GroshLink

Currently the twins are hanging out with me at Roxbury Holiness Camp. We're walking alongside budding health care professionals from PSU-Hershey (in partnership with the Christian Medical & Dental Association). 

What does the PSU-Hershey Christian Medical Society/CMDA provide?

The Christian Medical Society is a fellowship of believers centered in the Milton Hershey Hospital and focused on the development of good Christian physicians. Medical students are given the opportunity to hear weekly talks by Christian health care professionals, attend Bible studies, and develop close relationships with many people. It is an invaluable group that supplements the academic side of medical school with considerations of spiritual issues.  What really makes this group successful is the immense involvement of many physicians, churches, and supporters to supply what a group of students are lacking, such as wisdom, experience, and perspective. It is a community that provides support for medical students and encourages growth into balanced physicians. — Oliver, 2nd Year PSU-Hershey Medical Student. CMS Leadership Team Member. Grove City College ('09).

More on PSU-Hershey Christian Medical Society/CMDA and my relationship to it coming. ... Be sure to check back on Monday to learn about the retreat.

Note: The picture is of a weekly lunch lecture. In partnership with local congregations, physicians, and alumni, we serve 45 - 65 a given week. Please let me know if you'd like to help out with a lunch in the fall, a picnic in the summer, or a dessert for a summer of fall Bible study.  The speaker is Kirk Belmont of Hershey Evangelical Free Church. He shared about his family's health struggles, how family health concerns affects one's relationship with God, and extending holistic care.

To support financially visit www.intervarsity.org/donate/to/Tom_Grosh. To volunteer in other ways (e.g., assist with special events such as retreats and the Christian Scholar Series, collate mailings, provide food for an upcoming event), drop us an email or give us a call.  To read more about my spiritual autobiography, entitled One more day when you can live your life, click here.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” -- Matthew 9:35-38

Often I'm asked by word (or questioning facial response), "Why do you do what you do?"

As we approach the end of the fiscal year (June 30) with

• a projected need of $7500 - 10,000 in new financial support to address an annual ministry budget between $90,000 - $100,000
• a desire to establish a funding base which will enable us focus on coming along students, health care professionals, and teachers, instead of fundraising

I will seek to give a series of specific responses.

First thoughts on "Why walk alongside budding health care professionals at PSU-Hershey (in partnership with the Christian Medical & Dental Association, 2010 fall retreat picture below), blog for the Emerging Scholars Network, and create the Central PA Christian Scholars Network with Christian Scholar Series?"

Christ compels!

 (More)

My friend Chad Frey, Director of the Agape Center for Service Learning, Messiah College, speaks about service learning, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIeJsgz5EWg.  We were classmates in Geneva College's Masters in Higher Education Program and recently reconnected at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies Annual Banquet.  He is doing excellent work.

Couldn't resist, a few more minutes with John Updike's Seven Stanzas at Easter (1960), Correspondence theory & Updike’s “Seven Stanzas of Easter” (ESN Blog. 4/26/2011). I draw a quote from David Lyle Jeffrey and Gregory Maillet's Christianity and Literature: Philosophical Foundations and Critical Practice (Christian Worldview Integration Series. InterVarsity Press. 2011).

Make no mistake: if He rose at all
it was as His body;
if the cells’ dissolution did not reverse, the molecules
reknit, the amino acids rekindle,
the Church will fall. ...
– John Updike. Seven Stanzas at Easter. 1960.

Note:  Earlier post, A few minutes with Updike’s “Seven Stanzas of Easter” (ESN Blog. 4/21/2011).

"Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again."

Yesterday I linked to a fun Japanese mobile phone ad and a stunning piece featuring some National Park photos. Below is the "classic" Celtic Women performance of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.  I'm still not certain on my thoughts regarding the performance or the "voice" of the Celtic Women.  Some days I enjoy it and others I do not.  Can anyone help me on this one?  Am I moody?  Although I appreciate Celtic music, maybe I'm not as enthusiastic about the popular genre which would also include Riverdance, Enya.

Below's a fun Japanese mobile phone ad, which despite the visual footage did not inspire prayerful reflection (probably because it was a little too fun). 

