POCKET SERMON 7: "WHY NOT CHECK OUT THE BIBLE THIS NEW YEAR 2010? YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!" By REVEREND BARBARA SEXTON

POCKET SERMON 7: "WHY NOT CHECK OUT THE BIBLE THIS NEW YEAR 2010? YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!" By REVEREND BARBARA SEXTON

Take this little Sermonette, print it and share it!    

     A curious thing, the Bible is and people read it for a variety of reasons.  Some read it out of curiosity and some out of cynicism or criticism of it's contents. Yet others read it as part of a college assignment and there's always the turn-to Gideon's Bible in the bedstand drawer of every hotel room.

     Nevertheless, the bulk of readers all over the globe turn to the Bible for encouragement, spiritual guidance and comfort, in times both good and bad. 

Only you know if you might wish to take up this New Year's Challenge to check out Scripture and only you will know why.  All I can say is it is certainly worth a shot.


     Some people 'start' their first Bible reading at Genesis, the first 'book' of the Bible in the Old Testament.  Others start at the New Testament with "Matthew", or they simply start reading an extended quote they read on some 'blog' or elsewhere online.  Wherever you start, you are bound to find something interesting, I can guarantee you.  The Bible contains every bit of 'human wisdom' ever espoused (yes, that includes all the great commentators) since it was written.

courtesy Jim Sutton http://www.gospelgifs.com/

     Just so you know, I tell folks that if they're about to die and have never read the Bible before and they want to, they should start with 'Mark' in the New Testament.  It's short, concise and gives an easy 'read' of Christ's ministry. 
     The word used to describe Biblical books about Jesus in the New Testament (NT for short) is "Gospel" or "the Gospels".  The word "Gospel" means "Good News" from old English "god spell", with a 'long' o.  This was the name of a musical some years ago, if you recall.
     Three Gospels of the New Testament are similar and they are Matthew, Mark and Luke.  They are formally called the "Synoptic Gospels" meaning from the same perspective (literally 'seeing together')  John is not one of the Synoptic Gospels because it is different from Matthew, Mark and Luke.  Don't let this terminology confuse you.  The message of God is simple and easy to understand, easy enough for a child to do so, and that's a fact.




     For those new to reading the Bible, let me share with you how I approached the task when I became a Believer in the late '80's in my late thirties.  First, I started attending regular Sunday services at The Salvation Army in Stamford, CT and read and studied the Scripture verses for that week.   Then I bought (and extensively use to this day) the New International Version (NIV) Zondervan Study Bible.  Here is the link: http://www.zondervan.com/  It is very readible and fully referenced. But most importantly, the text of the NIV is understandable for the modern reader, while preserving the integrity of much older versions and I fell in love with it at first sight.  The NIV was chosen by the Salvation Army as the best possible version for use in worldwide missionary work and this former Soldier knows why.
      Please don't get me wrong regarding the KJV (King James Version)of the Bible used by Catholics.  I love the poetic flavor of the older English used in the KJV, but it is just not that understandable to the average reader nor to children.  That said, I can't imagine using anything BUT the KJV at memorial services, etc. for the 23rd Psalm, etc, for the beautiful quality of these well-known words and the comfort they bring.  
     But pity the poor novice Bible reader with the old 'King's English'.  He/she may soon come across the RSV or the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) of the Bible.  At the other end of the spectrum, this version is generally considered to be the choice of 'academics' and is (in my opinion) lacking in the passion and poetry of other versions of the Bible.  Simply put, the NRSV is the choice of those who wish a non-emotional read, the NIV is favored by basic, down-to-earth believers (yes, including evangelicals) and the KJV and NKJV are preferred by orthodox groups including Catholics and those who prefer a close to the original translation of the Bible. THE CHOICE IS YOURS and these are simply my guidelines for you.

http://www.gospelgifs.com/

      In all my years at the UCC (United Church of Christ which uses the NRSV), I clung to my old rugged NIV for personal use and when I conducted my own services and  have never regretted it.  When serving as a co-liturgist, I read from the NRSV as requested, of course, for it was not much of an issue.  However, the new Bible reader will find that Believers can be very passionate about their choice of Bible.
     So...if anyone here is looking for a really 'cool' New Year's Resolution, why not vow to check out the Bible?  Read some of it and see what all the fuss is about!
     Just so you know, there are 39 books in the Old Testament (the 'Jewish' part of the Bible) and '27' books in the New Testament (the Christian part of the Bible) for a total of 66 books.  Of course, as you read, you will see that the two Testaments totally overlap and interact and predict and repeat and enforce each other in very many ways.




courtesy of                http://www.gospelgifs.com/ 
     There is also a body of writings which are called the "Apocrypha" (meaning "hidden" in Greek) which contains some writings pertaining to the time 'between the testaments' as well as supplementary information.  Some denominations in Christianity treat the Apocrypha as legitimate writings, while others do not.  I suggest you do as I have and read for yourself and discern the truth with the aid of the Holy Spirit in you!  I believe that clergy should guide fellow believers, but no one man's or woman's interpretation is the be-all or end-all, ever.
     There is so much more about the Bible I could tell you about right now, but I'd prefer you find out for yourself and urge you to take up my New Year's Challenge, even if you think it all bunk.
         And if something in the Bible rings true to you, embrace your 'find'.  Perhaps God will have given you the gift of what Christians call 'faith'!  And even if nothing clicks with you as you read the Bible, at least your curiousity will have been satisfied and you'll be able to hold your own when speaking about it.
     I pray that God does such work in your life this New Year that He makes His Neverending Presence known to you and to those around you in a very real way.   And I pray that He blesses and keeps you safe and sound in His Love at all times. 
AMEN 
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Reverend Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist"  December 31, 2009

