When I think of Harold Cook, I remember him as a Sunday School teacher. He taught the fifth grade class for more years than I can count, faithfully guiding the children of Brookhaven in their growth and biblical knowledge.
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It is interesting to note the publishing capabilities in 1977 as compared to today. No internet for blogs or websites. No computers or printers. Each page was typed on a special stencil. Images were hand-drawn with a stylus on the stencil as well. The stencil was attached to a drum on the mimeograph machine which was turned as the paper was threaded through. After each page was printed, they were then assembled, stapled and distributed.
All bulletins, newsletters, church rosters and other local church publications were produced this way. But today, I can type this up on my computer, add the picture with the click of keys and manipulation of my mouse, and even schedule it to published on the day I desire. Such a different technology, but all used for God's work. Mary Lois Wheeler was another of those who committed so much to God's work in the church. It's hard to think of an aspect of Brookhaven of which she was not a part.
All ages contributed to the Advent devotional as evidenced here by the poem written by the third and fourth grade Sunday School class.
Vernon Cheek gave us insight still applicable for today. We still strive to restore Christ to Christmas.
How fitting that Othella would write about Church School. She worked diligently for all ages, teaching Sunday School, leading Youth Ministries and United Methodist Women and spearheading Older Adult Ministries.
Saidee lived the Christian love she describes in this devotion, giving of herself to others. She loved hosting others in her home and at church. Saidee was a staunch supporter of UMYF while we were youth, and later of the Recovery Ministry. I can't think of Saidee without remembering our New Years breakfast or her hosting the hot dog dinners at the Recovery Ministry's Soulful Saturdays.
Brookhaven was blessed by several youth pastors over the years. Rick Bard was one of them. His wife, Debbie, wrote this insightful piece to begin our Advent journey.
In the busyness of this season, are you prepared to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? How easy it would be to focus on gifts, family, and parties and miss the arrival of "God With Us." A few weeks ago I unearthed a treasure at my mother's house - a devotional book published in 1977. Most of the devotions were written by members of the congregation. That's one of the things I have always loved about Brookhaven - the honoring of the gifts of the congregation and community. What a wonderful way to honor God.
So, each day in Advent, I will post the coinciding devotion from this little book from the past and add some insight from the present. When possible I will add some tidbits about the author of the original devotion. Do you remember more than I do? Have your own insight to add? I welcome comments. Looking through photo albums in the base of my mother's coffee table, I discovered a few pages held together by a paper clip. Within those pages was this small book. Mimeographed pages stapled together, holding writings by some of the saints of Brookhaven. What a treasure!
I look forward to sharing these pages with you as we look to the past to influence the present and guide us to the future. |
AdventAn Advent devotional book from 1977 inspired this page, using the past to influence the present and the future. ArchivesCategories |