Are you ever led to prayerful reflection/meditation when watching material posted on youtube?  Do you have a favorite rendition of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, on youtube or otherwise? 

I found this stunning piece moving me to prayerful reflection (Note: features some National Park photos to set to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring sung by Choir of St Paul's Cathedral with Kiri Te Kanawa by J.S. Bach).  May God likewise bless you.

Brief Reflection on “The Great Sin” [Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) Blog post. 4/14/2011] was provoked by a section in C.S. Lewis' The Horse and His Boy which sent me back to a section on "The Great Sin" in Mere Christianity. MacMillan, 1975, Book III, Chapter 8). Note:  I was reading The Horse and His Boy with one of my daughters for a book review, see below.  With one of my other daughters I'm reading David Downing's Looking for the King: An Inklings Novel (Ignatius. 2010).

What is the most interesting part of the book?  I think that the most interesting part of the book was when Aravis and Cor (Shasta) met and both were speechless.  They were speechless because Shasta was now Cor, which meant that he was now a prince.  Aravis was amazed that he was in the battle and was alive.

What is your least favorite part of the book?  My least favorite part of the book was Chapter 1.  I thought that it moved by very slowly.  I like it better when the story plot moves along faster.

What are two lessons that you learned from the book?  One of the lessons that I learned was to listen when the "lion is talking" (lion = God).  In the book, Aslan is the lion and he guides the characters the same way that God guides us.  The other lesson that I learned was don't take pride in what you look like.  In the book Bree doesn't want to enter Narnia because his tail is cut short.  Aslan says to him, "Don't take pride in what you look like Bree."

Would you recommend the book to a friend?  I would recommend this book to my friends because it has talking animals and it's an action packed adventure book.

Yeah!  And as one of my friends mentioned the other day, the Focus on the Family Narnia Chronicles audio series is superb!  If you haven't checked it out, I'd recommend you do such :-)

In A few minutes with Updike’s “Seven Stanzas of Easter” (ESN Blog. 4/21/2011),  I share some of Kent Annan‘s thoughts about John Updike's Seven Stanzas at Easter (1960). 

Make no mistake: if He rose at all
it was as His body;
if the cells’ dissolution did not reverse, the molecules
reknit, the amino acids rekindle,
the Church will fall. ...
– John Updike. Seven Stanzas at Easter. 1960.

Join me in prayerful consideration.

"Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again."

A poem by George Herbert (1593–1633).  HT:  Howard

The Crosse from The Temple (1633)

What is this strange and uncouth thing?
To make me sigh, and seek, and faint, and die,
Untill I had some place, where I might sing,
And serve thee; and not onely I,
But all my wealth and familie might combine
To set thy honour up, as our designe.
And then when after much delay,
Much wrastling, many a combate, this deare end,
So much desir’d, is giv’n, to take away
My power to serve thee; to unbend
All my abilities, my designes confound,
And lay my threatnings bleeding on the ground.
One ague dwelleth in my bones,
Another in my soul (the memorie
What I would do for thee, if once my grones
Could be allow’d for harmonie):
I am in all a weak disabled thing,
Save in the sight thereof, where strength doth sting.
Besides, things sort not to my will,
Ev’n when my will doth studie thy renown:
Thou turnest th’ edge of all things on me still,
Taking me up to throw me down:
So that, ev’n when my hopes seem to be sped,
I am to grief alive, to them as dead.
To have my aim, and yet to be
Further from it then when I bent my bow;
To make my hopes my torture, and the fee
Of all my woes another wo,
Is in the midst of delicates to need,
And ev’n in Paradise to be a weed.
Ah my deare Father, ease my smart!
These contrarieties crush me: these crosse actions
Doe winde a rope about, and cut my heart:
And yet since these thy contradictions
Are properly a crosse felt by the Sonne,
With but foure words, my words, Thy will be done.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Permit me not to be separated from you
From the wicked foe, defend me
At the hour of my death call me home
And bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever, Amen
-- Ignatius of Loyola.* "The Spiritual Exericses." Anima Christi (Soul of Christ). Trans. Louis J. Puhl, S.J. 

