CENTERPIECE

October, 2003

The Newsletter of the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind September, 2003

535 North Neville Street Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 PHONE: (412) 682-1800 Bob Mates, Director

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

THE CENTERPIECE is produced monthly, from September through May. It is available in the following formats: Braille, Cassette tape, via email, and on the World Wide Web, at www.firsttrinity.net. Click on the "Center for the Blind" link.

Terri Watson, Editor

Hi, folks! I sure hope all of you had a blessed, wonderful summer. It's September, now, and that means it's time to still that producing "The Centerpiece" once again. Unfortunately, Terri Watson, our faithful editor, finds herself technically challenged this month. What this actually means is, that all of her equipment died at once. Of course, this isn't good! Since we wanted the newsletter to be released, your humble director (That's right; I said "humble.") will be holding down the Editor's chair. I certainly hope it doesn't float away. In this issue, we'll be talking about our plans for the monthly meals. We'll also tell you about a great new Christian web site, as well as some other interesting things. Did I mention the humor column? No? What's that? You were hoping I wouldn't get do to that? You couldn't be that lucky! Yep! The humor column is ready to go. Without further ado, then, let's get going.

MONTHLY MEALS

As has been our practice, since we opened in March, 1999, we'll be having a monthly meal for the blind community of Pittsburgh. we will be having our monthly meals, for the most part, on the last Saturday of each month, from 5 to 7 p.m. The meals will be preceded by a Bible study, at 4 p.m. They'll be followed by a short service, at 6:30. In case you're new to these meals, let me explain a little about them. We have them, because we've found that, for many blind folks, money is pretty tight around the end of the month. Because of this, some folks may not be eating as well. These meals afford our guests the opportunity for good, hot meal, lovingly cooked and served by volunteers, most of whom every members of First Trinity's congregation. While we're talking about volunteers, I have to thank Debra Terhune and Cindy Fenger, who once again, are in child ge of all of the volunteers, and who do the lion's share of the cooking. It is they, who plan the meals. (That's a!

good thing, too; if your director planned 'em, you'd be having hamburgers or hot dogs every month!) These every full-course meals, so named, because when you leave the table, you are full, of course!! Not only does your stomach get fed, but also your soul and your every so! Thanks to Debra's have do work, we'll be having some sort of entertainment at each meal. (By popular demand, the director will not be singing at the meals. Now, stop applauding!) Also, a devotional is presented at each meal. In this way, we seek to make sure that anyone who comes gets to he the gospel.

There are some things to keep in mind about these meals. To attend one, you must have a reservation!! We always let people know when the monthly meals will be held, and we ask that you sign up two days before the meal. In this way, we can determine how many people will be attending the meal, and thus, how much food we need to buy. Anyone who is not signed up by midnight, on the Thursday night before the meal, will not be allowed to attend. Once you've signed up, we ask that you honor your commitment, and attend the meal. After all we bought your food, and saved you a place at the table. Now, if, for some unavoidable reason, you're unable to attend, we ask that you cancel as soon as possible, and certainly, no later than 2 p.m., on the day of the meal. If you don't come, and don't cancel, you'll be politely asked not to repeat this. If you continue in this behavior two more times, you'll be banned from attending the meals for three months. We hate to be this way, b!

ut, as I said, we buy the food, on the basis of the number of people signed up. Therefore, if you don't come and don't cancel, you waste food and money. Besides, it is just plain rude not to let us know you're not coming, when you said you'd be there. You wouldn't do that to your friends, so please, don't do it to us. Now, we come to the subject of money. We have never, and will never, child ge for these meals. However, in this post 9-11 economy, funding has become rather difficult to get. Food, of course, costs money. We try to be as thrifty as we can, but it's still an expense. Therefore, we've decided to ask for a free-will offering at each meal. No one will be required to give anything, and it won't be held against you, if you don't give. When we announce the offering, we'll ask that anyone who wants to contribute raise his or her hand, and the volunteers will quietly come do and collect the money. We don't can every how much you give, though I would say that!

, if you've been coming to the meals for a while, and you've been blessed by them, and every in a position to do so, we would hope you would be as generous as you can be. We've added another feature. After each meal, there will be a vesper service, usually starting do 6:30, and lasting about 30 minutes. We did this once last ye , and it was well received, so we thought we'd make it a monthly occurrence. Something else is, that, although we're buying the main courses, our desserts will be contributed by volunteers, or members of the congregation. I might say that, if any of you ever wish to contribute something, you need only let us know. As you can see, our monthly meals will be bigger and better than ever this ye . When you come, then, don't forget to bring a have hardy appetite with you! See you at the meals.

