Dayhoff Westminster

Dayhoff Westminster
www.kevindayhoff.city Address: PO Box 124, Westminster MD 21158 410-259-6403 kevindayhoff@gmail.com

Friday, August 14, 2015

The Battery Warehouse in Westminster


Battery Warehouse
837 Baltimore Blvd – Rte. 140
Westminster, MD 21157
410-876-7188

http://www.batterywarehouse.net/carroll-county-maryland-westminster-eldersburg-md.php

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm / Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm

The Battery Warehouse in Westminster 

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-battery-warehouse-in-westminster.html

Labels: Business, Carroll County Businesses, Dayhoff writing essays, Technology batteries, Westminster businesses - See more at: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-battery-warehouse-in-westminster.html#sthash.p8zBnpod.dpuf

August 13, 2015

By Kevin E. Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.org

For many years, the Battery Warehouse in Westminster has been my go-to place to figure-out hard to answer battery questions and solve difficult battery needs.

It seems that batteries are everywhere these days. All different shapes, sizes and types. I recall the days when the extent of my experience with batteries was flashlight batteries.

The Battery Warehouse always seems to have an ample supply of hard to find batteries and they have always been able to solve my difficult battery questions.

A number of years ago, I had problems with several computer power back-up battery units for when the power goes out. They spent a great deal of time analyzing the problems. Many places would have been content to simply say that I needed to buy new units. But the Battery Warehouse figured-out the problem and fixed it for free. My only cost was a couple of new batteries, which was a bargain in comparison of the cost if new battery back-ups.
 
It is a locally family-owned business and I go out of my way to patronize locally owned small businesses. Not only is the Battery Warehouse very good at what they do, but they are friendly – and the customer service is great.

The Battery Warehouse is easy to locate and access. It is just east of Market Street at the east end of town. Their hours are: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm / Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm


According to their website, http://www.batterywarehouse.net/carroll-county-maryland-westminster-eldersburg-md.php

Battery Warehouse in Westminster MD is a family run business with the best quality and selection of batteries in the area. Our Westminster MD location is convenient to all parts of Carroll County Maryland including Hampstead, Manchester, Taneytown, Mt Airy, Sykesville and Eldersburg MD. Our location stocks 100's of batteries and is worth the drive from anywhere in Carroll County for our great prices and professional service.

Stop in with your battery questions and let them show you why they are #1 in Quality, Service and Price. Professional battery installation is never a problem.

Battery Warehouse Westminster MD stocks batteries for all the following products and more:
Truck / Van / SUV Batteries
Marine / Boat Batteries
Replacement Batteries for Solar Lights
Button Cells of all Sizes
Watches
Computers (C-Moss)
UPS Systems
Emergency Lighting
Wheel Chairs
Scooters
Replacement Batteries for Solar Lights
Battery Chargers
Custom Made Cables
Alkaline Batteries AAA / AA / C / D / 9 Volt
Rechargeable Batteries
Kids Electric Cars / Power Wheels
Auto / Car Batteries for All Makes and Models
Camcorders
Farm Tractors
Solar Battery Chargers
Commercial Products
Golf Cart Batteries
Motorcycle Battery
Dog Collars
Pagers / Beepers
Smart Phone Batteries - Iphone / Android & More
Custom Made Battery Packs & Soldering
Cellular Phone & Eliminators
Cordless Phones
Digital Cameras
Lap Top Computers
Alarm System (Home and Commercial)
Auto Alarms
Batteries for All Types of Remote Controls

Battery Warehouse
837 Baltimore Blvd – Rte. 140
Westminster, MD 21157
410-876-7188
http://www.batterywarehouse.net/carroll-county-maryland-westminster-eldersburg-md.php
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm / Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm

20150814 Battery WH
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Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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Mystery train photograph


I wonder if anyone might have an idea what year this photo was taken? I mean to guess the 1930s is too easy.... What can anyone you tell me about this train? http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/mystery-train-photograph.html
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Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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Thursday, August 13, 2015

Carroll H. Staggs, Jr., 75, of Westminster


Carroll H. Staggs, Jr., 75, of Westminster

http://www.myersdurborawfh.com/obits/obituary.php?id=563088

Carroll H. Staggs, Jr., 75, of Westminster, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning, August 1, 2015 at Carroll Hospital Center.

Coach Staggs was my Westminster Junior High School basketball coach and my science teacher. He was wonderful in both positions.

