Recently I experienced the church being the church. Let me tell you about it. This blog may be long enough that we will post it in several parts over several days. Hopefully some of you will read it all the way through.
Many of you are aware that our district has embarked on a ‘District Transformation Project’—an experiment designed to transform churches from illness to health. In March, Dr. Paul Borden joined us for a consultation/intervention at our Ridge Road Wesleyan Church in Queensbury, NY. Dr. Mark Gorveatte and Dr. Dan Berry were also a part of the consultation team.
At the conclusion of the interviews and focus groups, a report was written and presented in the Sunday morning service. The following is what was shared with the leaders and congregation. I have made a few comments to help the article flow. My remarks are italicized.
Ridge Road Wesleyan Church
Consultation Report - Dr. Paul Borden
March 11 – 13, 2011
STRENGTHS
1. Pastor and Spouse: Dean and Rosalie Brown are the best strengths of this congregation. Everyone with whom we spoke valued them and their ministry to the congregation highly. Many complimented Dean’s preaching and his overall approach to leading the congregation. People appreciated Rosalie’s commitment to children and women and in providing care and direction for the congregation with her husband. They have earned the respect and trust of many in the congregation. Their track record in leading congregations is evident in their calling to this church.
2. Dedicated Leaders: There is a core of leaders dedicated to serving with the pastor in leading the congregation. These people understand mission and have a heart to see the congregation become effective in reaching many in the community with the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. They realize that this congregation has a stewardship before God to serve the community by bringing to it the “Good News” and by ministering the love of Jesus to those in need.
3. Desire for Evangelism: We consistently heard from the pastor and his spouse, key leaders and others in the congregation the desire to see more people become new disciples of Jesus Christ through the life of the congregation. There are a number of people in the congregation (though not all) who realize that God did not create the Church for Christians but rather to mobilize Christians to serve their community by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
4. Facilities: The current facilities provide the congregation an excellent resource in which to conduct its mission. As with most facilities improvements could be made, however, that which has been done including the recent painting of the worship center create the potential to conduct excellent ministry endeavors in serving the community in which the congregation exists.
5. Location and Accessibility: Though not on a main thoroughfare the facilities are located on a busy road that is used by both commuters and those seeking access to other highways. This location and the access that goes with it is a resource enabling the congregation to conduct fruitful and effective ministry.
Next, the team listed the concern(s) that had surfaced during the weekend of interviews and focus groups. In this case, there was only one overriding concern (according to Dr. Borden this has occurred only a few times in over 500 consultations).
CONCERN
Spiritual Disobedience: This congregation has one major concern that over shadows all other concerns and, in my opinion, is the underlying cause for all the other issues that need to be addressed such as; the lack of new people, few children and youth, poor discipleship endeavors, and relatively few people becoming new disciples of Jesus Christ on a yearly basis. That major concern is the spiritual behavior of the congregation for more than two decades.
This concern has several specific elements to it. The sin the New Testament speaks of the most are the specific sins that come through the misuse of the tongue. Yet this congregation has been and continues to be known for the gossip and slander, of others including former members, pastors and even the denominational district of which it is a part. Often the words are communicated in a sinful way designed to control the church, to stop change and to recapture past behaviors. Also there has been no congregational discipline by leaders and so like undisciplined children people have been allowed to act out in ungodly ways and nothing has been done.
Secondly there is no expressed interest in Biblically confronting people and the issues related to these sins. No one has talked to us about confession and forgiveness. The solutions suggested are that either individuals leave or be ignored.
As a result of not confronting sin the congregation has a reputation in the community and in the denomination of a church that hurts and discards pastors. It also has the reputation of marginalizing people who want to see the congregation function more to reach lost people than serve the saints. That reputation may be somewhat moderated now since the decibel level has decreased with the coming of the current pastor and his spouse. But the grumbling continues and will eventually re-surface because the root causes have not been dealt with by leaders in the congregation.