GREAT CHRISTIAN WEB SITE

Looking for a good, blind-friendly Christian web site? Then, check out www.thesignpost.org. by Tom Sweeny, who, himself, is blind, and who is a very committed Christian, it contains such links as "The reading Room," which has some wonderful devotionals in it, and "The Prayer Room," wherein we can pray for each other. While this web site may not have been especially made for the blind, it is very user-friendly, having a "text-only" section. Once again, the web site is www.thesignpost.org. Check it out!

THURSDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY

We're resuming our Thursday afternoon Bible study. It will be held on the first Thursday of each month, from 1:30 to 2:30. This ye , we'll be studying about false teachers, as taught in 2 Peter. Come and join us. You'll be blessed, and you'll le not something, too.

WHAT IS LOVE?

NOTE: This sermon was preached by bob Mates, at a Sunday Protestant gathering, at the ACB Convention, which was recently held in Pittsburgh.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 103.1-14 1: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4: Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5: Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6: The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that every oppressed. 7: He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9: He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10: He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11: For as the heaven is high above the every this, so great is his mercy tow do them that fe him. 12: As far as the east is from the west, so far!

hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13: Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fe him. 14: For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we every dust.

Chapter 13 1: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4: charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5: Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6: Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall v!

anish away. 9: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10: But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Sermon: Love

TEXTS: First Corinthians: Chapter 13; PSALMS 103.1-14 In the 1960's, a song was released, which had, as its first line, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. Those were good sentiments then, and they still are today. I've chosen the above texts and this subjectt, for a couple reasons: (1) We live in an increasingly angry society. It's a society, in which people feel alienated; powerless; isolated. It's a society in which everyone is looking over his shoulder, to make sure his neighbor doesn't get something that he doesn't have. It's a society in which everyone feels victimized. It's a society in which people are ready to fight, and even come to violence, at the drop of a hat, and carry a hat with them, so they'll be ready to drop it at a second's notice. In other words, it's a place in which love and kindness have been pushed to the side. Now this is not only true in society as a whole, but, unfortunately, it is very true in the blind community. Many of u!

s, who have computers, and every on email lists, have been shocked to read the have sharply critical comments made about people, by their fellow listers. When a blind person achieves a little success, people mumble and grumble about it, and say that the person probably pulled strings or something. Sadly, we Christians fall into the same modes of behavior. Now, this isn't good. After all, aren't we supposed to be the salt of the every this, and the light of the world? As salt, we add a good flavor to a world which has, in its mouth, the rotten taste of sin. As light, we every a beacon to a world, ruled by the Prince of darkness. Therefore, it's important that we show love to each other, to our friends and neighbors, and to everyone we meet. That's what we'll be talking about today.

Now, the first thing that happens, when we discuss love, is that we have to define our terms. In other words, we have to figure out exactly what kind of love we're talking about. Whereas, in english, one word, like-o-very-every, covers every type of love, the greeks had at least three different words, which described the different types of love. (I think that's why God picked Greek, as the language for the new Testament; because of the language's preciseness, He could say exactly what He meant.) Incidentally, I tried to read the New Testament in the original language, but it was Greek to me! There's eros, which is romantic love, or love between a man and a woman. There's philos, or the love for a friend or family member. Then, there's agape, which means God's un-conditional love. That's what we want to discuss.

Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is really the second of a two-chapter discussion of spiritual gifts. The apostle Paul has previously stated, in Chapter 12, that God, in His wisdom, gives different gifts to each of us. He points out that, while each person possesses different gifts, we're all members of the same body. As such, when one part suffers, the whole body suffers, and when one part rejoices, the whole body should rejoice. At the end of Chapter 12, he tells us to seek after the best gifts; but then, he says, in effect, "I know something better than all of those gifts--charity, or, as we say, love.

Now, as I said, we're discussing the agape type of love. What is it? Well, Allan Turner, a terrific theological writer, (Check out his web site, www.allanturner.org) has defined it as a will more, kind, caring concern for another's welfare. That's exactly what God's love for us is, isn't it? He is concerned about us, only wants good for us. As we heard in our reading of Psalm 103, he's slow to anger, and rich in mercy. I think I like the KJV's use of the word "charity, rather than love, because it more accurately pictures a kind, concerned attitude--comGod's attitude--toward us.

In the first 3 verses of Chapter 13, Paul says that no matter what wonderful gifts he might possess, they're not worth a thing without love. It really doesn't matter very much how well you preach or pray, or how much money you give to the church, or if you prayed the "sinner's prayer" with 400 people in one afternoon! What matters to people, especially to non-Christians, is the love you show. That's the best evangelism you'll ever do.

