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John Robert

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My opening prayer and eulogy at this afternoon's service for John Robert Middlemas, an extraordinary man. TW+ Thursday, August 7, 2025 OPENING PRAYER God of Assurance, be present with us this hour as we remember, and honor, and share good words about John Robert. We were blessed by his life among us, and we know that our love was a blessing to him.  In your compassion, console all who mourn his death. Strengthen our faith to continue life on Earth confident that you do better things for us than we can desire or pray for.  Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of Creation, for you give us life, and you sustain us, and you have brought us to this Time together. Amen. EULOGY Acts 20:35, Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. You may be seated! Mary Middlemas asked me give the eulogy today. A eulogy is not a sermon or homily. “EULOGY” is Greek, it means “good words,” and I hope my sharing, along with Ben’s good words rememberin...
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is there other life out there?

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  It's been several days and I've wanted to write, and meant to write, I really have. But I got diverted by pastoral considerations, so am trying now!  It's about a presentation I watched that was linked on a recent Big Think email. British physicist, cosmologist, author and university Professor Brian Cox of the University of Manchester, England, gives an exciting talk about Black Holes, and then discusses the likelihood of life and civilizations on planets of other solar systems in our Milky Way Galaxy, and in others of the some two trillion galaxies of our observable Universe, and possible other universes, based on scientific knowledge of the origins of life on Earth. Are we actually alone in Creation at this Time? If so, and it seems likely, the implied responsibility on us is incalculable. Professor Cox's presentation style is captivating and his knowledge and instant recall are astounding. It was absolutely fascinating. I especially enjoyed the second part, Chapter...
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thank you Saturday

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In the process of refurbishing our kitchen, w e've come across the most helpful people imaginable. I know some of it is customer relations policy like "Welcome to WalMart," and "Did you find everything you need?" at the grocery store checkout, but the cabinet and countertop folks and their subcontractors from Flooring Depot, the plumber and electricians from Peaden's, and the folks from The Appliance Center have been so cooperative in helping us through this project; as was the kind forbearance of our neighbors here at Harbour Village as the place rocked with the noise of hammering and sawing. It was sheer chaos here at 7H, and we appreciate everyone who helped smooth it out. I was reminded of Isaiah chapter 40, verse 4,  Every valley shall be lifted up,      and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level,      and the rough places a plain. It all finishished up this week, and we are grateful and relieved. ...
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ex nihilo?

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1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  2  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness  was  upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1,2 KJV) 1  When God began to create the heavens and the earth,  2  the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1,2 NRSV) 1 At the first of ELOHIM creating the skies and the land —   2 and the land was desolate and emptiness and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the spirit of ELOHIM was hovering over the face of the waters — (Genesis 1:1,2 Transparent English Bible)    +++++++ My all Time favorite seminary professor was at Virginia Theological Seminary, the Rev Dr Reginald H. Fuller (24 March 1915 – 4 April 2007), an English-American biblical scholar, ecumenist, and Anglican priest. In my final semester...
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