Someone else asked if the casket is placed in the ground without a vault? No, when the coffin is made, a wooden vault is also made. The casket is lowered into the wooden vault. We do not look at the casket or vault as protection. Our Bishop says at the funeral: "Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust you shall return." That is why, after the Bishop prays, we all put a hand full of dirt on top of the vault to remind us of from where we came and where our physical body will go. We do not try to preserve or protect what it is in the ground. It is our soul we are most concerned about not our body.
How do the caskets get taken to the cemetery at a funeral? Some of the Amish and Old Order Mennonites have a buggy just for that. You can open the back and slide the coffin in and slide it back out at the cemetery. Some use a open back wagon but today most of us have a funeral parlor car hearse to lead with the casket and we follow in our horse and buggies.
Someone asked about an interview with Joseph and myself about their roles in church leadership. I don't know what you mean. Do you mean what we do? How the church is ruled?
You know what really upsets me is the novels out that make the Bishop sound like a terrible person. They make the Bishop sound like if he lifted his hand lightening would strike. That he is a mean heartless person.
Each Bishop is a human being just like we are and like all humans have a different personalities.
The Bishop's job is to help people not make their lives miserable. People are not to be afraid when the Bishop shows up at their door. We hope that they are glad to see Joseph when he comes to their house not afraid of him. Usually they know Joseph is coming in advance because he calls first. Even when Joseph shows up, it does not mean it is church business. It could be school business, how someone is feeling if they are sick or just to say hello.
Now some Bishops are stricter than Joseph, but that is their personality. Some Bishops are not as strict as Joseph, but that it their personality. It is a big job to be Bishop and the Bishop needs help of all the people in our meetings. What he needs the most from people is prayer for God's guidance and wisdom so he knows how to handle the problems that come up.
I didn't mean to go on so, but after reading a couple novels and how mean the Bishop was, I got wondering if people believed what was written.
If all goes well, Elmer will be back next week. I hope I answered your questions. If you have more, please ask.
Be With the Lord,
Martha
NOTE: I GOT A CALL FROM JEAN THIS MORNING. SHE ASKED IF WE WERE GOING TO HAVE THE RECIPE A DAY FOR EASTER THAT WE HAD LAST YEAR. WOULD YOU LIKE THAT? ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL RECIPES YOU WOULD LIKE? LET ME KNOW SO I CAN TELL JEAN.
12 comments:
Good Morning Everyone,
Hope you enjoy Martha's post this morning. Next week Elmer will be back telling of their arrival home and what they are doing.
It is in the 30's this morning. Suppose to warm up later this week.
Marilyn
Thank you for answering our questions Martha. Your life must have changed quite a bit since Joseph became Bishop. It sounds like he is very busy, and I pray for God's guidance for Joseph and you too.
Doreen
Good Morning Doreen,
I will see that Martha and Joseph get your message.
Marilyn
Good Morning Everyone,
For those that weren't here last year, we had a recipe a day starting, I think on the Monday before Easter until the Saturday before Easter. Of course, there was a different recipe a day.
Some people requested certain recipes and the rest Jean came up with. Her biggest hit recipe last year was Creamsicle Salad.
So let us know if you want it this year as we have to get work on it quickly.
Marilyn
I too am praying for Martha and Joseph. I thank Martha for such interesting insights into her world.
A very interesting post, thank you Martha! I would not have thought to ask about caskets.
It is my understanding that being called to be an elder, or bishop in this case would be a very humbling experience. The man called would need to have the ability to relate to his people in ways they could understand as well as have a sense of humor, compassion, but most esp. love of God and his community of believers. Like most things written about these days, I would think so many things are exaggerated to the extreme. I would think that most of all a good bishop would have a heart of service to God and his people. I would think the love he carried in his heart would compel him to serve in the best possible way he could, and that even though he would make human mistakes as everyone does, the Lord would work through him to see that His will was done. How could a man serve in such a capacity and not be humbled by it? Blessings to Joseph in his service. I will pray for him.
Thank you Marilyn!
Hello Vickie,
I will let Martha and Joseph know your reply. I know they will appreciate it.
Marilyn
Hello Annie,
I will see that Martha and Joseph receive what you wrote here. I know they will appreciate it.
Marilyn
Hello:
YES, the recipe a day in advance of Easter would be wonderful! Lemon sponge pie or side dish recipes would be welcome, but anything that your families enjoy partaking in would be welcome by me - THANK YOU!
Chris
Hi Chris,
You are the only vote so far. Funny you want Lemon sponge pie, I have a friend a work with that loves that too. She also is looking for a special recipe of it. I will see that Jean gets your message.
Marilyn
I forgot to say that I would like a recipe a day for Easter too.
I also forgot to comment on novels. I would never believe what is written in a novel is true. The story line is a fabrication for entertainment, and even non-fiction can be questionable.
Just my two cents.
Doreen
Hi Doreen,
Thank you for letting me know about the recipe at day for Easter.
I agree with you about novels. I have been at Joseph and Martha's many times and Joseph never seemed like the Bishop in novels. He is so nice and kind.
Now you have my two cents, too,
Marilyn
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