Tuesday, August 22, 2017


ENJOYING THE ECLIPSE--
At the Warren Rupp Observatory


About 100 people stopped by the observatory at Hidden Hollow Camp on Possum Run Rd., to take a peek at Monday's celestial event with the benefit of some dandy telescopes and informative commentary by members of the local astronomy club.

This likely 12" Dobsonian scope was shielded (light blue cover) with a dark, round viewing filter allowing a reduced quantity of light into the scope for safe viewing.  A constant line of visitors kept the scope busy as the eclipse passed by overhead and a helpful operator kept the scope alligned on the moving sun.

Actually, of course, it is the Earth rotating on its axis that causes the ilusion of the sun's movement.  The sun actually is holding quite still while our solar system prances around it.  On the other hand, given the expansion of the universe a case can be made that anything appearing to hold still, likely isn't.  But, I digress.

Several pin-hole camera type viewing devices also got a good workout as visitors passed them around and marveled at the eclipse images captured in these decidedly low-tech devices

...like this Cheerio's cereal box


The aluminum foil wrapped over a cut-out portion of the box top near the girl's right shoulder has a pin hole in it which allows the sunlight to enter the dark box leaving a small image of the eclipse visible on the inside bottom of the box.

Given the flat angle of the box the little girl was having difficulty finding the eclipse image until a helpful adult arrived on scene.

Sue, meanwhile, took a more convential approach to eclipse viewing by peering through specially filtered glasses (below) which allowed viewers to look directly at the sun.  Without such a filter the eyes could be seriously damaged in an instant of exposure to the intense rays.


Draping one's self over a lawn chair in the ample viewing area available at the site appeared to hold this lady's interest for much of the event.


I applauded her celestial curiosity.

*Warren Rupp Observaotry*  Click on this link and note the public viewing nights on the observatory's calendar.  If you show up there one of those nights members will applaud your curiosity too.

An on-line search using the phrase "Pin Hole Eclipse Box" will return lots of sites that explain how to make your very own one of these.

I began to describe this fabrication process then decided this web suggestion was far easier.  I'm retired after all.

Thursday, August 17, 2017



THANK YOU JESUS!

This story had its beginning in mid-July 2016 when I first attended Storyside Church (then known as CitiChurch) in Bellville with my son Brian and his wife Kate.  By then, they had been very active with this church for about 3 years.

I was overwhelmed by my experience.  That Sunday's service had a spiritual vibrancy like I had never experienced--or, even imagined.  Except for wintering in Florida I have not missed a weekly service since.

Back sometime in my childhood I was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran Church.  That was at St. Matthew's in Mansfield.  I like to think those lessons of catechism remained with me for the vast majority of the rest of my life.

Meanwhile I lost interest in organized religion.  I was troubled by the fact many of the world's wars were between organized religions.

I was troubled by evident conflicts between theology and science.

I was repulsed by the stories of aberrant, sexual behavior of some church leadership.

I did find spiritual solace by simply walking in a quiet woods and conversing with God.  He seemed to welcome my periodic visits.

A gentle breeze caressing tall pines can create a tabernacle far more inspirational than a structure of bricks and mortar with uncomfortable seats and a service that leaves folks out of sight of the pastor, well, dozing.

And so it went for 50 years or more.

Then a miracle began to emerge.  I discovered there were lots of books that explored my concerns.  In them I discovered answers that aroused my interest in taking a closer look at the Bible's lessons.  That nudged me into experiencing Storyside church that had captured my son's soul.

That process continued for nearly a year until last Sunday when Pastor Micah's weekly invitation to invite Jesus into my life resonated and God captured my soul.
 


A NEW BEGINNING WITH GOD--
...as told on Storyside church's Facebook page with Pastor Micah Pelkey

Terry's story - no church attendance/interaction for 50+ years.
Terry has now accepted Christ and is serving and helping us help others!
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August 14 at 10:15pm
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Laurie Anne God bless you Terry and welcome ♡
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August 14 at 10:29pmEdited
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AngelDonny Carsey I love this man
Praise GOD for Terry
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August 14 at 10:46pm
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Brenda Smith Awesome...
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August 14 at 11:25pm
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Sharon Carl Mounts Totally awesome!
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August 15 at 12:23am
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Kevin Dunn That is so great! Thank you Jesus!
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August 15 at 5:41am
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Dian Moore Never too late!
GOD writes good stories!
Thousands of Angels are singing in Heaven!
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August 15 at 5:46am
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Deb Spradling Praise god ! Angels are rejoicing 😇
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August 15 at 5:47am
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Sarha L. Griesbach Love him! ❤️🙌🏼
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August 15 at 5:56am
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Tracey McCoubrey-bardroff God is amazing!
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August 15 at 8:25am
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Beth Doran Foltz COME ON!!!! Love Terry....!!
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August 15 at 9:45am
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Linda Gloriosa Praise Jesus !!
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August 15 at 11:07am
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Cathy Baker Joy unspeakable Joy...full to the brim!!
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August 15 at 11:36am
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Laura Mowry Holmes Amazing!! 
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August 15 at 12:26pm
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Jared Howell Priceless!!!
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August 15 at 8:15pm
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Don Parnell Honestly one of the few men I can say I have known for years, and have nothing but respect for him. Great story, great family. May god bless you all!
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August 15 at 9:05pm
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Terry Wolf With praise to God, I am truly humbled. I thank you Pastors Pelkey and the entire Storyside team for creating the most vibrant spiritual experience I have ever known. Hallelujah!
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Yesterday at 4:36am
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Micah Pelkey I love that God crossed our life paths!
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