird Bath" escapade related to their junior class play and teacher/advisor Neil Clingman. The audience howled on hearing that the perpetrators of the bird bath theft were sentenced to be lectured by several parents and their certainty that, after being sternly lectured by Mrs. Broyles, they were going "straight to Hell".
A highlight of the evening and one of the reasons for the record attendance was the presentation by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Richard Gates about the 1928 and 1938 school buildings. He was accompanied by school board members, including the treasurer. The old building where most of the assembled alumni were educated was beyond useful and beyond government standards for asbestos. The EPA ordered the school to take care of the problem. The asbestos was removed to the satisfaction of inspectors as of a week before the Alumni Banquet. The building is ready for demolition. Several alumni walked through with Dr. Gates to have a last view of the gutted structure. Wave goodbye, folks.
Dr. Gates had the time capsule in the 1928 building opened so the contents could be noted and preserved. A special touch and a surprise for the assembled alumni was a booklet for each of us with photos of the old building and the contents of the time capsule. Several parts of the old building are being saved. Also anyone who wants a brick from the old building is welcome to get one after the demolition (bulldozing?)
Joy Weaver, as usual was outstanding in her leadership, and cute, G rated jokes. She added a nice touch to singing the fight song by having any cheerleaders present to come forward to lead the group. About 20 cheerleaders from the 1940's (Lois Baker) through the 70's stepped up to the challenge, with Diora Stafford, Marjorie Rauch, a large contingent from the mid 60's including Maureen Derringer Cole, Sue Heller Hayes, Joanne Shell Harrison, Joan Long, Terri Deubner Almassy, Brenda Osterman Hensler, and many others didn't miss a beat or a word in leading us through a vigorous rendition of The Jefferson Fight Song. Feel free to add other names in the comments at the end of this post.
After closing with the Alma Mater, alums mingled until the lights were turned out at 10:20 PM. The class of 1962 kept up the party the next day with a golf outing and further sharing.
A highlight of the evening and one of the reasons for the record attendance was the presentation by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Richard Gates about the 1928 and 1938 school buildings. He was accompanied by school board members, including the treasurer. The old building where most of the assembled alumni were educated was beyond useful and beyond government standards for asbestos. The EPA ordered the school to take care of the problem. The asbestos was removed to the satisfaction of inspectors as of a week before the Alumni Banquet. The building is ready for demolition. Several alumni walked through with Dr. Gates to have a last view of the gutted structure. Wave goodbye, folks.
Dr. Gates had the time capsule in the 1928 building opened so the contents could be noted and preserved. A special touch and a surprise for the assembled alumni was a booklet for each of us with photos of the old building and the contents of the time capsule. Several parts of the old building are being saved. Also anyone who wants a brick from the old building is welcome to get one after the demolition (bulldozing?)
Joy Weaver, as usual was outstanding in her leadership, and cute, G rated jokes. She added a nice touch to singing the fight song by having any cheerleaders present to come forward to lead the group. About 20 cheerleaders from the 1940's (Lois Baker) through the 70's stepped up to the challenge, with Diora Stafford, Marjorie Rauch, a large contingent from the mid 60's including Maureen Derringer Cole, Sue Heller Hayes, Joanne Shell Harrison, Joan Long, Terri Deubner Almassy, Brenda Osterman Hensler, and many others didn't miss a beat or a word in leading us through a vigorous rendition of The Jefferson Fight Song. Feel free to add other names in the comments at the end of this post.
After closing with the Alma Mater, alums mingled until the lights were turned out at 10:20 PM. The class of 1962 kept up the party the next day with a golf outing and further sharing.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter
He is risen! Jesus Lives!
Wow! What happened?
The people of Liberty Church are mostly gone to the hereafter, but a few stalwarts still attend every Sunday, still reassured by the Easter sermon and songs that He is risen.
Low in the Grave He Lay and Christ the Lord is Risen Today are lines that still echo through the hearts, minds and souls of Liberty Church "alumni". I can still hear special voices singing those words in Liberty Church and in others across many decades of Easter Joy. I hope you hear them, too.
