Were you aware that for some the Donegal area is a peaceful getaway from the lifestyle of the rich and famous?  The Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast Book describes three such places in our community along with recipes for their most favored food.  They are the Cameron Estate Inn, the Country Farmhouse, owned by Barb and Terry Stephens, and the Vogt Farm, owned by Keith and Kathy Vogt, all surrounding our church area.

            The Vogt Farm information includes a comment from a guest, as follows, “Thanks for the enjoyable stay as usual.  What a relaxation from the limelight!  I guess I will see you again next year.  What do you think about a movie about Lancaster County?”  --- Tom Hanks, guest.    (We hope he visited Donegal Church while here.)

            We were sorry to learn of Harriett Graustein’s death.  She had sustained a back injury that kept her from being able to sit in our pews.  Harriett will long be remembered for her artistic ability and the Celtic welcome “Cead mile Failre,” meaning “One Hundred-Thousand Welcomes” hanging in our narthex.  It had been made in memory of Bob and Mary Anne Spangler who were known for their “welcoming” ways.

            It is good to see Don Straub around and about again after recently receiving a pacemaker.  He had been a full-time caregiver for Bill Grooms.  Don makes a special care-giver with his love of cooking and baking.

            There was double good news recently with two new arrivals – Nicholas Philip Johnson, born to Nathan and Shanna Johnson, and very proud grandparents, Noble and Althea.  And also, one day earlier in the next hospital room Benjamin David Koser, first grandchild of Margie Sue and Joe Lisi.  Benjamin’s parents are Lisi’s daughter Elizabeth and David Koser.  And very happy great-grandparents would have been Jap and Margie Heisey who for so many years were such kind and influential Donegal Church members.

David Labagh was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Lycoming College, where he is majoring in corporate communication.

            Donegal choir members and their families celebrated the season with a festive get-together recently, hosted by Karen Karnes.  It was evident by the delicious food that the choir members have talents as cooks as well as singing and musical ability.

            Nissley Vineyards again made front-page news in being selected to provide the wine for an inaugural-eve party at the Washington Plaza Hotel, hosted by Pennsylvania Democrats including Governor Rendell and Senator Bob Casey.  The chosen wine is Rhapsody in Blue, a semi-dry white wine in a royal blue bottle with a special inauguration label.  Rhapsody in Blue won a silver medal at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and is available with a slightly different label at the winery.  Our sincere congratulations to the Nissleys. 

What good things have you seen or heard recently?

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Nationally Known Speaker Barbara Bruce

To Conduct Workshops at Parish Resource Center

Focusing On Basic Tools For Learning And Teaching Adults

Guiding Faith Growth For All Ages (9-11:30 am)

Teaching The Bible To Adults (7-9 pm)

Wednesday, February 11

For details and to register, visit our website www.parishresourcecenter.org/lancaster

email infolancaster@parishresourcecenter.org

or phone  717-299-9932.

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CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ:

HOW HAVE THEY SURVIVED ?

            The latest issue of Presbyterians Today reports that before the war in Iraq Christians numbered approximately 1.5 million, but today it is estimated that there would be hardly one-third of that number remaining.  Many have emigrated into neighboring countries or even to Canada and the United States.  Such refugees are in need of help particularly for housing.

            Much of the treatment they have had to endure is being carried out by Islamic militias who are becoming increasingly intolerant of even a small Christian presence in Iraq.  Among these are Presbyterian churches, one having been established as early as 1840.  PC(USA) leaders are urging Iraqi government protection against Christian persecution.  They are also calling for prayers for the Christian community there.

See archived "Witnessed" articles here

Last Edited on 04/24/2009