CENTERPIECE

November, 2002

The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind

535 North Neville Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-682-1800

Bob Mates,

Director

The CENTERPIECE is a monthly publication of the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind

Terri Watson,

Editor

The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind seeks to reach out to the blind of Pittsburgh, feeling their needs, and touching them with the love of Jesus, so that they may reach out to, and touch others with the love of Jesus.

From The Editor

Bob Mates has been so busy with the Lutheran Center's ongoing growth and expansion that he has had no time to keep CENTERPIECE going.

Loving to write as much as I do, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to offer to "resurrect" CENTERPIECE. (That doesn't mean, though, that you'll be able to get away from the Director's jokes because you couldn't be that

lucky.)

OCTOBER'S MEAL AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Although attendance at the October 26th meal was light, all who were there enjoyed a delicious meal which consisted of a tossed salad, lemon pepper pork (capably cooked by Leigh Spittel), sauer kraut, green bean casserole, rolls, cake, coffee and pop.

A great big THANK YOU to volunteer servers Sally Lydig, Norma Jean Rossi, and Leigh Spittel along with new servers Jim Winaught and students from the Carlow College campus school.

The meal was followed by many announcements, the first of which was a reminder of the following ongoing events:

The Guide Dog Users, group meets from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM the first Thursday of each month. (November's meeting was held on the 7th and December's meeting will be held on the 5th.) Feel free to bring a bagged lunch and know that all are welcome, including persons who are not guide dog users.

From 1:30 to 2:30 PM on the first and third Thursdays of each month, Bob Mates conducts a Bible study. Philippians is the book that is currently being studied. Bring a friend to hear and share in God's Word.

Vicky Vaughan continues to do an excellent job teaching computer classes each Friday. To register for these classes, call Bob Mates at 412-682-1800. (Vicky personalizes each class to better meet each student's needs.)

From ongoing classes and events to ones being considered, Bob mentioned the possibility of an adult spelling class. Our dashing director pointed out that spelling can be a problem for the blind and visually-impaired because of how highly contracted Braille is and also because we often have to read books on cassette.

If adult spelling would interest you, call Bob Mates at 412-682-1800. When you call, don't forget to "spell" out such specifics as best days and times. (This course, for which Bob has accessible materials, will be taught by Terri Watson.)

Braille is another class being considered if there is enough interest. To register for this class, which Ayn Apelman has graciously offered to teach, call our dedicated director at 412-682-1800.

Last--but certainly far from least-- since it involves "spreading the Good News," Bob Mates has begun an evangelism class. Topics for discussion include how to evangelize, when to evangelize, and what NOT to say when evangelizing. Bob will teach this spiritually-enriching and informative class from 4:00 to 5:00 PM on the day of the monthly meal.

With no more announcements, Bob Mates brought the evening to a reverent close by praying for the needs which many meal attendees expressed.

PERSONAL PROFILES

Starting with the December newsletter, the editor will interview persons who are active at the center either by attending events, assisting in some capacity, or doing both. (Vicky Vaughan will be featured in December's

CENTERPIECE.)

DECEMBER'S MEAL AND CHRISTMAS PARTY

When the Lutheran Center Christmas party takes place on Saturday the 14th, there will be new friendly voices to hear and hands to help serve. Starting in December and ending with the June meal, "the regulars" will be assisted by volunteers from Pittsburgh Cares, nine of whom have already signed up as this newsletter goes to press. (Sounds like some much-needed and long-overdue assistance for our regular, dedicated volunteers.)

CONTRIBUTOR'S CORNER

Those of you who remember how Bob wrote the CENTERPIECE know that he felt strongly about center attendees contributing prayer requests, prayers, poems and articles. To contribute, call Bob Mates at 412-682-1800. (A Thank You already goes out to Bob Taylor for offering to contribute inspirational items he finds on the Internet.)