As a science teacher he helped instill and reinforce what would become a life-long interest in botany – and later horticulture. I later made a meager living farming by raising nursery stock and often thought of Coach Stagg’s science classes…

He was friendly, kind and passionate about his work and it was infectious.

As for basketball; I loved to play basketball but alas, in the end I was such a horrible basketball player that I later turned to wrestling for a winter sport in high school.

But I will always remember that he once put me in a basketball game in the old Taneytown High School gym. I was thrilled. Bill Fourhman passed the ball to Mark Causey who passed the ball to me and I scored a bucket. The only two points I ever scored in competitive high school basketball in my entire life. Thanks to the kindness and passion of Coach Staggs who put me in the game even when it was obvious that I could not dribble a basketball and breathe at the same time.

Visitation at the Myers Durboraw Funeral Home was quite hard. There were many pictures from the 1960s that caused a flood of memories of the Westminster I knew growing-up in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a friendly and affirming small town where we cared for each other and looked after each other. We were somewhat isolated and probably quite naive.

The war in Vietnam had not quite hit home and challenges of urban strife could only be found in the pages of the News American, or the Morning and Evening Sun – I was a Morning Sun person…

Westminster was a friendly and fun town unfettered by the hastiness of today’s day-to-day subsistence existence. This was long before the oustlanders– the newcomers - came to Westminster and Carroll County to call to our attention all our shortcomings and save us from ourselves. It was not a perfect town. There is no such thing. But my memories of growing-up in Westminster are perfect. And a legion of folks like Coach Staggs helped make it perfect.

According to Coach Staggs’ obituary:

Born December 6, 1939 in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Carroll H. Staggs, Sr. and Mary Fern Tressler Staggs.  He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Waltraut Flender Staggs.

Carroll was a graduate of Frostburg State Teachers College with a degree in Education and earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Frostburg. 

He loved teaching, and was a Science teacher at East and West Middle Schools for 38 years, where he coached middle school basketball. 

He was very passionate about his church and family and was a very active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, serving as the Usher Coordinator, chair of the Worship and Witness Committee, Past President of the Consistory and rang the bell on Memorial Day.  

Carroll was very active in the Carroll County Education Association and was a representative of CCEA Retired Teachers.  He was a member of Carroll County Old Timers Baseball Association and was an avid sports fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and attended many local high school and college basketball games. 

He was always looking out for others and was willing to lend a helping hand.  Other loves were spending time outdoors, tending to his garden, fishing and hunting.  He travelled on bus trips, attended dinner theatres, and enjoyed having breakfast with family and friends.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter, Laura McClelland and husband, William, of Finksburg; son, Jeffrey Staggs and wife, Theresa, of Westminster; brother, David Staggs of Frostburg; nieces and nephews, and a great-niece.  He was predeceased by a brother, Roger Staggs.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 5th at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 17 Bond Street, Westminster, with his pastor, Reverend Marty Kuchma, officiating.  Burial will be private in Deer Park Methodist Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 91 Willis St, Westminster, MD.  

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Paul's U.C.C., 17 Bond Street, Westminster, MD  21157, American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to the National Kidney Foundation  1301 York Road Suite 404, Lutherville, MD   21093.

http://www.myersdurborawfh.com/obits/obituary.php?id=563088


Carroll H. Staggs, Jr., 75, of Westminster http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/carroll-h-staggs-jr-75-of-westminster.html


Labels: #Dayhoff5EasyPieces, People obituaries
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Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Westminster Maryland Who to call for services

MUNICIPALITIES

WESTMINSTER

County Seat of Carroll County
[City Seal, Westminster, Maryland]
  • Incorporated 1818 (Chapter 128, Acts of 1818)
  • Burgesses
  • Code & Charter
  • Mayors
  • Population
    1990 census: 13,060
    2000 census: 16,731
    2010 census: 18,590



  • Reports
    • [City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, Maryland]
      COMMON COUNCIL
      Elected by Voters to 4-year terms (May):
      Robert P. Wack, M.D., President (chosen by Council in May, 2-year term), 2019
      Suzanne P. Albert, 2017
      Tony Chiavacci, 2017
      Mona L. Becker, Ph.D., 2019
      Gregory Pecoraro, 2019
    City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster, Maryland, July 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. 
    [Police Department, 36 Locust St., Westminster, Maryland]
    Police Department, 36 Locust St., Westminster, Maryland, January 2002. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. 
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    Westminster City Government http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20City%20Government

