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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2015)
in other words Things To Ponder: Why Read the Bible? By Grant Williams Have you ever heard some- one say they tried reading the Bible and it just didn’t make sense? Well, let me ask you another question, have you ever started any book without finishing it and been able to understand the writer’s intent from the small portion you did read? Or, have you ever tried reading from the middle of a math book and said, “This doesn’t make any sense.” In order to be understood the Bible must be read from cover to cover. It really isn’t a difficult book to understand once you realize God’s intention for writing what has become the most widely read book in history. Since I started pastoring over thirty years ago I have encour- aged everyone I can to read the en- tire Bible annually. My reason is simple! It can’t be understood by reading little bits and pieces. There is a narrative which begins in Gen- esis and ends in Revelations. Not knowing what lies in between the first and last book leaves too huge a chasm to fathom without someone filling in the blanks. The best way to look at the Bible is as a love letter from God. Let me explain. In Genesis we are told God made everything out of nothing and it was perfect. He made man/woman to have companionship with Him in the Garden of Eden. He gave them only one rule, “don’t eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil found in the middle of the garden, or you will die (Genesis 2:17, paraphrase).” God gave man incredible freedom which proved to be too much. In a nutshell the Bible is woven together with a thread of divine love. God made man with the intention of him living forever in a perfect environment. But, because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God initiated His master plan to redeem all who are willing to seek forgiveness with the intention of enjoying a perfect relationship with Him in Heaven forever. God even announced His plan in Genesis 3:15. It won’t make sense without reading the whole book (sorry). The Bible chronicles God’s interaction with mankind and His effort to make our relationship with Him healthy again. It reveals the struggle, pain, failure, and history of God reaching down to show His love culminating in His Son becoming a man and giving His life so we could experience His grace and mercy. God could not tolerate the thought of man being estranged from Him forever and He sent Jesus to prove it. John’s gospel says, “Jesus did many miracles before His fol- lowers that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you can believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then, by believing, you can have life through His name (20:30-31).” John also wrote in his first epistle, “I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God. I write so that you will know that you have eternal life (5:13).”’ october1 2015 11 Readers Lend Their Voices... continued from page 4 not be tolerated, that officers Stone and Gibson will be protected, and that Columbia County is a place that rejects racism. Columbia County Coalition for Human Dignity Columbia County Coalition for Human Dignity is a group of people who believe in the worth of every person. We believe that democracy flourishes when all are included. We work to assure the basic rights and human dignity of all Oregonians. To the Editor, Thanks to all who attended my barn sale. It is so much fun to see you all and get caught up with what is going on in town. See you next year. Love to all. Lulu Lamping Vernonia Vernonia’s Voice is published on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Our next issue will be out October 15th. Bridge Street Bits The October SENIOR CENTER BOARD MEETING is Friday, October 9, at 10 am at the Legion Hall. All members are welcome to attend. Plan to stay for lunch and card games afterwards. FOOT CARE appointments may now be made with the Vernonia Health Center receptionist during clinic hours, 8 am through 4:30 pm, at 503- 429-0622, Monday through Friday. Thanks to an agreement between the Vernonia Senior Center and the Health Center, foot care will continue to be provided one day per month at the Health Center with their receptionist taking reservations. You may also schedule future appointments with the provider when you see her. Our provider, Joyce Jossi, RN, is certified in senior and diabetic foot care. Cost is $25 payable directly to Joyce by check or cash at the time of service. You may bring nail polish if you’d like to have Joyce give your toes a real finishing touch. The regular October foot care will be Wednesday, October 28. Appointments for that date may THE VERNONIA SENIOR CENTER OPERATES IN TWO LOCATIONS. The be made now. Senior Center Office and the Thrift VERNONIA SENIOR CITIZENS, INC. Store, “Bargains on Bridge Street,” is a beneficiary of the Fred Meyer reside in the former VCLC building Community Rewards program. If at 939 Bridge Street. The senior you shop at Fred Meyer and have a meal program has relocated to the Rewards Card, you can link your card American Legion Hall at 627 Adams to the Community Rewards program Avenue. Meals are served Mondays, online (www.fredmeyer.com/ Wednesdays and Fridays at noon. To communityrewards) or by telephone reserve a meal, please call Wendy by (1-866-518-2686). You can search for 11:00 am at 503-429-1414. Suggested us by name online or by our assigned donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00; non-profit number, 81674. You still under 60, the cost is $5.00. Daily earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points home-delivered meals are still and rebates. You don’t have to be a available to qualifying persons; senior to help the Senior Center with contact Community Action Team this program! office on Mondays at 503-366-6584 for VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE COME HELP! If more information or to register. you have or would like to get some BARGAINS ON BRIDGE STREET at 939 retail store experience, we’re seeking Bridge Street accepts donations during more volunteers to help our BRIDGE its regular business hours: Monday – STREET BARGAINS store team. Please Friday 9-3 and Saturday 10-3. Please call Pam at 503-429-3912 to request bring donations inside. The thrift an application. Even one day per store welcomes you as a shopper, too. month would be a big help. Thanks in All donations and purchases support advance for your willingness to help! senior services in Vernonia. Watch for special SALE signs in front of the store. WALKING WEDNESDAY is an opportunity for gentle exercise for seniors and anyone in the community who’d like to join us. Walking Wednesdays continue at Vernonia Lake at 9:00 am (note time change) each Wednesday, rain or shine. Walk at your own pace with a friend or solo. No fee and no pre-registration – just come and walk one or more circuits around the lake. RUSS CLARK, COLUMBIA COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER, IS AVAILABLE to meet with clients in Vernonia. Russ will be at the Senior Center (former VCLC) in the office at the end of the hallway on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. VERNONIA SENIOR CITIZENS, INC. 939 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064 Phone: 503-429-3912 Non-Profit Tax ID #23-7422295 Vernonia Senior Center • 939 Bridge Street • 503-429-3912 Insurance sending you in the wrong direction? Let us send you in the right direction. TOO BUSY? Call your LOCAL bookkeeper R Y OLL A P PLUS LLC Edi Sheldon 503-429-1819 edisheldon@gmail.com Licensed tax consultant • Full service payroll Personal & small business bookkeeping • QuickBooks assistance CORPS, S-CORPS, LLC, Partnerships • Personal one-on-one service Meyer’s Auto Body • 493 Bridge St • 503-429-0248 LTC #29629 - Oregon licensed tax consultant RTRP #P00448199 - designated as a registered tax return preparer by the Internal Revenue Service The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more information on tax return preparers, go to www.IRS.gov.