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF

This is just a short reminder, that we have a library atPLCB, crammed full of great reading material. Whether you like fiction or non-fiction; biography or devotions; articles about current issues, or books written a hundred years ago, there's something here for you. We have material in all formats, including electronic. You can read your selection here, or borrow it for a while. Sound interesting? Check it out, when you're here!

PRAYER SERVICE

We're going to be starting a prayer service at the Center. It will be held the first Thursday of the month, from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. It will be conducted by Pastor Spittel, and will be put into Braille, so you can follow along. We think you'll find it to be just the thing to jump-start the rest of your day! For more info, call us.

ON THE WEB

LOOKING OUT FOR NUMBER ONE?

by Bob Mates

If there's one single philosophy that is predominant these days, it is that which says that one must look out for his own interests, first, and then, if one has time, for the interests of others. This philosophical outlook, drummed into us through every aspect of pop culture, including music, (With songs like "Looking Out for Number One"), has led to a society in which folks are alienated from one another. How could it be otherwise? How can you care about others, if you're only supposed to care about yourself?

How does this philosophy jibe with Christianity? In two words: It doesn't. In fact, it's completely opposite of the way Jesus lived, and the way He would have us live. First of all, it is worth noting that Jesus said: "The Son of Man did not come into this world to be served, but to serve." In another place, in the Gospels, when the disciples asked Him which among them would be greatest in the Kingdom, He said that he who would be first must be the least. St. Paul says, in Philippians, that we are to put other people's interests before our own. In Philippians 2:5--11, he shows us the sort of mindset we are to have, by using Jesus as an illustration. He points out that Jesus, as God, had the highest place. Yet, he didn't consider it something to be hung onto, but, rather, came to Earth, taking on the form of a man--a servant, at that--and suffering crucifixion, the most horrible and humiliating form of death! Because of this, as St. Paul says, He has a place of great exaltation!

What does this mean to us? Well, it Means that we need to care about, and look out for, the needs of others. Even if it occasionally means sacrificing our own wants, we must make sure that our brothers and sisters are not hurting, hungry, or ignorant of the Gospel.

Does Jesus approve? You bet! Has He not said that, when we do this for the least of these, we do it for Him?And did He not show us how, not only by His life on Earth, but, even more, by His death on the cross? He certainly did!!

Sure, we can look out for number One; let's just make our brother or sister Number One, and we'll be blessed and happy Number Twos.

Amen.

A LITTLE HUMOR: VERY LITTLE

So! You thought you'd get through this newsletter, without some of the director's humor, did you? Well, as Terri rightly said, You couldn't be that lucky! We'll just give you a little dose, this time.

The airplane was ready to take off. All of the passengers were in their places. Then, the pilot came on board--with his dog guide--and sat in the pilot's chair. The passengers looked at each other, but didn't say anything. Next, the co-pilot came aboard--white cane in hand--and sat down in the co-pilot's chair. The passengers still didn't say anything.

The plane began to taxi down the runway. It was 100 feet from the end; 90 feet; 80; 50; 30; 20; 10. The passengers began to scream, and, at that moment, the plane took off!

The co-pilot turned to the pilot, and said, "You know, one of these days, nobody-s gonna scream, and we're all gonna die!"

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Cathy Weber requests prayers for her sister who is experiencing work-related problems. Cathy also asks for God's help to keep her from overeating.

2. Terri Watson asks that God will continue to bless the Lutheran Center for the Blind with success.

3. Thanks be to God for his goodness and abundant blessings!

CLOSING PRAYERS

The following prayer was contributed by Cathy Weber:

God, make of me a sunrise instead of a storm. (Cathy was inspired to write this brief but powerful prayer by a Verde Brophee musical composition entitled Grand Canyon Suite.)

God our Father of faith and love, God the Son sent from above, God the Holy Spirit and peaceful dove: Touch our minds that we may know your ways2 touch our mouths that we may speak your praise, and touch our hearts that they may be yours all of our days.

THE END