    Westminster Maryland Who to call for services August 11, 2015 http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/westminster-who-to-call-for-services.html

    Westminster Maryland Who to call for services http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Who%20to%20call%20for%20services

    Westminster Maryland Who to call for services June 22, 2008 http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2008/06/20080622-who-to-call-in-city-of.html

    Westminster Municipal Band http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Municipal%20Band

    Technology Westminster Ting http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Technology%20Westminster%20Ting

    Westminster Council Meetings http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Council%20Meetings

    Westminster news http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20news

    Dayhoff photos Westminster govt http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Dayhoff%20photos%20Westminster%20govt

    Westminster Council Meeting Notes http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster%20Council%20Meeting%20Notes

    Westminster Carroll County Maryland http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster


    For articles on Westminster Maryland Online about Westminster click on http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/Westminster
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    Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
    Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
    Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
    Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
    Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

    E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
    My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


    See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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    Tuesday, August 11, 2015

    Lonely is the runner that gets out on the Wakefield Trail to run after not running for weeks



    Lonely is the runner that gets out on the Wakefield Trail to run after not running for weeks. Even a bunny just stopped and starred. Then there was that moment when you realize that someone on the trail was walking faster than I was running. I did regain some pride when I caught - up with the grandmother pushing the stroller. Just saying.

    Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
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    Broad range of topics discussed at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting Monday night

    Ting, the Westminster broadband technology project, to begin residential installations soon


    At the meeting of the Westminster Common Council Monday night, August 10, 2015, Westminster officials had a wide range of issues on the agenda. From left to right: Dr. Mona Becker, Tony Chiavacci, Council President Dr. Robert Wack, Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz, Suzanne Albert, and Greg Pecoraro.

    Broad range of topics discussed at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting Monday night http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/broad-range-of-topics-discussed-at.html

    Labels: #Dayhoffphotoblog, Dayhoff photos Westminster govt, Westminster, Westminster Council, Westminster Council Meeting Notes, Westminster Council Meetings, Westminster news, Technology Westminster Ting

    Ting, the Westminster broadband technology project

    - See more at: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/broad-range-of-topics-discussed-at.html#sthash.p2me1MHw.dpuf


    Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz, (L) recognizes Superintendent John Rawlings, Sr., for 30-yrs of service to the city at Mon night’s council http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/at-monday-nights-meeting-of-westminster.html

    Westminster Mayor Kevin R. Utz, on the left, recognizes Superintendent John A. Rawlings, Sr., for 30-years of service to the city at Monday night’s council meeting as Westminster Police Chief Jeff Spaulding and Finance Director Tammy Palmer look on. August 10, 2015 by Kevin E. Dayhoff

    Tuesday, August 11, 2015

    By Kevin E. Dayhoff

    At the meeting of the Westminster Common Council Monday night, Westminster officials had a wide range of issues on the agenda; including an employee recognition, new trucks and equipment purchases, a new playground equipment initiative, and an update on the city’s fiber technology project.

    The meeting began with a mayor and common council recognition of the city’s wastewater superintendent John A. Rawlings, Sr., for thirty-years of service.

    With his wife and family present, Westminster Mayor Kevin R. Utz acknowledged how Rawlings and his department have saved the city a “great deal of money over the years” by their diligence, and innovative management approaches to an ever-increasingly complex aspect of government. Westminster councilwoman Mona Becker, a professor of environmental studies at McDaniel College agreed; reporting how she takes her environmental geology and chemistry classes to the treatment plant for field trips.

    This was followed by a progress report on the Westminster Ting fiber technology initiative, by Valerie Bortz, the Westminster Ting city manager.

    “Exciting things are happening,” said Bortz as she reported that the city’s fiber project is “getting ready to go live this week.” Bortz reported that soon Ting will begin making scheduled fiber installations in homes in Westminster.

    Bortz also reported that the city recently was given a 2015 Community Broadband Innovative Partnership of the Year award by The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA.) According to a recent release found on the city’s Ting broadband fiber web page, “NATOA is a professional association for local governments … [to] help these communities get better access to telecommunications and broadband Internet services. These awards are intended to recognize people, towns, companies and initiatives each year that advanced the cause of broadband deployment and adoption in local communities.”

