TNL "On the Road" for Christmas Lunch!

Gentlemen:

For the first time, TNL takes to the road.  We will enjoy a Christmas lunch at THE EGG & I.  

I've reserved a table for ten at the restaurant, and I hope you can make it.  We'll simply break bread together (you can order off the menu) and enjoy lively conversation.  I hope to see you tomorrow at 12:00 noon!

The address:  1800 S. Loop 288 (between Mardel & Kroger), Denton, TX!

Thank you for your kindness and support during this inaugural year.  Join me in looking forward to what 2015 has in store!  And finally, a most blessed and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Advent/Christmas Season Gatherings!!

Dear Brothers:

Tomorrow is our "Advent Edition" of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!  With the soothing sounds of the Vince Guaraldi Trio in the background, we'll direct our thoughts to the mother of the Lord Jesus.  In addition, we'll have more fun with Friedman's Fables.  The get-together concludes with some ideas for maintaining a "non-anxious" presence during the upcoming days.   Box lunches will be available from Panera, and there will be some additional holiday goodies. 

The Wednesday following tomorrow, 17 December, will be our first annual TNL Christmas Lunch.  We may go "off-site" for the lunch, and I'll have more details tomorrow.  Finally, the following question was addressed to me recently:  "Jesus never commanded a celebration of His birthday, and the Scriptures do not direct us to do so either.  Why do we devote so much time and effort to Christmas?"  I covet your thoughts!  Your "menu" for tomorrow is below:

Wednesday in The Week of Pentecost XXIX

December 10, 2014/Edition XXVIII

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music:

Selections from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"/Vince Guaraldi Trio

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Oil Changes & the Virgin Mary

MIND:  Friedman's Fables:  A Second Sample

BODY:  The "Non-Anxious Presence"

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

Your Scribe:

Rev. Paul R.Dunklau

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1114 W. University Drive

Denton, Texas  76201

Office:  940-387-3894

Office Fax:  940-387-3877

Mobile:  940-206-3582

Email:  paul.dunklau@fpcdenton.org

Web:  www.fpcdenton.org

Blog:  prdunklau.blogspot.com

THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE Tomorrow!

Wednesday in The Week of Pentecost XXIII

November 19, 2014/Edition XXVIII

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Harmon/Kardon Bluetooth stereo): 

"Rigaudon from Idomenee" -- Empire Brass Quintet

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  The Thanksgiving Gospel

MIND:  Friedman's Fables:  A Second Sample

BODY:  The Thanksgiving Feast as "Cheat Meal"

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

SCHEDULE...

Dear Brothers:

Greetings!  I have two appointments tomorrow that conflict, so, unfortunately, we won't be meeting.  Looking ahead, I've put together a schedule as we head in to Thanksgiving/Advent/Christmas:

TNL GATHERINGS for November/December, 2014

November 12:  No Meeting

November 19:  MEETING!

November 26:  No Meeting

December 3:    No Meeting

December 10:  MEETING!

December 17:  MEETING! (Christmas Lunch!)

December 24:  Merry Christmas!  (No meeting)

December 31:  No Meeting

I'll have more information at the Nov. 19th meeting on opportunities to serve/volunteer with good causes as we get closer to Christmas.  As always, watch your email inbox for online updates!

Finally, I'll be sending along four "must haves" for Christmas music this year. You'll probably be familiar with them -- or, at least, a tune or two from the albums I'll list.  If I could work my will, every man would have these in his repertoire!  Stay tuned!

With Love for our Brotherhood, I remain...
Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

TNL for All Saints Week

An eclectic mix of material awaits you thisWednesday (see below)!  Hope to see you, and invite a friend!

Wednesday in The Week of All Saints

November 5, 2014/Edition XXVII

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Harmon/Kardon Bluetooth stereo): 

"Once Upon A Time" -- Frank Sinatra

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Nate Pyle's "Take" on Church

MIND:  Friedman's Fables:  A Sample

BODY:  What Supplements are You Taking?

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

Reformation Week TNL !!!

Wednesday in Reformation Week

October 29, 2014/Edition XXVI

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Jawbone Bluetooth stereo):

"A Mighty Fortress" (M. Luther)  performed by The Cambridge Singers

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  "A Mighty Fortress":  Insights from the Original Language

MIND:  Firearm Roundtable

BODY:  The Discipline of the Stretch

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

Edition XXV !!! (25)

Wednesday in the Week of Pentecost XIX

October 22, 2014/Edition XXV

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Jawbone Bluetooth stereo):

"Toccata from Symphony 5" (C.M. Widor)  performed by Paul Manz

(Lunch provided by The Egg & I)

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  "Mosaic" Masculinity

MIND:  The Reformation Revisited:  John Knox

BODY:  A Timely "Tunic"

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

See you there -- for yet another lively strengthening of spirit, mind, and body!

