Schools - Open or Closed

        To open schools or keep them closed - that is now the big question.

          Some states have already chosen to open them while some politicians, including the President, are pushing to make this happen.  Others, especially the other political party, seem to want them closed.  So the next question is whether this is now a question of safety or of politics.

          It has always bothered me that folks who have never spent a day teaching in a public school make major decisions that greatly affect the classroom. I guess they feel qualified since once they were students.  These decisions usually involve curriculum and things like testing.  But now their decisions are about safety and the actual operation of schools and classrooms.

          Now how will teachers enforce the rules of wearing of masks?  They already often have faced the challenges of enforcing normal behavior expectations. But if the student's parents don't wear masks when they are recommended, won't their children also object.  Will they claim that it is their right not to wear them?  And will the administration defend the teacher and enforce the rules?  I  wouldn't want to have to find out.  It's just another potential battle for teachers to face.

          And what about social distancing?  Classrooms that I have taught in have generally had 30 student desks and they usually filled the classroom.  And there was seldom even enough room for rows and other equipment. And rarely did I have a class of fewer than 25 students - usually closer to 30.  So how would you separate your class of students under those conditions?

          One solution would be to reduce class size.  But how could that be done without hiring additional teachers?  And where are schools going to get the money to do that when their budgets are already stressed and under pressure?

           Then there is the challenge of feeding students.  One proposal is to have them served in their classroom.  I can't comprehend the logistics of doing this.  How would you deliver meals to all of these classrooms and clean up afterwards?  Where would the staff be found to do this?  

          What about control and spacing in the halls between classes?  What about the use of restrooms?  What about the cleaning of rest rooms and classrooms throughout the day?

          And then there is the challenge of busing.  In the past some busses have had to have three children sit in each seat - often without seat belts.  You would also need to double the number of buses and drivers and transportation is already a major expense for each school district.  And of course there could be the problem of discipline on the busses.  Do you think that will disappear during a pandemic?

          And what about curriculum?  Online work is one solution.  But you must be sure that each student has adequate access to a computer and to the internet.  And I have had experience writing computer curriculum and it is not an easy task and it takes much time to develop it.  And what about hands on activities, especially in things like science?

          And how would you handle absences and make-up work?  That was always a challenge for me when I was teaching.  And then there is the need for substitutes when a teacher is absent.  And, with the virus, you can be sure that teachers will use all of their sick days even if they don't catch the virus.  And where will qualified substitutes come from?  Schools often had trouble covering classrooms of absent students before the pandemic.

          And then there are the extracurricular concerns on the secondary level, especially  sports, marching band, musical groups and plays.  Already schools are running into problems with preseason practices.  How do you control Covid19 in such situations.

          I really don't understand how schools will be able to operate without additional funds and staffing.  And with the loss of tax revenue this past year, that will be a major challenge.  I guess we will just need to watch and see what happens.

          I really enjoyed my 39 years in the classroom but I am now very glad that I am retired and not dealing with all of these problems.  I'm not sure what I would do if I were a teacher.  With the physical problems that I have it might be a dangerous proposition to teach.  Maybe more older teachers will choose to quit or retire.  Then staffing would become even a bigger problem.

         And what would I do if I were a parent?  That would be a very difficult decision to have to make.  I pray for my family as they make those decisions for my grandchildren.  May the Lord give them wisdom and surround my grandchildren with His protection

70 Years

          Seventy years might seem to be a very long time.  But you might be surprised how quickly that time might go by if you are doing something that you really enjoy.

         Seventy years ago my father organized a group of families to form a new church in Lancaster.  These folks had been former members of  Mennonite Brethren in Christ Churches in Harrisburg, Lebanon and Mt. Carmel and they were then all living in the Lancaster area.

          The new church held its first service in a tent at the corner of Broad and Orange Streets in Lancaster on July 22, 1950.  There were 31 charter members and, at the age of 9, I was one of them.  This was the beginning of a very exciting era that has lasted for seven decades.

          The new congregation met for its regular services in Malta Temple in Lancaster.  This was a memorable experience for many reasons, including the fact that the building also housed a bowling alley.  It was a common experience to hear the noise of bowling balls and pins during our services.

          But on November 1, 1951, the congregation was able to begin meeting in the basement of its newly constructed building at the corner of Prospect and Hager Streets.  I have many good memories of members of the congregation working together there to complete their new building by doing such jobs as plumbing, carpentry and painting.  Shortly after that we were able to move upstairs to use the new sanctuary.