                                                    

JESUS WILL RETURN: BELIEVE IT!!! REVEREND BARBARA SEXTON

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN 2010 AND ALWAYS--REVEREND BARB "THE BIBLICAL BIOCHEMIST"

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH? Dear Ones Healing Ministry, Reverend Barb

Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet, 100 count bottles: Recall of all lots--Reverend Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

Dear Ones:  I was praying that your Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations were happy and fruitful ones and here we are with another 'tylenol problem'.  Once again, I have to put my biochemist's hat on.

     Please note the lot numbers and be sure to check ALL such products.  If you have any specific questions, just email me "The Biblical Biochemist" at BarbaraKSexton@aol.com  I do pray that you've no need for concern, but if you do, please remember that the toxicity threshold for acetaminophen ("Tylenol" is a name brand) is low.  Do not ingest more than 4,000 mg a day if you must ingest any.  An intake of 7,000 mg a day will destroy your liver very rapidly.  Considering that this is the season of eating and drinking and the FLU, pain-relieving medications are used freely.  It goes without saying that chemically contaminated acetaminophen is even MORE of a danger than properly compounded product, so beware.

     An alternative treatment for tylenol toxicity is NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine).  NAC helps the body synthesize glutathione, an important chemical that is DEPLETED by the overuse of acetaminophen aka Tylenol.  Consult your individual healthcare provider for proper dosing information for preventative purposes.

     HOWEVER: Tylenol overdose of any kind is a medical emergency, especially in infants and children and must be treated as such, so, again, see your healthcare professional.

     Below is the link and the text of some safety alert information:http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm195704.htm Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet, 100 count bottles: Recall of all lots Audience: Consumers, Pharmacists

Posted 12/28/2009] McNeil Consumer Healthcare and FDA notified consumers that it is expanding a voluntary recall to include all available product lots of TYLENOL Arthritis Pain Caplet 100 count bottles, with the distinctive red EZ-OPEN CAP (Full list of lot numbers provided in press release at link below). In November 2009, 5 lots of this product were recalled due to consumer reports of an unusual moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor that was associated with nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The odor is caused by the presence of a chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, believed to be the breakdown of a chemical used to treat wooden pallets that transport and store packaging materials. The health effects of this compound have not been well studied, and to date all of the observed events reported to McNeil were temporary and non-serious. Consumers who purchased TYLENOL Arthritis Pain Caplet 100 count bottles with the distinctive red EZ-OPEN CAP from the lots included in this recall should stop using the product and contact McNeil for instructions on a refund or replacement.
[12/18/2009 - Press Release - McNeil Consumer Healthcare]
     Just for the record, acetaminophen is not one of my favorite over-the-counter medications.  Please take care with it if you choose to use it.  With Love, Reverend Barbara Sexton December 29, 2009









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CDC CONFIRMS CASE OF DOG CONTRACTING H1N1 (SWINE) FLU--REVEREND BARBARA SEXTON

Dear Ones:  There is a case of canine H1N1 flu reported recently.  Here is a link for you: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/12/22/h1n1-us-dog-who.html

Pet dog recovers from H1N1

Last Updated: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
6:07 PM ET Comments13Recommend5CBC News
A dog in New York has been confirmed to have the pandemic strain of H1N1.
The pet, a 13-year-old mixed breed, seemed to have caught the virus from his owner, Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, said Tuesday.
It is the first reported case of H1N1 in a dog, but other pets, including cats and ferrets, have caught the strain from humans, veterinarians say.
In theory, the strain could be transmitted from a pet to a human, "but so far it's really looking like a dead end in pets," San Filippo said.
The dog came in for a checkup Tuesday and is "getting back to his old self" but has not fully recovered, said veterinarian Julie Steffens.
It is rare for pets to spread flu viruses, and people should not be afraid to enjoy the animals, said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So far, 111 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been made available in the U.S., she noted.
"Surveys are showing that initial doses of vaccine were relatively quickly taken up and they were going to the people they were targeted for," Schuchat told reporters in a telephone briefing.
The agency estimates that nearly 50 million Americans have been infected with swine flu and 10,000 have been killed by it. Seasonal flu results in about 36,000 deaths a year in the U.S. and 4,000 to 8,000 a year in Canada. The death toll from swine flu in Canada as of Dec. 12 was 367.
The World Health Organization cautioned Tuesday against making comparisons between confirmed H1N1 deaths and seasonal flu deaths. The comparisons can be misleading and don't accurately measure the impact of the pandemic, given that H1N1 affects a much younger age group, WHO said in a briefing note.
It likely won't be possible to accurately assess the disease and death rates until a year or two after the H1N1 pandemic has peaked, using methods such as those used to estimate deaths during seasonal flu epidemics, the agency said.
 The Associated Press
As always, I urge caution with hygiene.  Use common sense if you are ill and don't expose yourself to others...pets included.  There is no need to panic here at all.  So far this H1N1 Pandemic has been moderate and we pray it will stay that way and leave us soon!
Christmas Blessings to You All,
Reverend Barbara Sexton   December 23, 2009 

