Watch Night Service

New Year's Eve, when I was a kid, was marked not only by the preparation of sauerkraut and pork, but also by the traditional 'Watch Night Service'.

What is a 'Watch Night Service'?

It was a worship service that was intended to end one year and begin a new one.  It was typical of a traditional worship service, with music, singing, worship, preaching and prayer.  Most were characterized by testimonies.  In these testimonies, people would confess shortcomings and commit themselves to more faithful lives in the new year.

Every 'Watch Night Service' I ever attended ended with everybody gathering at midnight around the altar to bring the new year in with prayer.

When I was a teenager, my home church (New Brighton, PA Free Methodist Church) coordinated a 'Watch Night Service' with several other area Free Methodist Churches.  One of these was the Rochester, PA, FMC.  My future wife and her family attended this church - although, at the time, we were merely acquaintances.  I particularly remember that night because her father, Ken Whippo, was delegated to bring the message.  Ken was a layman and a relatively new believer who was growing fast under the biblical tutelage of his pastor, Fred Schreffler.  I don't remember the message - after all, I was a teenager - but I remember being impressed with him and his delivery.

During my younger years, I sort of liked these 'Watch Night Services'.  Most people attended as families, so there were plenty of other kids to be with. These services often began at 9:00 PM, and went on till a little past midnight.  Occasionally, we would have refreshments, although that kind of thing was not as common in the 1960's as it is now.

But, gradually, the popularity of these services began to wane.  As a teenager, I recall being the only young person in a crowd of much older people.  Then, even the crowd began to dwindle.  If I'm honest, I have to admit that I came to dread these services.  The last place I wanted to be at midnight on New Year's Eve was around an altar, holding hands with a bunch of old women!

I think I was 16.  The 'Watch Night Service' had come to travel from church to church since no one church could rally up a significant enough crowd. That particular year, the service was scheduled at the Aliquippa FMC.  As I recall, there were about thirty people present;  I was the only young person.

I had asked permission to leave a few minutes before midnight to go outside to hear the bells ringing, the fireworks and the horns blowing.  My mom quickly refused.  However, my dad took me out to the car and handed me a road flare.  He over-ruled my mom and told me I could leave the service at 11:55 PM.

WOO HOO!

I brought 1969 in waving a road flare at 1301 Davidson Street, all alone - but happy!  And with a renewed appreciation for my Dad (who I think was smiling while he prayed at the altar).  Somehow, I think God was OK with my not being at the altar that year...

Happy Old Year?

What are the lessons learned during 2016?

I mean, really, shouldn't we take at least a few minutes to reflect on a whole year of life  before we embark on another?

365 days is a long time!  A person has a plethora of experiences over a period of twelve months.

To be honest, I'm not even sure I can remember what happened back in January!  About the only part of me that seems to be getting better these days is my 'forgetter'.  This is often embarrassing to me.  For instance, just the other day, I forgot to shut the car off; it ran all night long!  Lucky for me no one came along and drove it away!

But still, faulty though I am, I want to try to distill the things I've learned during this year.

I think my greatest self-revelation is that I have no close friends. Now, of course, there's Deb; she's always been my best friend (and always will be). And, of course, many who read this blog are friends, too. In that sense, Debbie and I literally have friends from all around the world!  I'm humbled and amazed to realize that my blog is read by people from many different countries.

And yet, I have no close friends. Close friendships have stabilized me through the years! They've added color to my life!  They've helped me to fill the spaces. We've worked together and played together.  I've shared my fears, dreams and secrets with them. They've done the same with me.

But today, there's a poverty in this area, and in many ways I suffer as a result. To a large extent, I believe going to China helped create this dearth.  The end result is a unique and lonely sense of isolation. It's sort of like a solitary confinement of the soul.

I cry out to my God as the new year dawns:  "Oh God, help me to find a man (or a few men) with whom I can share life!"

Another significant observation is that I have begun to lose my sense of purpose. (Like you, I can see the connection between this and my first observation.)

I have been strongly driven by my passion for God throughout my life!  But changes have evolved.  Being a pastor has challenged me for four decades.  In spite of the lethargy and carnality I've faced, God has helped me to keep my face forward and my faith strong.

But, I find I'm growing weary.  Not weary of walking with God, but weary of leading the church. I know there's a toll we pay in this role. Pastors tend to isolate themselves. I've been fortunate (partly by intention) to have maintained meaningful relationships within the churches I've served and among fellow pastors.  But, again, this has not been so over the past two years (since our return from China).

I'm still working to diagnose this dilemma.  Some would counsel: "It's time to retire, Hal."   But I'm not so sure that's the answer. I've never been a pursuer of retirement. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have dreams and goals!  I could relish awakening every day with a clean slate. But is a free schedule really the answer to a diminishing sense of purpose?  I don't think so...

I'm aware that my purpose derives from my Creator!  I also believe that as long as He leaves me here, He intends to use me. So, as another year ends, I find myself at His feet - listening and waiting.

