# 26, January 23, 2003

Pastor Jim Was Thanked and Honored Last Sunday

As most of you know PH usually places his scooter right in front of the column at the third row in the sanctuary on the right side facing the chancel. This space is almost always available and provides PH with a grand view of the entire sanctuary. Last Sunday the third row eventually became packed with all kinds of robed Reverend Misters, Reverend Doctors, and even one Reverend Mister who is a medical doctor. There PH was, planning to sit as on any other Sunday. But PH got to thinking: "Well, maybe I should not be sitting beside this row with all of these holy and lettered clergy." With that thought in mind, PH moved over between the little chairs that are rarely occupied. Surely PH would be out of any one's way in that location.

Well, the 11 AM time rolled around, a quietness fell over the sanctuary and then, and then………, there was the unmatched and spine tingling sound of bagpipes echoing throughout the entire sanctuary. The pipers and drummer marched down the center aisle and turned RIGHT, right toward PH. If PH had not rolled backward a few feet, they might have surrounded PH when they concluded their entrance by making a small circle. Wouldn't that have been a sight? PH in the middle of a circle surrounded by bagpipes. What a glorious sound.

PH once had a bright patient whose mind was controlled by many demons, but he loved bagpipes. He once had this fantasy that he was involved in trench warfare and the order had been given to charge at a particular time. Everyone along the line was expressing fear and making last minute requests of their buddies who might survive. They were all wondering where they would find the courage to jump out of the trench and begin the charge. The doubt vanished once they heard the sound of bagpipes in their rear, playing "Scotland the Brave." Such was the moment last Sunday. Everyone rose to the occasion. Drs. Graves and Sherman were speaking for all of us. The music was praiseworthy. The grandeur of the whole occasion was appropriate and well deserved.

Then PH remembered that every member of RRCB is a priest. Thus, PH rolled his scooter back to row three and sat there beside the identified robed priests. PH felt right about it. PH felt like a reverend. PH is a doctor. So there PH was: the right reverend doctor PH on row three.

Pastor Jim Praised and "Roasted" Wednesday Night

Last Wednesday night, a sell out crowd witnessed a review in photos and short testimonies about Jim's long pastorate and Lee's devotion to RRCB. The speakers were all outstanding, and two Shepsons, Ed Pruden and Bob Shepherd, presented their remarks in an excellent manner. Teacher Bob provided comic relief when he managed to scatter MC Hal Wingo's notes all over the stage and floor as he left the podium. Another Shepson, Doris Curtis, was one of the major organizers for the elegant reception at the Jepson Center last Sunday afternoon. Most of us got to meet Paul and Jane Jacobsen at the reception. Paul was instrumental in starting the Bible Study Class twenty-three years ago. The actual date was September 23, 1979. Teacher Bob began his long service to our class on January 27, 1980. Thus, Teacher Bob will mark twenty-three years as our teacher on Monday.

Pastor Jim to Preach His Last Sermon as Pastor of RRCB

This Sunday every one will listen with increased awareness when the Main Shepherd of our flock will preach his last sermon as our pastor. Hopefully Pastor Jim will preach on other occasions from our pulpit. PH hopes that Jim writes, teaches, counsels and preaches whenever he desires or has the opportunity.

Alma Hunt Leaves First Baptist Church of Roanoke After Her Former Church Voted to Leave the BGAV.
(The article below is important for all Virginia Baptists. Our own Julia Shepherd grew up in the First Baptist Church of Roanoke.)

By Robert O'Brien

When First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Va., voted to join the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV), 93-year-old Alma Hunt voted to leave it. "I didn't leave my church; it left me," said the legendary Southern Baptist missions leader, who "was born into the cradle roll of First Baptist Church in 1909."

The church voted 174-31 on Wednesday, January 8, to leave the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) and join the SBCV, which split from the BGAV in 1996 as part of the Southern Baptist denominational controversy. The denominational controversy has also caused splits in the two other state conventions, Texas and Missouri.

Hunt joined Rosalind Hills Baptist Church in Roanoke the following Sunday, January 12, after visiting with its pastor, Tom Stocks, on January 9. Her decision to join his church didn't surprise Stocks but her quick action did. "We have a history of connection with her through her friends in our church, but I was shocked at how quickly and efficiently she made the change," said Stocks, whose brother, Ralph Stocks, is a missionary for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Rosalind Hills Church is affiliated with the BGAV and CBF and allows its members to choose a giving plan for their contributions that could include CBF, the Southern Baptist Convention or both. "For us to be CBF church and not allow people to choose would be an oxymoron," Stocks said.

Hunt's long affiliation with the BGAV and its goals and purposes was a deciding factor in her decision. The BGAV's state missions offering is named for her. "I do not believe that the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia reflect traditional Baptist heritage and principles," said Hunt, who served as executive secretary of the SBC Woman's Missionary Union, 1948-74, and returned to Roanoke and First Baptist Church in 1985.

"The BGAV has great vision for the future in its new Kingdom Advance plan, and its leaders are wonderful men and women of God," she said. "I feel sorry for the people of the First Baptist Church who don't realize the changes that have taken place in Southern Baptist life," she said. "It is no longer the church that nurtured me, and I had to find a place where I could be a full-fledged member and support causes dear to my heart." Hunt said the vote to join the SBCV, not Pastor James Austin, caused her to make the change. Austin succeeded Charles Fuller, long-time pastor and chairman of the former SBC Peace Committee. "I have many dear friends in the church and hope to hold onto those friendships, but I cannot remain as a member," she said.