HT:  Tom.   (More)

Collect for Maundy Thursday: Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Darice shared this beautiful footwashing video, http://vimeo.com/22214941, as background to the practice of footwashing during the 'Spiritual Formation in Ministry' Social Justice Tradition Presentation (Evangelical Theological Seminary, Myerstown, PA). Thank-you Darice! 

I encourage you to take a few minutes as you celebrate Maundy Thursday to enjoy the Word of God [beginning with Luke 22:24-26, followed by John 13:3-17 (Jesus' washing of the disciples feet), Matthew 20:26-28, Matthew 25:40, Mark 10:45] and the paintings depicting footwashing in background to the Scriptures shared.  May be a helpful resource for your local congregation/ministry (part/all) as you practice footwashing and/or consider the Last Supper.

What a joy to celebrate Jesus the Christ on Palm Sunday!  Below is the 'order of worship' from Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ.

As part of a discussion list, I've had opportunity to read of several other observances of Palm Sunday which testify to the richness of worshipping our Savior and King.  In one local congregation they practiced footwashing (which included the opportunity for family footwashing -- which our family might celebrate together at home). 

In another the congregation moved from celebration to stripping the sanctuary of vestments/decorations and darkening the sanctuary with worshippers exiting in silent preparation for the Last Supper, Jesus' trial, his betrayal, his suffering, his crucifixion, AND the Easter Sunday celebration of resurrection, joy, new life. 

How did your local congregation celebrate Palm Sunday?

PS. I'm still reflecting our congregation's morning worship, the combination of texts spoke to me in a rich manner, particularly since our child with development delays experienced more physical difficulties this weekend due to an injury. I've been learning more about what it means to serve with 'head, heart, hands' and why that is not only an offering to God, but a true blessing to the people of God (including one's family). This is part of what has prompted further consideration of a family footwashing in our home.

"Sometimes you have nothing to say and other times you don't know where to begin. So I'll just say that Eden broke her foot yesterday (2 small fractures) when she stubbed her toe Sat. morning. Unfortunately it's her strong foot which makes hobbling around on her weak leg very difficult. That's making a long story short!" (Theresa).

Pray for

• quick recovery and good attitude through the whole process.
• discernment for 'next steps' -- This morning Eden received a foot brace which fits.  We have put out feelers for a walker.
• strength for my wife Theresa as she deals with the 'red tape' and new set of appointments (some of which displace previous appointments).  Saturday was a particularly rough day, spent for the most part at PSU-Hershey Medical Center (10 - 6 pm).

God provides. God sustains. God guides. Thank-you to friends, family, & my supervisor who have helped us out on such short notice, your flexibility with time, energy, & care are a great blessing.

On 29 July 1981, my family (along with 750 million others) tuned into the 'fairytale wedding' of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. As you, we have been reminded again and again of this occassion through books, conversations, documentaries, magazine/news articles, photography and video.

But what does it mean to offer oneself before God, the people of God, and the world in marriage? I (along I'm sure with many others) grieve over the collapse of a 'fairy tale marriage' and the all consuming coverage by the media, let alone the intrigue which one finds wrapped upon in fame, fortune, power, and royalty.  How amazing that the interaction of real people in real time and space is not just for history books or 'fairy tale' books (modern or postmodern) where we see youthful love affirmed, but seldom the life thereafter.  Something about having children which makes the parents, or at least one of them, the villians.  'Father, grant us the grace to be a blessing to all our children. In the name of your Son Jesus, Amen.' 

All of this is provoked by the T-Mobile Commerical, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GZi5_o0tYI.  (More)

Thank-you to my friend Miller who passed along these encouraging words.  May you find them a blessing.

He will guide us to the end of the journey!

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Evening Visit")

"He will be our guide--even unto death!" Psalm 48:14

What a precious assurance is this!

Our God is our guide!

He led us out of the world at first,
directed us to the cross, and
conducted us into the path of holiness.

He has led us through all our past difficulties and trials; He leads us by the hand at present, and He will never give up His charge, for He will be our guide even unto death. He will . . .
  choose our way;
  lead us in the paths of righteousness;
  kindly converse with us along the road;
  point out the snares and dangers in our path;
  keep us by His power through faith unto salvation,
  and will patiently bear with us unto the end!

