Announcement: No More Face Mask or Face Shield Required, Hoorah!!!

Dear Costco Member,

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently announced new guidance regarding COVID-19 and vaccines. Among other things, the CDC now says that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most settings, except where required by state and local laws. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

Based on this new guidance regarding vaccine effectiveness, beginning May 14, 2021, we are modifying our policy regarding face coverings in some U.S. Costco locations.

U.S. locations with no state or local mask requirements - revised policy
In Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate, we will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for members’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy. Face coverings will still be required in healthcare settings, including Pharmacy, Optical, Hearing Aid. Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield.

U.S. locations with state or local mask requirements - no policy change
In those Costco locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require members and guests to wear a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt. If a member or guest has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, they must wear a face shield.

As before, our goal is to continue to provide a safe shopping environment for our members and guests and to provide a safe work environment for our employees, while following public health advice and applicable laws.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

Craig Jelinek
President and CEO
Costco Wholesale

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COVID-19: Christians, You are Surrounded by the Enemy! They That Be With Us are More

Good morning all,  

Katie’s church in Indy is live streaming their Sunday service. The pastor and worship team are on site, but the rest of the church family is home. We enjoyed the sermon and then had our own time of singing and then remembered the Lord in the breaking of bread.

The message was encouraging. Taken from 2 Kings 6:8-17 where the King of Aram is warring against Israel and is mad at Elisha specifically because he is giving his plans away to the king of Israel; he sent his armies to the city of Dothan where Elisha was and surrounded the city.  Elisha's servant saw the armies and was a afraid.  Elisha encouraged by telling the servant those that were with them were more than that were in the king's armies.

[The Pastor] likened the armies of the king of Aram to the coronavirus - making us feel like we are surrounded by the enemy!  They pulled encouragement from the situation.

First - We can respond to the what we see.  Elisha's servant saw the armies and feared

Second - We can respond to what we perceive.  There is a lot of things being said and reported that can make us uncertain of the situation

Third - We can respond to what we can't see.  We can remember that the Lord has promised to be with us and lead and guide us.  He never said there would not be difficult times, but that HE would be with us in them.  Elisha asked the Lord to 'open his servants eyes to he could see'. When the Lord responded the servant saw the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire!

Let's remember that God is still God ad on the throne!

Stay well,

S.M. 

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

16And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (2 Kings 6)

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Facts About Psalm 139

God Created Me

Ten Facts About That

• FACT ONE

God knows when I sit down (v. 2)

• FACT TWO

God knows when I stand up (v. 2)

• FACT THREE

God knows my every thought (v. 2)

• FACT FOUR

God knows where I am and where I'm going (v. 3)

• FACT FIVE

God knows every word (v. 4)

• FACT SIX

the good Shepherd

I can never get so lost that God doesn't know exactly where I am (vs. 7-9)

• FACT SEVEN

God guides me with his hand (v. 10)

• FACT EIGHT

God "knitted" me together before I was born (vs. 13, 15)

• FACT NINE

God has a calendar of my life, with all the days filled in (v. 16)

• FACT TEN

God thinks about me all the time.  His thoughts number more than the sand (vs. 17, 18)

source: unknown

A Psalm of David

Psalm 139

a psalm of David

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

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Remembering Air Force Soldier Kim

It has been 13 years since Kim's untimely death. 
I will never forget my feelings of utter shock and disbelief on that Sunday morning.  I had to read the awful news on the Church Bulletin, for pete's sake!  Why hadn't I been personally told the night before?  They attempted to call me on the phone, someone responds. (I was not yet on FB then).

Her hubby is not at all in the daughter's life. Guilt, perhaps? And/or  gazing at R would be a very painful reminder of what he lost -- and the life he could have had -- if only.

I've noticed more than ever how much R's features are very much like her Mom's.  Kim's own sister even says that their gait is similar.

