Passing Over To The Other Side
Stories
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Miracle"
Storm Meditations: "Calming the Storm" by Constance Berg
"Passing Over to the Other Side" by C. David McKirachan
"And the Wind Came Up" by Cynthia E. Cowen
Scrap Pile: "Going Native" by C. David McKirachan
What's Up This Week
Our Gospel lesson, featuring the story of Jesus calming the great storm, is a vivid reminder of both the raw, elemental power of nature and of the Lord's promise to be faithful to us amidst life's stormy seas. In this edition of StoryShare we offer three thoughtful meditations illustrating various facets of this familiar passage, as well a provocative take on this week's Psalm. Plus, in A Story to Live By we recount a modern "miracle" that rivals David's victory over Goliath on the scale of the seemingly impossible.
A Story to Live By
Miracle
But David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hand." When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
1 Samuel 17:45-48
The movie Miracle recounts the truly inspiring story of one of the greatest moments in sports history. In 1979, University of Minnesota coach Herb Brooks (played in the movie by Kurt Russell) is tapped to lead the American ice hockey team into the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, held in Lake Placid, New York.
Brooks assembles a ragtag squad of college kids whom he hopes to transform from individuals into a well-disciplined and physically fit team. He faces an uphill battle, as some players don't get along and others deal with personal problems. But Brooks doggedly pushes his team as hard as he can, in hopes that they might be able to defeat the legendary and seemingly unbeatable team from the Soviet Union.
Cold War tensions -- which would be further fueled by the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan -- made the two teams instant enemies, although they were not very well matched on the ice. Only three days prior to the Olympics, the two teams play an exhibition match in which the Soviets soundly thrash the United States team by a 10-3 score. Among the twelve teams qualifying for the Olympics, the Soviets were the top seed while the U.S team was seeded seventh. Playing well enough to earn a medal seemed to be a long shot.
Team USA plays third-seeded Sweden in its first game, and is very fortunate to tie the game in the final minute. The U.S. team becomes the pride of the nation as they win their next few games and qualify for the medal round. But they would once again face the feared and hated Soviet team -- a much more mature team which routinely defeated even NHL professionals and was regarded throughout the world as unmatched on the ice.
The Americans fell behind early in the game. Then with the support of the home crowd, the Americans rallied back, tying the game at 2-2 toward the end of the first period. Upset at his team's allowing the Americans to score twice, Soviet coach Viktor Tikhonov replaced his legendary goalie, Vladislav Tretiak, with the less-experienced Vladimir Myshkin. After the change, the Soviet team soon pulled back ahead.
But early in the final period, the Americans scored once again to tie the game at 3-3. With ten minutes to play, American team captain Mike Eruzione scored -- and American goalie Jim Craig proved up to the task of preserving the victory. (Craig recorded an incredible total of 39 saves during the game.) With the world watching, the inexperienced American team rose to the occasion and accomplished the unthinkable: They upset the world's greatest ice hockey team.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock, broadcaster Al Michaels screamed with elation to millions of television viewers, "Do you believe in miracles?"
The same question could be asked of the Israelites. David was just a boy who went to fight a giant. He was so small he couldn't wear any armor to protect himself. With only a sling and five smooth stones, he faced the feared and hated Philistine Goliath. Could he win? Do you believe in miracles? Nothing is impossible if it is God's will. Rest assured, it is God's will to stand against oppressive powers.
(Adapted from Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit [Series IV, Cycle B] by Gregory L. Tolle)
Storm Meditations
Calming the Storm
by Constance Berg
He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!"
Mark 4:39a
The Lake of Galilee is on the northern end of the rift valley. At 680 feet below sea level, it is the world's lowest freshwater lake. It is about 150 feet at its deepest. The lake covers about 90 square miles.
In Jesus' time the lake was a rich fishing place. Several villages were built around the lake, and it was important for the local economy. It was also important for Jesus' disciples, as Jesus chose seven of his followers from the lake.
To this day two varieties of fish are caught in the lake: tilapia and sardines. They are caught by modern methods now, but in Jesus' day they were caught with nets. The nets were circular, with small weights spaced around the perimeter. As the net was thrown in a spinning motion on the water, the weights dragged the net down and the fisherman would pull the cord attached at the center. The fish would become entangled and be covered by the net, making it easy for the fish to be hauled to shore or to the boat.
The lake and its fishing symbols were important to Jesus' ministry. He used fishing, water, and catching terms because he knew his audience would understand them. Using terminology that helps paint a picture is important; using terminology that is familiar to the audience will make their lives connect to the story.
