Now retired, previously John served as called and interim pastor of congregations in Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Indiana. As a member of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the UCC, he served as executive director of Crossroad, formerly Fort Wayne Children’s Home in Indiana, as interim executive of Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, MS, and as interim Director of Client Services, Back Bay Mission. On three occasions, he served as interim Conference Minister in Central Pacific Conference (Oregon and southern Idaho), Indiana Kentucky Conference, and Ohio (Heartland) Conference. He was ordained in Marion, OH in 1960, two blocks from the current location of United Church Homes, Inc.
From God’s gift of Holy Spirit comes unexpected clarity.
Imagine a sturdy old church building. A deteriorated neighborhood. Hemmed in by interstate and express highways. No grocery, drug or convenience stores nearby. No easily..
It was the eve of Christmas Eve. Fourteen family members were present. Thirty others looked in via Zoom.
My wife and I learned to sing it at a General Synod meeting. It could be a good anthem for Advent. Portions of the lyrics are:
The doctor vented about Medicare, price control, undeserved give aways, and government in general while he examined us. It was our first – and last – visit.
When my new primary physician sought an answer to my question about a new medication, it took her only 45 seconds to find an explanation.
For 20 years, the program known as ON BEING was my frequent companion on long drives.
The command was neither invitational nor gentle. Nor did it involve a courtroom and a swearing in. Maybe a little swearing at! It was about being male freshmen concert..
An international conference. Bagels and wine on the beach. A muddy boat. Polyurethane. Kibbutz. Popsicles before lunch. A song.