This fact alone raises my sense of anticipation!  Even though I'm not the man I used to be.  Even though my memory doesn't respond as quickly as it once did. Even though my energy level has abated.  Even though I make more mistakes than before (some of them publicly).   I'm willing to offer Him what I am and what I have!

How about you?

Could you benefit from a ruthless assessment such as you've just read? Are you courageous enough to explore your soul?  Would an honest evaluation launch you into 2017 with a greater sense of direction.

For the record, I recommend it!  😀

A Mother's Love!

I shared the following story in today's Christmas message, titled:  "Gifts Fit for a King!"

We probably best capture the true essence of gift-giving when we are still quite young.  We want to do something great for our parents.  We want to do something extravagant.  We really want to impress them.  We may even empty our piggy bank as we indulge ourselves in the adventure of buying great gifts for our parents.  This obviously happens after we’ve passed through the home-made gift-giving stage!  

I remember the year that I became fascinated with a horse’s head in an expensive gift shop in Beaver Falls when I was about 10.  I walked to Beaver Falls three times (a five-mile walk - one way) to look it over and evaluate the situation.  If I spent the $10 on it for my mom, then I would have to be a little chincy with everyone else on my list.  But, my love for my mom won out.  I spent the money and bought the horse’s head.  

Now I forgot to mention that my mom had no love for horses.  She had never had a horse and had never been on a horse;  as a matter of fact, she had probably never even been near a horse.  I don’t know what happened to logic that year, but I convinced myself that she just had to have this horse’s head.  

On Christmas morning, when she pulled the tissue out of that expensive looking gift box and gazed on that horse’s head, I knew I’d hit a home run!  She loved it!  She fussed over it and gushed over me for spending my hard-earned allowance money on such a nice gift.  

After Christmas, she called me into the living room one day to discuss a special place for this treasured gift.  My folks had just gotten some new living room furniture, and one end table was rectangular with a lower shelf and a top shelf.  She had placed it on the lower shelf and explained that it looked like it was in a stable.  I was tickled with delight at her creativity!  

In time, the horse’s head was gradually moved further and further back on that lower shelf until it couldn’t be seen by anyone.  I never noticed.  I was a young man before I realized how inappropriate a gift it was for my mother;  yet I love her to this day for the graceful way she handled me and my horse’s head gift!

SANTA CLAUS

I remember the moment vividly!  Our first grade class had walked from Fourth Ward School to the high school auditorium for a special Christmas program. Our class was seated along with our teacher in the balcony.  It was exciting to leave our school and walk along the streets as a class!  It was super exciting to walk into the high school where all the big kids attended school.  The auditorium seats were huge!  The lights were dim to create an atmosphere of anticipation.  Every nerve in my young body was alive!

Before the program began, Santa came out on the stage to give us a "Ho Ho Ho!" greeting.  I was mesmerized!  Who knew that Santa would even be here?

That's when it happened.

A kid behind me apparently saw my enthusiasm.  He leaned forward and delivered a gut punch:  "Do you still believe in Santa Claus?"

Of course I believed in Santa Claus, but I didn't know how to respond to this bigger kid.  Then, he began to ridicule me in front of my classmates.  In short order, he delivered the astute observation that my parents were really Santa.

Innocence lost can't be retrieved.  My bubble had been burst.  I can't be sure, but I think I pretended to believe through that season - for my parent's sake.

Then, Christmas morning came!  'Santa' had delivered well!  My Mom and Dad and sister, Beverly, and I opened our presents with characteristic joy! Empty boxes and wrapping paper piled high in the middle of our living room.

Then, around 11:00 AM, the door bell rang.  Who could possibly be at the door?  It was an unwanted intrusion!  I was delegated to go to the front door and see who was there.  I climbed through the clutter and swung the front door open.

Silence!  I was awestruck!  There stood Santa Claus - beaming at me through the storm door.  My Dad shook me to reality by telling me to open the door. When I did, Santa stepped in and immediately asked me how I liked my gifts. I was stupified!  I told him it was a great Christmas and I loved everything. He told me that he was VERY tired and had to get back to the North Pole, but he just wanted to check on me first!

That did it!  Little did that stupid kid behind me in the auditorium know.  I was a believer!


PS  -  I learned later that this visit had been arranged by my brother-in-law, Lib , my sister, Jeannette's husband.

Army - Navy Game

As I sit watching the Army - Navy game, I can't help but reflect on one of the most exciting days of my life!  Travis got me a ticket to the big game;  I think it was 2010.  He was Flag Secretary to the Admiral serving as Superintendent of the Naval Academy.  He arranged priority VIP parking for me!  I sat on the fifty yard line a few seats from the Superintendent and his guests. I was surrounded by Navy officers and other dignitaries.

Travis wasn't able to be with me much due to his responsibilities, part of which was to host Vice President Biden during the first half and then escort him to mid-field at halftime to sit on the Army side for the balance of the game. Travis said that he was a REALLY nice man.