Intranasal H1N1 (SWINE FLU) VACCINE RECALL

Dear Ones:  If you received the intranasal 'live-attenuated' spray form of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu virus vaccine, please be aware that some lots made by MedImmune  have been recalled by the federal government.  Here is a link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/sprayrecall_qa.htm The officials state that this is not a 'safety issue', but is a 'subpotency issue' which should not affect the effectiveness of the vaccine lots listed below.  The CDC says, "Persons who received vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to take any special actions. As is recommended for all 2009 H1N1 vaccines, all children younger than 10 years old should get the recommended two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine approximately a month apart for the optimal immune response. Therefore, children younger than 10 years old who have only received one dose of the nasal spray vaccine thus far should still receive a second dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. It is best to use the same type of vaccine for the first and second dose."

Be sure to check the links provided here and with your healthcare provider for specific advice for you and your families.  The affected lot numbers are:  500754P   500751P   500756P   500757P   500758P   500759P    500760P   500761P   500762P   500763P   500764P  500765P   500776P

Reverend Barbara Sexton   December 23, 2009 

PAW NATION-FAITH THE INSPIRATIONAL DOG

Here is an absolutely heartwarming story about a special inspirational dog who helps veterans as well as civilians.  Watch and read about this two-legged wonder.
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/faith-the-two-legged-dog-turns-seven-this-christmas/

Seven years ago this Christmastime, a tiny puppy was born with only two fully formed hind legs to a "junkyard dog" raised to guard a flea market, reports the Associated Press. The deformed and weak puppy was being smothered by its mother when Reuben Stringfellow, 17-years old at the time, rescued the helpless newborn and brought it home, where he and his mother, Jude Stringfellow, cared for the puppy and named her Faith.

"When Reuben brought Faith to us she had three actual legs, but the left front leg was badly deformed, placed backward, upside down, and it had more toes on it than normal dog legs," writes Jude Stringfellow on Faith's official website. "The leg was removed when she was seven months old when it began to atrophy. People ask me if it was easy to teach Faith to walk upright... the answer is no! It was not easy, and it was not natural."
But learn to walk Faith did -- with the help of some peanut butter, encouragement and, well, faith. Since overcoming her congenital defect and learning to walk upright on her hind legs, Faith and her owner Jude have toured the country visiting injured soldiers at veterans' hospitals.
"She just walks around barking and laughing and excited to see them all," Jude tells the Associated Press. "There is a lot of crying, pointing and surprise. From those who have lost friends or limbs, there can be silence. Some will shake my hand and thank me, some will pat her on the head. There is a lot of quiet, heartfelt, really deep emotion."
Faith is a "Christmas miracle," Jude states on her website. "Faith's real birthday is unknown but we gave her the date of December 22 to celebrate. We know she was born within a few days of that date."
This January, Faith will be reunited with her rescuer Reuben, who has been serving in the military, reports the Associated Press. We hope cameras will be there to capture the emotional reunion.
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/18/faith-the-two-legged-dog-turns-seven-this-christmas/

God Bless Faith, her keeper Jude Stringfellow and her son, Faith's 'rescuer' Reuben Stringfellow.
With Love, Reverend Barb    December 21, 2009

STAMFORD DEPT OF HEALTH ANGELS SPOTTED IN STAMFORD AGAIN! (REMINDER:H1N1 (SWINE) FLU VACCINE CLINIC-TUES, DEC 22 10am-12pm GOV'T CENTER)

Dear Ones: 
     I know it is the busy Christmas season, but our health is important!  Please note that the wonderful nurses of the City of Stamford Dept of Health & Social Services are offering an H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccination Clinic for young children and pregnant women tomorrow, Tues, Dec 22, 10am-12pm at the Stamford Government Center.

courtesy http://www.christart.com/

     I finally understand why these ladies are always dressed in white.  It's because that's an appropriate color for God's Angels here on earth!  Their working conditions are often uncomfortable as they selflessly and willingly expose themselves to the ill and ailing among us.  We've been spared the worst of the H1N1 Pandemic thus far, thanks be to God, but it should humble and comfort all of us to know that these fine women and their support staff are here to help us no matter what may come our way. 
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all of them and to their loved ones.  
With Thanks & Gratitude, Reverend Barbara Sexton
http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx
On Tuesday, December 22nd, the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services will hold an H1N1 clinic from

10:00am – 12:00pm at the Government Center (888 Washington Blvd.), Main Lobby, for INFANTS AGES 6 MONTHS – 35 MONTHS AND PREGNANT WOMEN ONLY. The H1N1 vaccination is free and no appointments are necessary.
Please continue to check the City of Stamford website (www.cityofstamford.org) and the Stamford Department of Health and Social Services H1N1 Hotline (977-4213) for H1N1 clinic updates.
Be sure to check ahead and confirm all clinic details, now that we are into the snow & ice season.

