Hi, folks: Well, here it is: the November edition of THE CENTERPIECE.  Hope you enjy it!
THE CENTERPIECE
      November, 2004
      The Newsletter of the
      Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind
      535 North Neville Street
      Pittsburgh, Pa.  15213
      PHONE: (412) 682-1800
      Bob Mates, Director
      Sherri Crum, Associate Director

  The Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind seeks to reach out to the visually impaired 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 the following formats: Braille, large print, audio cassette, and E-mail.  You may also read the newsletter on the World Wide Web, by going to: wwwfirsttrinitysionet and clicking on the "Center for the blind" link.
Terri Watson, Editor
From The Editor

 On Thursday, November 25th, most, if not all of us will be enjoying Thanksgiving dinners made possible by God's great bounty.  As I sit at my Thanksgiving table this month--a table of plenty at which I will enjoy a sumptuous feast with loved ones--I will be thankful not only for the food which will nourish and strengthen my body but also for God's many blessings which have nurtured and continue to nurture my soul.  As I reflect on my soul blessings and encourage you to also honestly reflect on yours, I conclude this month's column with two springboards from which to reflect: a poem entitled, "Heaven's Grocery Store," and the words to "Now Thank We All Our God." In addition to the words, I will also provide the historical context in which "Now Thank We All Our God" was written because the context and purpose are so timely as we thank God for His bounty and blessings.
 As I was walking down life's highway many years ago, I came upon a sign that read, his Heavens Grocery Store." When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide, And when I came to myself I was standing inside.  I saw a host of angels.  They were standing everywhere.  One handed me a basket and said "My child shop with care." Everything a human needed was in that store And what you could not carry you could come for more.  First I got some Love that was in that row.  Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.  I got a box or two of Wisdom, and Faith, a bag or two.  And Charity, of course, I would need some of that, too.  I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost: It was all over the place.  And then some strength and Courage to help me run this race.  My basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed Grace, And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free.  I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me.  Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, For I thought I had

      October's Meal

 When October's meal was held on Saturday the 30th, between 25 and 30 people were in attendance, one of whom, Maggie Fagliano, had not been to a meal for some time.  While Bob Mates was welcoming us and before he offered a blessing over the food, our knowledgeable director pointed out how fitting it was that October 31st is on a Sunday this year since it was on Sunday, October 31st, 1517, that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses onto a church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  Bob went on to explain that although Luther's intent was not to reform anything but only to point out what he saw as problems in the Church at that time, these theses did indeed bring on what came to be known as the Protestant Reformation.  After enjoying a truly wonderful meal, attendees next enjoyed even finer fellowship in the form of Bob Mates' devotion on Chapter Nine of the Gospel according to John.  Bob's first point as he began this insightful presentation was that we have both physical sight and spiritual sight.  Regarding physica

