# 33, March 13, 2003

Are We Ready for B. J. and David?

Pastor Search Committee Members B. J. Seymour and David Gulick will be our guests this Sunday and will hear our suggestions in regard to the strengths of our church, the challenges facing our church, the hopes and dreams for our church, and general advice to the pastor search committee. Those of you present last Sunday experienced a very productive discussion about these four suggestion topics. Teacher Bob functioned excellently as our discussion facilitator. Below is the complete list of our suggestions. Those of you who might have been absent because of witnessing commitments can review this list and be well prepared for this Sunday's discussion. The class will begin sharply at 9:45 AM with a hymn chosen by Margaret Oliver followed by a prayer by Reverend John Oliver. PH is confident that this dynamic duo will get us started in the best way.

Suggestions for the Pastor Search Committee from the SSBSC:

I. Strengths of Our Church

1. Our facilities
2. Our quality music programs
3. Our quality professional leadership [staff]
4. Our quality lay leadership
5. Our free pulpit
6. The quality and dignity of our Sunday morning worship
7. Our quality preschool program
8. The diversity of ages in our church membership
9. Our ecumenical philosophy and vision
10. Our strong church identification (as a moderate fellowship)
11. Our caring membership
12. The diversity of denominational backgrounds in our membership
13. The integrity of our church
14. Our mission focus
15. Our talented congregation
16. Our quality youth ministry
17. The Biblical, spiritual, intellectual challenges presented to us by our pastors
18. The large number of ordained ministers in our congregation
19. Our handicapped-accessible facilities
20. The diversity of our Sunday School classes
21. Our "Nothing But the Best" approach to accomplishing goals
22. Our financial stability
23. Our church governance
24. The Shepherd-Simpson Bible Study Class (with humility this is # 24, not # 1)

II. Challenges Facing Our Church

1. Our outreach to young families and their children
2. Our community outreach (ethnic? racial? geographic?)
3. The education of our youth
4. Our response to denominational issues
5. A more diverse congregation
6. Greater knowledge of our Virginia Baptist heritage
7. Our size (is it too large?)
8. The involvement and engagement of our people in church activities
9. An outreach to University of Richmond students
10. A better participation in denominational activities
11. Sunday School growth
12. The Southern Baptist Convention controversy and its effects on us
13. Financial growth (better stewardship program)
14. Source of keeping tabs on members who are leaning toward increased inactivity

III. Hopes and Dreams for Our Church

1. The continuation of our first-rate preaching
2. Pastoral sympathy toward our history [hold the dream, stay the course]
3. Continue to build on our strengths
4. Develop a missions lifestyle; become a pervasive, mission-minded church
5. Encourage every Sunday School class to become involved in missions
6. Get out of the Southern Baptist Convention
7. Adapt to the drastic changes in American society since 9-11
8. Sponsor an ethnic church somewhere in metro Richmond

IV. Advice to the Pastor Search Committee

1. Go slow, don't rush
2. Listen, be open-minded
3. Make your search a national, not a regional, search
4. Look for administrative qualities in a new minister
5. Look for a good preacher
6. Look for a young pastor, a flexible pastor, with promise and a capacity for growth
7. Look for an experienced pastor
8. Look for an intellectually challenging pastor
9. Look for an erudite pastor
10. Look for a caring, empathetic pastor
11. Look for a humble pastor
12. Look for a well-read pastor
13. Look for a pastor of personal integrity
14. Have the first year of the pastor's term be a probational term, subject to the approval of the congregation
15. Look for an ecumenically oriented person
16. Look for a pastor who is comfortable with the past history of River Road Church
17. Don't limit yourself to a man
18. Don't limit yourself to a Baptist
19. Look for a team player
20. Look for a person with solid academic credentials
21. Look for a pastor who is moderate in his beliefs
22. Look for a pastor who has a strong commitment to religious liberty

This meeting is of importance not only to our class but also for future generations of RRCB.

Riverroadchurchbaptist.org is Up and Running

RRCB finally has a website, but PH will be among the first to testify that it is first class. If you have access to the Internet, find the page and check out all of the areas that the general public can view. PH especially enjoyed the "tour" section where one can actually get a circular view of the sanctuary from the pulpit. There is a members only section. Any member can sign on by using your last name and use your home phone number (example: 8042881131) as your password. After you have gained access, you can change your password. However, a family can use only one password. Then you can edit the information that you would like to include about yourself. Members Ethan Butterworth and Eric Johnson did an excellent presentation on the use of the website at last Wednesday night's program. If you do not have a computer, think about getting one. You are never too young or too old to learn to use one.