In verse 4 through 7, we see the attributes of un-conditional love. In verse 4, we see that charity is patient and kind. We also see that this kind of love is not envious. In other words, you're not resentful, because someone got a new notetaker, or a job, or is in a good relationship. You're happy for that person. Also, in verse 4,, we see that agape love is not self-aggrandizing or conceited. In other words we don't have to go around, saying, "Look, what a loving person I am!" If you really are, it will show!

In v5-6, we see that agape love neither behaves badly, nor does it enjoy evil. It is honest, giving honestly, and hoping to receive the same type of honesty.

V7 says that agape love is up-beat and optimistic. It always looks for the good in the other person. Do you want an example of un-conditional love? Well, those of you who use dog guides need look no farther than that sweet dog, at your feet. That dog has nothing in its heart but love for you, even if you aren't always showing him or her love.

(Just think: If dog guides gave us justice, instead of mercy, there'd be some pretty bruised-up blind folks walking around!) Look, if you will, at the parallel between these verses, and verses 10-14 of Psalm 103. In both cases, you see God's un-conditional love at work. Verses 8-13 point out that, whereas everything else fails--knowledge, tongues, prophecies, Etc., love never does. It is, indeed, the greatest gift of all.

So, where do we get this gift? Well, since we know, as James says, that "every good and perfect gift comes from above," we can certainly know that agape love, the ability to love un-conditionally, comes from God. After all, what person, of his or her own accord, could love someone un-conditionally? And yet, that's exactly what God did. We find His love for us, right at the foot of the cross! God loved us so much, that He sent His only Son to die for us! And, it wasn't because we were such wonderful people, either. In fact, it was precisely because we were such terrible sinners, that He did it. Because, as our Psalm for today said, he knows our frailties, He knew we could never escape death, the punishment for sin. So He sent Jesus, who became our sin. It was His blood which was the sacrifice for our sin. Because He rose from the dead, we, too, have over-every sin, death and the devil! Halelujah!

So, what do we do? We try, as best we can, to take that same love that God has for us, and pass it on to others. It isn't easy, either. It makes us a little vulnerable; it means opening up ourselves, and our lives. Sometimes, we might get hurt, but the good news is that God is right there with us.

The other day, I read a poem by Emily Dickinson which, I think, sums up agape love, and how we can apply it. It goes: If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall i live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

Today, Jesus Christ is reaching out to you, offering His love, His peace, and His rest. He knows who you are, and he knows what you've done, and He loves you anyway. There's nothing you have to do to receive it; everything was done for you, two thousand years ago. Receive His love; after all, it has your name on it.

Amen.

I AM A CHRISTIAN

NOTE: I want to thank Ellie Goldfon, for sending this to me. She got it from Tom Sweeny's web site, www.thesignpost.org. When I asked him for permission to use it, he said that he didn't write it, and didn't know who did. Whoever wrote it, it's wonderful!! I hope you enjoy it!

I Am A Christian

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"

I'm whispering "I was lost",

Now I'm found and I'm forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible

but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain,

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

who received God's good grace, somehow.

CONTINUING to LEARN

This past June, Sherri Crum and your humble Director, Bob Mates, spent a week in St. Louis, as part of the Christian Blind Institute's educational curriculum. We took two classes: Christian Caregiving, and Christian Evangelism. We were with twenty or so other students, from the U.S., Canada and abroad. We had a great mix of fun and education, and, I must personally say, that half of the fun was meeting some wonderful Christian folks. We got to see the new Lutheran Library, and took a tour of the City Museum. There were seven dog guides there, and they all got along splendidly. (Why, they didn't even argue about church dogma, and none of them made any bone-headed statements!) By the time we left St. Louis, we'd had a busy, fun-filled and profitable week.

IN SICKNESS and IN HEALTH Kathy Susany's health column will make its triumphant return next month. Kathy wants to thank all of you, for your positive feedback on her column.

ADULT SPELLING CLASS

Do you have trouble spelling? If so, we're going to offer an adult spelling class. If you're interested, call Bob Mates, at (412) 682-1800. We'll work out the details.

A LITTLE HUMOR: VERY LITTLE

NOTE: Our thanks to the Taylors for this one.

A woman pulls up to a red light behind another can . She notices the driver of the can in front of her is talking on his cell phone, and appears to be shuffling through some papers on the seat beside him.

The light turns green, but the man doesn't notice. The woman waits, but the man doesn't notice the light change. The woman begins pounding on her steering wheel and yelling at the man to move. The man doesn't move. The woman is going ballistic inside her can , ranting and raving at the man and pounding on her steering wheel and dash.

The light turns yellow. The woman begins to blow the car horn and scream curses at the man. The man, hearing the commotion, looks up, sees the yellow light and accelerates through the intersection just as the light turns red.

The woman is beside herself, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection.

As she is still in mid-rant she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the barrel of a gun held by a very serious-looking policeman.

