Volume 1 Issue 17

Welcome to the “post-operative” edition of the GiC newsletter. I am happy to report that last Monday’s surgery was successful, and that I now sport the latest (and I’m guessing most expensive) titanium/ceramic knee prosthesis available. There have been some unexpected “surprises” in the recovery process, but nothing that will stand in the way of branding the procedure a 100% success. Thank you to everyone who held me in your thoughts and prayers.
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For many reasons, Christmas is my favorite of the Christian holidays. Each year the hope of peace and goodwill is born anew, and one of these years we’re going to let it take root and grow. Anyone who had the privilege of attending my father’s church during the time of his active ministry knows what I mean when I credit his legendary candlelight services with revealing the true beauty of this holy day. You will find evidence of his influence in today’s sermon (and I thank you, Dad, for giving me an eternal perspective of Christmas that abides with me even when I find myself outside of the organized church). Since only two of the world’s inhabitants get to call him “Dad”, the rest of you might want to send birthday greetings for tomorrow, December 23, to Earl K. Hanna at erhanna@att.net
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When it began as “Easter and Beyond”, GiC was very much a week to week proposition. This has not changed, and so I make no hard and fast promises as we enter into a new year. As time permits, and because I enjoy it so much, the hope will be for something of quality to be published each week. Because quality will always having priority over quantity, however, the possibility will always exist that some weeks will rest upon the support of what has been accomplished in the weeks before. You, the reader, are always in control of how current, stimulating and enlightening the Bulletin Board is from day to day.
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May the true blessing of Christmas be born into every heart and mind on earth, and may we find ourselves in the New Year as genuine disciples of the Prince of Peace.
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Until next time…….Shalom!