      CONTRIBUTOR's CORNER

      FROM WHERE I SIT
by Bob Mates

Well, the election is over, and George Bush has won.  Many Christians, as well as others, are touting this as a great victory.  They are saying that, at last, their voice has been heard.  Now, they say, we're on our way to becoming a truly "Christian country." How wonderful! Or, is it?
I think that we need to examine this question, both in a historical and practical context.  After doing so, I think that we may see that this is neither a desirable nor an achievable goal.
First, let me state, categorically, that the United States has never been, and was never intended to be, a Christian country.  While many people came to this country in order to practice their various religions without fear of repression, there were also those who came to this country, so that they could practice nor religion.  The people, who wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, designed these documents, so that no one could impose a religion, or belief system, on the rest of the people.  As more and more people, of various backgrounds and from various countries, came to America, the lack of a "state religion" stood us in good stead.  We are, as President Kennedy once called us, "a nation of immigrants."
There is another point to be considered.  Countries, which have had a national religion, have been homogeneous in population.  That is to say, they have been composed of one group of people.  Being of one ethnic group, it was easy to reach a consensus on things, such as religion.  For instance, Spain was a Catholic country.  So was France.  Many parts of Germany were Lutheran.  When other groups tried to practice their religions, they were persecuted, and even killed.  You don't believe it? Read Fox's "Book of Martyrs", especially, the chapter about the Inquisition.  Want more proof? read about people, such as John Bunyan, who was imprisoned for being a Puritan, in an Anglican country.
It is an unfortunate fact that people, when confronted with those who are different from themselves, react by trying to oppress those people.  That's what the Christians did to the Jews and Muslims, and that's what the Muslims have tried to do to people whom they consider infidels.
Even in this country, conflicts have arisen between people, regarding religious practices.  Even among Christians, we see schisms and divisions.
And, that's really the problem with talking about America going back to "Christian" values.  Who are the Christians? Who's going to decide what constitute Christian values? And, even more important, what about Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists.  We may not agree with them, but they're Americans, too!
There's something else, too.  Like it or not, we can't turn back the clock.  Take, for instance, the issue of abortion.  I hate abortion.  I think that it, like capital punishment, is murder.  However, it's been legal for 31 years.  That's longer than most of the people, who will have an abortion, have been alive.  They've grown up with this as an established alternative to un-wannted pregnancy.  If Roe versus Wade was overturned tomorrow, the result would be chaos.  The reason, of course, is that we haven't come up with good alternatives.  We discuss "safe sex, instead of abstinence.  We haven't solved the problem of poverty, which leads alienation.  Because of alienation, people look for love, and settle for sex.  Until we entirely change our outlook on love, sex, and human life, we can't really end abortion.
Then, there's capital punishment.  Now I hate to say this to my conservative brothers and sisters, but, capital punishment is not, I repeat not, universally regarded among Christians as a good thing.  In fact, we're just about the only country in the world, aside from the Muslim countries, where it's practiced.  It has always seemed to me that, if we really value the sanctity of human life, we should be against both abortion and capital punishment.  State-sanctioned murder is never good.
So what, then? I believe we need to pray, not for political settlements quite these issues, (They won't work.) but for the changing of people's hearts.  When hearts change, live change.  When lives of individuals change, the course of a nation will change.
Do you think America has gone down the path toward amorality? Re-electing George Bush will not solve it.  What will solve it is to tell everyone you know about Jesus, and His love.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." It is through Him, and not the Republican or Democratic Party, that do country just be saved.
And, what about our non-Christian brothers and sisters? We cannot impose our views on them.  We just live our lives, and pray quite them, and rely on the Holy Spirit to do His work in their lives.  That's what Christianity is all about, and that's what America is all about, too.

A LITTLE HUMOR ...  VERY LITTLE
   by Bob Mates

  As I said last month, our dashing Director does indeed have a nack for either creating humor through puns as only he can, or finding it through e-mailed or web-based jokes.  How will he do that--and make us laugh--this month? Right now, only Bob and our Beautiful Savior know, but if we want to know, too, let's dig right in to a potpouri of puns and a heaping helping of humor.  It's because these are my feelings about this column that I call it, a Lot of Humor ...  Quite A Lot!!

  NOTE: Our thanks to Rhonda Clark, for these submissions.  You know, I always like to give credit to those who submit stuff for this column.  That way, if the stuff isn't any good, you can't blame me! Thanks, Rhonda!
  1.  Two beggars are sitting side by side on a street in Mexico City.  One has a cross in front of him, the other one the 'Star of David.  Many people go by and look at both beggars, but only put money into the hat of the beggar sitting behind the cross.  A priest comes by, stops and watches throngs of people giving money to the beggar behind the cross, but none give to the beggar behind the 'Star of David.  Finally the priest goes over to the beggar behind the 'Star of David and says: "My poor fellow, don't you understand? This is a Catholic country.  People aren't going to give you money if you sit there with a 'Star of David in front of you, especially when you're sitting beside a beggar who has a cross.  In fact, they would probably give more to him just out of spite." The beggar behind the 'Star of David listened to the priest and, turning to the beggar with the cross and says, "Moishe, look who's trying to teach the Goldstein brothers about marketing!

*****ininin

1.  "Computers, in the future, may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." -- Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949.  2.  "I think there is a world market for, maybe, five computers." -- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.  3.  "I have traveled the length and breadth of this country, and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year." -- The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957.  4.  "But what ...  is it good for?" -- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.  5.  "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment CORP..  6.  "This telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.  The device is, inherently, of no value." -- Western Union internal memo, 1876.  7.  "The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value.  Wh


      MONTHLY DEVOTION
      by Bob Mates

  Even if you've known Bob Mates for only a short time, you can see immediately, through his well-planned Bible studies, his thought-provoking devotions and just the ministry in general that the Lutheran Center for the Blind is, that Bob is deeply and genuinely concerned about our spiritual sight.  How will this month's devotion remove cataracts of spiritual darkness and remove the glaucoma-like pressures that our spiritual eyes can experience from living in this world? Let's find out now as we read, listen, learn and grow.


