Human beings are social beings. We were made for one another and we were made to help one another. Explorers, scientists, philosophers, artists, farmers, teachers, etc., help or benefit others with their talents. Humans have benefited from the knowledge and discoveries of gifted individuals, but humanity has benefitted from the dedication of missionaries and philanthropists.
Occasionally a philanthropist donates time or money toward a self-serving or misguided cause, but I prefer to consider them as someone who cares for someone else’s physical and spiritual well-being. Examples like Mother Teresa of Calcutta (who is now a canonized saint) or Danny Thomas founder of the St. Jude Research Medical Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, manner, while some are, for the most part neutral. The polio vaccine had a positive impact on society, the birth control pill had a negative impact on society and technology has the ability to be both positive and negative.
Technology plays a major role in human behavior. It has become an inexpensive resource for medical diagnosis, recipes, fashion, sports, etc. We can communicate without speaking, by texting or messaging, we can stay in touch on Facebook. We can do all our banking online; order our prescriptions, groceries, clothes, etc., without leaving the house or speaking to anyone. And entertainment, such as; music, books, magazines, movies, and video games, can be downloaded or streamed within the comfort of one’s home.
We are steadily losing our ability to socialize with others, which leads us towards self-absorption. Attendance at nearly any event, outside of a sports event, receives a poor attendance. Personally I know how easy it is to stay home instead of dressing up and going to that concert on the square, community meal or church social.
Socializing was important when I was in school. I remember no one was allowed to remain inside during recess and everyone was expected to attend the evening junior high dances. By the time we graduated we were a tight family. We could vote with authority who was the class clown, the brain, the athlete, the most likely to succeed, the most congenial, and so on.
Socializing is important because it’s the way God designed us. I think of all my acquaintances when I hear this song; “We are many parts, we are all one body, and the gifts we have we are given to share. May the Spirit of love make us one indeed; one, the love that we share, one, our hope in despair, one, the cross that we bear.” Each person I have come in contact with has left their imprint upon me in some way; for good or for ill. People are a necessary component within one’s journey of life. But perhaps we no longer know where we are journeying to. Consider this your invitation to join any number of the upcoming events and be among others.
Upcoming events:
Fish fries: the Versailles Eagles offering all-you-can-eat-fish this Friday from 5 p.m. until gone, the Versailles Vet’s Club offers smelt dinners from 4:30-7 p.m. today, March 31 , April 7 and April 14th, and the Yorkshire Goat Farmers offers a fish fry from 5-8 p.m. March 31 and April 14. Also nearly every restaurant offers fish and other non-meat options for purposes of Lent.
This Sunday there will be breakfast served 1) by the Versailles Lions in the St. Denis Church basement, 2) St. Paul Lutheran Church in Willowdell in their basement and 3) Versailles Eagles. Hope you’re really hungry!
March 29 is the Community Meal from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church basement. This is a chance for fellowship and food for the price of a free-will offering.
March 30th (and every Thursday) the Versailles Vets Club holds an open to the public Bid Euchre Tournament downstairs at 7 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee with opportunities to win a cash prize.
Mark your calendar and prayerfully consider attending the Darke County Right to Life group who meets at 105 W. Third St., Greenville on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information, you may call 547-3113.
Tickets for the upcoming high school musical of Cinderella are again available by contacting Lynda at (937) 526-5276.
Birthday wishes to Lurene Monnin, Myrna Gigandet, Laura Armock, Paula Moody, Kim Hecht, Bev Boerger, Billie Jo Gasquez, Diane Magoto, Julie Mangen, Matt Heffner, Jeff Lyme, Julie Schmitmeyer, Bud Overholser, Marla Spencer, Tessa Fine, Charlotte Rhoades, Grant Flory, Debbie Shively, Linda Wilson, Bessie Barga, Mike Shively, Joan DeMange, Linda Brand, Larry Monnin, Kathy Voisard, Amy Elifritz, Shirley Magoteaux, Sandy DeLaet, Nick Beasley, Gary Curtis, Diane Magoto, Colton Platfoot and Yvonne Ridenour. Happy anniversary wishes to Kasey and Doug Christian (22), Carl and Mike Schuh (27), Bonnie and Jerry Bey (46), Ginger and Paul Brubaker (50), and Evelyn and Arthur Curtis (67)!
Congratulations to the girls’ basketball team for an outstanding season and an exciting state championship game. They finished their season as State Champion Runners Up.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Ron Vogel, Donna and Terry Black, Ron Bruner, Barb Hart, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Wilma Didier, Anne Cox, Dave Buxton, Doug Bruns, Conrad Phlipot, Jean Castle, Betty Kremer, Amanda Murphy, Vickie Cottrell, Connie Stachler, Sally Tebbe, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, John Magoto, Sheila Spahr, Madonna McEldowney, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Dave Fullenkamp, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Sondra Spangler, Mary and Mike Barga, Anabelle Subler, Jeanette Simon, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, John Klipstine, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Sue Minnich (67), Margie Gehret, Shirley Ann Hoff (75), Virginia Braun (76), Pauline Martha Heath (81), also remembering the lives of Jack Munn, Bernadine Wendel, Iris Nickol, Joe Kenworthy, Virginia Gilmore, Norma Barga, Earl Baltes, Bob Guillozet, Edith Brandt, Dorothy Henry, Kenny Subler, Loretta Stammen, Sam Grabeman and all those held within our hearts, but not mentioned by name, as the anniversary of their passing nears.
“He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god.” ~Aristotle
“Some people come into your life as blessings. Some come into your life as lessons.” ~Mother Teresa
“More than half of the 10 commandments are laws for right conduct towards others, not oneself in solitude.” ~C. Edwards