POCKET SERMON 6: CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS OF CRUCIFIXION BY REVEREND BARBARA SEXTON December 16, 2009

                                      POCKET SERMON 6: 

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS OF CRUCIFIXION

     by Reverend Barbara Sexton

Take this Sermonette, print it and share it!
     There are not many forms of execution more gruesome than that of crucifixion.  Scripture, as well as history texts, tell us that this form of punishment was reserved for outcasts, slaves and for those who were not citizens of Rome.
     Several misconceptions exist regarding the practice of crucifixion.  First, this was a sentence that could only be passed by Roman officials, not by the Jews.  Secondly, the nails used were likely driven into the wrist and heel bones and not into the palms and front of the feet, in order to better assure that the nailings would 'hold' the weight of the victim's body.  There is no indication whether or not the Cross was composed of planed wood or roughly hewn beams (I vote for the latter), but no matter, someday we will know.

     An example of another crucifixion quandry confronts us when we read

 that portions of 'wine' or of 'wine mixed with gaul or with myrrh' would be offered to those being crucified or about to be crucified,  the very offerings Jesus refused to take.  These drinks were not intended to quench the thirst, but more likely were given to deaden pain while depressing the sensation of thirst.

     The following drink of wine and gaul had pain-killing properties and was traditionally provided by the women of Jerusalem, God Bless them:
"There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gaul; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it." Mt 27:34 (NIV).  Later on, also in the Book of Matthew, we read, "Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge.  He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink." Mt 27:48 (NIV)  We are not given to read that Jesus took this drink either.  We read in Mark: "They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull).  Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.  And they crucified him."  Mk 15:22-24 (NIV) 
     It is a fact that the Talmud has evidence that temple incense (containing myrrh) was to be mixed with wine for use as a pain-killer.  Myrrh itself is a resin from  a plant which grows in the deserts of Arabia and Africa.  Considering the barbarity of crucifixion, it is not surprising that the women of the time would be instruments of God's compassion.  The women of Jerusalem, in fact, serve as inspiration for myself, your humble "Biblical Biochemist".  The oils and herbs and plants of old are as useful today, and even more so when combined with modern medicine.
     But the details I've just outlined, with all their horror, point out to us just what a miserable and torturous business crucifixion was intended to be.  Saved for the lowest of the lowest, the final blow to the subject of this form of execution would be to the lower legs, in order to hasten death.  You see, once the shin bones were broken, the victim could no longer support the weight of his own body and death soon ensued by suffocation as the diaphragm and nearby organs collapsed upon themselves and simply prevented the lungs from filling completely with air.  This was a handy way to finally dispatch the prisoner so that the body could be disposed of properly by sunset, though Scripture tells us that Christ died without having his legs broken.
     "Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.  But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.  Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.  The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.  These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"  and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced." John 19:31-37 (NIV) 
     You're thinking, this is all very interesting, but what in Heaven's name does the Crucifixion have to do with CHRISTMAS?  Now I will tell you. 
     In a generic sense, Christians must, of necessity, consider the Crucifixion to be a blessing, for without it, we would not have our Risen Savior.  It is a 'means to an end', for us, to be delivered of our Messiah.  It is a stark representation of 'good' overcoming the worst of humankind's actions.  It is proof of Divinity in God who was also a man, something that gives us hope and encouragement and which is the essence of our faith.
     But I will give you another potent vector of inspiration in the works of children I've known throughout the years.  This is precisely the type of thing that can be easily overlooked, but which touches the heart once it is discerned.  And here it is:
     Any number of times, when young ones are asked to 'draw a picture of Jesus', we get a collection of the Lord with all colors of hair (including blue, green and rainbow!), with all colors of skin, of all body types (from stick figures to fuller bodies), in all kinds of settings and on crosses of all sizes and shapes.  But let's look at the 'cross drawings' I've seen over the years.  It amazes me to reveal that surprisingly often, the small child, when drawing Jesus on the Cross, will have placed a big, wide, 'smiley-face' smile on the countenance of our dear Christ!  A SMILEY-FACE!
     Amidst renditions of weeping people kneeling at the foot of the cross and smears of red crayola on Jesus's hands and feet, there you will see Jesus grinning widely, smiling, beaming, in fact, as he surveys the scene around him.  Clearly young children intuit things three steps ahead of adults.  They see in advance the happiness to come for the people in their pictures.  Their God-given gift of childhood innocence allows them the perception of better things to come..and of the 'happy-ending'.  They see and portray Jesus smiling when, he should be displaying signs of agony.  This is not to say Jesus didn't suffer, but it is to say that youngsters are often ahead of us in understanding many mysteries of faith.
     So, since Christmas is for children and children of all ages, at this time of the year I choose to picture in my mind's the 'smiley-faced' Jesus on the Cross.  He's looking down and smiling at us, loving us and beaming.  And we look to Him also with love and in happy anticipation and excitement of what's to come.  While we don't really emphasize the Cross this time of the year, the next time you do, visualize a smiling Christ, the baby grown up, as you gaze at the little child in the manger.  Look at the happy-side of that tiny child, for that's the message of Christmas and it's all good. 
Merry Christmas, dear children of God.   With Love, Reverend Barbara Sexton Dec. 16, 2009
    

H1N1 VACCINE CLINIC TOMORROW DEC.17, THURS. AT UCONN 2-6 p.m--Almost Everyone AND DEC. 22, TUES GOV'T CENTER 10-12 p.m--Infants & Pregnant Women Only

H1N1 VACCINATION CLINIC INFORMATION (Updated 12/10/09)
Link: http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx
On Thursday, December 17, 2009, the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services will conduct an H1N1 vaccination clinic from 2:00 pm -6:00pm at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus (One University Place, on the corner of Washington Blvd. and Broad Street).
The H1N1 intranasal spray vaccine will be available to:
• Healthy children ages 24 months (2 years) through 24 years
• Healthy household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age
The H1N1 injectable vaccine will be available to:
• Pregnant Women
• Children and adults from 3 years to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions (examples: asthma, other lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc)
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age who are not eligible for the H1N1 intranasal spray vaccine
It is not necessary to schedule appointments and the vaccination is free of charge. Parking is available at the University of Connecticut parking garage, located on Washington Blvd., across from the University. PARKING IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE 2nd FLOOR.