      SIGHT
      by Bob Mates

  Today, I want to talk to you about sight.  Now, you may think it a bit strange that I, a person who has been blind pretty much all of my life, should talk to you about sight.  Yet, that is what I propose to do.
  Now, today, blindness has become quite an issue.  More and more people are becoming blind, due to macular degeneration, diabetes, glaucoma, and other diseases.  No doubt, there are people, in this congregation, who have experienced the loss of vision.
  Now, blindness, while certainly tragic to those who experience it in later life, is not nearly as big a handicap as it once was.  While it is true that there is a very high rate of unemployment among the blind, (about 70%were it is also true that blind people hold down a great variety of jobs.  There are blind teachers, attorneys, government workers, pastors, computer programmers, radio personalities, and, having ridden the buses in as many places as often as I have, I'm convinced that there are some blind bus drivers, too! (They're the ones who pass my stop, and say, "Oh, sorry; I didn't see it.?.)
  It wasn't always that way.  In the time of Jesus, blind people were looked upon with mistrust, suspicion, fear, and, yes, contempt.  Blindness was thought to be a result of sin, either in that person's life, or that of his parents.  Since the eye was considered the lamp of the soul, defective eyes meant a defective soul.  The blind person of those days was doomed to a life of begging, relying on the reluctant charity of people, who wished he'd just go away.
  This, then, is the setting for the events of Chapter 9, in Saint John's Gospel: the healing of the man born blind.
  Now, it's important to understand that Jesus never did anything "in a vacuum." Everything was done for a reason, and in a context.  This was no different.  To understand this incident, we have to go back to chapter 8.  He is speaking, in this chapter, to a large crowd of people in the temple courtyard.  He's just rescued the woman, caught in adultery, and saved her from being stoned.  In verse 12, he says: "I am the light of the world; anyone who comes to me will no longer walk in darkness.".  Now in chapter 9, he's going to put actions to His words, by healing a man born blind.
 Now, before we examine this chapter, I want to say two things: (1) there's a good reason why Jesus decided to heal a man born blind; and (2) it's the spiritual, and not physical sight, which the man receives, that's really important.
  First, why did Jesus decide to heal a man, blind from birth.  Well, the reason is that this man is a picture of all of us.  What do I mean by that? Well, Arthur W.  Pink, a great Bible commentator from the early part of this century, says, in his exposition of this chapter, that Jesus picked a man who was born blind, because, when you get right down to it, all of us are spiritually blind from birth, and are in need of the light which only Jesus, the light of the world, can furnish!
  So, now to the chapter.  The first nine verses recount the actual giving of physical sight to the man.  In these verses, Jesus sees the man, as do His disciples.  They ask Him whether he or his parents sinned, to cause this affliction.  (We talked about this earlier.) Jesus answers that neither this man, nor his parents had sinned.  The man was born blind, so that the works of God could be made known in his life.  Since He is the light of the world, He's going to turn darkness into light.
  I believe that the reason he made clay, from spittle and dirt, and rubbed it on the man's eyes, was to appeal to the man's other senses.  The man, though not being able to see Jesus, could hear Him, smell him, and feel Him putting the mixture on his eyes.  Jesus had to get right up close to the man.  The order to wash the mixture off his eyes is, I think, a picture of what happens to us, when we hear the gospel, and receive Christ--we also come back seeing.
  So much for the physical healing.  Now, for the spiritual sight.  I think we can divide this into four sections; four degrees of seeing.  The first glimmer of sight comes in verse 11, when he answers those who are asking him what happened.
 9:11 He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes.  He told me to go to Siloam and wash.  So I went and washed, and then I could see."
   He refers to Jesus as "the man." At this point, he knows who Jesus is, and what he's done, but not much more! That's often the way we are, as we start to come to faith.  God is still very ambiguous, very nebulous.  We may know that he's done something for us, but we really don't understand very much.
 We see our hero getting a bit more sight, in verse 17.  The pharisees don't believe the man was actually ever blind.  Also, since the miracle was done on the Sabbath, they want to condemn Jesus.  However, some point out that, if Jesus wasn't from God, he couldn't have done this thing.  They started bickering among themselves, something which, by the way, they did extremely well.  So now, we come to verse 17:
  9:17 Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."
   So, now, He's no longer just a man; he's a prophet! Well, that puts Him in the company of folks like Elijah, Isaiah, Amos, and the rest of those guys--not bad company to be in! The man's spiritual eyes are opening a bit, aren't they?
  In verses 30-33, we see the man receive more spiritual eyesight.  By this time, the pharisees have interviewed the man's parents, trying to get them to admit that their son was not really born blind.  They insist that he was, and refer the Pharisees back to him for any further inquiries.  So, they call him in again, and say, in effect: "Don't lie to us! What really happened?".  He points out to them that he's already answered their questions, and needles them a bit, by suggesting that the reason they want to keep hearing about it is because they secretly want to follow Him.  Angered, they tell him that they're disciples of Moses, and not this Jesus, who they aren't even sure is from God in the first place! It's at this point, that the man gives this wonderful answer:
  9:30 The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.  9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners.  He listens to the godly man who does his will.  9:32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.  9:33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
  At this point, he's almost 20/20.  He has almost come to faith.  That's the final degree of sight.
  Infuriated, the Pharisees throw the man out of the synagogue.  It is, at this point, that Jesus finds him.  Now, even though the formerly-blind man had never seen Jesus, he would have recognized his voice.  Remember: even though he could now see, he still had the sharpened senses that blind folks are forced to develop! Therefore, he knew who he was talking to.  The following conversation then takes place:
 9:35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
  9:36 "Who is he, sir?" the man asked.  "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
  9:37 Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." 9:38 Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
  And that was it; the blind man now had 20/20 spiritual vision.  He'd met his Messiah, and he knew it.  The spiritual scales had completely fallen off of his eyes.  He had physical sight, but, more importantly, he now also had spiritual sight.
  So, what about you? How's your sight today? Are you still groping around in spiritual darkness, trying to figure out which way to go? You don't have to, you know.  JESUS said: "I am the way and the truth and the life.".  He is the Light of the world.  He's waiting to lead you from darkness and death, to light and life.  He's reaching out to you, to give you a new life! All you have to do is receive the gift that He offers you: the gift of salvation.
 Just as the man born blind received spiritual, as well as physical sight, you, too, may receive your spiritual sight.  God, in His mercy, love and grace, sent His only son into the world, to redeem it from darkness, and lead us into the light.  he died, that we might live! He rose from the dead, and, in doing so, gave us the victory over death.  We can now say, with the old hymn:
  Amazing grace; how sweet the sound
  That saved a wretch like me.
  I once was lost, but now, am found;
  Was blind, but now, I see.
  Amen.
        PERSONAL PROFILES

