The Gordonsville Herald

 

Volume XXXVVII, Issue 6                                                                                                                June 1, 2023

 

 

So, God Made a Father

At the dawn of time, God looked down on all He had made and said, “Now, I need a caretaker.”

So, God made a father.

God said, “I need someone to teach children to fish, and to ride a bike without training wheels, and to play catch in the backyard. It must be someone who’s tough enough to run a chainsaw and wield

a machete and yet, gentle enough to join his little girl and her dolls for tea.”

So, God made a father.

“I need someone to bring the car around when it’s raining, so everyone else can stay dry.  Someone who will keep jumper cables in his truck, just in case he needs to help a stranger.  I need someone to notice practical things, like how the tread on the tires is wearing and if the weather stripping around the front door needs replacing, for no one else will.”  “I’ll create someone who’s strong enough to open a tightly sealed jelly jar and tall enough to place the angel on top of the Christmas

tree.  Someone who will be gracious enough to let his son fish the best fishing hole or to let his daughter win at least one hand of gin rummy.”  “Yes, he will struggle to find his glasses and keys,” God thought.  But I’ll help him find time for the important things, like tumbling with the kids

in the den floor, or saying ‘I’m proud of you, son,’ or giving Mama a hug.”

So, God made a father.

God said, “I need someone brave enough to carve the Thanksgiving turkey, for no one else seems to want the job.  Someone who’s not afraid to go into Grandma’s dark cellar, or to check on what goes bump in the night, or to remove the dead mouse from the mousetrap.”  “I need someone wise enough to know when to let his child fail.  Someone who will pick her up, dry her tears and say, ‘Honey, I know you can do it! Give it another try.’ ”  “I need someone who listens more than he talks.  Who will stand by his family through laughter and tears, tornadoes and snowstorms, good

times and bad.  Someone who will love his kids and love their mother even more.”

So, God made a father.

God said, “I need someone to provide for the family.  Someone who will get up early and stay up late and never complain.  I need someone who’s willing to make unpopular decisions and stand by them. Someone to provide authority and discipline, as well as love.” “I need someone with broad shoulders, broad enough to carry a little child around town and broad enough to pull more than his fair share.  Yes, I need someone who will work the second-shift, or take second-best, or play second fiddle, so that his family can have it better than he did.” “I need someone who is willing--

willing to man-up and provide the love, support and strength his family will so desperately need.”

So, God made a father.

“Sometimes, he will not feel worthy of the love his family gives him. There will be times when he fails to live up to my ideal standard. But when his family needs him, he will show up, or give up, or do whatever needs to be done.” “Yes, that’s exactly what I need,” thought God as He shook His head. “A father to love my children, and if necessary, to lay down his life for them. Someone . . . well,

someone like Me.”

So, God made a father.

 

(Note: Written by May Patterson and was published in Crosswalk.com—a Christian website.  This poem was inspired by Paul Harvey's “So God Made a Farmer.”)

 

CLERK'S CORNER

Excerpts from the Minutes of the May 10, 2023 Church Business Meeting:

• That David Navarre and Linda Shifflett serve as Co-Directors of Sunday School (September 1, 2023—

August 31, 2024).

• That the Transportation Committee sell the church bus for at least $4,000.
• That a Roof Fund be established for a new roof and that this fund be held in Edward Jones.

 

Want a voice in the workings of your church?  Attend the next Business Meeting on July 12.

 (The Nominating Committee Report will be presented at this meeting.)

MISSION UPDATE

GOSHEN MINISTRIES      “GMO” (Goshen Missions Offering)

GOAL:  $ 12,000         GBC TOTAL TO DATE: $ 135.00

(Note:  GBC supports this offering through our Budget — $ 600.00

Old prescription eye glasses and reading glasses (found in stores) for a missionary in Guatemala

 

CHILDREN UPDATE

 

GET EXCITED .  .  .  .

GBC PRESENTS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2023           “TWISTS & TURNS”

VBS Motto:  Following Jesus Changes the Game!         VBS Scripture:  Psalm 25:4 (CSB)

►►     KICK OFF SUNDAY          JUNE 4        11 AM WORSHIP SERVICE     ◄◄

JUNE 5—JUNE 8                9 AM – NOON               AGE 4-GRADE 6

          ►►     FAMILIES INVITED TO CLOSING CELEBRATION     THURSDAY, JUNE 8    NOON—1 PM      ◄◄

DIRECTORS:  LISA YAGER & SUSAN EPPARD        MUSIC:  ASHLEY SMITH & MORGAN KONESKI

AUDIO/VISUAL:  RUDY RICHARDSON & TIM BAKER      SECURITY:  GREG YOUNG & MIKE MOUBRAY

Secretary:  Janet Hartsook             Promotion: Linda Shifflett, Tim Baker, Robin Silke

Refreshments:  Suzanne Moubray, Bev Martyn              Helpers:  Tammy McGehee, Amethyst Ralls

Recreation:  Dan Stacy, Charlie Fincham, Ryan Stacy & Brandon Last         

TEACHERS:

Age 4—PreK — Jane Navarre & Krista Sacra           Kindergarten — Pam Brushwood & Barbara Rollins

Grades 1 & 2 — Kay White & David Navarre          Grades 3 & 4 — Sue Stacy & Doris Sparks

Grades 5 & 6 — Susan Eppard & Jerry Haney