Page 8 Portland Observer, February 3, 1988 Send nonce o f your church activities and events to. Religion Editor. Portland Observer P O Box 3137 Portland OR 97208 RELIGION Scripture of the W eek: R om ans, CH. 10 In God's Loving Care several birds appear "out of the blue." As I sat quietly and watched, the birds began to swoop and dive. Then more and more gathered. They flew in formation and broke away, continuing a ritual far greater than any strategic air command per­ formance. Their target was a large chimney that is more or less un­ noticed by all but the more obser­ vant. This chimney is the resting place of literally thousands of tiny swallows. The birds seemed to have a sys­ tem of communication and a com­ plete teamwork as they gathered into their resting place. They flew and swooped past the chimney again and again. As I watched, however, I noticed that a few of the birds dropped into the chimney while their companions flew on swiftly to camouflage their secret haven. This went on for at least an hour. These tiny well-organized birds even had a sentry or control­ ler. There was one bird that flew apart from the others. As I centered my attention on him, I noticed that he worked very hard, for over and over again he flew up very high, and then dropped straight down very fast, only to rise again, and to If ever you doubt that there is a "power and intelligence greater than yourself at work in you and in your life, perhaps this story of the swallows that migrate to Mis­ souri every spring will impress you. I delight in walking about the beautiful countryside, for it is a very peaceful experience. Those of you who have visited Missouri will relive pleasant memories, I am sure. In the spring and summer flowers are in bloom, and the fountains send out a fine mist that often contains a rainbow. A gentle breeze may spray the mist on you if your walk too close! I like to walk across the beautiful bridge of faith and pause in the middle. From this point there is a breathtaking view of the lovely buildings, the shady walkways, and the neatly kept laws. My favorite time of day for a walk is dusk, for at dusk a hush settles on the earth. Here and there a rab­ bit may be nibbling clover. The birds begin their good night chirps. One day, I discovered a place and an activity that not many know about. I looked up into the sky, and saw drop again. As he continued his flight pattern, he sounded a loud chirp repeatedly that must have been the call for all swallows to come home. I watched this ritual for several nights. The routine never varied; the ritual never chan­ ged. When complete darkness of night had arrived, the swallows were inside the chimney, and all was quiet. The thought occurred to me that these little birds have God-given in­ telligence and instinct to protect themselves. How can I ever doubt that if God so cares and provides for the swallows here in Missouri, He also cares and provides for me? When we see the birds of spring; the flowers with their fragrances and beauty; the showers — fresh and clean — and all the baby ani­ mals coming out for the first time, we behold the handy work of the wonderfully gentle — yet mighty God. . "For Io, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land." . . . Song of Solomon, 2:11 & 12. Singing and Perform ing Talent Sought for Gospel Choir J S S T R ^ e r t s leads a group of 25 Portland gospel singers last Chapman « o o Photo Rjchard j Brown M onday at IFCC. The noted Broadway Musical Director, Chapman Roberts, will hold the second of a series of Mon­ day night singing auditions and workshops at Peninsula Park (Dance Room) February 8th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., as a part of the city's Black History Month activi­ ties. This will be for the remaining Monday nights in the month, for what Roberts envisions to be the beginning of "a mega-voice (one hundred) chorus, that he tentatively has dubbed, "The Oregon Gospel Choir." The search is on in the Pacific Northwest, for singing and perform­ ing talent, by Roberts, whose long list of Broadway credits includes such Broadway hits as, "Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God," "Bubblin' Brown Sugar" and "D on't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.' Mr. Roberts was Associate Produc­ er, Casing Director and Music Di­ rector of the 1982 Tony nominated Broadway musical, "Blue In The- Night," starring Leslie Uggams, which is currently playing to "sold- out" audiences in London's West End. The show has been nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award, En­ gland's most coveted theatrical award. A production featuring some of Roberts' biggest Broadway hit show tunes that was originally produced at the New York Lincoln Center, under the title, "Broadway Soul", is being planned for the Rose Festi­ val time in Portland, followed by a tour of the Pacific Northwest. Sin­ gers and musicians from all back­ grounds and training, are being en­ couraged to apply and tryout during the coming Monday evening ses­ sions. For further information, contact Production Coordinator and Media Associate, Garland Lee Thompson, care of Cheryl Honey, owner of the Talent Warehouse, 925 NW 19th Street, Suite A, Portland, OR 97209,(503)241-2541. I Thank You One Day At A Time by Marie Gippner & I í by Mattie Ann Callier-Spears One day at a time, with its failures and fears. With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears, With its portion of pain and its burden of care; One day at a time we must meet and must bear. please include me in your daily pray­ ers. And, I will pray for you. I have been writing for The P ort­ land Observer since the last of November. I would like to take this time out and thank all of the readers for their calls and letters of congra­ tulations and well-wishes. We hear so much negative con­ versation and unmentionable talk each day, I hope that the articles from the Christian Community and from the Word of God has inspired (and will inspire) you, my readers. I further hope that you will feel free to write to me more often and One day at a time to be patient and strong; To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong; Tho its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease; It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace. One day at a tim e— but the day is so long. And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong, 0 Thou pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way; Give courage and patience and strength for the day. Keep getting the paper! Keep reading the Word! Call me or write to me and let me know what is happening in your church (or church community): celebrations or special programs. The size of your congregation does not matter. "Little is much in God's sight. The Portland Observer is a paper that cares. Again, Thank You! To all the Friends o f Benny, The Talley & Plummer Families Not yesterday's load we are called on to bear, Nor the morrow's uncertain and shadowy care; Why should we look forward or back with dismay? Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day. Your Love and Support During Our Time of Loss and Despair Can Never be Repaid All the Kind Words, The Cards, Love Gifts, Plants and Financial Contributions Are Deeply Appreciated One day at a time, and the day is His day; He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay. His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone; As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own. by Annie Johnson Flint Spaghetti Dinner A spaghetti Dinner for the neigh­ borhood will be held Feb. 5th, at 6:30 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 20th and Killingsworth, 287-7553. Let's get acquainted! Free will offering. • j With Love, Ben, Olga Tally and Family Lower the numbers and raise the odds. Controlling your blood pressure can reduce your risk of heart disease P O RT L A N DOBSERVER "The Eyes and Ears of the Community” 288-0033 V American Heart Association in Oregon 1-800-452-9445 Jesus Loves You! <=>: Allen Temple CME Church A lbina M in isterial A lliance 4236 N.E. Eighth Avenue 285-0493 Portland, Oregon 97211 A Public S ervice of the Portland Observer (comer of 8th & Skidmore) (503) 287-0261 Psalm 34:3 Phillip S. Nelson. Pastor W hy do more fam ilies call C ox in tim e of need? YOU ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT 84 N.E. 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