  Even during the winter, most of us don't really have to brave brutal winds and the bitter cold to get to the center for monthly meals because most of us have Access and therefore can be quickly whisked into a nice warm vehicle.  Since this is not the case with Charity Houser, however, who faithfully walks to and from the Lutheran Center each month, I thought that she would be a perfect person to profile.  So, without further ado, let's hear some words of wisdom from Cheerful Chat as we profile her now.  Question: How did you first hear about the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind? Ansower: I believe I heard about it from Bob Mates.  Question: In addition to attending the monthly meals, how else are you involved with the center? For example, when a Guide Dog Users Group used to exist, did you attend it, or have you ever been to one of Bob's pre-meal Bible studies? Answer: Although I knew about the Guide Dog Users Group, I must admit that I never attended it.  Question: As you know, the mission of th
  Would you like to share how the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center has touched your life? If so, please call our Dashing and most Dedicated Director, Bob Mates, at 412-682-1800, or e-mail him at bluesbob%teleramacom.  And remember: the most brightly shining star in the stories that make up this column is YOU!!

      BIBLE BITS

  Since nothing enables us to strengthen our walk with and love of Christ like His words and teachings in Holy Scrppture, the purpose of this column is to increase your knowledge of the Bible and your love of the Lord in the process.  To help you grow in your walk and your love, I like to have a theme on which to center this column each month.  In October, I focused on the word "up," by using Scripture to explain the importance of looking up to God in prayer and standing up for our beliefs rooted in Him.  My theme for this month is the miracle of the five loaves and two fish.  I find both this Scripture--and the theme on which it is based--to be especially appropriate and meaningful during a month when some have so much and others have so little.  Let us now drink the living waters of Scripture as we explore how Jesus so compassionately turned the poverty of this peasant boy's meal into a table of plenty for the hungry multitudes.  John 6:12-19 When they all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, "Ga
      QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION
  1.  Jesus had the disciples collect the leftovers so that "nothing would be wasted." What additional significance do you attribute to the leftovers being collected?
 2.  Imagine yourself being part of the miracle you just read about.  Having been the recipient of Jesus' act of love, let's further assume that you wanted to thank Jesus only to discover that he had already "gone off by himself." How might you feel about being unable to thank our Lord and Savior? Would you have been angry? disappointed? Would you have tried to find out where Jesus had gone not only so that you could thank Him but also so that you could follow him?
  3.  When Jesus called many of the people who became his most faithful and trusted disciples, they were fishermen and he told them that they would be "fishers of men." What do you do to strive to be "fishers of men?" How can you and do you continue to grow in your ability to bring others to Jesus? (The translation of John which I used was e-mailed to me by Aimee Yunt.) If you have computer access, you can get more drinks of Christ's living waters by visiting bibleorg, jesuscarescom, and intouchorg.