Once Jesus calmed a great storm. The Lake of Galilee often saw sudden storms, and the fishermen knew the fury a storm could hold. They were fearful. Jesus calmed not only their fears but also the storm.
Are you facing a storm? Are you in the midst of a raging fury? Are you stifled by a crisis that you can't see past?
Let Jesus' love unfold you like a net. Let God's strong arms pull you in so you can live the life God intends for you. Ask God to help you. God has created life in you. Don't allow it to be destroyed.
Constance Berg is a former missionary to Chiapas, Mexico. She is currently based in Bakersfield, California, where she serves as the director of 18 nursing homes for handicapped individuals. Berg is the author of three volumes of the CSS series Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit.
Passing Over to the Other Side
by C. David McKirachan
Mark 4:35-41
I love to sail. People who like powerboats or anything else that has a steering wheel which you can turn in a specific direction and thus direct the vehicle in question have no use for sailboats or sailors. We can point our boats all we want, but the wind is our master. A sailor is not in the business of going somewhere; a sailor is just in the business of going.
I have spent most of my life wasted in the vain pursuit of goals. I will be kind to myself and lay a lot of the blame for this useless chase on our culture. "Measureable" and "attainable" are two of the stupidest words in our language. They were devised by people who either have no understanding of life or who have really sick senses of humor. Nothing of any import is either measurable or attainable. It gets really crazy when the church begins using these words. Sometimes I wonder why God doesn't fry us.
Sailing reminds us of Heisenberg, who with enough objective proof to choke the proverbial dinosaur demonstrated that objectivity is impossible. Anytime we observe something we change it. So much for objective reality. So how can we ever choose a direction and go there? Winnie the Pooh had it right -- he said life is a "long explore." We aren't called to solve it or accomplish it or even arrive. We're called to put up our sails and see what happens.
A lot changed during that storm. But the most important thing was that the disciples recognized Jesus for who he really was. During the most difficult transitions of my life, I need to remember that the most important thing I can accomplish is recognizing who He really is -- and that no matter what I think, He's in the boat with me.
My boat's name is Norma Jean.
C. David McKirachan is pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury in central New Jersey. He also teaches at Monmouth University. McKirachan is the author of I Happened Upon a Miracle and A Year of Wonder (Westminster John Knox).
And the Wind Came Up
by Cynthia E. Cowen
Mark 4:35-41
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun remained bright, making its way down the horizon. Three small children scurried to a rowboat. With oars in place, they shoved off for a short spin in front of their cabin. These young mariners were not aware of the danger about to trap them -- a north wind had come up. With glee they sped further and further from the shore, ignorant of the wind which was propelling them away from the safety of shallow water. Before they knew it, they were out into deep water and were finding it difficult to stay on course. The strong wind continued to blow them away from the shelter of the bay. In their panic, they began to splash the oars of the boat harder. All this did was to cause water to tumble into the boat and increase their trouble.
Unknown to the youngsters, their father had been watching the sunset with a pair of binoculars. When he spied the boat headed out with its excited voyagers, his first reaction was anger at his children's disobedience. Rule number one -- do not take a boat out unsupervised. However, he soon noticed their happy faces changing as the north wind held the boat in its grip. Realizing the danger the children were in, he raced to the beach. Yelling at the top of his voice, he called to the youngsters to calm down, sit still, turn the boat around, and head back to shore.
The presence of their father on the beach brought hope and reassurance to the fearful trio. Tears soon stopped as they worked together to turn the boat against the waves and head back to the safety of their beach. Upon arriving, the three were scooped up in arms of love. The children promised not to take the boat out again without permission. The parent, grateful that his children had escaped harm, would wait for another time to talk about obedience. As for this moment, he was thanking God that the wind had not harmed his little ones.
Cynthia E. Cowen is a prolific writer who has produced many worship resources for CSS Publishing Company. She serves as an Associate in Ministry at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, Michigan, and also been active in synod and denominational leadership teams, including six years of service on the Executive Board of the Women of the ELCA. Among Cowen's CSS titles are 18 Special Worship Celebrations, Lights, Symbols, and Angels, and two volumes of Who -- Me? Do a Program?
Scrap Pile
Going Native
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 9:9-20
Moving into a new church is quite a heady experience. One of the best parts of it is the sense of inclusion that many people offer to the new pastor. They seem to say, "You're one of us now." It's an amazing feeling to be brought into the bunch. People want to see you as part of their lives. They invest you with hope and affection. It's a dangerous place to be.