YourScribe,

PRDunklau

92 Year Old Preacher

Brothers:

Our friend Mike Vance shared this, and it is herewith passed along for the enjoyment of the masses!  

Have a great weekend!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

92 YEAR OLD PREACHER

While watching a little TV on Sunday, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...
The only thing that would comfort was this verse......... .....

"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
We are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me....
The Bible tells me so."

The old pastor stated, "I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."

"Here for you now is a Senior version of Jesus Loves Me":

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song..
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

EDITION XXIV (October 15, 2014)

Dear Brothers:

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Jawbone Bluetooth stereo):

"Let It Go"  performed by The Zac Brown Band

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Zac Brown and The Serenity Prayer

MIND:  David Hulme on Job

BODY:  CDC on Ebola

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

See you in the Sybil Hopper Room at 12:00 noon!

Sandwiches from The Egg &I will be available!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

Noonday Prayer

Brothers:

You can't get more "middle-of-the-week" than Wednesday at noon.  That alone suggests a good time to connect/reconnect with the Almighty.  Today at The NICODEMUS LEAGUE we'll browse a short order for meditation and prayer at the middle of the day.  Together with a tasty sandwich from "The Egg & I" (plus some cookies left for us by the church ladies), it will offer a burst of refreshment for your day--and week!

See you soon!
Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Edition XXII (22): In Honor of John Haynie

Dear Brothers:

The late Ruth  Giles was my piano teacher.  She played for the Dorsey Brothers, Sophie Tucker, and Eddie Peabody.  In addition, she graced the pipe organ at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, Nebraska, on occasion, for silent movies.  She is long gone, but her influence remains.  She was truly "old school" in her approach to teaching piano.  

Since my arrival at First Presbyterian, I've had the honor and privilege of knowing Dr. John Haynie and his dear wife, Marilyn.  While long-time members of FPC know much more, I can tell you that John embodies what it means to be a GENTLEman and a gentleMAN.  For many years, he served as a trumpet teacher at the University of North Texas.  His love of music and ability to impart his "craft" are certainly "old school" as well.  But I would also add that they are legendary. 

As of this writing, John is in the last hours of his earthly pilgrimage.  The family has requested our prayers and respect for their privacy at this time. 

In honor of John, I want to take time to talk about his life and work tomorrow -- and how it all most certainly touches on the spirit, mind, and body of a man.  I hope you'll join us.  Lunch (from The Egg & I) will be served, and the presentation begins at 12:15.  Invite a friend!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

5 Types of Friends A Man Needs: Tomorrow (Wed., Sept. 24) at TNL

Edition XXI of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE looks at 5 types of friends a man needs.  Are there more than 5?  We'll see.  

Lunch will be from our friends at The Egg and I.  

In addition, you'll have opportunity --if you win--to attend The Heroes of Denton County dinner at Texas Motor Speedway on Thursday night.  Your scribe has two tickets!

See you at Sybil Hopper!

PRDunklau

Tomorrow (Sept. 17, 2014) at THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE

Wednesday in the Week of Pentecost XIV

September 10, 2014/Edition XX

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Jawbone Bluetooth stereo):

"My Maria" by Brooks and Dunn

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  Mary Gauthier's Take on Mercy

MIND:  Stephen Covey's "Clock or Compass"

BODY:  Your Body is a Temple

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

P.S.  Select sandwiches from Panera Bread will be served.  (Thanks for helping to defray the cost!)

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Rooseveltian Fists!

Sorry about the technological error!  Hope you enjoyed the fisted Roosevelt!  May your lives continue to be "strenuous" -- for all the right reasons!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

SIZZLING STEAK SUBS at TNL Tomorrow!

Dear Brothers:

Join us tomorrow, 10 September, at 12noon, for the opening of the fall season at The Nicodemus league.  You will enjoy what you have come to expect:  nourishment for the spirit, mind, and body!

Lunch will includes those tremendous "sizzling steak" sub sandwiches brought to you by Captain Nemo's here in Denton!

I hope to see you there!

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

Checking in...

Dear Brothers:

Greetings!  I hope this finds you hale and hearty!  (Hale. Is that a word? Did I even spell it right?  Is it hail?  No? Better check somewhere!)  Anyway,  blessings to you as we draw closer to NCAA football -- among other things.

