I recently read an email that tactfully described the state of our present day society, which I paired with a two paragraph quote from Rick Warren, an American evangelical Christian pastor and author of “The Purpose Driven Life. Perhaps these words will wake many of us up to our present reality and stir us to action. The email: Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others. However, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was not the senior citizens who took

The melody out of music, The pride out of appearance, The courtesy out of driving, The romance out of love, The commitment out of marriage, The responsibility out of parenthood, The togetherness out of the family, The learning out of education, The service out of patriotism, The Golden Rule from rulers, The nativity scene out of cities, The civility out of behavior, The refinement out of language, The dedication out of employment, The prudence out of spending, The ambition out of achievement or God out of government and school.

Rick Warren’ s quote: “In today’s society, materialism is idolized, immorality is glamorized, truth is minimized, sin is normalized, divorce is rationalized, while abortion is legalized.” In TV and our movies crime is legitimized, drug use is minimized, comedy is vulgarized, and sex is trivialized. Meanwhile the Bible is fictionalized, churches are satirized, God is marginalized, and Christians are demonized. The elderly are dehumanized, the sick are euthanized, the poor are victimized, the mentally ill are ostracized, immigrants are stigmatized, and children are tranquilized. And in families around the world, our manners are uncivilized, speech is vulgarized, faith is secularized, and everything is commercialized.”

Unfortunately as Christians, you and I find ourselves disorganized, believers are demoralized, our faith is compartmentalized and so our witness is compromised. “What do we need? We need our worship to be revitalized, our differences to be minimized, our members to be mobilized, and all of our families to be re-evangelized.”

We are truly all connected. Although no generation is totally responsible for the ills of today no generation is without responsibility. Our present situation occurred gradually over many years. Perhaps we never thought our society would suffer to this degree, but since it has, we must now unite our voices and reclaim our Christian dignity and morals. Let us challenge everyone to contemplate the words of Pastor Warren, to consider our present society, to return to Christian values, and to pray that the United States of America again becomes one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Tonight, July 29, from 7 – 9 p.m. Deron Bill will be performing at the fountain square. This is the last of the summer time entertainment sponsored by the Towne and Country Players.

The Central Western Fireman’s Association convention is also going on tonight and Saturday until approximately 5:30 pm. The public is encouraged to watch the competitive firefighting games. The Versailles Museum will be selling ice cream, apple dumplings and brownies in the baseball concession stand.

Mark your calendars for two big annual events: the VHS Alumni softball tournament August 5-7 and Farefest on August 20.

Happy birthday Amy Owen, Lisa Berning, Mary Buxton, Amy Bartram, Jane Barton, Bradyn Lewis, Dr. Jennifer Rawlins, Kim Klipstine, Marilyn Swallow, Kane Epperly, Jayden DeLancey, Diane Schrader, Chamberlain Unger, Maddox Curtis, Evelyn Curtis, Jackson Timmerman, Rose Lawrence, Jan Gigandet, Bernadette Shawler, Beth Bell, Melissa Fraley, Karen Berning, Vicki Redinbaugh, Paul Bruey, Murphy Grow, Kim Ward, Sharie Francis, Karyl Woolery, Andrea Barga, Barb Condon, Todd Finch, Joyce Huber, Janet Keyser, Todd Richhart, Bob Paulus, and Karen Herndon as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Molly and Ben Eilerman (5), Amanda and Mitch Arnett (7), Holly and Brad Holzapfel (13), Jill and Shaun Brewer (16), Ericka and Kevin Bergman (16), Lynn and Tim Blakeley (22), Debbie & Jim Groff (22), Tammy and Brian Collins (22), Lisa and Don Berning (26), Connie and Jeff Stammen (38), and Barb and John Berger (60).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Linda Henry, Kathy Ayette, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, , Floren “Chris” Christman (knee replacement), Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Jeanne Simon, Scott Bulcher, Paul Cordonnier, Georgie Kemper, Jack Borgerding, Dave Flatter, Norma Raterman, Rita Glick, Noah Evans, Linda Wilson, Adam Schwieterman, Lois Youngker, Delores Williams, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Dan Monnin, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, Bob Homan and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized or homebound.

I’d like to extend a hearty hello to John Labig, Brenda and Ken McCoy. Congratulations to Joe Jessup for earning a position with the Versailles Department and to Alice Magoto who earned the title of Miss Ohio and will be vying for Miss America on September 11, on ABC. And for those who have been asking; Yes, Alice Magoto is my cousin Mike’s daughter and Joe Jessup is my cousin Elaine Marshall’s son.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Jerry Lee Maloy (74), Harlan Brooks Conley (76), James Youngker (90), and John Pepiot (90). Also fondly and respectfully remembering the lives of Sam Barga, Candy Riegel, Alvina Peltier, Paul Nieport, Netti Cramer, Sarah Hackett, Melody Alexander, Jack Wood, Leo Sheffler, Mike Phlipot, Mary Magoteaux, John Voisard, Shawn Ditmer, Laurene Drees, Larry Subler, Gary Cooper, Joy Monnin, William Apple, Mary Lou Oswalt, Helen Barhorst, Paul Knapke, Florence Pierron, Bonnie Bensman and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing approaches.

“A people who values privileges above its principles soon loses both.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” ~Isaac Asimov

“Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone – except God.” ~Billy Graham