Dr. Charles "Chuck" Bugg is Preaching This Sunday

The Reverend Doctor Charles Bugg will be our guest preacher this Sunday. Dr. Bugg is the Kenneth L. Chapin Professor of Preaching at BTSR and Director of the BTSR Center for Preaching and Worship. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stetson University and his M.Div. and Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (before you know what occurred). He has also studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, Candler School of Theology, Emory University and the College of Preachers in Washington, DC. He is the author of seven books and of many articles. He has pastored several churches and has served many interim's. He recently was the interim pastor at Bon Air Baptist Church.

SSBSC missionary Bill Simpson predicts that Dr. Bugg will offer the following benediction on Sunday:

"Live simply
Love generously
Care deeply
Speak kindly
Pray daily
And when you have done all of these
Leave the rest to God."

You read it first in Poor Henry's Almanac!

Teacher Julia Tyler Defines a Predicate Nominative
(not to be confused with a pregnant novice)

On Sunday, March 2 Teacher Bob focused on John 6:20 where Jesus is quoted as saying, "Don't be afraid, it is I." Then Teacher Bob asked if anyone knew the definition of a predicate nominative. Veteran Teacher Julia Tyler coolly gave a proper answer, but PH was not astute enough to fully understand what she said. Thus, PH E-mailed Julia and asked for her answer in writing. Julia sent the following:

"A predicate nominative is a noun in the predicate that renames the subject of the sentence; it can only follow a linking verb, which includes all forms of the verb "to be" such as "is," "are," "was," "were," etc."

Now we can all identity the predicate nominative in Jesus' words in verse 20. PH also asked Julia about her teaching career. Again she coolly answered with the following:

"I taught every pregnant homebound student (PH wonders, "Are such students pregnant novices?") in Henrico County for two years long ago. Required curriculum at the time included The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne for all eleventh graders. But for the last 25 years I have been at Lee-Davis (High School), which, I supposed, has put the ins and outs of predicate nominatives in front of me more than most folks."

PH is convinced that there are countless life experiences that often go untold among members of the SSBSC.

Prayer Rounds

Charlotte Ladd had an MRI last Friday. Bill and Charlotte report:

Dear Henry, Charlotte Ladd had her MRI Friday morning - an open-sided MRI because she has problems with claustrophobia, 2 runs of 45 minutes each, and it went much better than she had expected. Husband Jim was there, holding her hand throughout, and the prayers of SSBSC members were there, too, for which she expresses her gratitude. She is waiting for the doctor's report to learn what the MRI diagnosed. Charlotte and Bill

Brenda's Aunt Helen is back at the Manor and doing well. Remember in your prayers Charlotte Ladd, Kathy Wade's family, the Mears Family, Brenda's Aunt Helen, Mel Torstrick, Terry Marsh's mother, the Manor Bible Study Class, the Pastor's Search Committee, the church staff, Dr. Bugg and those known only to you. One of those known only to Brenda and PH is the Upshaw Family of Caroline County. Douglas Upshaw, a lifelong farmer, died from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage on March 12. He was a polio survivor who in recent years was plagued by Post-Polio Syndrome. He was lifted into his tractor by male family members until 2001 and was able to do what he loved best. He was a courageous, wise, unpretentious, faithful, and compassionate person.

The ISH Easter Baskets Are Here
Instructions from Charlotte and Bill Below

The 21 Easter baskets at Sunday School this Sunday morning will be buckets complete with cellophane bags! All you will need to do is fill them (using the list of recommended items in each) and label them by age group. We will be distributing Easter baskets to (1) grade school children, (2) teens, and (3) the elderly. You can choose any of the three groups. Deadline: the end of church on Palm Sunday, April 13th.

Teacher Bob at a Spider Basketball Game

Last Saturday Brenda and PH went to a University of Richmond basketball game at the Robins Center. Because Julia and PH require handicapped seating the four of us were seated in the handicapped section of the Robins Center. Teacher Bob was to PH's far left with Julia seated between Bob and PH. Brenda was to the far right. Bob was his usual jovial conversational self until the tip off and the game began. Throughout the entire forty minutes of playing time and even at times when the clock was stopped, Teacher Bob let both referees and players know his thoughts and opinions. If this scene had been a courtroom and not a basketball court, Bob might have been held in contempt. He would often indicate in a rather loud voice that the referees were mentally challenged and that some of the players did not know how to hold on to the ball. Keep in mind that Richmond led most of the game and won the game. One can only wonder what might have been expressed throughout the confines of the Robins Center if the Spiders were losing. Julia later stated that this was Teacher Bob's usual behavior at Spider basketball games. The one time that she recalled that he did not yell at officials and others was on their first date when they attended a Washington and Lee vs. University of Richmond basketball game at the old Richmond Arena. Apparently Teacher Bob was exhibiting exemplary behavior on that occasion. Let it be said the Teacher Bob is a man of strong beliefs.

Who is Twenty-nine Next Week?