Here's a nice outline of the last section of the book of Matthew from Holman Bible Dictionary Outlines:
- Jesus Conquered Death (26:57-28:20)
- The innocent Jesus was convicted on His testimony to His messiahship and to His role as Judge in the last days (26:57-68)
- Peter's denial showed Jesus' prophetic powers (26:69-75)
- Judas' guilt drove him to suicide and fulfilled Scripture (27:1-10)
- Government authority found no guilt in Jesus, but religious authorities accepted full responsibility for His death (27:11-26)
- Roman mocking pointed to the truth of Jesus' divine kingship (27:27-44)
- Spectacular events pointed to the saving significance of Jesus' death as God's Son (27:45-56)
- Jesus' dead body was entombed and could not be stolen (27:57-66)
- Jesus was raised from the dead (28:1-10)
- Religious leaders bribed people to disprove the resurrection (28:11-15)
- The authoritative Jesus gives His disciples a worldwide evangelistic mission (28:16-20)
The last line is a message for us about our mission. Are we ready?
Monday, April 2, 2012
Gracefully Leaving My Church
I woke up recently just after reading a letter from church leadership to realize that the time has probably come to leave my current church. Prayer seemed to reaffirm my thoughts. Much good happened in the church over the last 15 years to me, my family and others. God is good.
Part of me realized that I was out of alignment with something. Was it me or the people in the church or God or some combination of those three that left me feeling uncomfortable remaining in my home church?
First: I'm flawed and could have done better in my service and growth. Second, is God pushing me out or pushing my guilt button? (I better watch out implying I know exactly what God may be doing). Thirdly, the people in this church seem to be "normal", basic suburbanites, representing the merger of two churches. I confess to feeling annoyed a few times in committee work here over many years and impatient with some processes. This could be a manifestation of my misalignment with what I perceive to be God's purpose for me in church life and spiritual skills.
How do I leave if that is what I perceive to be God's will? How do I pray to discern his will? What scripture gives direction?
I've read up on United Methodist doctrine and beliefs. I appreciate the Methodist use of scripture, tradition, experience and reason to make decisions. I sent out a couple emails: to one of the pastors and to my music and choir friends about my search for a new church home.
My wife and I attended the closest Methodist church to our home on Palm Sunday to further our search. It was a satisfying experience. It'll take a while to focus in on what we're supposed to do and where.
The internet has a lot of blog posts about leaving a church, most of which refer to pastors leaving a church. Here are excerpts from one of them:
I've read up on United Methodist doctrine and beliefs. I appreciate the Methodist use of scripture, tradition, experience and reason to make decisions. I sent out a couple emails: to one of the pastors and to my music and choir friends about my search for a new church home.
My wife and I attended the closest Methodist church to our home on Palm Sunday to further our search. It was a satisfying experience. It'll take a while to focus in on what we're supposed to do and where.
The internet has a lot of blog posts about leaving a church, most of which refer to pastors leaving a church. Here are excerpts from one of them:
From Pastor Eric Partin in Tips for Leaving Your Church Gracefully: " if you are going to leave your church, let me give you some steps to help you:
Make an appointment to talk with one of the pastors of the church you are leaving. If that is not possible, a phone call, e-mail, or letter will do. It is not as scary as you think. They are not going to be mad at you. I know all the pastors in this area — they are big boys and can handle it. Do you know what hurts more? Having a friend depart and not tell you.
I would talk about the way God had changed my life through the ministry of that church. I would talk about how some of my family members met Christ there, were baptized, went on missions trips, and more. I would talk about how my own thoughts and beliefs were formed through my years at the church. I would talk about how I am more like Christ because of my time there. I would tell stories of specific retreats or camps or services where my life (or those of my family) was changed because of the church and its leaders.
I would not gripe or complain. I would not talk about the stuff I don’t like or decisions with which I disagree.
I would say, “My wife and I have decided to attend and serve in a different church for this next season of our spiritual growth.”
I would assure the pastor that he/she will never hear us talk badly about this church. I would encourage the pastor to feel free to share this with anyone who questions why we left."
What do you think?
Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/church-25744-people-leave.html#ixzz1qwdYPEqq
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Liberty Church and Seeds of Faith
Thank you, God, for the Liberty Church, where I learned about, witnessed and accepted Faith in You. Thank you for the continuing Faith. I pray that it continues and serves you according to your will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Many could pray this prayer as they reflect on life in and around Liberty (Jefferson Township).
"The biblical word for religious existence is "faith." Faith is the state of being grasped by an ultimate concern... It is the divine Spirit working in our spirit which creates faith."....
"Faith and doubt do not essentially contradict each other. Faith is the continuous tension between itself and the doubt within itself. It includes both an immediate awareness of something unconditional and the courage to take the risk of uncertainty upon itself. Faith says "Yes" in spite of the anxiety of "No."... Faith embraces itself and the doubt about itself."....Paul Tillich from Biblical Religion and the Search for Ultimate Reality
In Sunday School at Liberty Church, I heard the great message of Jesus through many stories, songs, sermons and examples, including those below. These served to help with my Faith development. And they go on forever, calming the doubt of humanness.
