CENTERPIECE

May, 2003

Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind

535 North Neville Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

PHONE: 412-682-1800,

Bob Mates, Director

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 can reach out to and touch others with the love of Jesus.

In addition to Braille, CENTERPIECE is also available on cassette, via E-mail and online at firsttrinity.net

FROM THE EDITOR One Sunday, a man visited a new church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him and the driver said, "I always park there! You took my place!"

The visitor then went into the church to attend Sunday school, found a place and sat down. A young lady soon walked into the church, came to the pew where the visitor was sitting and told him, "You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday school, the man who was visiting went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Here, too, a church member walked up to him and said, "You took my place! I always sit there!" Though he was even more troubled by this treatment, the visitor remained silent.

Later, as the congregation prayed for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars appeared on his hands and on his sandal-clad feet. Someone from the congregation called out and asked, "What happened to you?" The visitor called out in reply, "I took your place."

As we count the calendar's fifty days toward Pentecost, let us sing a joy-filled Happy Birthday to the Church and to each other as Christians.

To keep this birthday happy until our new, uncountable and heavenly bodies are seated with Christ as His banquet table of eternal blessings, may we see Christ more clearly by seeing Him in each other; may we love Him more dearly by loving neighbor as self, and may we follow Jesus more nearly by walking humbly in remembrance of Him who "took our place."

Blessings,

Terri Watson

(Note): As is usually the case, my column was based on a thought-provoking E-mail that Aimee Yunt sent me. Several attendees of the Lutheran Center know Aimee for the true friend that she is to Pittsburgh's blind- and vision-impaired community.

APRIL'S MONTHLY MEAL AND PRE-MEAL BIBLE STUDY

At 4:00 PM on Saturday the 26th, Center Director Bob Mates did an inspirational and insightful job as he led the monthly pre-meal Bible study. The topic on which Bob led the discussion was "the nature of testimony." More specifically, Bible study participants discussed what goes into a person's testimony about Christ and the characteristics that make a testimony a positive witness for Jesus.

Five PM brought the Bible study to an end and the monthly meal to its beginning. After Bob indicated what the meal would be and said a blessing over it, we enjoyed a hearty and zesty meal of tossed salad, a choice of Italian, ranch and a thousand island dressing, spaghetti with meat sauce, parmesan cheese, buttered garlic toast, chocolate cake, white cake, diet pop, regular pop, iced tea, and coffee. (It's unfortunate that neither Pastor Andrae nor Pastor Spittel could be at April's meal. "After all," Director Mates pointed out, "then we would have had two "pastas".?)

Moving right along, we sang Happy Birthday to Bob Mates and Karen Good since both had April birthdays. Next on the program was Bob's introduction of Cheree Hepe, a visitor from Connecticut who was accompanied by her guide dog. Cheree's introduction and brief comments were followed by the director's spirit-filled devotion entitled, "shock and awe." Bob began this inspirational presentation by mentioning what popular words "shock and awe" have become throughout our war with Iraq. "Shock and awe", our dedicated director continued, "is also a perfect description of what Jesus did to Satan when he defeated death and the devil by rising from death to new and everlasting life." (The entire text of Bob's devotion can be found in the April issue of CENTERPIECE.)

While the focus was still spiritual, Mr. Mates mentioned that Bible study participants who meet the first and third Thursdays of each month will continue to read and discuss Saint Paul's Letter to the Philippians. (Mr. Mates, huh? How do you like that formal mark of distinction?)

Because no monthly meal is complete until we raise each other and our concerns up to God in prayer, this is how we ended the formal part of April's meal.

Just as a monthly meal is incomplete without prayer, neither is the fellowship of sharing a meal complete without heaping helpings of thanks. First, abundant thank-yous are extended to Leigh Spittel who cooked and served the meal, along with volunteer servers John Billings, Carol Krueger, a church member, and Norma Jean Rossi. Since meals couldn't take place if no one attended them, thank-yous also go out to meal attendees Ayn Apelman, Sherri Crum, Karen Good, Cheree Hepe, Gene Love, Bob Mates (whoever he is), Millette Reid, Eugene Rossi, Jane Royal, Regis Sullivan, Kathy Susany, Terri Watson, Ashley Winaught, and Jim Winaught. Although we had no new people at April's meal, Maggie Faglione was to have come for the first time but did not due to illness. (Our prayers are with you, Maggie, as you continue to recover, and we hope you will be at the May meal.)

