“Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise.” (Ephesians 6:2)

There are lots and lots of information out there today that says the world is in trouble. Statistics point to collapses with our national economy, the main line church of the USA (see USA Today, 10-9-12), and the family system as we know it.

You’ve heard it said, “The only constant is change!” How true that seems to be in today’s society.

I want to talk about the family system today. One of the foundations of our nation – her success and prosperity over the years – has been the strong ties of family. I was fortunate enough to live in an age where we still were able to sit down to the supper table together every single night of our lives, but of course, that is very difficult to have happen these days. This isn’t a criticism, but just a stating of the facts. Once our children grew up, family suppers were far and few between.

As we grow older, so do those parents who helped love and raise us as children. I’m one of many of us who give thanks every day for our parents; Mary Alice and I have always said that if our parents ever needed us, we would find a way to be there! They loved us then, now it’s time to continue to return the favor and love them in a special way now!

My dad, Virgil Nipper, Sr., is scheduled for surgery next Wednesday in Nashville. As you know, I had scheduled many fun things to do during our “Renewal Week” that leads up to Reformation Sunday. I love to share information about Martin Luther and the era of the Reformation. It’s fun for me, and, I hope for others that have come in the past.

Of course, we all have to make decisions in life, especially when we have older parents. My father is 84 and has a weak heart, and, a procedure that usually is a day surgery will be a little more tedious as he will stay at least one night in the hospital.

Schedules and regiments and plans must fall by the wayside in these instances. To honor our parents this becomes a simple task—no matter how important or fun for ourselves—we make the choice because our God has called and commanded that we do this.

Because of this, the programs planned next week for Monday and Tuesday are being cancelled, and, my talk on “Luther and the Reformation” for Wednesday will be postponed. (The wonderful “Oktoberfest
Meal” for Wonderful Wednesday will still go on, and, as usual, will be delicious!!!) I’m sorry, on one hand, that I have to do this; and on the other hand, it’s the least I can do to honor my father and family.

I plan to return on Thursday to be a part of the Newberry College Choir Concert and Pot-Luck Meal. I hope to see you all there as well! (Bring food enough for you plus 2 or 3 folks since we are feeding 62 extra people from Newberry…also, we still looking for homes for the students to say…please volunteer!)

I love my father. He gave so much to make the lives of our Mom and my brother so comfortable and good. Now it’s time for me to respect his life and this experience of healing which he needs! I appreciate everyone’s patience with me in this, as well as all of your prayers! (You are a very prayerful people!)

Blessings to you and your family! Always be available whenever you can for them!

God loves you and so do I!

Pastor Jim