    A discussion among the councilmembers ensued about continued efforts to get the word out about the broadband fiber initiative. It was noted that there remain many questions about “What is Ting;” how does it bring value to the city and what does it means to Westminster citizens.

    In a recent e-mail interview with Westminster councilmember Tony Chiavacci, he noted, “As far as the value. There is a lot. True high-speed internet access … not what we currently have; but gig service - is going to be as important in the future as electricity and roads are to us today.

    “We feel this project puts us many years ahead of most of the rest of the nation and it will position Westminster to be on the front of this technology. The hope is by us being out in front, we will attract business and individuals to Westminster that need this level of service, and cannot get it elsewhere. Thus, providing high paying jobs opportunities, increasing the average income, and pushing property values up in our area. As well as allowing people to work where they live versus commuting out of the area every day.”

    With Ting, “you are driving a Ferrari instead of a Chevette,” said Chiavacci at the council meeting.

    Jeff Glass, the city’s public works director then presented several equipment and truck bids for the council’s deliberation and approval. Glass also asked for the approval of this year’s annual roadway resurfacing and paving contract. This past winter was hard on Westminster’s streets and the councilmembers are anxious to begin addressing the roadway repairs and improvements.

    Abby Gruber, the director of recreation discussed with the mayor and council a project to rebuild the aging playground equipment at Dutterer Park. According to a release by Gruber, after an upcoming planning session, on “October 9, 2015, volunteers from The City of Westminster, The Boys & Girls Club of Westminster, and Habitat for Humanity, along with BGE will build a great new place for kids to play in one day. The project is in partnership with KaBOOM!, the national nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most.”

    In other news, Utz reported that the Wakefield Valley golf course task force recently held its first meeting to develop long term planning for the use of the large property at the west end of town that will be transferred to the city in the near future.

    There were no ordinances or resolutions – or old business to discuss and after departmental reports the meeting adjourned after a little over an hour. 
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    Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
    Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
    Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
    Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
    Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

    E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
    My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


    See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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    Changes




    Kevin E. Dayhoff

    Last night I covered the Westminster mayor and common council meeting for the newspaper: “Broad range of topics discussed at the Westminster mayor and common council meeting Monday night http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/broad-range-of-topics-discussed-at.html. And I had spent almost all day in church at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster. 

    At the end of the day, as I was writing the article on the council meeting, I could help but to recall one of my all-time favorite sermons about change.

    Both Westminster city government and Grace Lutheran Church need to continue to change in order to continue to relevant.

    Fortunately, Grace Lutheran, under the leadership of Pastors Martha and Kevin Clementson, and church council – especially Council President Ron Fairchild are continuing in the correct direction of adapting with the times.

    Along with my sister-in-law, United Methodist Church Pastor Sarah Babylon Dorrance, this simply must be some of the brightest and best church leadership around.

    Same goes with the Westminster city government.

    As I sat last night in the Westminster council chambers beside city attorney Elissa Levan, I reflected upon the fact that I have now been going to Westminster City Hall since the late 1950s and have always been impressed with the level of care, diligence and expertise exhibited by our government at work.

    But the current administration simply must be one of the best in the state of Maryland – and the current mayor and common council are going some great things. We should all be proud and help in any way we can.


    So, anyway, this one of my all-time favorite sermons…. June 14, 2001: "Sharing Faith in a New Century” By Lutheran Bishop H. Gerard Knoche

    "Sharing Faith in a New Century”
    By Lutheran Bishop H. Gerard Knoche

    ** Here is the text of the sermon by Lutheran Synod Bishop H. Gerard Knoche at Synod Assembly Opening Worship, June 14, 2001, based on Acts 17:16-34; given at Western Maryland College in Westminster, MD.

    Permission is given for congregations to reproduce it for their own use.

    This one of my all-time favorite sermons…. June 14, 2001: "Sharing Faith in a New Century” By Lutheran Bishop H. Gerard Knoche http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2001/06/thisone-of-my-all-time-favorite-sermons.html

    Labels: #Dayhoff5EasyPieces, Change, History This Day in History 0614, Religion Grace Lutheran Church, Religion Lutheran, Religion Lutheran Bishop H. Gerard Knoche, Religion Shrinking Church - See more at: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2001/06/thisone-of-my-all-time-favorite-sermons.html#sthash.MTtrx3fN.dpuf
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    If we do not share faith in the new century many of the congregations in the Delaware-Maryland Synod will die.  I am sorry that my first words as a preacher at Synod Assembly carry bad news.  But in my travels around the synod in these last nine months, I have come across too many congregations where the largest demographic group in the congregation is over 55.  Two urban churches have closed since I took office, both being sold to other denominations that expect to make a go of it.  If they can do it, why can’t we?  It was almost shocking last Sunday to be in a congregation where there were more teenagers worshiping than in any other church I have attended (20 or 25 at least).  “If this church can do it, why can’t others?”  I asked myself.  Churches that will survive, that will grow, are churches that have, as our assembly theme suggests, learned how to share the faith in a new century.