May's meal, which will also be the last meal until September, will be a covered-dish event. To attend May's meal, reserve by Thursday the 29th at 412-682-1800. (You can reach Bob until 4:00 PM on the above date.) Also, call Sherri Crum at 412-681-8439 to let her know what you will bring to what promises to be a delicious covered-dish meal.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

If I said, "our director is so dedicated", would you have asked, "how dedicated is he?" Well, I'll tell you how dedicated our dashing director is. He's so dedicated that he writes three columns for CENTERPIECE, the first of which is a monthly devotion. An unmatchable devotion follows: MEMORIAL DAY EVERY DAY

By Bob Mates

Each year, we celebrate the holiday known as "Memorial Day." Originally, this holiday was called "Decoration Day." (I'm old enough to remember that.) It was conceived as a day to remember all of the soldiers, who died in the various wars in which our country has been involved. Now, this is a fine day. However, I would like to propose that we Christians make every day our "Memorial Day." I've even come up with a few things which we can remember.

First, it's import to remember that we're all sinners. In Romans, we read that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." In another place, we read that "all of our righteousness is as filthy rags." In other words, no matter how good we think we are, we'll never, on our own, be good enough to escape the wrath of God. Now, if that was the end of it, things would be pretty gloomy. If the best we could expect was death, and then eternal punishment, then we would be forced to agree with philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, who felt just life is just a series of incidents, without reason, and leading to no final conclusion. In other words, life is absurd and hopeless.

But, that isn't the end of it, because, the next thing we need to remember is that God created us in His image, and, as such, considers us the pride of His creation. Because of this, He is not willing that we should perish. To understand this, think of how you feel about your loved ones, or about your prized possessions, such as your computer, your COULD payer, or your dog guide. You certainly don't want those people or things of great value to you to be destroyed, do you? Well, neither does our Heavenly Father.

But, how do you atone for the sins of a people? Well, the Bible says that it takes blood to do this. But, what blood? Well, maybe, the blood of a bull, or a ram, or a goat? No!! Those were good teaching models; good pre-cursors, but they really didn't do the trick. All of these animals were to be perfect, and without blemish. Even the high priests were not allowed to have any handicap or abnormality. In other words, God was looking for absolute perfection in the atonement.

Of course, God knew that this was something which could not be achieved. So, God made the sacrifice for us: the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Only Jesus, the Son of God, was perfect enough to make the shedding of His blood efficacious, or useful, for the forgiveness of our sins.

God accepted that sacrifice, because He, Himself, made it! This was done purely out of a motive of love and concern for us, "agape" is the Greek word for this type of love. We didn't deserve it, didn't merit it, and, in fact, didn't even have anything to do with it! That is what is meant by God's

grace: His un-deserved favor toward us.

And, not only have we been forgiven, but His death also put us in right standing with God. Psalm 32 says: "Blessed is the man whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is coverer. Blessed is the man, to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose s is no guile." (KJV) That's what Christ's death did for us! There's a theological term for it, borrowed from the law: justification. In fact, the doctrine of justification is at the very center of our faith. We believe that, upon believing in Christ, and His finished work, we not only receive forgiveness, but are also made right with God. Not bad, for un-deserving wretches like us, eh? We definitely need to remember this.

And, wait! There's even more! Jesus Christ didn't just shed His blood for us, so that we might be forgiven. If that had been all, that would have been wonderful! But, on top of that, He rose from the dead for us, guaranteeing us eternal life! We need to remember this.

For those who don't believe, you need to remember something, too. You need to remember, for one thing, that, at this point in time, you and God are enemies; not because He wants it that way, but because, by your un-belief, you make it that way. The good news, though, is that it's never too late to change this situation. And, guess what? You don't have to do a thing. You don't have to clean up your act, or join a church, or send money, or be nice to the Center director, (though I would certainly encourage that as something neat to do), or anything else. Jesus did it all! All you have to do is receive this wonderful gift.

So, there you have it: some things to remember. As I said, you can make every day "Memorial Day." May God help us all to keep His love and grace constantly at the center of our remembrance. May you all have a wonderful summer.

Amen.

CONTRIBUTOR'S CORNER

In March's CENTERPIECE, Ayn Apelman made an excellent contribution by writing an article in which she listed and described six ways that the Lutheran Center has helped her. To contribute an article about the center, a prayer, a poem, or a joke, call Bob Mates at 412-682-1800.

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

by Kathy Susany

Those of you who read April's CENTERPIECE know that Kathy Susany's column made its debut in that issue. Just as Kathy's first article on the healing power of prayer was well-written and insightful, I'm sure that we have a marvelous May treat to look forward to. Let's now enjoy "In Sickness and in Health:"

Viruses: nature's cellular hijackers

You've been hearing about them in the news lately: SARS, West-Nile, AIDS, flu, and even the common cold. What do all these diseases have in common? They're all caused by viruses. Viruses bring about some of the most lethal and dramatic conditions known to man.

