THE CENTERPIECE
November, 2003
The newsletter of the
Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind
535 North Neville Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213
PHONE: 142 682-1800
Bob Mates, Director
Sherri Crum, Assistant
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 and touch others with the love of Jesus.
THE CENTERPIECE is available in Braille, on Cassette, and on-line. Go to www.firsttrinity.net
and click on the "Center for the Blind" link.
Terri Watson, Editor
Hi, everyone! Welcome to the November edition of THE CENTERPIECE, the newsletter
of the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind. I'm the director, Bob
Mates.
This is a very busy time of the year. First of all, we have Thanksgiving,
on November 27th. Aside from all of the food, this day was originally
start as a day to thank God for His many blessings. Indeed, those early
pilgrims had something to be thankful for. For one thing, they were now in
a land, where they could practice their brand of Christianity, without facing
persecution. Also, they were thankful just to be alive. A great
number of the original group which came to the New World either didn't survive
the trip, or, if they got here, died in the first year. Therefore, those
who survived considered themselves very blessed, which they were. So are
we. Martin Luther said it well, in the Small Catechism.
I believe that God created me, along with all creatures. He gave to me:
body and soul, eyes, ears and all the other parts of my body, my mind and all my
senses and preserves them as well. He gives me clothing and shoes, food
and drink, house and land, wife and children, fields, animals and all I own.
Every day He abundantly provides everything I need to nourish this body and
life. He protects me against all danger, shields and defends me from all
evil. He does all this because of His pure, fatherly and divine goodness
and His mercy, not because I've earned it or deserved it. For all of this,
I must thank Him, praise Him, serve Him and obey Him. Yes, this is true!
St. Paul also puts it well, in Philippians 4.6:
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Therefore, it strikes me that, not only should we celebrate Thanksgiving on its
designated day, but we should make every day a day of Thanksgiving.
We are also getting ready for the start of Advent, the part of the church year
in which we celebrate the birth of Christ. You know, I just thought of
something. How wonderful, that Advent and Thanksgiving should occur around
the same time! Indeed, what could we be more thankful for than the birth of
Jesus Christ? Without him, we'd all be slaves to the Devil. We would all
be recipients of God's justice, rather than His mercy, and that would be pretty
scary, to say the least.
Well, I didn't mean to go on so, but, as they say, out of the abundance of the
heart, the BrailleNote writes.
Now then, i have great news! Terri Watson has assured me that she'll be back in
the editor's chair next month! How's that for a Christmas present? In the
meantime, we have a great newsletter planned for you this month. So,
without further ado, let's get on with it!
MONTHLY MEAL
October's Monthly Meal was held on October 25th, and had twenty-two blind people
in attendance. Because it was the day before Reformation Day, it was a
real German meal, consisting of pork roast, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and
much more. The only thing that would have made it a more German meal would
have been if the food had been served by German Shepherds.
After the meal, we had entertainment, and a lot of it! There was so much
entertainment, that, for a minute, your director thought he was Ed Sullivan!
(We'll explain to you young folks who he was.) Caitlyn Terhune, accompanied by
her mom, Debra, played a beautiful rendition of the Minuet in G. The
applause following this piece was thunderous. Why, your director hasn't
heard that much applause, since the night he announced that he would no longer
sing at the dinners. We also had Derek Kurth, who sang some great
contemporary Christian music. Also, we were fortunate to have Bob Taylor,
who sang some country music, some of which he'd written himself. Who could
ask for better entertainment than ours that night?
We wished Geri Vacco a Happy Birthday, and Bob Mates also said that he and his
wife, Arlene were celebrating twenty years of marriage.
Before we go, we have to say thanks, to everyone who has contributed to these
meals, in the free-will offering. It's very heart-warming, to see your
generosity. Again, thanks.
Also, we need to thank all of our wonderful volunteers, who so graciously and
un-selfishly give up their Saturday, to cook, serve, and clean up after the
meal. Not only that, but they also escort people to the rest rooms, and,
in many cases, wait outside with the folks, until the Paratransit vehicles
arrive. Our volunteers are really the backbone of our meals; we couldn't
do this without them. From all of us, to all of you volunteers, thank you
and God bless you!
Our next monthly meal will be held on November 22nd. This meal will be a
unique one, because the main course, Pasta Fazule, will be prepared by Eugene
Rossi. Sam Willard, who teaches self-defence for the blind, will be
presenting , short talk about self-defence, along with a demonstration. I
understand that he'll be using the director as his demonstratee. The
director? Yikes!!! That's me!!!
Please sign up for the meal by the 20th. Also remember that we now have a
vesper service after each meal, lasting from about 6:30 to 7:00 PM. Please
order your Paratransit accordingly. Don't forget to bring your appetite!
See you at the meal.
VESPER SERVICES
As we mentioned before, we are now conducting a vesper service after each meal.
These services are about 30 minutes in length, and are presided over by either
Pastor Spittel, or Pastor Andrae. The liturgy for the service is available
in Braille. We certainly encourage everyone to attend.
A 9/11 STORY
Since September 11, 2001, many stories have emerged, concerning the heroism of
both people and animals. Some of them are true, and some aren't. I
can't vouch for the accuracy of this story, but it's a great one, and, certainly
the ending should be read with special attention.
A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th,
2003. His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:
"A few weeks before Sept 11th, my wife and I found out we were going
to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her
sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife
a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen' we both heard a
loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I
replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight.
Both very upset, we drove home.
I received a call from my father who was a retired FDNY. He asked
what my wife's flight number was, but
I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her
flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked
to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help.
THIS is not something I can sit by for, I have to do something4' I was concerned
for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to
Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he
got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild4' Those were the
last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue
effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly
became anger. Anger at God, at my father, and at myself, I had gone for
nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would
never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got
to say goodbye.