    The lesson from Acts tells the story of Paul sharing the faith with a group of people who are new to him.  Paul has been left in Athens and is depressed to see the city is full of idols.  Apparently there were beautiful statues to every imaginable Greek god or goddess throughout the city.  He is waiting for Silas and Timothy and so decides to argue for the faith with the Jews in the synagogue and with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.  Like other Athenians, the text says, they “spent their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.”
    This evening I would like to look at Paul’s speech to see what it might tell us about Sharing Faith in a New Century.  First, Paul went out to the Areopagus, the public square where folks gathered to talk.  Unlike times past, we cannot expect folks to come to church looking for us.  Those who do that are largely those who have had some experience with the church in their background.  Increasingly, there are many Americans who have had no contact with Christianity, know nothing about it—and may even feel it is irrelevant or may be hostile to it.  A telling commentary on our culture is the fact that ”spell check” in Windows 95 does not have all the books of the Bible in its list, much less many of the Biblical names.  They are not part of the general basic knowledge base.  In campus ministry it was not unusual to have a student come in timidly saying, “I’m dating a Christian.  I have no idea what that means.  Can you tell me?”  To share faith in the new century we will need to go to the unchurched where they are.

    Secondly, Paul knew the world-view of those with whom he wanted to communicate.  He had discovered their altar to an unknown God and he knew that they shared his belief that God had created all things.  He spoke the gospel to them in a form they were most likely to understand and accept.  We need to be more attentive to our audience.  Leonard Sweet is one of the writers who has researched what the postmodern culture is like. I don’t have time to share all the characteristics, but I will say that it is a culture more interested in spiritual experience than spiritual arguments.  They want to feel God more than they want to understand God.  Stories of personal belief are more convincing than explanations of doctrine.
    Today’s culture also seems to be able to hold two contradictory notions at the same time.  F. Scott Fitzgerald said that the test of a first-class mind is the ability to be able to hold two opposing ideas in the head at the same time and still be able to function.  Book titles catch the doublespeak with ”Ordinary Miracles” or “Open Secrets” and movies with “True Lies.”  More significantly, it is true that new houses are bigger while families are smaller; more farmers are making big bucks and more farmers are facing financial catastrophe; more people are becoming rich than ever before and more people are becoming poor than ever before.  The postmodern is able to handle paradox, which in other days we have called dialectics.  We need to understand the worldview of the unchurched if we are to share the faith in a new century.

    Thirdly, and perhaps most obviously, we need to know the gospel ourselves. 
    Paul makes his connection to their thought world and then moves on to talk of
    God’s judgment, of their need to repent, and of the resurrection.  It pains me to read that pollsters have determined that four out of ten folks who call themselves Christians are unable to name the four Gospels.  If the way that
    Jesus speaks to us and guides us in our life is through the Scriptures, then
    if we don’t know the Scriptures we don’t know Jesus very well either.  There
    is no question in my mind that the key factor in churches that are reaching
    out to share the faith is the rostered and lay leadership.  Folks who know Jesus, know the Bible, and are excited about sharing that relationship with
    others do it best.  To share faith in the new century, we need to deepen our
    Biblical knowledge and our love of Jesus, so that we will have something
    fresh and dynamic to share.

    One of the fears about changing the way things have always been with new
    music or the use of the Internet or coffee house churches is that what is most precious to us will be lost.  The story is told that in the early days of the Tennessee Valley project, a dilapidated homestead was going to be torn down.  They were damming the river and the valley would be flooded out.  A new split-level ranch house was built for the Appalachian family on a hillside nearby.

    The day of the flooding arrived and the bulldozers were there to tear down the old house.  The family refused to move out of the homestead.  Finally, out of desperation, a social worker was called to find out what the problem was.  “We ain’t goin’ anywhere” was the reply.  The social worker pleaded with them to tell her what the problem was and why they would not move into their beautiful new home.