Just what are these micro-organisms, and how do they go about their business? Viruses can be thought of as "cellular hijackers." In order to discuss viruses, I must tell you about their nature and the nature of cells.

Cells are the basic units of life; they're a good place to begin my discourses about health and medicine. There are plant cells, animal cells, bacterial cells, and fungal cells. Ours are animal cells.

Just as our bodies are composed of organs, cells are made of "little organs," or organelles. Cells can do everything our bodies can do; functionally, they may be likened to a city.

Like cities, cells have "borders," "highway and transportation systems," "power plants," "factories," and even "post offices." They can make and break down chemicals, transport substances, dispose of wastes, "import" and "export" materials, and control their function and destiny.

All animal cells are quite complex; their organelles are membrane-bound, and they have a membrane-bound nucleus.

A cell contains DNA--THE genetic material--which acts like the "capitol building" of a city. The nucleus is the cell's "control center". So how does all this relate to viruses? How do viruses "hijack" cells?

Viruses are sub-cellular; they cannot live on their own. They are one of the few types of living things that are not made of complete cells. Because they are unable to live by themselves, they must take over other cells in order to function and to reproduce. Viruses consist of DNA which is "wrapped" in a protein "coat," or capsule. They do their "dirty work. " by attaching themselves to cell membranes and gaining entry within the cells. Then, they force the cellular DNA to make copies of themselves, then, eventually, there are so many virus copies that the cells burst, setting the viruses free. This allows them to enter new cells and begin the process all over again. Some viruses actually "splice" themselves into the cell's genes; this enables them to make viral copies.

As a general rule, most viral diseases are very acute; their onset is quite sudden, and they are severe in character. Some viruses, like SARS and West-Nile, can cause death; some, such as the common cold, may lead to illness. Some, like the human papillomavirus, may contribute to cancer.

Unlike bacterial diseases, such as anthrax, there are relatively few antiviral drugs to combat them. They also have the ability to mutate, or change. Thus, the body has a harder time killing them. This fact may also make it tougher to develop vaccines to fight viruses. Bacterial diseases are generally more easily curable because we have more antibiotics, but some strains of bacteria are able to develop a resistance to antibiotics.

Viruses have been around for a long time, and I'm certain that they will continue to wreak havoc on mankind for many years to come. However, as we learn to understand them better and develop better antiviral treatments, we may be able to get a better handle on these micro-organisms.

PERSONAL PROFILES

Has the Lutheran Center for the Blind touched your life in a special way? Would you like to share that specialness with CENTERPIECE readers? If you are willing to be interviewed for Personal Profiles, call Bob Mates at 412-682-1800 or Terri Watson at 412-683-9935.

BIBLE BITS The questions in the quiz below are followed by the answers and applicable Scriptural references:

1. In Psalm 118, what are we told that the stone which the builders rejected has become? 2. To what type of worker does Jesus compare Himself in John 10:11? 3. In Acts 9:26, we read that when Saul entered Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. How did the disciples respond to Saul? 4. In John 5:15, we hear Jesus describe Himself as the vine and us as the branches. If we live in Christ and Christ lives in us, what is it that we will bear? 5. In Acts 1:11, we read: men of Galilee, why do you stand looking in the sky? About what event in Christ's life are we reading? Answers 1. In Psalm 118, we read: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jesus is also referred to as "the cornerstone" in Chapter Four of the Acts of the Apostles in which we read: He is the stone rejected by you, the builders which has become the cornerstone. 2. The type of worker to which Jesus compares Himself in John 10:11 is a shepherd. More specifically, Christ says: "I am the good sheperd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep ..." 3. Initially, the disciples were not receptive to Saul. In Acts 9:26 we are told: When Saul arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 4. If we, as branches remain in Christ and Christ remains in us, we will bear much fruit. (The exact wording in which we are told this is: I am the vine and you are the branches, says the Lord; he who lives in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. 5. The event being referred to, in Acts 1:11 is the ascension. Here we read, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking in the sky? The Lord will return, just as you have seen him ascend.

A LITTLE HUMOR, VERY LITTLE

Are you ready for a little of Bob Mates, very little? Well, here's definitely dedicated Director Bob and a lot of fun, a whole lot!

A priest, a minister and a rabbi were sitting around one day, discussing what they'd like to hear their congregants say about them, as they stood by the coffins of these men of God.

The priest said: "I'd like to hear my parishoners say that I was a real servant of God; a Father in the truest sense of the word!"