On Tuesday, December 22nd, the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services will hold an H1N1 clinic from
10:00am – 12:00pm at the Government Center (888 Washington Blvd.), Main Lobby, for INFANTS AGES 6 MONTHS – 35 MONTHS AND PREGNANT WOMEN ONLY. The H1N1 vaccination is free and no appointments are necessary.
Please continue to check the City of Stamford website (www.cityofstamford.org) and the Stamford Department of Health and Social Services H1N1 Hotline (977-4213) for H1N1 clinic updates.

Myspace Stuff

FLU VACCINE FINDER

Dear Ones:  I hope you find the search tool above to be helpful.  It will direct you to retail establishments (i.e. drugstores, etc) where flu shots are available.  As always, CALL AHEAD and confirm availability, hours and cost, if any.  With Love, Reverend Barbara Sexton December 16, 2009

HAPPY HANUKKAH TO OUR JEWISH FRIENDS From Reverend Barbara Sexton

HAPPY HANUKKAH TO YOU!

Love, Reverend Barbara Sexton December 11, 2009

SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION CLINIC TUES. DEC 15 TULLY CENTER

Dear Ones:  Just a reminder that here will be a SEASONAL Flu Vaccination Clinic at the Tully Center on Tues, December 15, 2009.

Link:http://www.stamfordhospital.org/all-services/Flu_Information.aspx Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinics

Stamford Hospital: Seasonal Flu Clinic Dec. 15
Stamford Hospital has received a shipment of seasonal flu vaccine and will conduct a vaccination clinic.
Clinic Details:
When: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, from 4 - 8 p.m., or long as vaccine lasts
Where: Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court.
Cost: Flu shots cost $30.
The CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.
For more information, please also call the FLU HOTLINE at (203) 276-4948. 
Love, Reverend Barb "The Biblical Biochemist"

H1N1 VACCINATION CLINICS DEC. 17 UCONN & DEC. 22-GOV'T CNTR

Dear Ones:  The Stamford Dept of Health and Social Services has announced two more H1N1 Vaccination Clinics:

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services will conduct an H1N1 vaccination clinic from 2:00 pm -6:00pm at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus (One University Place, on the corner of Washington Blvd. and Broad Street).

LINK: http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx

The H1N1 intranasal spray vaccine will be available to:

• Healthy children ages 24 months (2 years) through 24 years
• Healthy household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age
The H1N1 injectable vaccine will be available to:
• Pregnant Women
• Children and adults from 3 years to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions (examples: asthma, other lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc)
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age who are not eligible for the H1N1 intranasal spray vaccine
It is not necessary to schedule appointments and the vaccination is free of charge. Parking is available at the University of Connecticut parking garage, located on Washington Blvd., across from the University. PARKING IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE 2nd FLOOR.
AND--

On Tuesday, December 22nd, the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services will hold an H1N1 clinic from 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Government Center (888 Washington Blvd.), Main Lobby, for INFANTS AGES 6 MONTHS – 35 MONTHS AND PREGNANT WOMEN ONLY. The H1N1 vaccination is free and no appointments are necessary.

LINK: http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx

Please continue to check the City of Stamford website (www.cityofstamford.org) and the Stamford Department of Health and Social Services H1N1 Hotline (977-4213) for H1N1 clinic updates.  As always, I suggest you call the HOTLINE and confirm all details for these clinics.
God Bless You this Holiday Season-Reverend Barb

OLEG EPSHTEYN:CERTIFIED NERD FRANCHISE OWNER OF 'NERDS TO GO'--Recommended by Reverend Barbara Sexton

                                OLEG EPSHTEYN,

                                    Certified Nerd

                                    'NERDS TO GO' 

                      

     Computer problems?  Security issues, set-ups, maintenance, spilled soda emergencies?  Not a problem.  Just call my favorite NERD:

Oleg Epshteyn, franchise owner of 'NERDS TO GO' at

1-800-390-NERD for Fairfield Co., CT and beyond.

I'm sure you will smile when you see Oleg's yellow 'Nerdmobile' parked outside.  But the real blessing is the great, honest, PROMPT work and response time Oleg provides, not to mention he's a nice guy, and so reasonable too.

Now I'm sounding like a Jewish mother, I know, but I can't help it! 'YOU SHOULD CALL OLEG ALREADY OR GO TO http://www.nerdstogo.com/   Heaven  forbid you should have a computer problem!