          In 1958 I started and led the first church choir.  A neighbor played the old piano for us since none of our regulars was a pianist.  In 1968 we finally bought a good piano and an organ was added in 1969.  After our marriage, my wife joined the church and became the church pianist/organist, a position she has held and shared for about 57 years.

          Over 70 years the original church building underwent three major additions and renovations.  Then while a new building was being built at a new location, we underwent two temporary moves until moving into its present location on Donerville Road on June 15, 2003.  Since then the new Stables Youth Center, a portable classroom and the Hoarce A. Kauffman softball field have been added to the property.

          The church  has provided many opportunities for service over these decades.  We've had numerous opportunities to teach Sunday School classes and Bible studies.  In fact my wife led the first women's Bible study there in 1972. We have been honored to have provided special music and have sung in church choirs for much of these 70 years.  I served as Sunday School superintendent for a number of years, elder for 30 years, and church financial secretary for 16 years. We have also directed the church prayer chains for over 50 years. But the most exciting ministry was serving as founder and commander of our Awana ministry for 38 years.  These were special highlights of our 70 years.

          It is hard to understand where 70 years have come and gone.  But, unfortunately it now appears that this part of our life may be passing.  Nobody anticipated the Covid19 pandemic.  But our family doctors have told us in no uncertain terms that we may no longer attend church.  It would be too dangerous with all the physical problems that we have.  We are not to let anyone push us into attending again until there is a reliable vaccine available.

          Now will there ever be a reliable vaccine in our lifetimes?  It is hard to even think about this, but our days of attending, fellowshipping and ministering in church may have come to a sudden end.  And that is very hard for us to understand and adjust to.  However, as one ages, it becomes a little easier to adjust when you are no longer needed or missed.  But it is hard to realize that you are forgotten and no longer part of what has been a vital part of your life for decades.

          But God has not left us alone.  He will continue to be with us in whatever days we still have here on earth, no matter if we worship Him in church or alone here at home.  And He has given us 70 special years with great memories.

Basics Of Life

 

        The events of the last few months have shaken and changed our lives considerably, probably forever.    Our way of life, our values, our faith are being challenged and at times there seems to be nothing that we can do about it.
    But, the Lord is still here! 

          We have been hit by Covid19.  Many are sick, many have died and it appears to be getting worse.  No vaccine is available and none is close to being developed.  Shopping, eating, visiting friends, medical care and worshipping have had to change.  And too many still feel it is political and won't wear masks or keep separation.

But, the Lord is still here!  

          Protesters have taken to the streets.  Some have torn down statues.  Some have vandalized stores and set fire to buildings. Many have disrupted traffic and pedestrian activities.   One can't help but wonder if mob rule is here to stay.

But, the Lord is still here! 

          Court and government decisions have been in conflict with Biblical truths.  This is going to create all sorts of problems for Christian organizations and churches in the near future.  No longer can we expect our country to defend Biblical values.

But, the Lord is still here!  

          Our schools and colleges are being forced to change.  Shorter classes and new techniques will be needed.  Curriculum will be changed to reflect current changes and opinions.  How will that affect the future. of our country?

But, the Lord is still here! 

          Now if these things are disturbing you there are a few things that you can do.  First, turn off the news.  It is generally liberal, sensational and prejudiced.  It can be very disturbing and one-sided.  And I am talking about the network news, the local news and especially MSNBC and Fox.
          Second, spend time looking for folks that you can help.  Maybe they need help around their house or help shopping.  Maybe they just need a friend who cares and contacts them regularly.  This isolation has been tough especially when nobody seems to care at all about you. Your showing that you care will not only help them but will also be an encouragement to you.

          Third, and more importantly, we all need to get back to the basics of Christian living - Bible study, prayer, hearts that are pure, a love that is blind, a faith that is firmly grounded in Christ.  Many believers have drifted away from these truths.

          And that is the message that 4Him, a contemporary Christian group,  shares in their song "We Need to Get Back to the Basics of Life".  Now I know that many of you won't care for their style of music, but hopefully you will mediate on their words and then decide if you have drifted away from the basics of life. I believe that real change will come only when believers get back to the basics.