I had been in a new church about three weeks and was getting more invitations to dinner than were possible for my schedule or healthy for my waistline. I had the feeling that this was going to work out in a lot of good ways. I felt my preaching was touching them, and they were responding in ways that surprised even me.
After worship one Sunday a diminutive octogenarian lady came close to me and placed the flat of her right hand on my chest. She looked into my eyes with a sense of affection and said, "Pastor, isn't it wonderful we don't have any nigras here?"
I hope this offends none of my readers. It didn't so much offend me as knock every bit of wind out of my lungs. I had no clue how or what to say. The sense of belonging and being part of the community shattered like crystal. I said something like "Uhhh..." while furiously blinking my eyes. With the same grace she'd glided up to me, she turned and glided away.
It took me a few days put this into any perspective that was useful. The ninth psalm and its relatives throughout the Bible had always been an embarrassment to me. They belonged to attitudes that I saw as ugly and evil. I'd seen them firsthand wearing hoods and carrying shotguns and hurting people. I'd seen them in Newark in high schools pitting children against each other. I'd seen them in corded necks and names thrown like sharp rocks. I'd never seen them glide out of a lovely lady's smiling mouth. But it wasn't so much the source -- it was the reality that she fully expected me to share her prejudice.
Ed White from the Alban Institute once told me that the chief danger for a long-term pastor was going native. When we lose the prophetic edge, when we are more interested in cultivating their friendship than their transformation, we're sunk. But the third week?
I've been here ten years. And evidence of this attitude has never shown up again. The lady in question became a mission for me and for others in the church. She was alone for most of her life. She didn't die that way.
Bigotry and xenophobia can't be explained away with platitudes. It's part of our lives and part of our churches. But the older I get, the more I believe that as we stand against evil, we must seek to be loving and inclusive -- even as such evil is not.
So I'm glad the ninth psalm is there. It keeps us from getting complacent. It reminds us of the "real" world. And it keeps us from going native. Ya never know when it's going to sneak up and bite you. Maybe we shouldn't forget, we're not like them. Selah.
**********************************************
How to Share Stories
You have good stories to share, probably more than you know: personal stories as well as stories from others that you have used over the years. If you have a story you like, whether fictional or "really happened," authored by you or a brief excerpt from a favorite book, send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here share-a-story@csspub.com and e-mail the story to us.
**********************************************
StoryShare, June 25, 2006, issue.
Copyright 2006 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Miracle"
Storm Meditations: "Calming the Storm" by Constance Berg
"Passing Over to the Other Side" by C. David McKirachan
"And the Wind Came Up" by Cynthia E. Cowen
Scrap Pile: "Going Native" by C. David McKirachan
What's Up This Week
Our Gospel lesson, featuring the story of Jesus calming the great storm, is a vivid reminder of both the raw, elemental power of nature and of the Lord's promise to be faithful to us amidst life's stormy seas. In this edition of StoryShare we offer three thoughtful meditations illustrating various facets of this familiar passage, as well a provocative take on this week's Psalm. Plus, in A Story to Live By we recount a modern "miracle" that rivals David's victory over Goliath on the scale of the seemingly impossible.
A Story to Live By
Miracle
But David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hand." When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
1 Samuel 17:45-48
The movie Miracle recounts the truly inspiring story of one of the greatest moments in sports history. In 1979, University of Minnesota coach Herb Brooks (played in the movie by Kurt Russell) is tapped to lead the American ice hockey team into the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, held in Lake Placid, New York.
Brooks assembles a ragtag squad of college kids whom he hopes to transform from individuals into a well-disciplined and physically fit team. He faces an uphill battle, as some players don't get along and others deal with personal problems. But Brooks doggedly pushes his team as hard as he can, in hopes that they might be able to defeat the legendary and seemingly unbeatable team from the Soviet Union.
Cold War tensions -- which would be further fueled by the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan -- made the two teams instant enemies, although they were not very well matched on the ice. Only three days prior to the Olympics, the two teams play an exhibition match in which the Soviets soundly thrash the United States team by a 10-3 score. Among the twelve teams qualifying for the Olympics, the Soviets were the top seed while the U.S team was seeded seventh. Playing well enough to earn a medal seemed to be a long shot.
Team USA plays third-seeded Sweden in its first game, and is very fortunate to tie the game in the final minute. The U.S. team becomes the pride of the nation as they win their next few games and qualify for the medal round. But they would once again face the feared and hated Soviet team -- a much more mature team which routinely defeated even NHL professionals and was regarded throughout the world as unmatched on the ice.