Finally, some in this congregation recognize that this body of believers has been disobedient to our Lord’s “Great Commission” to go and make disciples. The congregation exposed its real values, as opposed to its stated ones, when it reduced the 2011 budget line for evangelism, which was meager to begin with, in order to have more money to spend for those ministries that benefit those who are already disciples.
It is amazing that a congregation in a denomination that is supposed to be known for its holy living continues to act so unholy.
The last part of the report involved recommendations (prescriptions) that would help the congregation return to health and wholeness.
PRESCRIPTION
The congregation needs to request the District Board of Administration to reclassify the church to “Developing Status” with the intent to “Re-Launch” the congregation as a new church by the Fall of 2011. In other words the congregation needs to start over again by re-inventing itself, spiritually, missionally, and organizationally. What that re-invention might look like is not entirely clear since there are a number of ways a congregation can do this. However, what is key is that the congregation needs to experience spiritual reformation, a new way of identifying itself in the community and unity in pursuing a common mission and vision.
Assuming the congregation votes to make this request on April 3, 2011 several things will need to occur. The congregation will pay for pastor Dean and Rosalie Brown to attend the GHC Discovery Center (May 10-13) for assessment/training. Once the Discovery Center is completed the pastor and his spouse will draft a re-invention plan to present to the DBA for approval.
Once that plan is approved by the DBA it will be brought to the congregation by the pastor to determine who will join the pastor and his spouse in pursuing a new mission and vision. The congregation will be provided the opportunity to join the pastor and his spouse in concentrated times of prayer to ask for God’s leading and direction in how this re-invention will be developed. The new plan will be initiated by June 1, 2011 and implemented by no later than October 31, 2011.
THOSE WHO ATTEND THE CONGREGATION REGULARLY WILL VOTE TO EITHER ACCEPT OR REJECT THIS REPORT ON SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2011. EACH BALLOT WILL BE SIGNED. NO BALLOTS WILL BE COUNTED IF NOT SIGNED. IF ACCEPTED IMPLEMENTATION WILL BEGIN AND THE PASTOR AND SPOUSE WILL RECEIVE HELP AND COACHING FROM THE DISTRICT FOR THE NEXT YEAR TO ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW PLAN FOR RE-INVENTION.
Submitted by:
Dr. Paul D. Borden
Rev. W. Paul James
Dr. Mark Gorveatte
Dr. Dan A. Berry
To be continued...
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
T Minus One and Counting
Today is the last day of preparation for our District Transformation Project. Tomorrow afternoon the consultant, Dr. Paul Borden, and the consultants-in-training, Drs. Dan Berry and Mark Gorveatte, arrive. Susan and I are in the process of putting finishing touches on our recently updated guest quarters…
-> Put up the shower curtain
-> Hook up the surround-sound
-> Put up blinds and curtains
-> Make the guest beds
-> Unpack the new coffee pot and microwave
-> Put snacks in the cupboards and refrigerator
You get the idea—just getting ready for company.
Cam is busy finalizing Sunday’s schedule. We are expecting around 175 for Hitting the Bullseye: Helping the Church Become Healthy and Missional with Dr. Paul Borden. She is also getting various other DTP-related items organized.
-> Tracking and acknowledging all the email RSVPs for the Sunday event
-> Collating folders for all attendees of the Sunday event
-> Copying notes for next week’s SU classes, at which Dr. Borden will be teaching
-> Updating the district calendar and website
It appears that several hundred of you are following this blog as we prepare for our first consultation weekend. I’d like to remind you that Sunday, March 13, 3p-8:30p, at Ridge Road Wesleyan Church, Dr. Borden will be teaching on Growing Healthy Churches. You are invited! Just let us know so that we can prepare food for your supper. Get a group together from your church and come and find out what God is doing in the ENY-NE District as, together, we ‘assault the gates’.
And don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday.
You can also hear more of Dr. Borden’s teaching from our September 2010 Leadership Retreat by going to the district website— www.enynewesleyan.org–navigating to the Church Multiplication tab, and selecting District Transformation Project. There are three audio files in .mp3 format.