He may . . .
  hide His face,
  refuse communion,
  withhold comforts,
  smite us for our follies, and
  teach us our dependence on Himself by painful experience;
but He will never forsake us--or give us up!

He will guide us to the end of the journey, and will go with us through the last dark valley!

He will not only lead us to the heavenly kingdom--but put us in possession of it! This He has promised--and He will faithfully perform it.

Beloved, it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom! He will guide us now--and by and by receive us to glory!

For those with interest in a special subculture with a prominence in Lancaster County, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCmmrHK4HNk.  It's Theresa side with the many connections ;-) 

Note:  The Grosh family came to Pennsylvania as Moravians, but our branch has journeyed through a number of Christian traditions.  Theresa and I have taken root in the Brethren in Christ, which at times have similar networks (with some coming from the Mennonite family).

Three footwashing ideas worth further exploration.  If you have experience/recommendations/liturgy, please pass them my direction.

• Footwashing at one's wedding
• Footwashing as a public renewal of vows, in the context of
  
  • worship service
  • marriage retreat/conference
• Footwashing as a family, at home and/or one's local congregation.  One local assembly will incorporate the family footwashing option as part of its Palm Sunday Footwashing during its regular morning worship service. Wow!
• Footwashing by the pastor/pastoral staff for the whole congregation.  A Presbyterian shared that the pastor of their congregation poured water from a pitcher over hands or feet during a Lenten worship service. WWJD

Footwashing at our wedding would have been beautiful.  I must confess that I most probably wouldn't have been ready for the proposal of footwashing at our wedding.

But after 15 years of marriage to a beautiful woman of God, five little ones (one which awaits us in the heavenly city), much more of the Brethren in Christ way of life, and most importantly deeper intimacy with God ... I find myself at a different place.

I thanked the list and sent the ideas to my pastor :-)

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” I Peter 2:9

I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the "Getting Ministry Out of the Building" conference sponsored by Evangelical Theological Seminary's Center for Leadership Impact. It was so good to hear the call to share the Word and Life of Christ in daily life through lay-led relational (and strategic) ministry teams receive attention. In addition to hearing from Drew Williams' (Senior Pastor, Trinity Church, Greenwich, CT), I enjoyed the inclusion of a testimony which drew attention to the reality that many of the "revolutionary ideas" given at these conferences are humming along in campus ministry.

A young woman shared testimony of missionally serving God as a student involved in a Christian Union.* Every Saturday night members of her chapter gave out bottles of water to every person leaving a pub near campus. The gift of re-hydration, some called it holy water. New students out on the street in ministry challenged to 'be little Christs' & to share 'why' they're doing this sheltered background. ... "Time and again people’s faith came alive … an amazing time to see those whose faith is wavering commit to the mission." Praise God! 

I wonder how close the various fellowship groups and the "Radical Christian" Adult Elective at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ come to Clusters (Mission Shaped Communities), such as what one finds at St. Thomas Crookes, Sheffield, England?  I'll root around.  As Theresa and I serve our local congregation by leading the Disciples Fellowship Group, we'll reflect upon: (More)

On the Brethren in Christ discussion list we've had an extensive conversation regarding footwashing, a traditional and widespread practice in the denomination.  I was wondering, does your local congregation practice footwashing, if so when and in what manner?  Below is some of what I posted on the list.  More tomorrow :)

At Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ, we practice footwashing at the Maundy Thursday meal and 'service.'  The service includes the celebration of a worship by song, prayer, simple meal, Last Supper, brief reflection by a pastor.  Musical programming continues in the gym as those who desire to practice footwashing go to another room, one for men/boys and another for women/girls during two different times of reflection/prayer/worship. 

I've only been a member of Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ for several years, but if I remember correctly we have large basins (possibly two) with warm water which travel one large circle by the aid of two strong men with aprons and towels.  The helpers keep an eye on the water and whether it needs dumped or replenished.