R's auntie & grandma

Links

J & B's Wedding

Burial Site

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Luncheon with Mexican Folk Dancers

These Dancers rent the facilities at our church.  Until a few days ago, we church members had only heard of them and not seen them IRL. Finally, a dance-show with luncheon was held at our church parking lot. It was about  color that day -- in food, and especially in costumes.

Folklorica Quetzaly charges a minimal amount for young (and old) to learn various traditional Mexican Dance routines during weekly lessons. The dance costumes are vibrant and varied(btw, the more elaborate the look of the dancer via costume, hair arrangement, jewelry and so on, the higher the standing in the community). Many of the home-made props are made with pride.  Most importantly, it becomes a worthy family affair as many Parents get involved, and the kids are kept busy and off the streets.

Pretty Blue Eyes @ Baker Hill Restaurant

We don't eat at this popular spot often enough.  The opportunity arose when our friends from Michigan were in town for a visit. Good food -- for cheap. 
Whoa! How long has the restaurant had a roaming Balloon Man?!

Who let the (Pit Bull) Dog out

Duke's backyard/play area

I've been told that Duke is a PIT BULL (!!!!!!!!!!!) He lives on the property adjacent to the Chapel. I've seen him grow from a Puppy to an adult dog. As far as I know, he's never been vicious nor bitten anyone.  He's quick to play and doesn't mind hand-outs. Still, I'm glad for the 4-foot fence that separates him from the young children.   And me.

I didn't realize till now that he's a blue-eyed dog.

Ultimate Frisbee Game: Fun with the Young 'uns or Hurray for Large Families!

While we were at the Dog-tober Fest, this is what our older children were up to.  First is a picture from the Chapel.  The rest of the pics show them spending time with  Marie and her family, plus their guests.  I've watched these kids grow up for many years; I love how well they've turned out. Decent to the core; respectful, kind, pleasant, plus very intelligent and knowledgeable.  The oldest son earned a Master's Degree while still a teen-ager, and Marie just passed the CPA exam in one attempt.  They're all homeschooled ---  imagine that! (As much as they hate the attention, I have to say "Well done, Dr Dennis & Michelle!"). To God be the glory!

     ~ Ps 127

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:  they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate  

Let's celebrate Kristi

Kristi's un-official Graduation from College was celebrated at church during Coffee-time last Sunday.  Miss Bee ordered a delicious, fresh strawberry cake for the event. It was even decorated with musical notes.   Mr Steve encouraged her, and prayed for her continued success according to God's will.  Romy allowed himself a proud-daddy moment by mentioning Kris' hard work, excellent grades  (3.8 to 4.0 out of a possible 4.0),  and her many collegiate awards/accomplishments. He even acknowledged my  role in her academic success (thanks, Sweetie).  Thank God for blessing us with our daughter.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

Cash for Clunkers Government Rebate Program

This Red-hot, Gorgeous, Brand New '09 Nissan Versa automobile belongs to the Curiels. They wisely took advantage of our government's cash-for-clunkers rebate program. WooHooo!

Their daughter, Abby, is leaving this week for Minnesota to attend school. She's in her sophomore year of college --- a future doctor! We will miss you, Abby! God bless you; and keep you and your whole campus safe. See you in November, Lord willing.

Special College-bound Quilt: Love Blanket for our Camille

To our beloved daughter Camille  ---

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be
gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace ~

Numbers 6: 24-26

This large, super-GORGEOUS, personalized quilt (nothing like it anywhere else in the world) was sewn by Cindy B. She delivered it late one night accompanied by her pets Cissy and Coco, top 2 pictures above. This quilt is a potential heirloom! Most of the panels have a hand-written/hand-drawn message for Camille. Her name is embroidered at the top. Even the quilt backing is beautiful as it's embroidered with my favorite flower ---Roses.

May this lovely quilt blanket our daughter with love as she sleeps in her dorm room; and remind her of our prayers on her behalf as she begins life as a college student at SouthernU.

See if you can find YOUR quilt panel