This weekend, officially at 2 a.m. on Sunday, we set our clocks back one hour. Ironically it is not just a time change but it is a time for change.

There are so many things converging in these next couple of weeks; Tuesday the 8th is Election Day, Friday the 11th is Veterans Day and it also begins the Hometown Christmas Celebration. From the veteran, since 1776, who pledged his life to his country to the American family, since our forefathers, who have pledged their allegiance to this country we are all taxpayers. So ultimately it boils down to the fact that we are all Americans who should and will be voting, defending and celebrating our independence.

We honor the U.S. veteran for the sacrifice he/she made for his/her country and we reflect upon the privileges the few have earned for the majority of America, whether we be grateful or unappreciative. The patriot knows full well that a few Americans will be ignorant of the gift bestowed upon them while still more will be ingrates. But they find solace in the knowledge that they did all they could for the brotherhood of America, yet knowing it was only a dim image of what Christ did for all of humanity.

It should be easy for America to be united through the sacrifice of its soldiers, as it should be easy for Christians to be united through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, however we know how hopelessly segregated we truly are when we review the statistics. There are approximately 38,000 Christian denominations today and that number is expected to grow to nearly 55,000 by 2025, according to the World Christian encyclopedia.

It’s hardly any wonder why we cannot agree on this election, even though this one, and the ones to come, is extremely critical to the welfare and well-being of all Americans. Too many people vote their wallets instead of their spiritual integrity; making themselves more worried about the economy then their immorality. Truth and justice is not interpretational although today’s radicalism often succeeds in weakening some. What was true remains true for truth does not change but this world is constantly changing. Put another way God cannot lie but the devil is the father of lies. Somewhere along the way we must have forgotten that we have been promised eternal life, otherwise we would be living and voting according to that promise.

Upcoming events:

Today and Saturday is Karaoke at the Versailles Vet’s Bunker. Check out the new bar, floor and restrooms.

Sunday from 3-5 p.m., the public is invited to the fourth annual Great Webster Shootout. This is a free open to the public Skeet shoot competition taking place in the parking lot of the Webster United Methodist Church. Bring your own shotgun or BB gun and ammunition.

Monday, from 1-4 p.m. is great time for Senior Citizens to dance at the Greenville VFW. Admission is $3 for singles and $5 for couples with food and soft drinks available for purchase. Music is by DJ Tom Everhart. There are always door prizes and this is a weekly dance. For more information, you may call Lynn Newbauer at (937) 621-2546 or Tina McClanahan at (937) 548-6800.

Tuesday is Election Day. The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Many believe this is the most important election ever. Pray for wisdom and guidance before casting your vote.

On Thursday at 8:30 a.m., the Village Green Health Campus in Greenville is inviting local veterans and their guest to a wonderful breakfast buffet. Reservations are required by calling 937/548-1993 by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Every Thursday, the Versailles Vets Club is hosting a weekly open to the public bid euchre tournament beginning at 7 p.m. There is a $5 weekly entry fee with cash prizes to top three winners. Questions can be directed to Ralph or Diane Kunk at 526-3358.

Also Thursday evening from 6:15-7:30, the Darke County YMCA of Greenville has a free class on preventing or managing diabetes. For more information or to get registered, call 548-3777.

Nov. 11, Hometown Christmas Celebration sponsored by the local businesses, will begin with the tree-lighting ceremony. The event will include a visit from Santa, carriage rides, an entertainment tent on Main Street with crafts for children, food and even campfire areas. Nov. 12, the Versailles Eagles is sponsoring “Breakfast with Santa” as part of the Hometown Christmas Celebration, from 8-10 a.m. at the club. Pre-sale tickets are available at Eagles, Kaup Pharmacy, Brilliant Beginnings, Kinder Korner, Second National Bank, Johns IGA and Versailles Savings and Loan.

Nov. 13, the American Legion Auxiliary will hold a Chicken Fry at the Vets Club from 4-6 p.m.

Also Saturday (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m. – noon), Nov. 12 and 13 is the 44th Annual Holiday Bazaar in St. Mary’s School basement. The children’s choir will perform at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and there is a Saturday lunch available. The will be many crafts, candies and baked goods and as in the past, their homemade cinnamon rolls, silent auction and door prizes.

Nov. 17, The Village Green of Greenville is offering a free and informative workshop on veterans aid and attendance benefit from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Assisted Living Activities Room. Wartime veterans or surviving spouses may be eligible to receive significant monthly income from the Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits may include help with your at home responsibilities such as lawn care.

Birthday wishes to Elaine Winner, Caroline Schutz, Susie Derr, Oliviah Smith, Shelby Smith, Larry Overholser, Chris Jones, Brian Holzapfel, Arthur Curtis, Don Yagle, Rob Noggle, Dan Buxton, Paul Luft, Kay Camacho, Tom Magoto, Raquel Bulcher, Lori Cordonnier, Kim Constantinides, Krissy Platfoot, Kalyn Justice, Tim Magoto, Griffin Riegel, Kaylynne Minnich, Emily Phlipot (6), Carly Graves, Darlene Wiford, Donna Subler, Marlene Schmitmeyer, Joy Morris, Mary Miller, Sundra Bey, Marge Harman, Diane Elsas, Jennifer Ward, Karen Oldiges, Mary Francis, Danielle Keiser, Sharon Henry, Melissa Stewart, Jerry Pequignot, Ron Schulze, A.J. Bey, George Stuck, Jim Trittschuh, Randy Monnin, Stacy Weymer, Amy Schoen, Marcy Roll, Kristy Earick, Christy Hunt, Judy Magoto, Susie Keihl, Marcy Roll, Cindy Shadoan, and Kent Monnin, as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes Traci and Jesse Doubelaere (9), Angel and Shane Borchers (16), Traci and Jeremy Cordonnier (20), Dawn and Tom Petitjean (23), Stephanie and Ken Swallow, Doris and Mark Kremer, Carol and Phil Borchers (44), Diane and Jim Grillot (45), and Bonnie and Jerry Bey.

Retirement wishes to Marilyn Bensman and a special hello to David Mikesell.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Sally Monnin, Sondra Spangler, Kathy Wespiser, Angie Keiser, Mary Barga, Zane Francis, Theresa Turner, Al Bliss, Regina Fischer, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Steve Grilliot, Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Fr. John White, Glenn Monnin, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Linda Henry, Levadia Barga, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized or home-bound.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mike Geise (57), Richard Broerman (69), Jerome Schmitmeyer (76), Patricia Pax (80), and Elvia Lewis (91), also remembering the lives of Daryl Plessinger, Luther “Squeek” Strobel, Catherine Studabaker, Luke Jutte, Marjorie Lyme, Adaline Knapke, Margery Browder, Thelma Clark, Bud Treon, Lucy Monnier, Red Kremer, Ernie Monnin, Helen Frantz, Don Canan Bill Graves, Janet Helsel, Flora Neargarder, Merv Schulze, Leo Schieltz, Evelyn Gump, Marilyn Bulcher and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” -George Canning

“A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends on the character of the user.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

“Father I pray that no matter who gets elected your will be done.” ~Unknown