The Lonely Goatherd Blog And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats - Matthew 25:32
Up to the minute notes on the current state of free thinking and free living: Kentucky moonshine - original analysis and reporting from MoreThings, and all round pop culture museum of sight and sound - photo galleries, mp3 and video downloads.
Al Barger and MoreThings - getting people's goats since 1998.
Live free or die!
----
I wouldn't want to ask people to just give me money cause they like my website, but do please take a quick look at Barger's Boutique. You might find yourself a little something-something for 2 or 3 bucks that you just can't resist! Any of the round images you find around MoreThings will get you to an Amazon page to buy my stuff and help ol' Al keep the lights on.
Links
To explicitly state the obvious, these external links go to interesting and provocative websites, but they speak for themselves. I don't necessarily agree with anything they say - especially that no-goodnik Richard Marcus.
*************
All original content on MoreThings.com copyright 2008 Albert Barger or the respective authors
August 18, 2008
St Paul's United Methodist Church and garden in Rushville Indiana I attended Sunday services at St Paul's United Methodist Church in Rushville, Indiana on August 17, 2008. This was my first time specifically attending a Methodist church. By my lights, this was a fairly mellow and restrained service all around, which is about what I would expect from Methodists. There was fellowship and praising the Lord, but not a lot of high emoting. Numerous congregants made a point of talking to me, but they weren't carrying on like they're "on fire for the Lord" or such - which is just as well by me.
Pastor Nan Chizmar was on vacation, so we had a sermon instead by Randy Stewart. I would characterize his sermon as more of a Sunday school lesson rather than preaching. Saying it differently, his talk on the book of Ruth and the meaning of redemption was more intellectual than emotional. A lot of very good sermons are stemwinders that are about mood altering, working up a congregation with little real meaning if you looked at the words on paper. Brother Stewart was more trying to actually say something about the idea of redemption, based on the story of Ruth.
All in all it was a nice service, but my main reason for attending this particular church was their garden. I spend a lot of time hiking around Rushville, and I've come to spend a lot of time in the garden between the church and their school. It's a good place to stop for a rest, and has become my favorite meditation spot. I've spent a good many hours this summer sitting in this garden at the foot of the cross, and trying to think how to act. The middle of August is a little past the fullest prime of the garden, but it's still quite lovely, as you can see by THESE PICTURES.