"At 93, her move is both courageous and poignant," commented Kirk Lashley, retired director of missions of the Roanoke Valley Baptist Association. Alma Hunt was a member of the Roanoke church for the first 34 years of her life, except for time away at college. She remained closely in touch with the church over the years through family members who remained there. She was the last of her family at First Baptist Church and said she is glad her loved ones don't know about the changes that have taken place. But she looks to the future, not the past, with a sense of excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead for her in ministry. "She came to us in her own humble way, and we're thrilled to have her," Stocks said.

PH Comment: Alma Hunt seems to be a very sharp lady. She must be a Mildred Shepherd type of senior citizen.

Forty-eight duffel bags to be filled with emergency clothing and toiletry items for abused and neglected children in Henrico County were purchased for the Church's January campaign. All 48 bags were taken to fill within three weeks by members of the River Road family. The church response will make it possible for ISH to provide these bags to Henrico County Social Service caseworkers for immediate, emergency assistance to children in need. Thanks to everyone whose kindness made this vital service possible. The campaign lasts through January 31st. If additional duffel bags are requested, they can be obtained by calling Charlotte and Bill Simpson at 285-3185.

Linda Mears Writes the Class

Dear Henry and class, Thank you for the e-mails with pictures attached. It was wonderful seeing the group again:) Just a quick update on Rick. He has a new angio scheduled for next Monday, Jan. 27th at 6:30am to get a clear picture of the aneurysm in his carotid artery. Once they have those results, they will determine how best to take care of it and a date will be set for that procedure. This should be the last surgery he has to fix all of the known problems, and we are so excited to see a light at the end of the tunnel. He is very nervous about this new angio, and I would ask you to please be praying for him especially this week. Thank you all again and may God bless each and everyone of you, Linda

Prayer Rounds

Bill and Charlotte Simpson's daughter Catherine and her two children moved to Richmond within the last twenty-four hours. Bill and Charlotte are probably thoroughly enjoying this invigorating weather as they help with this move. Remember that Rob and Donna Brown will be returning this weekend from St. Vincent's where they have been doing voluntary medical missionary work. Hopefully PH and the class will get a witnessing report when they return. Maybe this year they witnessed to Hugh Grant. In your prayers remember Catherine Nase and her two children, Rick and Linda Mears, Donna and Rob Brown, Chester's father, the Manor Bible Study Class, the Pulpit Committee, Pastor Jim and Lee Slatton and those known only to you.

The Ladd's Will Be Twenty-nine Next Week

Jim Ladd will turn twenty-nine on Thursday of next week and Charlotte Ladd will catch him the next day when she turns twenty-nine.

The Boat Ride
(Third in a series on Pastor Jim and PH Experiences)

For the decade from 1976 to 1986, PH and Brenda had a powerboat, which was kept at Garrett's Marina on the Rappahannock River near Tappahannock. During the summer PH would often take Wednesday afternoon off and go for a boat ride with family and friends. During that decade PH kept a boat's log. The entry for July 19, 1978 reads as follows:

Time 2 to 6 PM
Chart course: by vision
Course steered: north, northwest, then south, southeast
Wind: 15 knots
Temp: 90 degrees F
Sea: rough & choppy
Weather: clear

Remarks:

Jim and Lee Slatton joined Brenda and I for a Wednesday afternoon boat ride. The water was rough and choppy with whitecaps. We crossed the river without too much trouble and anchored in Totusky Creek. There we ate lunch and exchanged stories. Returning to port, we crossed the river in rough water and on the South side of the river, the propeller hit something hard below the water surface, breaking the propeller blades and ability to steer the boat. This happened near the old Bowler's Wharf ruins. In the haste to anchor, Jim threw the anchor over, but no one secured the anchor line, and we lost the entire anchor and line. The water was about waist deep. Jim got in the water and tied the boat to a convenient duck blind. Jim then waded ashore, found a cottage resident who called the marina. Gordon Burkett came to our rescue. He towed us back in rather rough water and we docked without any more incidents. Hero of the day - Jim Slatton.

The above is just the bare bones of the drama of this story. At the time Brenda was in the second month of pregnancy with our youngest daughter Elizabeth. We had a great time anchoring and relaxing in the calm Totusky Creek. It had been a wonderful time until the rather sudden unexpected boating incident described above. After the anchor and anchor line were lost, the thought of running aground was rather frightening and embarrassing. Jim's calm approach to jumping overboard, securing the boat to the duck blind and walking to shore was more courageous then recognized at the time. Of course, Lee, Brenda, and PH were stoical and as tranquil as the lilies of the field. PH can testify that Pastor Jim did not walk on water, but he sure walked through water with relative ease. Fortunately there were some folks in one of the cottages on the shoreline and they were playing cards. Can you imagine what they were thinking when this tall distinguished man walked ashore from a shipwreck? PH will never know this part of the story. PH does recall that when Gordon Burkett arrived in his little runabout boat, he said, " I never thought I would see something like this." Gordon realized that PH was usually overly cautious and conscious of safety. The good news was that no one was hurt, the boat did not sink, and the boat was repaired to good working order in a few weeks. Jim was definitely the hero of the day. Jim's timely action greatly lowered the anxiety levels of Lee, Brenda, and PH.

Poor Henry's Archives

January 16, 2003
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December 26, 2002
December 19, 2002
December 12, 2002
December 5, 2002