The Americans fell behind early in the game. Then with the support of the home crowd, the Americans rallied back, tying the game at 2-2 toward the end of the first period. Upset at his team's allowing the Americans to score twice, Soviet coach Viktor Tikhonov replaced his legendary goalie, Vladislav Tretiak, with the less-experienced Vladimir Myshkin. After the change, the Soviet team soon pulled back ahead.
But early in the final period, the Americans scored once again to tie the game at 3-3. With ten minutes to play, American team captain Mike Eruzione scored -- and American goalie Jim Craig proved up to the task of preserving the victory. (Craig recorded an incredible total of 39 saves during the game.) With the world watching, the inexperienced American team rose to the occasion and accomplished the unthinkable: They upset the world's greatest ice hockey team.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock, broadcaster Al Michaels screamed with elation to millions of television viewers, "Do you believe in miracles?"
The same question could be asked of the Israelites. David was just a boy who went to fight a giant. He was so small he couldn't wear any armor to protect himself. With only a sling and five smooth stones, he faced the feared and hated Philistine Goliath. Could he win? Do you believe in miracles? Nothing is impossible if it is God's will. Rest assured, it is God's will to stand against oppressive powers.
(Adapted from Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit [Series IV, Cycle B] by Gregory L. Tolle)
Storm Meditations
Calming the Storm
by Constance Berg
He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!"
Mark 4:39a
The Lake of Galilee is on the northern end of the rift valley. At 680 feet below sea level, it is the world's lowest freshwater lake. It is about 150 feet at its deepest. The lake covers about 90 square miles.
In Jesus' time the lake was a rich fishing place. Several villages were built around the lake, and it was important for the local economy. It was also important for Jesus' disciples, as Jesus chose seven of his followers from the lake.
To this day two varieties of fish are caught in the lake: tilapia and sardines. They are caught by modern methods now, but in Jesus' day they were caught with nets. The nets were circular, with small weights spaced around the perimeter. As the net was thrown in a spinning motion on the water, the weights dragged the net down and the fisherman would pull the cord attached at the center. The fish would become entangled and be covered by the net, making it easy for the fish to be hauled to shore or to the boat.
The lake and its fishing symbols were important to Jesus' ministry. He used fishing, water, and catching terms because he knew his audience would understand them. Using terminology that helps paint a picture is important; using terminology that is familiar to the audience will make their lives connect to the story.
Once Jesus calmed a great storm. The Lake of Galilee often saw sudden storms, and the fishermen knew the fury a storm could hold. They were fearful. Jesus calmed not only their fears but also the storm.
Are you facing a storm? Are you in the midst of a raging fury? Are you stifled by a crisis that you can't see past?
Let Jesus' love unfold you like a net. Let God's strong arms pull you in so you can live the life God intends for you. Ask God to help you. God has created life in you. Don't allow it to be destroyed.
Constance Berg is a former missionary to Chiapas, Mexico. She is currently based in Bakersfield, California, where she serves as the director of 18 nursing homes for handicapped individuals. Berg is the author of three volumes of the CSS series Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit.
Passing Over to the Other Side
by C. David McKirachan
Mark 4:35-41
I love to sail. People who like powerboats or anything else that has a steering wheel which you can turn in a specific direction and thus direct the vehicle in question have no use for sailboats or sailors. We can point our boats all we want, but the wind is our master. A sailor is not in the business of going somewhere; a sailor is just in the business of going.
I have spent most of my life wasted in the vain pursuit of goals. I will be kind to myself and lay a lot of the blame for this useless chase on our culture. "Measureable" and "attainable" are two of the stupidest words in our language. They were devised by people who either have no understanding of life or who have really sick senses of humor. Nothing of any import is either measurable or attainable. It gets really crazy when the church begins using these words. Sometimes I wonder why God doesn't fry us.
Sailing reminds us of Heisenberg, who with enough objective proof to choke the proverbial dinosaur demonstrated that objectivity is impossible. Anytime we observe something we change it. So much for objective reality. So how can we ever choose a direction and go there? Winnie the Pooh had it right -- he said life is a "long explore." We aren't called to solve it or accomplish it or even arrive. We're called to put up our sails and see what happens.
A lot changed during that storm. But the most important thing was that the disciples recognized Jesus for who he really was. During the most difficult transitions of my life, I need to remember that the most important thing I can accomplish is recognizing who He really is -- and that no matter what I think, He's in the boat with me.
My boat's name is Norma Jean.
C. David McKirachan is pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury in central New Jersey. He also teaches at Monmouth University. McKirachan is the author of I Happened Upon a Miracle and A Year of Wonder (Westminster John Knox).