Then something happened. About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home
with my wife and my son, when there
was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife,
but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a
couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's
name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was.
He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your
father, but it is an honor to meet his son4'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and
had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been
caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to
find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of
my father giving his life for people
like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know4'
his wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she
talked to him and led him to Christ.
I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my
father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would
be able to thank him themselves.
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of
the man who gave his life so mother
and baby could live.
This story should help us to realize two things:
First, that though it has been two years since the attacks, we should
never let it become a mere tragic memory.
And second, but most important, God is always in control. We may not see
the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is
ALWAYS in control.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Sherri Crum, the assistant director, has, for the past thre-and-a-half years,
been an integral part of the operation of PLCB. However, we've never
really defined exactly what her duties were. They might have been
described as, "anything the director doesn't wanna do". Well, as
of January 1st, 2004, that's all going to change. She will have some very
specific duties, such as development of fun-raising opportunities, helping in
blind outreach, working with the volunteer co-ordinator, and office clean-up and
maintenance, which also entitles her for medals, for valor, and service above
and beyond the call of duty. We believe that this will make the center
even better, and will enable me to work with our other center, in East
Pittsburgh., Congratulations, Sherri.
TOUR
ANNOUNCEMENT
NOTE: I received the following info from Joe and Tina Wassermann, who put this
tour together. It sounds like something blind people would enjoy.
You may call St. Paul's for more information.
"A PILGRIMAGE TOUR IN THE SHAPE OF A CROSS" is an hour-long
tour specifically designed to help those of you with limited or no vision
experience the beauty, richness and symbolism of St. Paul Cathedral
through touch and the spoken word. A specially trained guide will assist
you as your docent describes each site and points out how its repeated symbols
are a constant reminder of our faith. If you would like to "see"
the altars, statues and carvings up close, pleas call the parish office at
412-621-4951 to make an appointment. Though you will have a guide, we
encourage you to invite friends or family members to come along. This is a
truly worth while experience.
PHYLLIS's T-Shirt
NOTE: The following devotional was written by Donna Hardy, of Lakeland, FL.
Donna is a Deaconess in the Lutheran Church, and is also a member of the C-team,
a group which coaches directors of outreach centers.
Reading: Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus calms the storm) In recent years, Phyllis, my
Australian Shepherd guide dog, has become more and more terrified of
fireworks and storms. Living in the Tampa Bay area, the lightning capitol
of the world, certainly isn't comforting for her.
Another guide dog user recommended putting a T-shirt on Phyllis during
storms. It sounded ridiculous but I was willing to try anything.
Amazingly, it worked! Phyllis wears her shirt -- head through neck hole and
front paws through arm holes, and lies right down. Now there is
minimal walking the floor and shaking. And, believe it or not, at the
first sound of thunder she comes to me and whines for her T-shirt. It
didn't take her long to figure out what to do in a storm!
What about us? What do we do when the storms of life hit? I
sometimes curl up and sleep through them, hoping they will go away. Other
times I might unload them on anyone who will listen. And, when all else
fails, well, I think I'll pray about it! Why did I wait so long when at the
other end of my prayer Jesus has been waiting to calm the storm?
Not exactly giving God the status of a T-shirt, but what comfort there is
in those everlasting arms that will hold me any time I need them.
Prayer: Lord, please wrap me up in your arms during the storm and
let me rest in your calm peace. Amen.
Deaconess Donna Hardy Lakeland FL
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. For physical healing, for Carol Taylor
2. For Sherri Crum's housing situation
3. That God will give strength to the family of Terri Rogers, one of the
teachers in the CHRISTIAN Blind Institute, whose husband, Don, is terminally ill
with cancer.
4. For all un-spoken requests
5. Thanks be to God, for our many blessings.
A LITTLE HUMOR: VERY LITTLE
This month's column is written as a public service, for those of you looking for
a church. If you're specifically looking for a "red-neck"
church, these guidelines should be of assistance, in determining whether or not
you've found one. Hey, here a PLCB, we only want to help, right?
You know your Church is a redneck Church if:
* The finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a
chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one. * People ask
(when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000) whether the two fish were bass or
catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em. * When the pastor says,
"I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering," five guys and
two women stand up. * Opening day of deer season is recognized as an
official church Holiday. * A member of the church requests to be buried in
his 4-wheel-drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't
get out of" * The choir is known as the "OK Chorale." * Boone's
Farm "Tickle Pink" is the favorite wine for communion. * In a
congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church
directory. * Baptism is referred to as "branding." * There is a
special fund-raiser for a new church septic tank. * Finding and returning
lost sheep isn't just a parable. * High notes on the organ se!
t the dogs on the floor to howling. * People think "rapture" is
what you get when you lift something too heavy. * The baptismal font is a
#2 galvanized washtub. * The choir robes were donated by and embroidered
with the logo from Billy Bob's Barbecue. * The collection plates are
really hubcaps from a '56 Chevy.
A PERSONAL TOUCH
I hope you don't mind, but I just want to announce that my Leader dog, Max,
turned 5, on November 15th. It's hard to believe that I've had him for
almost 3-1/2 years.
He's been a great guide, and a wonderful companion. Happy birthday, Maxy-wax.
Well, that's it: the end of another jam-packed edition of THE Centerpiece.
Next month will be our Christmas issue, and we'll have some great stuff in there
for you.
In the meantime, as I always say, if you have comments, suggestions, or
criticisms, pass them along. Either call me at (412) 682-1800, or email
me, at bluesbob@libcom.com
Until next month, when Terri Watson will once again be back in the editor's
chair, I wish you all God's blessings, and a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Your brother in Christ,
Bob Mates, Director