Reverend Barbara Sexton   Dec. 10, 2009

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

Myspace christmas Graphics

POCKET SERMON 5:"TROUBLING WORDS LIKE MARY HEARD" BY Reverend Barbara Sexton

                               POCKET SERMON 5:
"TROUBLING WORDS LIKE MARY HEARD"    
                     by Reverend Barbara Sexton
              Take this Sermonette, print it and share it!
Luke 1:26-38 NIV
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

     I pray these days leading up to Christmas Day are ones of excitement, hope and happiness for you. Don't let the busy-ness overtake you, and take time for yourselves, dear ones. Eat well, be moderate in your frivolity and try to get enough sleep.
     Give freely and joyfully...but only if you can. Do this and that at the suggestion of others...but only if you really want to! Tell them Reverend Barb said, "It's okay to say NO! God wants us to be wise and practical with our resources."
     As importantly, don't let anyone, but anyone put the squeeze on you--be it your church, your clergyperson, a non-profit organization, a political group or anyone else. Just do good and do it your way, as you believe the Lord would have you do it. Tell anyone trying to 'shake you down' and/or intimidate you 'to give' that Reverend Barb said, "I'm doing it differently this year!   I'm going 'hands-on'! I'm giving what I want to give, to whom I want to give and I'm 'saying yes' as Mary did....as Joseph did...so many years ago."
     Tell them the greatest thing we can do here on earth is to do God's work through His Holy Spirit, especially at Christmas.
     That means volunteering time, elbow-grease, grunt work, technical help, works of charity, companionship, and all the things money simply cannot buy.
     Adopt a senior or at-risk youth for the holidays. Drive someone to doctors' offices or to shop. Visit shut-ins. Ring a bell (be sure to bundle up well first).  Take the more difficult route, the more challenging route this year. You'll still probably spend more money than you'd like, but you will have a closer walk with Jesus and his parents. You are putting 'the Word to work' and will have a gift-giving season in a class by itself.
     Try it. Dare to be bold in your convictions and inspire others, especially your children, to do the same.
     Then you will see what wonders God lays before you, so prepare to be amazed.
With Hope & Love that you will be like Mary and have no trouble saying 'YES'!--
Reverend Barbara Sexton December 9, 2009Chr

SEASONAL FLU VACCINE-Tully-Dec 15, 2009 4-8 p.m.

Stamford Hospital has announced that there will be a SEASONAL FLU (NOT an H1N1 Clinic as I reported previously) which is NOT FREE.

The SEASONAL FLU Vaccination Clinic will be on December 15, 2009 from 4-8 p.m....or until they run out of vaccine. http://www.stamfordhospital.org/all-services/Flu_Information.aspx (quote from link): http://www.stamfordhospital.org/all-services/specialty/Seasonal_Flu_Vaccine.aspx : 

"Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinics

Stamford Hospital: Seasonal Flu Clinic Dec. 15
Stamford Hospital has received a shipment of seasonal flu vaccine and will conduct a vaccination clinic.
Clinic Details:
When: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, from 4 - 8 p.m., or long as vaccine lasts
Where: Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court.
Cost: Flu shots cost $30.
The CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.

For more information, please also call the FLU HOTLINE at (203) 276-4948.

From Reverend Barb:  If you are not sure whether or not you should get the SEASONAL FLU vaccine with or without the H1N1 Vaccine, contact your healthcare provider.  As I peruse the latest CDC, WHO, MMWR, etc websites, all I can say is that while certain indicators are decreasing slightly in some areas of the U.S., the H1N1 STILL qualifies as a PANDEMIC.  There is still a possibility that the H1N1 will take-off like wildfire--Pray God that is DOES NOT! 

Per the 'plain old (SEASONAL) flu', no one knows how 'hard' the SEASONAL FLU will hit on top of the H1N1.  No one knows for sure what the results will be for being doubly vaccinated, but so far the data suggests that unlike the 1976 Swine Flu vaccine, the current H1N1 (also a Swine Flu) vaccine has not produced an alarming number of adverse events.  Just check out http://www.cdc.gov/  and http://www.who.gov/ and http://www.fda.gov/  and http://www.mmwr.gov/ for the latest technical information.

My advice as your "Biblical Biochemist" is to use your common sense.  If you usually get a seasonal flu shot, you know what to do.   If you don't, then you might consider the suggestion I provide in my free Newsletter.  Many use a different, homeopathic vaccination approach with excellent results, but you need to consult your healthcare provider for specifics depending on your general state of health.
Also don't forget the STAMFORD DEPT OF HEALTH H1N1 HOTLINE: 203-977-4213.  I know these hotline numbers and website links are confusing, but we are dealing with an unusual flu situation.  You must check both HOTLINES before you go anywhere, for all clinic details are subject to change at any time!  The main thing is that you stay well and healthy and/or recover well.  With Love,  Reverend Barb December 8, 2009

EARLY ALERT NEXT H1N1 VACC CLINIC STAMFORD HOSP 12/15/09

BREAKING NEWS:  Dr. Michael Parry says the next H1N1 Vaccination Clinic will be at Stamford Hospital on December 15.  I will post details when I have them.  If interested, you may sign-up for my email alerts, also, by emailing: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com
The Stamford Hospital website is:
http://www.stamfordhospital.org/all-services/specialty/H1N1_vaccine_information.aspx
     Here are my suggestions for getting to one of these clinics:  First, bear in mind that there are limited supplies of the various types of influenza vaccines.   
     Please be patient with healthcare personnel when they have to change clinic hours and/or if they 'run out' of vaccine or change a 'location'. 
     Secondly:  If you want to get vaccinated, confirm, confirm and confirm again any information you get--here or otherwise.  Once again, here is the HOTLINE NUMBER:
HOTLINE STAMFORD DEPT OF HEALTH:977-4213
The Stamford Dept of Health is:
http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx 

Please, before you leave call the pertinent hotline!  Don't just depend on website information in order to not be disappointed.