What's up with me?  Quite a bit, actually.  My brother-in-law, David Pryor, is in a gallant battle against brain cancer.  On 3-4 afternoons a week, I've been transporting him to rehab session at Select Hospital on Scripture Street here in town.  I've also dedicated 8 weeks of strength training to help support him.  (For more information, see http://pryorcomplex.blogspot.com)

On a personal note, I've had spiritual and emotional "ups and downs" with the situation.  As a pastor, you might suspect that I've encountered similar cases before, and I have.  But it's something different when it's a close family member.  It's much more difficult -- and sometimes impossible -- to slip into a "pastoring" mode when you're hurting on a number of levels.  It makes me wonder how effective I am when I'm at the bedside of someone who is not as "close" to me.  Am I really being sincere, honest, pastoral?  I wonder about things like this late at light when sleep is difficult.

Nevertheless, I've taken strength from David and his family.  Their example is a gift to me, and, at the end of every day, it's an honor to help in a small way.

Gentlemen, you, too, are an inspiration to me.  We're a small but mighty group, and, Lord willing, there will be great things to learn and to do as the fall season gets underway.   Speaking of that season, our first gathering will be on Wednesday, September 10, at the usual time and place.

I'll post again as our "season opener" (September 10) looms closer!

All the Very Best to You and Yours!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Short Hiatus

Dear Brothers:

Greetings!  I'm going to be helping out a family tomorrow, so we won't have our usual get-together.  Between now and our as-yet-to-be-determined next official gathering, stay tuned to our blog and your email.  I would like, in early August, to have a lunch meeting at The Egg & I restaurant to plan our local mission project.  Again, stay tuned.

Keep reading!  Stay engaged!  Set aside time, daily, for meditation and prayer.  To our joys and concerns list, I would add the plight of the Iraqi Christians.  On a happier note, rejoice that many young people are having spirits, minds, and bodies nourished at the Synod Youth Conference.  Our own Robert Jones is with the young people at our church.

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

Edition XX !!!

Dear Brothers:

We've reached the twentieth edition of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!  We'll celebrate tomorrow--at our usual time and gathering place--with a discussion on how to put our spirits, minds, and bodies into a mission project!  You'll also learn about something your host is up to; it's called The Pryor Complex.

Panera box lunches will be featured.  Music will be included, and we'll wrap it up with your joys and concerns!

See you tomorrow!
Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

EDITION XIX (19) TOMORROW!

Brothers:

Greetings!  I look forward to enjoying another mid-week repose (#19, to be exact)tomorrow!

We'll hear some music from Bill Conti, take a longer look at last Sunday's Gospel (from Matthew 11), play some mental "ping pong" with a book (The Day of Battle) and a TV series (The Walking Dead), and finish up with a brief introduction to something I've called THE PRYOR COMPLEX.

If interested, read more at:  http://pryorcomplex.blogspot.com  :)

As always, we'll enjoy lunch and the sharing, prayerfully, of our joys and concerns.  

I love THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!  I hope you do too!

See you tomorrow...

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Holiday Hiatus!

Brothers:

We'll be taking a 4th of July break this week!  THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE will be back on Wednesday, July 9, at 12:00 noon!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

This week's NICODEMUS LEAGUE!

Brothers:

Relax with us at lunch tomorrow!  Jimmy Buffett's version of a Freddy Neal favorite, "Everbody's Talkin'", will greet your ears.

Then, for your SPIRIT, we'll take a quick look at some theses on Law and Gospel.  One takeaway is how helpful they are to keep our faith simple in complex times.

For the MIND, we'll consider Bill O'Reilly's new book, Killing Kennedy.  You can decide whether or not to put it on your summer reading list.

Finally, for the BODY, we'll engage the wristband phenomenon.  (Note:  they keep track of just about everything these days.)  Skip it?  Buy now?  Wait until the price comes down?  You make the call tomorrow...

AT

EDITION XVIII OF THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE:  Nourishment for the Masculine Spirit, Mind, and Body!

See you tomorrow!

Your Scribe
PRDunklau

VACATION

Dear Brothers:

Your scribe is on vacay this week.  Thus, the next meeting of The Nicodemus League will be Wednesday, June 25, at the usual time!  I won't be out of town, so if you are in need of anything or have questions/comments, etc., don't hesitate to call or text at:  940-206-3582

Regards,
PRDunklau

June 11th Edition (No. XVII) of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE!

Brothers:

Spring seems to be "easing" us into Summer this year -- which is nice!  I did try to bring back some of the rains I experienced while in Nebraska last week, so You're Welcome!  (BTW, twenty minutes I got off the plane -- I was in Omaha for my aunt's funeral -- the civil defense sirens went off as massive thunderstorm hit the area with hail much like what we experienced.)