Sickness Jesus heals Matthew 8:14-17 Nature Jesus stills a storm Matthew 8:23-27 Demons Jesus casts them out Matthew 8:28-32 Sin Jesus forgives Matthew 9:1-8 Death Jesus makes alive Matthew 9:18-26.
Many could pray this prayer as they reflect on life in and around Liberty (Jefferson Township).
"The biblical word for religious existence is "faith." Faith is the state of being grasped by an ultimate concern... It is the divine Spirit working in our spirit which creates faith."....
"Faith and doubt do not essentially contradict each other. Faith is the continuous tension between itself and the doubt within itself. It includes both an immediate awareness of something unconditional and the courage to take the risk of uncertainty upon itself. Faith says "Yes" in spite of the anxiety of "No."... Faith embraces itself and the doubt about itself."....Paul Tillich from Biblical Religion and the Search for Ultimate Reality
In Sunday School at Liberty Church, I heard the great message of Jesus through many stories, songs, sermons and examples, including those below. These served to help with my Faith development. And they go on forever, calming the doubt of humanness.
Sickness Jesus heals Matthew 8:14-17 Nature Jesus stills a storm Matthew 8:23-27 Demons Jesus casts them out Matthew 8:28-32 Sin Jesus forgives Matthew 9:1-8 Death Jesus makes alive Matthew 9:18-26.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Away in a Manger
Today in church (in 2011) as we sang the last verse to Away in a Manger, I was touched with God's message over the many years of people singing that song. I was a child again asking Jesus to be with me forever, remembering the sanctuary of Liberty EUB when I first sang those words. The child in all of us longs for the whole world to sing "Away in a Manger" together, feeling the love of Jesus.
In Liberty, I felt safe and secure (as in Leaning on the Everlasting Arms- "Safe and secure from all alarms") which made Christmas all the more meaningful and focused on Jesus and church. The hymns, the Christmas eve service and the Christmas Sunday service in those special years when Christmas was on Sunday allowed the message of the Savior's birth to resound. OK, if my mom, aunts or brother is reading this- we were chomping at the bit about getting presents.
Another song comes to mind on the issue of presents, "A pair of Hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots... from "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". I do remember cap guns, a toy rifle, a puppet of Howdy Doody or similar ilk, a microscope, a chemistry set, etc. And books- I loved books. The dog books were a favorite: Call of the Wild, Lad-Son of Battle, Gray Dawn, etc. Reader's Digest Books were special since they had three or four books in one.
The children's program at church added to the experience, being one of the Three Wise Men and saying a line or two of scripture as my part in the program brought out all the parents and enhanced the message of God's love through the Baby Jesus. We Three Kings of Orient are bearing gifts we come from afar...., O Little Town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie...., Away in a manger no crib for a bed...., you know the rest of the first verses of most of the Christmas hymns.
Silent Night is filled with meaning with the usual setting of Christmas Eve service and the added effect of candle light involving the entire congregation. I wonder how old I had to be before my parents trusted me to hold my own candle?
"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there." E. U. B. Hymnal 1957 edition
Amen
In Liberty, I felt safe and secure (as in Leaning on the Everlasting Arms- "Safe and secure from all alarms") which made Christmas all the more meaningful and focused on Jesus and church. The hymns, the Christmas eve service and the Christmas Sunday service in those special years when Christmas was on Sunday allowed the message of the Savior's birth to resound. OK, if my mom, aunts or brother is reading this- we were chomping at the bit about getting presents.
Another song comes to mind on the issue of presents, "A pair of Hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots... from "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". I do remember cap guns, a toy rifle, a puppet of Howdy Doody or similar ilk, a microscope, a chemistry set, etc. And books- I loved books. The dog books were a favorite: Call of the Wild, Lad-Son of Battle, Gray Dawn, etc. Reader's Digest Books were special since they had three or four books in one.
The children's program at church added to the experience, being one of the Three Wise Men and saying a line or two of scripture as my part in the program brought out all the parents and enhanced the message of God's love through the Baby Jesus. We Three Kings of Orient are bearing gifts we come from afar...., O Little Town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie...., Away in a manger no crib for a bed...., you know the rest of the first verses of most of the Christmas hymns.