Said the minister: "I'd like them to say that I preached the Word in correctness, purity and truth, and that I was also a good family man, and a respected member of my community."

Turning to the Rabbi, they asked: "What about you, Goldstein? What do you want to hear your people say, when you're in your coffin?" After thinking for a minute, he said: "Vell, ven I'm in my coffin, I vant to hear the people say, "Look! He's moving!!"

RAIN'S RHYTHM

a poem by Terri Watson

As the rain tiptoes across slate roofs, I think of slippered feet walking reverently toward a place of prayer.

As the rain pounds its way across pavements, I think of clenched fists landing loudly on a money changer's table.

As the rain waters both weeds and flowers alike, I think of a heavy heart broken and bleeding for the faithful as well as the faithless.

When the rain tiptoes, I feel Christ's embrace; when the rain pounds, I feel God's anger, and when the rain waters both weeds and flowers I feel the Holy Spirit's baptism of everlasting life.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Praise the Lord for Sue Lichtenfels' well deserved vacation in Hawaii. 2. May it be your will, dear Lord Jesus, for Bob Taylor and his guide dog, Cole, to work well as a team. 3. For Lisa McManus as she struggles with health challenges and medical issues. We pray, Lord, that you would bless Lisa's doctors with hearts of compassion and the wisdom to make correct diagnoses. 4. For all mothers and children who are in conflict: May You guide them along right paths to reconciliation. 5. For the relationship between a mother and her daughter to keep on bearing good fruit despite the words and actions of a family member who would seek to spoil that fruit. 6. For God's comfort of the church members and friends of a Moorhead resident who recently died. 7. For someone close who may have recently suffered a ministroke: May the wealth of your wisdom guide him to seek the care of a competent doctor. 8. When the weakness of our flesh tempts us to tell God how big our storms are, may the Holy Spirit inspire us to tell our storms how big our God is. 9. For Sister Michelle who works in Christian ministry for the blind: May her recovery from an injured back be both quick and comfortable. 10. Thanks be to God for a successful performance in April by the Invisible Village Theater, a group whose purpose is to raise awareness on mental-health issues. 11. For state legislators: May God put in their hearts the desire and the compassion to vote for the restoration of much-needed funding for mass transit and social services. 12. For those most in need of being touched by the love of Jesus: May they be led to come to the Lutheran Center where they can be physically nourished with good food; emotionally nourished by the words and actions of those who live in faith and encouragement, and spiritually nourished by a loving Savior whose last supper became the first Eucharist and whose physical death opened the gates of eternal life.

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

NOTE: The following testimony was given by Bob Mates, at the public hearing, held on May 21, 2003, to discuss proposed cutbacks in bus and paratransit services. I am a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh. I have ridden buses and streetcars all of my life, and have done so independently, ever since I obtained my first Leader dog, in 1974.

I have found Pittsburgh to be very accessible by public transit. Indeed, it is very easy to travel anywhere, on no more than two buses, in the city, and the contiguous suburbs. That is why it was with such great horror, that I heard of the proposed cuts in transit service.

The proposed transit cuts would have a devastating impact, not only on the blind community, but on Pittsburgh as a whole. Stopping service after 9 PM. would make it impossible for people to take advantage of recreational activities, such as concerts, sporting events, Etc., to say nothing of the fact that many people, who work at night, would lose their jobs, because they would not be able to get to, or from them. This would be especially devastating to the blind community, which already has a 70% un-employment rate.

To eliminate Sunday service would mean that people would not be able to attend their places of worship. The accompanying elimination of paratransit

on Sundays would mean that handicapped people would essentially be

home-bound.

This is a wonderful, vibrant region. However, it is also a region, struggling to create new jobs, and to keep the ones which are already here. A strong, viable mass-transit system is an integral part of the infrastructure needed to make this area grow.

Please, do not cripple it by implementing the proposed cuts in public transportation. Thank you.

CALENDAR Of EVENTS

GUIDE DOG USERS GROUP:

First Thursday of each month

11:30 AM. to 1:00 P.M..

PRAYER SERVICE

First Thursday of each month

1:00 to 1:30 PM.

BIBLE STUDY

First and Third Thursday of each month

1:30 to 2:30 PM.

LIFE GROUP: (Living in Faith and Encouragement)

If re-convened, will meet on Wednesdays

5:00 to 6:00

MONTHLY MEAL

Last Saturday of the month

5:00 to 7:00 PM.

MONTHLY PRE-MEAL BIBLE STUDY

Last Saturday of the month

4:00 to 5:00 PM.

NOTE: OTHER EVENTS WILL BE ADDED AS SCHEDULED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL BOB MATES at (412) 682-1800.)