Travis told me to go to the upper level where my ticket would give me access to all I could eat at the Superintendent's tailgater.  I was overwhelmed with all the goodies that were available. When Travis stopped by to check on me, he asked why I didn't have any of the good food. Turns out, I only took advantage of the Navy tailgater.

He took me back up, where we entered a heated room with a full bar and a smorgasbord of fine foods served on china serviceware!  It was WONDERFUL!!!!  I hob-nobbed with senators, admirals, captains and other distinguished guests. I felt out-of-place, but Travis moved through the crowd with familiarity and grace!  It seemed like everyone knew him and enjoyed him!

That day, he bought me a Navy stocking cap, Navy gloves, a souvenir program and a Navy scarf!  (It was a very cold day!)  It was so nice to have a place to go and get warm - as well as to get free Cokes and delicious food!

It was an incredible day that I will never forget, yet it was only one of numerous similar experiences that I had with Travis. He was such an amazing son and I miss him SO MUCH!  I'm so proud of him as an intelligent, kind, fun and generous person; and I'm unspeakably proud of his phenomenal accomplishments and achievements.

All who knew him loved him, and all who loved him admired him.

Once Upon A Time...

With all the wild spending that takes place during these weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I thought I'd share part of our journey.

My parents were excellent money managers!  My Dad never made big wages working at Townsend Company.  I remember coming home from Kentucky about a year after we were married.  Excitedly, I told my Dad that UPS had settled their strike and I would be making $4.70 and hour as a result (part-time - unloading trucks).  He didn't express much joy regarding my good news, so I later questioned him about it. It was then that he told me that he had never made $4.70 an hour.  I was humbled.

Unfortunately, my parents never sat down and talked about their finances with me.  They modeled a frugal lifestyle and were content with what they had!  However, the instruction of how to manage money was never really discussed.

In our first year of marriage, we received a credit card in the mail!  It was exciting!  We had a $500 limit! So we used it!  That began our sad story. More credit cards arrived in those early years of our marriage. Seminary bills stacked up.  Then children started coming.  When I began my full-time ministry at the Jeannette Free Methodist Church, I received $100 per week. We easily qualified for WIC.

You know the story from there:

• cars
• repairs
• taxes
• clothes
• Christmas
• vacations
• finishing my MDiv at Pittsburgh Theological
• going on for a MA Counseling
• etc., etc. ad infinitum

At one point, I added up the facts.  We were over $60,000 in debt - without a house!  Financial stress was a daily reality!  I was juggling payments to try to keep everyone happy.  It drove a chronic depression in my life!  I faced the inevitable reality:  we would never get out of debt!  Several indicated that we were prime candidates for filing bankruptcy, however, we never considered that a viable option. 

I began to pray about the problem for the first time.  As a result of my prayers, God brought three men to my side.  

Pete Muschweck was the Oakland FMC treasurer.  He had a lot of wisdom regarding finances from his business experience.  He began to counsel me.

Ron Kelly was a parishoner at Oakland who freely shared his biblical wisdom with me.  For the first time in my life, I realized that God had a LOT to say about finances.  Ron helped me to grow in understanding these principles and applying them in my life!

Larry Burkett was a radio teacher (in Heaven now).  I began listening to his show every day!  I bought some of his materials and began to use them to plan our finances.

Later, we attended Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University to reinforce the principles we already knew!  

We used the common 'debt snowball' approach.  Our snowball at first was $20.  As we payed off a debt, the amount of that payment was added to our 'snowball' and applied to the next debt on our "knock-off list". It gradually grew - very slow at first.  By the end of the process it had grown to $700.  Our last debt fell in several months due to this extra-large payment boost!  

Our goal had been to eliminate our debt in seven years.  It actually took us eleven (the extra four years is a story for another time).  

I cannot express the joy that we experienced!  This was something that I had considered impossible!  I had surrendered to the fact that we would never be out of debt!  But, with the help of friends and the wisdom of God's Word - WE MADE IT!  

Debt is our enemy!  As counseled by our teachers, we declared WAR on debt! We planned and sacrificed to achieve our goal!  HALLELUJAH!  

And guess what?

If we did it - anyone can do it!  Ha ha ha ha - isn't that good news?  

Today, we enjoy a freedom that we did not know when we were younger.  We can do things that we couldn't do then.  We practice generosity regularly and have discovered the true joy of giving!  I am no longer driven to depression by our finances,  

If you're reading this and you're where we used to be - TAKE HOPE!  

Pay the small fee and sign-up for Financial Peace University.  It's actually fun!  It's a short term commitment that's always available somewhere - usually at churches.  Contact Crown Financial Ministries (the organization that Larry Burkett founded).  Get their resources and apply them.  Both of these organizations believe that the majority of families can be debt-free in seven years!  GET STARTED!

PS  -  I always lamented the poor example that we were for our children. However, thanks be to God, He seems to have used the situation to wake them up to the hardships that come with debt.  To the best of my knowledge, our kids are practicing good financial management!  Woo Hoo!  And thanks be to God!