Silent Night is filled with meaning with the usual setting of Christmas Eve service and the added effect of candle light involving the entire congregation. I wonder how old I had to be before my parents trusted me to hold my own candle?
"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there." E. U. B. Hymnal 1957 edition
Amen
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas in Liberty: Excitement and Expectation
"But most of all, I remember Momma." That line comes from a popular TV show during the black and white era sponsored by Maxwell House Coffee (or could it have been Folgers? The brain sometimes allows memory files to merge). At Christmas time, I might say, "But most of all, I remember Christmas."
I remember times of saving all year at the Farmers and Citizens Bank in Trotwood in the Christmas Club, to have $25 dollars available for Christmas gifts. It was always fun to shop for special gifts for family members. (It seems that the fun continues, having spent time in Barns and Nobles and the Half Price Book Store drooling over books, movies and calendars last night followed by perusal of "stuff" and clothing in Kohl's- where I delighted in selecting some Match Box vehicles for Andrew, our nearly two year-old grandson).
Miamisburg was a hotbed of shopping opportunity with the 5 and 10 cent store- Woolworth's, Suttman's, Penney's, and Philhower's. Highlights of those shopping adventures often included the bakery where cream horns and donuts were always tasty and the famous hamburger wagon where the secret formula for one of the world's most unique burger experiences is still intact (why does the once despised onion now add such great flavor to this taste treat?- aging taste buds?).
Liberty never had a bank or a dime store, but we had Santa Claus at the fire department Christmas party, where he gave us kids a box of chocolate drop candy or hard candy and an orange (my brain sees the orange like it was real- was there really an orange?) We had Christmas Caroling by the Youth Fellowship group from the church. It was all we needed, since we had the whole USA through the black and white TV sets. Milton Berle, I Love Lucy, Howdy Doody, Ruth Lyons (Remember Ruby Wright singing, "Let's Light the Christmas Tree"?) and Saturday morning cartoons nourished our appetites for Christmas entertainment with special shows.
The TV specials all seemed to remember Jesus and reinforce the meaning of "the season" daily. "Naughty or Nice" was tied into Christian beliefs. The behavior of children was compared to a standard of expectation that would please the baby Jesus. Jesus coming was in every Christmas hymn. A small town without cable TV, cell phones, the internet or texting can do a good job with the Baby Jesus.
The excitement mounted for Liberty children as the day neared when the presents and the tree would suddenly be alive with celebration (the baby Jesus clearly had competition on his birthday- even before credit cards were invented)
What are your Christmas time memories?
More later as the memories float through.
I remember times of saving all year at the Farmers and Citizens Bank in Trotwood in the Christmas Club, to have $25 dollars available for Christmas gifts. It was always fun to shop for special gifts for family members. (It seems that the fun continues, having spent time in Barns and Nobles and the Half Price Book Store drooling over books, movies and calendars last night followed by perusal of "stuff" and clothing in Kohl's- where I delighted in selecting some Match Box vehicles for Andrew, our nearly two year-old grandson).
Miamisburg was a hotbed of shopping opportunity with the 5 and 10 cent store- Woolworth's, Suttman's, Penney's, and Philhower's. Highlights of those shopping adventures often included the bakery where cream horns and donuts were always tasty and the famous hamburger wagon where the secret formula for one of the world's most unique burger experiences is still intact (why does the once despised onion now add such great flavor to this taste treat?- aging taste buds?).
Liberty never had a bank or a dime store, but we had Santa Claus at the fire department Christmas party, where he gave us kids a box of chocolate drop candy or hard candy and an orange (my brain sees the orange like it was real- was there really an orange?) We had Christmas Caroling by the Youth Fellowship group from the church. It was all we needed, since we had the whole USA through the black and white TV sets. Milton Berle, I Love Lucy, Howdy Doody, Ruth Lyons (Remember Ruby Wright singing, "Let's Light the Christmas Tree"?) and Saturday morning cartoons nourished our appetites for Christmas entertainment with special shows.
The TV specials all seemed to remember Jesus and reinforce the meaning of "the season" daily. "Naughty or Nice" was tied into Christian beliefs. The behavior of children was compared to a standard of expectation that would please the baby Jesus. Jesus coming was in every Christmas hymn. A small town without cable TV, cell phones, the internet or texting can do a good job with the Baby Jesus.
The excitement mounted for Liberty children as the day neared when the presents and the tree would suddenly be alive with celebration (the baby Jesus clearly had competition on his birthday- even before credit cards were invented)
What are your Christmas time memories?
More later as the memories float through.
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