      Looking AHEAD

 November's meal will take place on Saturday the 20th, with chuck roast being the delight which I understand will be deliciously prepared.  (Don't worry, though, Chuck Ridley: That doesn't mean that we're roasting you.  If my name were Chuck, on the other hand, I'm sure that there are people out there who would be only too happy to roast me!!) To reserve with Bob Mates for November's meal, call him by 4 PM on Thursday the 18th, at 412-682-1800.) Looking even farther ahead to December, that month's meal, which will be held on Saturday the 18th, will also include a Christmas party in the fine spiritual tradition of the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind.  And for further spiritual enrichment, remember that a Bible study always preceeds the meal from 4 to 5 PM and a Vespers service, wonderfully led by Pastor Spittel, follows the meal from 6:30 to 7.  To attend December's meal, phone Bob by 4 PM on Thursday the 16th at 412-682-1800.

 PRAYER REQUESTS

  As you pray for the following people and their intentions, may your prayers be formed and fashioned in faith based on the realization that you were minted and mined in God's love.
  1.  For the repose of the soul of former meal attendee Gail Hermann, who died on Saturday, November 13th, and for God's comfort of the children who survived and love her.
 2.  Praise the Lord for the bountiful food and loving fellowship that will enable so many of us to enjoy a blest Thanksgiving later this month.
  3.  May God comfort, strengthen and sustain a friend whose sister died in October and who has been battling many physical challenges, including recent stomach surgery.
  4.  Many thanks to our Lord, Jesus Christ, as He continues to bless Harold, Jane Royal's father, with recovery from a stroke he had in August, and surgery to unclog his carotid artery.
  5.  Tons of thanks and plenty of praise that the Holy Trinity healed Jim Winaught of bronchitis.  (May the Trinity's healing power and ways continue to touch and bless Jim as he recovers from torn wrist ligaments.)
 6.  For the safe return of nine-year-old Penny Brown who has been missing for several weeks and about whom an Amber Alert has been issued.  During what must be such a trying time for Penny's family, I would also pray that the Father who strengthens us in His faith, the Son who soothes us with His compassion, and the Holy Spirit who gives us help and hope through His many gifts and graces would strengthen, soothe and help Penny's family.
  7.  Glory and praise to the loving Father who has blest Pittsburgh, PA, with the Pittsburgh Lutheran Center for the Blind and the dedicated work of its Director, Bob Mates, Associate Director, Sherri Crum, Pastor Spittel and his family, and all of the center's committed and hardworking volunteers.
  8.  May the Savior's healing touch that we read about so much in Scripture continue to be upon Rhonda Clark as she battles cancer, and Lou Schreiber as he deals with chronic leukemia.
  9.  For a woman who was recently diagnosed with stage-four ovarian cancer: May it be God's will to perform a miracle for this 32-year-old wife and mother of a 5-year-old son.  May God also bless and be with her husband who is currently serving in Iraq.
  10.  Just as our Trinity who transforms us from hurting to healing performed this awesome miracle in Dee Wilson both physically and emotionally, may our gracious God in Three Persons now bless Dee with safe travel and a positive experience at the guide dog school to which she will be going on December 11th.
 11.  I thank the Lord whom I love that my great-nephew, Alan Christopher, has been thriving since his premature birth on March 25th, 2004.  Alan's mom is also doing well, and for that I also thank and praise God.
  12.  For my son and his girlfriend who will be parents in May: As I thank God for the gift of this precious new life, I would also ask Him to be with these parents-to-be as they face one of life's most demanding challenges and tasks.
  13.  Because we in the blind community can so often engage in behaviors toward each other that can be petty and judgmental, I'd like to conclude, as I did last month, with a prayer that was e-mailed to me by Saint Paul Cathedral Ladies of Charity President Ethel Deiuliis:
        A Prayer by Mary Stuart
Keep me, O God, from pettiness.  Let us be large in thought, word, and deed.  Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.  May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face without self pity and without prejudice.  May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.  Let us take time for all things.  Make us grow calm, serene, and gentle.  Teach us to put into action our better impulses and make us straightforward and unafraid.  Grant that we may realize that it is the little things in life that create differences, that in the big things we are all one.  And, O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind.  Amen.