1.     We've turned the page, for a new day has dawned

We've rearranged what is right and what's wrong

Somehow we've drifted so far from the truth

That we can't get back home

Where are the virtues that once gave us light

Where are the morals that governed our lives

Someday we all will awake and look back

Just to find what we've lost

We need to get back to the basics of life

A heart that is pure and a love that is blind

A faith that is fervently grounded in Christ

The hope that endures for all times

These are the basics, 
we need to get back to the basics of life

2.     The newest rage is to reason it out

Just meditate and you can overcome every doubt

After all man is a God, they say

God is no longer alive

But I still believe in the old rugged cross

And I still believe there is hope for the lost

And I know the rock of all ages will stand

Through changes of time

We need to get back to the basics of life

A heart that is pure and a love that is blind

A faith that is fervently grounded in Christ

The hope that endures for all times

These are the basics, 
we need to get back to the basics of life

Bridge

We've let the darkness invade us too long

We've got to turn the tide

Oh and we need the passion that burned long ago

To come and open our eyes

There's no room for compromise

We need to get back to the basics of life

A heart that is pure and a love that is blind

A faith that is fervently grounded in Christ

The hope that endures for all times

These are the basics, 
we need to get back to the basics of life

If you care to, you can listen to it here.   BASICS

To Wear A Mask Or Not To Wear One

          To wear a mask or not wear a mask ...  that appears to be a big question today.  And opinions are varied and discussions about this question can become very heated.  In the last few days I have read and heard "debates" on Facebook, on a community bulletin board and in the newspaper.  Some of the debaters are folks I know, some of whom call themselves Christian.  I have been surprised and shocked at many of their responses.

          On the virus itself one person said  "COVID19 is real, but it is a manufactured pandemic. We are as sheep being led to the slaughter! Think about it!"  Others claim it isn't real and is just politics, so why follow the recommendations of the government.

          Another said, "It's all about control and power! This cannot be constitutional. It's time to call the congressman and put an end to this!"

          When this week PA Governor Tom Wolf declared that everyone must wear a mask whenever they leave their home, one person said, "I still won't be wearing one outside, and only inside if people get into my 6' of space or I'm told I need one. I'll let you know if I get a citation. I'm not sure who's monitoring it. I can let you know when I encounter the mask patrol." Another replied, "I'm not wearing a mask! It messes up my makeup."  A third said "I'm going to need bail money."  A fourth said, "to quote Nancy Reagan, just say no!"

          One person said, "I wear a mask when I go to the store and when it is regulated at church. I wear a mask promoting Trump as I do think a lot of this is an attempt to hurt Trump. I just don't think I cause a death if I don't wear a mask. This meme actually is good for straightening my attitude as I look at others not wearing masks outside exercising or wearing a mask not covering their nose. I don't concern myself with them, I just go on. I'm not worried about catching it or spreading it."

          In one debate about wearing them out of courtesy to protect others, one participant replied,  "Honestly, causing a death? really!! Where maybe 7% (high estimate) of cases die and not even 1% of the population has this? With that logic, masks should be worn forever, since colds and flu can also cause people to die".

          I must admit that I am shocked about how many seem to have no respect for others - especially seniors and those with serious physical problems.  One person said, without any apparent concern about these people, "just make them stay isolated at home!"  Where have love and concern for others gone in our country?  It's almost like - let them die just so nobody takes away my rights and freedoms.   Maybe on the 4th of July we need some discussions about freedoms and resulting responsibilities.

          I have been thoroughly surprised and disappointed in how many of these responses came from folks who claim to be Christians.  They show little compassion for others and no respect for elected leaders or their recommendations.  Nobody dare tell them what to do.  Now I thought that the Bible tells believers to follow those in authority over us unless it means violating Biblical principles.  So is refusing to wear a mask a violation of a Biblical teaching?  I think not.

          Unfortunately too many people are refusing to follow these guidelines. I still see folks everywhere not wearing masks.  Last week my neighbors had a birthday party with 50-60 folks there.  No social distancing and no masks.  We recently drove by a local park with three basketball courts.  All three were packed with young people.  Again, no social distancing or masks.  My wife recently had an appointment and about six were present.  She was the only one who wore a mask.  People without masks crowd beaches, recreational areas, parks, stores, restaurants and bars - most without masks.  And the number of those who are infected explodes.
           I read that in Alabama groups are having Covid19 parties in which participants pay to get admitted.  Then the first person who gets Covid19 is given all the money.

           We have been spoiled by amazing medical advances and care in the past.  Doctors seem to find miracle cures for diseases - but so far not for Covid19.  Will they ever find a cure?  i don't really know, but I hope so.

           In the meantime I personally will not rebel, even though at times it might be inconvenient.  I will follow social distancing guidelines, sanitize my hands and wear a mask whenever I am out of the house or around people.  I will avoid large gatherings.  I will take my doctor's warning even though that means I can't attend church until there is a cure.  And I will trust the Lord to protect me from exposures to this dangerous virus and carry through whatever is in the future.

          That is my obligation as a husband, father, friend and as a child of God passing through this land.