Blessings, Reverend Barb  Dec. 7, 2009

PEARL HARBOR DAY REMEMBRANCE--DEC. 7, 2009

             PEARL HARBOR DAY-DEC. 7, 1941

Is 'Day of Infamy' Fading From Memory?  December 07, 2009

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Isaac George was pinned down in the control tower at Hickam Field, Hawaii, 68 years ago today, when the Japanese hurled the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that catapulted the United States into World War II.

"I saw the (USS) Arizona blow up," said George, 88, of New Castle. "They were strafing us. ... I think about it a lot."

George, a former Army Air Force radio man, is one of about 100 Pearl Harbor survivors in Pennsylvania and among a shrinking number of World War II veterans alive to remind people how the attack that December morning changed America.

"Most of the kids in school don't know what Pearl Harbor is," he said.

The 9/11 attacks and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- coupled with the dwindling number of World War II veterans -- have helped push the war to the back of Americans' memories, according to a retired University of Pittsburgh professor and leading expert on Pearl Harbor.

"It's going to be very, very hard to keep it going," said Donald Goldstein, a retired University of Pittsburgh professor.

Paul Stinner was serving in the Army in Panama when Japanese bombers started their deadly run.

Stinner, 87, of Robinson would spend the next five years fighting in Europe. He was wounded in battle and suffered other injuries when a building collapsed on him in Belgium.

"Went all the way to the Bulge," he said, referring to the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle of the war in which the United States participated and the last great German offensive.

Bernie Ordos, 90, of West Mifflin was about to be relieved from guard duty on Pearl Harbor that day 68 years ago when waves of Japanese fighter planes flew over his head.

"A lot of people don't know what Pearl Harbor is," said Betty Ordos, 87, his wife of 69 years. While her husband was fighting in the Pacific, Betty Ordos lived with her mother-in-law and worked at a factory making gaskets for the war.

"I don't think the new generation understands the magnitude of what happened there," Stinner said.

Japanese planes hit the U.S. fleet and its base at 7:55 a.m. An hour and a half later, five of eight battleships were sunk or sinking, and the rest were damaged. Several other ships and hundreds of combat planes were destroyed.

The bombers killed more than 2,400 Americans that day. The attack pushed the United States into a war that would end in 1945 after the dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Sixty years later, more than 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Although the number of Americans killed that day surpassed those killed at Pearl Harbor, the 9/11 attacks pale in comparison to the scope of World War II, Goldstein said.

More than 16 million Americans fought in World War II, according to the Department of Defense. About 2 million are alive, but they are dying at the rate of about 900 a day. Some estimates put the death rate for World War II veterans at 1,600 a day, Goldstein said.

Keeping alive their stories becomes more difficult each year.

"There will be some (veterans) out there, they'll be in their 90s, but the problem is there will be less people to understand it," said Goldstein, co-author of "At Dawn We Slept: The Untold Story of Pearl Harbor."

The war played a big part in Pittsburgh's history, he said.

"Pittsburgh was the arsenal for World War II. ... All the mills were pumping. We carried that war," Goldstein said.

About 35,000 of the 150,000 living veterans in Allegheny County served in World War II, said Ron Conley, Allegheny County's director of veterans services. A couple of thousand veterans die in the county each year, about two-thirds of them World War II vets, he said.

"I think it's important that people understand," said Conley, who urges veterans to record memories of their war experiences.

A tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors at the state Capitol in 2002 drew 25 survivors, said Mike Randazzo, event co-chairman. By 2005, just six survivors attended. Attendance has climbed since, but Randazzo said the numbers are dwindling.

"Each year, more and more invitations come back, which means, well, you know. ... And that's sad," he said. "But if I can do my part to tell their story, I can't think of a better way to honor any veteran."

      It is easy in our daily rushing-around so close to the holidays to forget the fine men and women who sacrificed all on that fateful day on December 7, 1941.  But we don't forget here.  We will never forget, here, the brave members of our United States Armed Forces who protected us then....and who protect us to this very day.

     Please take a moment to read about this 'day that will live on in infamy':

http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_pearlharbor.htm

December 7, 1941: It was a fateful day, the start of World War II for the United States, and a turning point in our history. Pearl Harbor, on the Island of O'ahu, Hawaii, (then a territory of the United States) was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. The surprise attack was conceived by Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, with a strking force of 353 Japanese aircraft led by Commander Mitsuo Fuchida. The attack was launched from six heavy aircraft carriers accompanied by 24 supporting vessels. A separate group of submarines was to sink any American warships which escaped the Japanese carrier force. The goal: Cripple U.S. naval might in the Pacific, allowing Japan to seize control of the area.  Read more:

http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_pearlharbor.htm

Remember our brave Americans who fought for us.  Pray for them...Be thankful for them.