There always seems to be drama.  Do you follow it, or does it follow you?  (I think I'm in the latter group.)

I can't guarantee drama at tomorrow's gathering, but there will, as always, be some tidbits to nourish your spirit, soul, and body!

We'll do a quick review of Scripture's "Tower of Babel" story and identify the takeaways for men.  Then the "Manly Virtues" -- from artofmanliness.com -- will engage us. To wrap  things up,  we'll talk hobbies and fatherhood!

Come with your pick to win the U.S. Open Golf Championship!  (The final round will be played on Father's Day.)  You may win a gift certificate.  A great father (Payne Stewart) and then father-to-be (Phil Mickelson) battled it out at Pinhurst (this year's course) in 1999!  

See you tomorrow!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Wednesday's Gathering Canceled

Brothers:

I'll be in Nebraska for my aunt's funeral this coming Wednesday; as such, our next gathering will be on Wednesday, June 11th, at the usual time.

Your understanding and prayers are most appreciated.

See you soon!


Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

This Wednesday...5/28

Brothers:

I will likely not be here this coming Wednesday; thus, I'm going to cancel our get-together.  The reason being is that my Aunt Ada is on hospice care, and she is within hours of passing.  I've been asked to serve as pall bearer at her funeral in Nebraska  which may or may not be this coming Thursday.  I ask that you pray for her and I appreciate your understanding.

Kind Regards...Your Scribe,

Rev. Paul R.Dunklau

EDITION XVI (16) is Ready for YOU!

Gentlemen:

SPIRIT:  Take a light and lively walk through the year -- the church year, that is!
MIND:  Chew on some modern proverbs from a pretty sharp guy!
BODY:  Celebrate the glories of the portable grill!

Add lunch, conversation, a smidge of music, and your joys concerns.  All told, you've got a great break during the middle of the week and another refreshing edition of The Nicodemus League!

See you tomorrow at high noon!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

SEE YOU AT THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE

Dear Brothers...

A mid-Easter edition of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE is ready for you!  We'll gather Wednesday, May 14, at our usual location.  Along with some nourishment for your spirit, mind, and body, we'll see what country crooner George Strait has to say --or sing, as the case may be--about "Peace of Mind"!

See you there!
Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

LUNCH IS ON ME!

Dear Brothers:

Lunch is "on me" at our next gathering. Many apologies for not getting out word that we weren't going to meet this past Wednesday.  We won't be meeting on May 7th either, as I have another commitment that day.

THEREFORE, the next edition of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE will be held on Wednesday, 14 May, at the usual time.  Also, Mike Vance and Doug Hill will receive their Panera gift certificates for winning the Masters Challenge!

If you receive this before 3:00pm this afternoon, I hope you can be with us for the installation service this afternoon at FPC.  Afterward, our brother Jay Thomas will be serving a BBQ of pulled pork, moist brisket, and sausage in Erwin Hall.  You're all invited!

Thank you for your friendship and brotherhood.  In an increasingly isolated world, they mean more and more each day.

God Bless You-- see you on the 14th!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

Your Easter Week Edition (#XIV) of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE is tomorrow (04/23/14)!

Wednesday in the week of The Resurrection of the Lord

April 23, 2014/Edition XIV

First Presbyterian Church

1114 W. University Dr.

Denton, Texas  76201

Email:  prdunklau@gmail.com

Web:  thenicodemusleague.blogspot.com

Phone:  940.387.3894(office)/940.206.3582(mobile)

+ + +

12:00-12:15 -- GATHERING & LUNCH

Today's lunch music (provided via Jawbone Bluetooth stereo):

classic hymn presented by The Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

12:15-12:45--PRESENTATION

SPIRIT:  "Emmaus Takeaways"

MIND:  "Religion":  Has it Outlived Linguistic Usefulness?

BODY:  TNL "Hands-on" Service Opportunities:  A Brainstorm

Your Joys and Concerns

12:45--1:00--DEPARTURE

HOLY WEEK HIATUS

Dear Brothers:

TNL will be on break this coming Wednesday as your scribe prepares for the verities of Holy Week and Easter.  We'll be back on Wed., April 23, at 12:00 noon for edition XIV!  A blessed holy week and Easter celebration to you all!

By the way, Doug Hill (Rickie Fowler) and Mike Vance (Matt Kuchar) SPLIT the Panera Bread gift certificate for The Masters Game. Both Fowler and Kuchar shot 2 under par for their four-round trek over Augusta's terrain!  Congrats, Doug and Mike!  Your prizes will be delivered forthwith on the 23rd!

All the Best to All of You!
YourScribe,
PRDunklau

MASTERS TOURNAMENT PICKS!