We wash our neighbor's feet, but due to casual nature of the time/flow it varies.  Afterward it is common for men to hug. The 'holy kiss' may occur between some.  If it does, great.  But I've missed it :(  With discernment, maybe I'll extend one this year :)  FYI:  On Youth Sunday during the welcome, the youth joked about 'getting back to the Bible' by greeting one-another with the holy kiss. 

When I asked my wife for details on the women's room, she didn't think specifics mattered ;)  For example,  (More)

On Sunday, one of our children brought home Philippians 2:4 from her Sunday School class.  The large words on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper have served as a daily reminder of our call to Christ-likeness:

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others -- Philippians 2:4.

For more of the context click here. Eugene Peterson renders Philippians 2:1-4:

If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. -- Philippians 2:1-4, the Message.

You may remember me mentioning Philippians 2 several times before.  The 'ancient hymn' which is part of this passage is particularly revelant as we approach Easter.

As interest has recently been expressed by some, I'll share with all.  Here's how Theresa makes her quiche.  Feel free to also share your recipe with us ...

1. Purchase frozen pie crust -- homemade whole wheat at The Country Store in Mount Joy, PA :-)
2. Bake the pie crust at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and turn oven down to 375 degrees.
3. Blend together 6 eggs and 3 cups of milk. (The recipe says to use half milk and half evaporated milk, but I never have evaporated milk on hand, so I use all regular, 1%, milk).
4. Stir in a little nutmeg and salt and pepper. When I'm done blending and stirring I add milk to make a total of 4 cups. I make it in a 4 cup measuring cup so that I know how much I have. But it gets too full to mix vigorously. That's why I add the last bit of milk when I'm done mixing.
5. Sprinkle some shredded cheese into the bottom of the piecrusts. If I'm adding crumbled bacon or ham I put that in the bottom of the crust now too.
6. Pour the egg/milk mixture into pie crusts. This is where the measuring cup comes in handy b/c I can put 2 cups in each crust. I also place the pies on cookie sheets to catch any drips or sloshes. Bake for about 50 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Northumbria Community: Meditation Day 4 was posted by a friend several days ago. Still praying/reflecting upon it. It is good to be a part of a community which shares their walk in the Lord with one-another.

Recently on a Brethren in Christ discussion list, I came across a conversation regarding what congregations offer as the bread to represent the Body of Christ during the practice of the Lord's Supper/Communion.

I contributed the recipe for Love Feast Communion Bread (Mildred Swanger) as is found in "Our Favorite Recipes:  Manheim Brethren in Christ" (p.56),  I believe it's the same recipe as used at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ. 

If you are a member of a local assembly, what do you offer as the bread to represent the Body of Christ?

Love Feast Communion Bread (Mildred Swanger)

1/2 lb. butter, melted
1 1/2 qt. flour
1 pt. milk

Knead until well mixed.  Divide into 3 parts and roll on cookie sheets.  Slice in 1-inch strips.  Jag with fork every 1/2 inch.  Bake @ 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Note:  various other offerings were shared, i.e., crackers, matzohs, pita bread, wafers. 

PS.  The Moravians offer hot cross buns or sugar cookies with drink for the Love Feast after the celebration of communion (in which they serve unleavened bread wafer).  On Friday, a scholar shared with me that Zinzendorf's wife started this practice to care for those in assembly for a long time and had missed lunch (August 13, 1727).  A redeeming example of feudal lordship/care which stays with us to the present day. For the FAQ's from the Moravian Church, visit here.

On Facebook Theresa shared, "If you want to know about the first 2 Bibles printed in America, I'm your gal. Might not be everyone's idea of a hot date, but to each his/her own." As some of Theresa's Facebook friends shared interest in

• where one would find such a date
• the topic of "the first 2 Bibles printed in America,"

I thought I'd share a little on Groshlink.

• Where do you take such a date?
  • At the spring banquet for the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies
  • As for it being a "Hot date" ... Not quite "Fire in the Mountains," but E. Morris Sider was present, along with Jeff Bach, Chad Frey, Richard Hughes, Donald Kraybill, Dale Stoffer (Speaker, Ashland Theological Seminary, Professor of Historical Theology), David Weaver-Zercher, etc.

• So what about the first two Bibles printed in America?  (More)