On Sunday Richard Fowler will be twenty-nine and Jack Harvie will reach the same age on next Friday. On Wednesday, Brenda and PH will celebrate thirty-eight years of "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until etc" PH would attach a fetching photo of Brenda on our wedding night, but PH is convinced that Brenda would find a "for worse" scenario.

Religious Herald Editor Mike Clingenpeel Writes with Conviction

Those of you who really read all of the items mentioned above in response to the four questions we discussed last Sunday should take a look at Question III and suggestion 6. (6. Get out of the Southern Baptist Convention). It is becoming clearer to PH and many others that the Denominational Affairs Committee, which has been in a long hibernation, and RRCB will have to deal with the pros and cons of remaining in the Southern Baptist Convention. To this writer a recent example of the actions of the leadership of the SBC are represented in Mike Clingenpeel's editorial in the Religious Herald of March 6, 2003. Clingenpeel discusses the recent action of the SBC's Executive Committee to reduce funding to the 98 year old Baptist World Alliance (BWA). What is behind this reduction of funding by the SBC? Apparently the BWA has decided to admit the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) as a member of the BWA. Keep in mind that 200 Baptist groups worldwide belong to the BWA. Clingenpeel ends his editorial with the following paragraph: "Virginia Baptists, as well as leaders of Baptist unions and conventions around the world, need to see this move by the SBC for what it is - religious or denominational imperialism. The BWA should let the SBC go, before it damages the BWA's character and image overseas. The question for you to ponder is: Should RRCB let the SBC go before the SBC further damages the character and identity of RRCB?

In another article by Clingenpeel in the same Herald, he writes about "The Right Beliefs." He well defines what beliefs have been the heritage of Southern Baptists and many members of RRCB. They are:

1. The centrality of Jesus Christ
2. The authority of the Bible
3. Soul Competency
4. The priesthood of all believers
5. Believer's Baptism
6. The autonomy of the local church
7. Voluntary connectionalism
8. Separation of church and state

Both of Clingenpeel's articles are well worth reading.

Hampton Baptist Church Leaves SBC

In the latest Religious Herald of March 13, a news article reports that the Hampton Baptist Church has voted to withdraw from the SBC and belong solely to the CBF. Hampton Baptist Church was founded in 1791 and had been a member of the SBC since the SBC's founding in 1845. In the Richmond area PH is aware that Grace Baptist Church and Ginter Park Baptist Church have withdrawn from the SBC. Has the time come for RRCB to "secede" from the SBC? Letters to PH on this issue are welcomed.

How Much Money is in the RRCB Endowment Fund?

Next Wednesday night following dinner, members of the Endowment Fund Committee of RRCB will present a program in which those present will be educated and hopefully enlightened on the operations of the Endowment Fund. Maybe we will learn just what this fund is worth and whether it is well managed? One smart old theologian once stated that churches should not have endowment funds; that the church ought to spend all of its surplus money every year on mission projects. PH is grateful to the Endowment Fund for the payment of the church's first elevator. Many of you may know the story as recorded in the church history (edited by Tom Halbrooks) published in 1996. On page 164, the following is recorded:

"In 1984 Henry Holland, MD presented a plea for greater consideration for handicapped persons attending River Road, and noted that the handicapped parking spaces were frequently violated. In that context he mentioned the empty elevator shaft in the sanctuary building and wondered about the possibility of its use. Tim Sexton, then chair of the Building and Property Council, said rough estimates were $35,000 - $40,000, out of reach for the time being. A year later Dr. Holland again asked about the elevator and inquired if there was an elevator fund. Tim Sexton answered, "Yes," but acknowledged there wasn't much money in it. Estimated cost for an elevator was $25,000, if the existing shaft was used. Dr. Holland, with his inimitable wit and quiet manner suggested that, as slowly as most churches move, when the elevator finally arrived, we might have to name it the "Henry Holland Memorial Elevator." The board laughed; the endowment fund trustees acted."

This same chapter goes on to explain that the endowment fund was begun in 1967 and by 1985 was worth a half a million dollars. In regard to the elevator in the Sanctuary building, it was finally completed, inspected, and available for use in 1987. PH had the privilege of cutting the ribbon at the time of the official opening. Thus, PH is grateful to the endowment fund for providing additional funds for the installation of the Sanctuary building elevator, which is now used by many members and visitors on a regular basis. PH is also honored that Barbara Jackson included this bit of history in her chapter "The Decade of the Eighties." Recently Barbara took a photo of PH leaving this same elevator. The photo is attached in order to hopefully provoke a smile. But to be candidly honest, Brenda's wedding night photo is a lot better.

Poor Henry's Archives

March 6, 2003
February 27, 2003
February 20, 2003
February 13, 2003
February 6, 2003
January 30, 2003
January 23, 2003
January 16, 2003
January 9, 2003
January 2, 2003
December 26, 2002
December 19, 2002
December 12, 2002
December 5, 2002