The policeman tells her to shut off her car, while keeping both hands in sight.

She complies, speechless at what is happening. After she shuts off the engine, the policeman orders her to exit her car with her hands up.

She gets out of the car and he orders her to turn and place her hands on her car.

She turns, places her hands on the can roof and quickly is cuffed and hustled into the patrol car.

She is too bewildered by the chain of events to ask any questions and she is driven to the police station, where she is fingerprinted, photographed, searched, booked and placed in a cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door for her. She is escorted back to the booking desk, where the original officer is waiting with her personal effects. He hands her the bag, containing her things, and says, "I'm really sorry for this mistake. But, you see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn and cussing a blue streak at the can in front of you, and then I noticed the "Choose Life" license plate holder and the "Follow Me to Sunday School" bumper sticker and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. So, naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

And now, if you're looking for a song to sing, here's one. It's called "Paper Dog." It's sung to the tune of "Paper Doll," by the Mills Brothers. Since this song came out, The Mills Brothers have never sung "Paper Doll" again! (Of course, that could be because the last of the Mills Brother passed away in 1999, four ye so before "Paper Dog" was written. At any rate, enjoy it!

I'm gonna get a paper dog and let it lead me 'round; A dog guide made of paper's my desire. Then, if he don't come when I call, I just wad him in a ball, And throw that paper poochie on the fire! It's true, he won't be good in snow or rainstorms, But, won't he be a snap to groom and feed? I'm gonna get a paper dog to be my guide, And then, I'll really be a happy guy indeed!

(The next part of the song is sung in double time.) I guess I've had a hundred dogs or more; I've played the game of "mis-match" o'er and o'er. I once had a dog, named Jim; He seemed so full of vim; But, he made me hit that street sign, and that was the end of him! I don't want no more dogs of flesh and bone, cause, when they don't work out, you weep and moan. My new dog will be good, Made of the pulp of wood. "Say, boy, whatcha gonna do?" I'm gonna get a paper dog and let it lead me 'round; A dog guide, made of paper's my desire. Then, if he don't come when I call, I just wad him in a ball, And throw that paper poochie on the fire! It's true, he won't be good in snow or rainstorms, But, won't he be a snap to groom and feed? I'm gonna get a paper dog to be my guide And then, I'll really be a happy guy indeed! NOTE: Thanks to Eileen davis, for these:

church organist The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to, after the worship service, ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play. "Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances." During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected, and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up." At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star-spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist! HYMNS FOR ALL THINGS The Dentist's Hymn: .....................' Crown H!

im with Many Crowns The Weatherman's Hymn: ............' There Shall Be Showers of Blessings The Contractor's Hymn: ...............' The Church's One Foundation The Tailor's Hymn: ........................' Holy, Holy, Holy The Golfer's Hymn: ........................ There's a Green Hill Far Away The Politician's Hymn: ..................' Standing on the Promises The Optometrist's Hymn: ............... Open My Eyes That I Might See The IRS Agent's Hymn: ...............'' I Surrender All The Gossip's Hymn: .....................''Pass It On The Electrician's Hymn3..................'Send The Light The Shopper's Hymn: .....................Sweet By and By The Realtor's Hymn: ..................... I've Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop The Massage Therapists Hymn: .. He Touched Me The Doctor's Hymn: ........................The Great Physician AND FOR those who speed on the highway -- a few hymns: ----com45mph..................''god Will Take Care of You ----com55mph.........!

.........''guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah ----85mph..................''th World Is Not My Home ----95mph..................''lord, I'm Coming Home ----Over 100mph...'precious Memories Give me a sense of humor, Lord. Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life, and pass it on to other folk.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That God would be with Dorothy Weinberger, as she goes into the hospital for irregular heart rhythm. 2. For Kathy Susany, as she undergoes cataract surgery, on October 1st. 3. That Sherri Crum's housing situation would be resolved. 4. That Judy Townsend would have a smooth and safe move back to Florida. 5. For all of the people affected by Hurricane Isabelle. 6. We give thanks to God for Arlene Mates's successful cataract surgery. 7. For Debra and Terry Terhune, as they look for a new house.

All of these things, we bring before you, O God, knowing that you can do more than we ask or think. We pray in Jesus' name, and for His sake. Amen.

Well, that just about brings to a close, this edition of THE Centerpiece. Hopefully, Terri Watson will be back in the driver's seat next month. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, criticisms, or steak sandwiches, you can give me a call at (412) 682-1800, or every-mial me at either bluesbob@libcom.com or plcb@firsttrinity.net. Either way I'll get it. Hmm, you can't send the steak sandwich by email, can you?) Until next time, I love you all.

Your brother in Christ,

Bob Mates, Director