And the Wind Came Up
by Cynthia E. Cowen
Mark 4:35-41
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun remained bright, making its way down the horizon. Three small children scurried to a rowboat. With oars in place, they shoved off for a short spin in front of their cabin. These young mariners were not aware of the danger about to trap them -- a north wind had come up. With glee they sped further and further from the shore, ignorant of the wind which was propelling them away from the safety of shallow water. Before they knew it, they were out into deep water and were finding it difficult to stay on course. The strong wind continued to blow them away from the shelter of the bay. In their panic, they began to splash the oars of the boat harder. All this did was to cause water to tumble into the boat and increase their trouble.
Unknown to the youngsters, their father had been watching the sunset with a pair of binoculars. When he spied the boat headed out with its excited voyagers, his first reaction was anger at his children's disobedience. Rule number one -- do not take a boat out unsupervised. However, he soon noticed their happy faces changing as the north wind held the boat in its grip. Realizing the danger the children were in, he raced to the beach. Yelling at the top of his voice, he called to the youngsters to calm down, sit still, turn the boat around, and head back to shore.
The presence of their father on the beach brought hope and reassurance to the fearful trio. Tears soon stopped as they worked together to turn the boat against the waves and head back to the safety of their beach. Upon arriving, the three were scooped up in arms of love. The children promised not to take the boat out again without permission. The parent, grateful that his children had escaped harm, would wait for another time to talk about obedience. As for this moment, he was thanking God that the wind had not harmed his little ones.
Cynthia E. Cowen is a prolific writer who has produced many worship resources for CSS Publishing Company. She serves as an Associate in Ministry at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, Michigan, and also been active in synod and denominational leadership teams, including six years of service on the Executive Board of the Women of the ELCA. Among Cowen's CSS titles are 18 Special Worship Celebrations, Lights, Symbols, and Angels, and two volumes of Who -- Me? Do a Program?
Scrap Pile
Going Native
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 9:9-20
Moving into a new church is quite a heady experience. One of the best parts of it is the sense of inclusion that many people offer to the new pastor. They seem to say, "You're one of us now." It's an amazing feeling to be brought into the bunch. People want to see you as part of their lives. They invest you with hope and affection. It's a dangerous place to be.
I had been in a new church about three weeks and was getting more invitations to dinner than were possible for my schedule or healthy for my waistline. I had the feeling that this was going to work out in a lot of good ways. I felt my preaching was touching them, and they were responding in ways that surprised even me.
After worship one Sunday a diminutive octogenarian lady came close to me and placed the flat of her right hand on my chest. She looked into my eyes with a sense of affection and said, "Pastor, isn't it wonderful we don't have any nigras here?"
I hope this offends none of my readers. It didn't so much offend me as knock every bit of wind out of my lungs. I had no clue how or what to say. The sense of belonging and being part of the community shattered like crystal. I said something like "Uhhh..." while furiously blinking my eyes. With the same grace she'd glided up to me, she turned and glided away.
It took me a few days put this into any perspective that was useful. The ninth psalm and its relatives throughout the Bible had always been an embarrassment to me. They belonged to attitudes that I saw as ugly and evil. I'd seen them firsthand wearing hoods and carrying shotguns and hurting people. I'd seen them in Newark in high schools pitting children against each other. I'd seen them in corded necks and names thrown like sharp rocks. I'd never seen them glide out of a lovely lady's smiling mouth. But it wasn't so much the source -- it was the reality that she fully expected me to share her prejudice.
Ed White from the Alban Institute once told me that the chief danger for a long-term pastor was going native. When we lose the prophetic edge, when we are more interested in cultivating their friendship than their transformation, we're sunk. But the third week?
I've been here ten years. And evidence of this attitude has never shown up again. The lady in question became a mission for me and for others in the church. She was alone for most of her life. She didn't die that way.
Bigotry and xenophobia can't be explained away with platitudes. It's part of our lives and part of our churches. But the older I get, the more I believe that as we stand against evil, we must seek to be loving and inclusive -- even as such evil is not.
So I'm glad the ninth psalm is there. It keeps us from getting complacent. It reminds us of the "real" world. And it keeps us from going native. Ya never know when it's going to sneak up and bite you. Maybe we shouldn't forget, we're not like them. Selah.
**********************************************
How to Share Stories
You have good stories to share, probably more than you know: personal stories as well as stories from others that you have used over the years. If you have a story you like, whether fictional or "really happened," authored by you or a brief excerpt from a favorite book, send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here share-a-story@csspub.com and e-mail the story to us.
**********************************************
StoryShare, June 25, 2006, issue.
Copyright 2006 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