    ”See that fire over there?” the man asked, pointing to a blazing fire in the
    primitive hearth of the log cabin.  “My grandpa built that fire over a hundred years ago,” the man explained.  “He never let it go out, for he had no matches and it was a long way to the neighbors’.  Then my pa tended the fire, and since he died, I tended it. None of us let it die, and I ain’t goin’ to move away and let grandpa’s fire go out.”

    The social worker got an idea.  She arranged for a large apple butter kettle
    to be delivered to the home.  The hot coals would be scooped up and transported to the new home, kindling would be added, and the grandfather’s
    fire would never go out.  The Appalachian family accepted and moved up to the
    split-level rancher on the hillside after they knew that they would have the
    fire of their ancestors.

    As we share faith in the new century, we will keep the fire—of water, of bread and wine, of the book that is a love letter from God, but we will move to new places, where we do things differently, lest the flood of modernity wipe us out.  Paul and Jesus would want it that way.  Then, just like with Paul, some will scoff; others will hear us again; and some will become believers.
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    Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
    Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
    Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
    Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
    Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

    E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
    My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


    See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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    At Monday night's meeting of the Westminster Mayor and Common Council, Superintendent John Rawlings was recognized for 30 years of service. August 10, 2015


    At Monday night's meeting of the Westminster Mayor and Common Council, Superintendent John Rawlings was recognized for 30 years of service. August 10, 2015 http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/at-monday-nights-meeting-of-westminster.html

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    Monday, August 10, 2015

    MSP Remembers Sergeant Wallace Mowbray - End of Watch August 10, 1975

    MSP Remembers Sergeant Wallace Mowbray - End of Watch August 10, 1975

    According to the Maryland Troopers Association’s fallen hero’s page:

    Sergeant Wallace J. Mowbray
    End of Watch: 8/10/1975
    Age: 39
    Years of Service: 13
    Cause of Death: Gunfire
    National Memorial Panel: 21-E: 10

    While checking via radio on the license of a driver of a van with three other occupants, Sgt. Mowbray was shot and killed when struck by a shotgun blast. Investigation later revealed that the registration plates on the van were stolen and there were outstanding warrants for two of the occupants. Occurred near Baker's Liquor Store in Chester, MD.

    According to information from the Maryland State Police.

    Forty years ago today, Sgt. Mowbray was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Chester, Maryland. He was checking a license plate over the radio when he was struck by a shotgun blast. The license plates turned out to be stolen and two of the four occupants had warrants out for their arrest.

    All four suspects fled from the scene.

    Two suspects, who were later convicted of doing the shooting, kidnapped a couple in Chester, took their car, and raped the woman. They were captured several hours later.

    The other two suspects stole a boat and headed toward the Western Shore. They were captured two days later.

    All four suspects were convicted of Sergeant Mowbray's murder.

    One of the suspects convicted of doing the shooting was sentenced to life plus 95 years for rape, kidnapping, and other crimes committed before and after Sergeant Mowbray's murder. In 1982 he escaped from prison and was placed on the FBI's 10 most wanted list. He was captured 14 months later. In 1991 he won a new trial which resulted in less serious convictions and a 27 year sentence. He was paroled in 1993. Four months later he was sent back to prison for four years when he violated his parole with a disorderly conduct charge. In 1999 he was sent back to prison again when he took money from a charity jar in a Glen Burnie, Maryland, cafe. On December 1, 2003, he was arrested and charged with robbing a Glen Burnie bank. He was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 20 years June 18, 2004.

    The other suspect convicted of the shooting was sentenced to life in prison.

    The third suspect was sentenced to 55 years and the fourth suspect was sentenced to 20 years.

    Sergeant Mowbray had been a member of the Maryland State Police for almost 14 years.

    http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/msp-remembers-sergeant-wallace-mowbray.html


    Labels: History This Day in History 0810, LODD Line of Duty Death, MD State Police MSP, MD State Troopers Assoc Lodge # 20 Chaplain - See more at: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2015/08/msp-remembers-sergeant-wallace-mowbray.html#sthash.X0wC3ccl.dpuf
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    Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: 
    Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
    Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
    Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
    Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

    E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
    My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


    See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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    Tom Canon shares some family reflections

    Tom Canon shares some family reflections at the funeral service for Sylvia Canon for the many folks who have gathered at Grace Lutheran Church to say goodbye to a truly amazing person.

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