The first Sunday of Advent at Donegal found all signs of harvest decoration gone and, magically, there was beautiful Christmas décor in its place.  There were candle arrangements on all windowsills, and garlands elsewhere on gates and doors, inside and out, a big wreath above the pulpit, and a large lighted Christmas tree in the front of the sanctuary.  Our thanks to those who created all this very tasteful celebration of the season.  Within a few weeks our tree would have many packages under it given in answer to requests, mainly for clothing, for many less fortunate persons.

Did you know that it was a Presbyterian pastor who was responsible for inserting the phrase “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance?  The Rev. George M. Docherty had come from Glasgow, Scotland in 1950 to become pastor of the New York Avenue, Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. 

He first heard the pledge being recited by his 7-year old son and being accustomed to Scotland’s “God save our gracious queen,” noted that God was not in this American pledge at all.  He then wrote a sermon stating that the pledge should acknowledge God, and delivered it when he knew that President Eisenhower would be in the congregation.  Eisenhower then pushed Congress to insert the words “under God” in the pledge.  The Rev. Docherty died after a lengthy illness at age 97 on Thanksgiving Day at his home in Alexandria, Pa. survived by his wife.

We congratulate John Nissley and his family for their decision to insure the preservation of their 122-acre land area in Conoy Township from being developed.  Their land is used for growing the grapes for the family’s Nissley Vineyard winemaking business.  (The Nissley property also has a history in that it was first patented to a Scots-Irish Presbyterian Smith family, and then inherited by Patrick Campbell who married the widow of Samuel Smith and established the Patrick Campbell tavern there in the early 1700’s.)

For many years there was a Presbyterian Home in our area.  It was the Schock Home in Mount Joy, deeded by Clarence Schock to become a home for older men and women.  Now Presbyterian Homes which has updated its name to Presbyterian Senior Living, has acquired the Long Home at 200 N. West End Ave., Lancaster, with Steve Proctor continuing as President and CEO.  Their mission “is to provide superior long-term care to individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, while upholding a purely charitable mission, for the good of the community.”

Creatures great and small, almost 40 of them, came to our fellowship hall on Sunday, December 14, accompanied by about 70 owners and family members.  Felines and canines had been brought for the Blessing of the Animals, a service begun many years back by Pastor Tom, who is also an avid pet lover.  The service included scripture, hymns, a litany, and a meditation, along with the individual blessing.  There were no dog and cat fights reported.

What good things have you seen or heard recently?

                                                            Mary Karnes

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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.

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Last Edited on 04/24/2009