"Lord God, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who gave themselves that we might live in liberty in American, the best place in the world.  AMEN--

Reverend Barbara Sexton, Dear Ones Healing Ministry

http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE!

MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY AND BRIGHT

THIS CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY SEASON, 

REVEREND BARBARA SEXTON

STAMFORD AREA H1N1 FLU VACCINE CLINIC PREGNANT WOMEN TUES, DEC 8, 2009

Dear Ones:  The Stamford Dept of Health has announced a FREE, WALK-IN H1N1 Vaccination Clinic for infants 6-35 months and for pregnant women (only) tomorrow, Tues, Dec 8, 2009. This will be held in the main lobby of the Government Center--888 Washington Blvd.  The link is below:

http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx  where you will find the following information:

On Tuesday, December 8th, the Stamford Department of Health & Social Services will hold an H1N1 clinic from

10:00am – 12:00pm at the Government Center (888 Washington Blvd.), Main Lobby, for INFANTS AGES 6
MONTHS – 35 MONTHS AND PREGNANT WOMEN ONLY. The H1N1 vaccination is free and no appointments are necessary.
God Bless and Keep You this Holiday Season,  Love, Reverend Barb "The Biblical Biochemist" : )

REMINDER: STAMFORD H1N1 FLU SHOTS AT UCONN TODAY Dec. 7, 2009

A reminder for you Stamford Area Dear Ones:  The Stamford Dept of Health and Social Services will hold an H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic Today, Dec. 7, 2009, at the UCONN Campus downtown.  Injectable and inhalable forms of the vaccine will be available for FREE on a WALK-IN basis.  Parking is available on the second floor of the  Washington Street Garage.  Here is the link for particulars: http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/140/214/364/402/435/110788.aspx

including:

The H1N1 intranasal spray vaccine will be available to:

• Healthy children ages 24 months (2 years) through 24 years
• Healthy household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age
The H1N1 injectable vaccine will be available to:
• Pregnant Women
• Children and adults from 3 years to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions (examples: asthma, other lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc)
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age who are not eligible for the H1N1 intranasal spray vaccine
Reverend Barbara Sexton for you!

PLEASE PRAY FOR JIM--DEAR ONES HEALING MINISTRY PRAYER LIST DEC 6, 2009

Please Pray For:

Jim (and his wife Trudy)

Dennis

Clo

M.

B.

A.

C.

Victims of and Shooter Nidal Hasan

K.

K.

B.

Those Affected By H1N1 Fly including those who are scared and in need of consolation in addition to medical care. 

First Responders Everywhere

All People Of Good Faith, Peace and Love

Please send any prayer requests to:

Reverend Barbara Sexton at

BarbaraKSexton@aol.com

FOR TRUDY--From Reverend Barb

To Trudy:  This is for you!

Life is just grand sometimes, isn't it?
With Love, Reverend Barbara Sexton

SLIM- FAST RECALL--Another Holiday Woe by Reverend Barbara Sexton www.Dear Ones HealingMinistry.blogspot.com

      Heaven knows I do not like to spoil a holiday season with bad news...But I also 'know people' and what happens around this time of the year: We always overeat and some of us go crazy trying to 'diet' between major holidays.

     This news may not be readily available everywhere, but I would like to inform you about a Slim-Fast Ready-To-Drink Products (RTD) are being recalled.  Here is the vendor's voluntary link: http://www.slim-fast.com/recall.aspx at the manufacturer's site.  Having worked with the FDA/CDC/EPA, etc. I can tell you that few companies voluntarily list recalls on their company page, unless mandated by the FDA itself. http://google2.fda.gov/search?q=slim-fast&client=FDAgov&site=FDAgov&lr=&proxystylesheet=FDAgov&output=xml_no_dtd&getfields=*&x=15&y=17       Unilever, the company which also makes products like Skippy peanut butter and Ragu pasta sauce, said the weight-loss drink may be tainted by Bacillus cereus, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based Unilever urges consumers who have purchased the possibly hazardous products to discard them immediately and contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund.

     The current articles you read will say, "The recall does not apply to other Slim-Fast branded products, such as powdered shakes, meal bars or snack bars."  However, Slim-Fast has a very recent history of having bacterial contamination in their bars, too.  Here's the link: http://google2.fda.gov/search?q=slim-fast&client=FDAgov&site=FDAgov&lr=&proxystylesheet=FDAgov&output=xml_no_dtd&getfields=* 

    Dear Ones, please be careful with your use of Slim-Fast products at this time.  They are getting way too much time on the FDA's recall list.  The current (liquid) recall refers to contamination with Bacillus cereus.  The Slim-Fast recall of it's bars refers to contamination with Salmonella typhimurium.  I can hardly imagine what kinds of complications these organisms can initiate on persons during this H1N1 season!  Do be careful, my dear ones.
     My advice is to not rely on search engines website for pertinent information.  Also, understand that the website http://www.fda.gov/ is only periodically updated, and unless someone monitors these things on a regular basis, it is easy to miss recall information.  Just check in here for the latest, as it's available.
     Please pass this on to anyone who is in diet mode this holiday season.  For specific questions and/or to sign up for my NEWSLETTER, simply email: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com.
     God Bless and Keep you Well and Healthy! 
With Love,   Reverend Barbara Sexton  "The Biblical Biochemist"