Here are the picks submitted for the TNL Masters Game -- including mid-first round scores:

Doug Hill---------------->Rickie Fowler (-1 thru 18)
Mike Vance------------->Matt Kuchar (+1 thru 12)
JimWelborn------------->Ben Crenshaw (+11 thru 18)
Clay Briggs------------->Justin Rose (+3 thru 6)
YourScribe------------->Rory McIlroy (-2 thru 16)

http://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2014-04-10/big_three_christen_the_78th_masters.html

Here's the link (above) for video of the opening tee shots -- including Palmer, Player, and Nicklaus!  Have a great weekend everyone!  May your Palm  Sunday be a blessed one!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

TNL Masters Golf Tournament Game!!!!

Dear Brothers:

For those who missed, you still have a chance to win a $20.00 gift card to Panera Bread!  Just email me (prdunklau@gmail.com) with your pick to win this weekend's Masters golf tournament and be sure to include your name.

Winner will be announced at next Wednesday's gathering!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

TNL Pre-Holy Week Edition XIII awaits you!

Gentlemen:

Your pre-Holy Week edition (#13 -- or XIII for you Latin enthusiasts) is ready to go.  Hope to see you tomorrow, 12:00 noon, at Sybil Hopper.  "'Bookends' for Your Day" will feed your spirit.  A book of review of Eugene Peterson's A Long Obedience in the Same Direction  will nourish your mind. And finally, for the body, we'll take a look at a new fitness app -- My Fitness Pal -- for tracking calories (actually very easy) and discuss whether keeping an eye on what you eat is important.  All of it will be animated, of course, with the lively conversation and fellowship that is part and parcel of every League gathering.  Oh, and we'll also have some hail damage reports and make our Masters Golf Tournament picks! 

See you tomorrow!

Your Scribe,

EDITION XII (12) is Set !!!

Dear Brothers and Nicodemians (is that a good word to describe us?):

Edition XII of THE NICODEMUS LEAGUE is prepped and ready to go for tomorrow; see you at 12:00 noon at Sybil Hopper.  Once again, nourishment for the masculine spirit, mind, and body is yours.  Lunch will be provided, and your donations to defray are most appreciated!

For the spirit, Isaiah 66:10 (traditionally appointed as a theme verse for the 4th week in Lent) will occupy us.

In our For the mind segment, we'll consider  interesting statistics from our friends at The Pew Forum -- particularly some startling information on "The Rise of the Nones."  I look forward  to hearing what you think about what some are calling the American "religion":  Moralistic, Therapeutic, Deism.

In For the body I'll throw out all I have on my person that I consider "E.D.C." (Every Day Carry).  What do you carry along with you every day on your person, and why is it important?

Yes, Tiger Woods won't be playing the The Masters this year.  CBS and the Golf Channel may (rightly) be concerned about ratings, but, rest assured, the sky isn't falling.  Maybe it's time for Longhorn Jordan Spieth to don the green jacket!

Finally, I would like to invite you to a very special service of worship at FPC.  On Sunday, 4 May, at 3:00 pm I will be "installed" as pastor here. (In Presbyterian parlance, I'm moving from "temporary supply" to "installed".)  Representatives from all three PCUSA congregations in Denton will be here along with officials from Grace Presbytery.  From the bottom of my heart, I truly want this to be -- before anything else -- a celebration of God's grace and love.  I hope you can attend.  Following the service, food and fellowship will be yours to enjoy in Erwin Hall.  I've invited many friends who are not Presbyterian (and some not affiliated with any Christian congregation) to attend.  Thus, it will be both ecumenical and "evangelical" in the best sense of the term!

Your Scribe,
PRDunklau

TNL Edition XI

Dear Brothers and Friends of Nicodemus:

Prep for Edition XI is complete, and all that's left is for you to show up and enjoy the food,  fellowship and conversation tomorrow at noon.  By the way, lunch will be from Panera; if you'd like a specific sandwich, fire me an email  (prdunklau@gmail.com). As you can see (below), we're ramping up all things masculine tomorrow -- and we'll enjoy a smidge of good jazz from Chet Morton and Stan Getz.  More tickets for Friday night's Mexican Supper (in support of Denton Christian Preschool and held in FPC's Erwin Hall) will be available for purchase:  $15 per adult; $10 per child.

SPIRIT:  Excerpts from "Manvotionals"

MIND:  Intro to the "Manly Virtues"

BODY:  A Lenten "Stretch"

Your Scribe,

PRDunklau

P.S. For participants who do not regularly worship on Sundays at FPC, my sermons are available at http://prdunklau.blogspot.com -- also known as "The Straightforward Pulpit".