Paul Epley
I retired from teaching in 2015. I decided that having taught students with moderate to severe cognitive delays for 31 years, it was time for a change. Presently, I am working part time at the Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure, in Fair Oaks, Indiana. As a tour guide there I have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and from all over the world. I also took course work online that earned me a dual certification as an Ordained Minister and Chaplain. Plus, in March of 2016 I acquired my license to exhort in the Christian Reformed Church. I look forward to doing more preaching in Classis Illiana. I hope to find a position as a part time chaplain at a local retirement home, nursing home, or hospital.
Posted in: What Are Your Policies Concerning Flags in Church and Worship Spaces?
This is inline with what I have been contemplating. Very well worded.
Posted in: What Are Your Policies Concerning Flags in Church and Worship Spaces?
Thank you for your insightful comment. This is very helpful.
Posted in: Is There Still a Place for Church Libraries?
Recently the library in our church was relocated. In the process of relocating the librarians cleaned house. They removed all of the books that apparently had rarely been checked out. These books were given away to anyone in the church that wanted them. Among the giveaways were reference works, such as various Bible commentaries, Calvin Institutes, Barns Notes, and many Christian biographies. There were some newer scholarly works as well. All of these are gone, and now all that is left are the Christian novels. I call these fluff. There are few books left that truly challenge the reader to grapple with Biblical truth. Nothing concerning justice, race relations, or other social issues. I am afraid the content of our new library reflects sadly that what the Christians at my church want, at least the ones that frequent the library, is to be entertained, and they are not interested in engaging in deeper thinking. If this is what we are going call a church library, then I would say we need neither the library or the librarian!
Posted in: Is There Still a Place for Church Libraries?
I am toying with the idea of becoming our church librarian. Where would I begin? I do not have any training in library science. I have read here that many church libraries are designed with a self-checkout system. How can I set this in place? I do not want to jump into this without having some knowledge of what I am doing. Someone else had asked if there are any resources that can help a layperson learn how to organize and run a library. My hope is that if approach this correctly, my wife will join me in this endeavor. I know she would come onboard only if I can demonstrate that I have done my homework and am well prepared and have a plan and vision.