Visiting with Horace Sheppard Jr. in the Pastor's Lounge just prior to the 3rd Sunday service. 

Sabbatical, Week 1

Nothin' like kickin' off a Sabbatical with a bang! The Sirks family had quite the eventful week as we traveled to New Jersey for a combination Sabbatical experience and family reunion. I've always wanted to visit the home church of the legendary Horace Sheppard, Sr., Church of God pastor and renouned preacher. Horace Sr. is now retired, but Oak Lane Church of God in Philadelpia, PA is still growing strong and now in the very capable hands of prodigy Horace Sheppard, Jr. The service (about 2 hours in length) was everything that I hoped it would be. The worship was heavy on Hammond organ and gospel, with times of celebration and prayer. Brother Sheppard's preaching was empassioned, humerous, and relevant. And the congregation? Warm, inviting, and totally engaged with every part of the service- from passionate singing to vocal affirmation of Brother Sheppard's words. Oak Lane started a 3-service schedule two weeks ago, and, uninformed of the change, I arrived halfway into the second service. This turned out to be a good thing, however, because I was able to witness first hand the efficiency of the usher staff (finding me a seat!), and I was also able to spend a few minutes visiting with congregational members, staff, and Brother Horace Jr. in his lounge between the services. Following a wonderful visit, I was asked to "offer a blessing" to the congregation during the third service. I was seated in the front row (just a couple of seats from Horace Sr.!) until the proper time when I was able to thank the congregation for their wonderful hospitality and offer words of encouragement. During the offering time (very different at Oak Lane, congregation members come to the front of the Sanctuary to place their offerings at the altar) I was able to speak breifly with Brother Horace Sr. (who sits front row, center, in his own special chair) which was wonderful. To this day he remains a picture of joy and grace, now soft spoken but respected for years of passionate preaching and leadership. Needing to get back to New Jersey for my nieces graduation open house, I left prior to the sermon (I had heard it in the second service), escorted to my car and given directions by a member of the "Guardians Ministry". I had a wonderful visit, gleaning many great ideas for our congregation, but also making some great memories for my own spiritual pilgrimmage.

Visiting the World Trade Center site was a solemn experience. Especially moving was the steel girder cross that was found while searching for survivors. The cross was found "as is" and consists of 3 pieces of the WTC that were never originally together and became fused during the building's collapse. It is perfectly proportioned. 

How YOU doin'?

As mentioned above, part of my visit to the East Coast was for a family reunion of sorts. My niece was graduating from high school, and most of my family was heading to Jersey for the event. I had many preconcieved notions about Jersey, some that proved to be true, and some that proved to be false. Yup, everyone says "How ya doin'?", including my Sister-In-Law's brother who is right out of a Budweiser commercial. The Jersey Shore isn't trashed, it's beautiful, with shingled homes and busy boardwalks filled with rides, games, clam bars, giant slices of New York style pizza, and Philly "cheesesteaks" (which, as it turns out, only has "Cheese Wiz" on it, unless you order it "wit", which means "wit onions". Nope, no peppers.) The roads make no sense (to make a left, you have to make a "loop" around the Wawa on the right) but eventually always lead you to the beach or the Jersey Parkway. One day, we were able to drive to the "city" (New York) to ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty to Manhattan, where we ate lunch amid watch vendors in Battery Park, saw Trinity Church (no treasure), the WTC site, and rode the famous "bull" just south of Wall Street on Broadway. Later, I was able to complete my own "Holy Grail" experience. An avid rollercoaster lover and history buff, we drove to Coney Island to ride the legendary Cyclone and eat a Nathan's hot dog. The Cyclone was magical- a classic fast, rickety wooden coaster with very thick, padded leather seats (like riding the Blue Streak at Cedar Point in an overstuffed easy chair!), and I was able to share my dream ride with my girls. However, the famed Luna Park has become a haven for the seedy, filled with trash (everywhere!) and pollution. At the urging of the girls, we skipped the hot dog and headed back to the safety of our truck. Now I know why Jersey is called the "Garden State"! Actually, it was very beautiful (but expensive!), and filled with very nice, wonderful people. Sabbatical week one is over. See you next week!

I got to go "deep sea" fishing off of Sandy Hook, NJ. My Stepdad caught this nice 38" Striped Bass. I caught a 30" shark! Other than bass, we also caught bluefish, a skate, and two starfish!