-> Put up the shower curtain
-> Hook up the surround-sound
-> Put up blinds and curtains
-> Make the guest beds
-> Unpack the new coffee pot and microwave
-> Put snacks in the cupboards and refrigerator
You get the idea—just getting ready for company.
Cam is busy finalizing Sunday’s schedule. We are expecting around 175 for Hitting the Bullseye: Helping the Church Become Healthy and Missional with Dr. Paul Borden. She is also getting various other DTP-related items organized.
-> Tracking and acknowledging all the email RSVPs for the Sunday event
-> Collating folders for all attendees of the Sunday event
-> Copying notes for next week’s SU classes, at which Dr. Borden will be teaching
-> Updating the district calendar and website
It appears that several hundred of you are following this blog as we prepare for our first consultation weekend. I’d like to remind you that Sunday, March 13, 3p-8:30p, at Ridge Road Wesleyan Church, Dr. Borden will be teaching on Growing Healthy Churches. You are invited! Just let us know so that we can prepare food for your supper. Get a group together from your church and come and find out what God is doing in the ENY-NE District as, together, we ‘assault the gates’.
And don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday.
You can also hear more of Dr. Borden’s teaching from our September 2010 Leadership Retreat by going to the district website— www.enynewesleyan.org–navigating to the Church Multiplication tab, and selecting District Transformation Project. There are three audio files in .mp3 format.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Law of the Picture
In two days we officially begin the District Transformation Project, an experiment in transforming churches into islands of health, capable of dynamically impacting lives and changing communities. In my devotions, I have been reading Maxwell's Leadership Bible. I am enjoying the leadership lessons drawn from the lives of Bible characters. One lesson impacted me so deeply that I would like to paraphrase it for you. It is so applicable to the project that we begin this week.
In the book of II Kings (22:10-23:25) we learn from the life of King Josiah. The leadership lesson is entitled, The Law of the Picture.
Young King Josiah is a classic example of the Law of the Picture. His leadership led to natural reform in Israel, and he teaches us how change occurs: outward reform begins with inward renewal!
Josiah was wholly devoted to the Lord and he desired to lead his people well. His own spiritual passion began to influence the nation of Judah and eventually brought about public reform. The leader must experience personal change before he or she can implement public change.
Personal renewal brings change to a leader's inward thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. This results in personal change in one's words, actions, habits and behaviours.
Public reform follows as others experience internal renewal of their own. This, in turn, results in observable public changes.
Bringing about public change begins with a leader's heart. True reformation isn't merely about behaviour modification but heart transformation. Once this young king recognized the unhealthy state of his own life, he committed himself to repentance. He wanted to change himself. Our leadership journey always begins with self-leadership. I must lead myself before I try to lead anyone else. Once Josiah's heart was changed, he could not keep it a secret. It flowed outward.
When his own life changed, he was in a position to influence others to change. His example influenced public reform. First, the change begins inside the leader, then it becomes visible to others. As they watch, it burns in their hearts and moves them to outward change as well.
Albert Schweitzer wrote, "Example isn't the main thing in leadership. It's the only thing." All the words we speak as leaders mean nothing if our life does not back it up.
Colin Powell said, "You can issue all the memos (or blogs)and give all the motivational speeches you want, but if the rest of the people in your organization don't see you putting forth your very best effort every single day, they won't either."
Through his own life, Josiah gave the people he led a picture of the change he wanted to see. This enabled him to bring about much change in a short amount of time.
Principles of the Law of the Picture
1. Most people are visual learners, not verbal learners.
Educators tell us that 89% of learning is visual. Most people need to see a model or example before they really understand. What we see is what we will be. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Followers beg the leaders to 'show me--don't just tell me'.
2. Good communication makes a vision clear. Good modeling makes it come alive.
Without doubt, a leader's words are important. They clarify the vision he wants to come to pass. However, providing an example is much more powerful and rare. People can then see what is possible if they buy into the vision.
3. It is easier to teach what is right than to live what is right.
As leaders, we must do the difficult thing and practice what we preach.
4. Leaders must work on themselves before they work on others.
Josiah bought into the need for change in his own life, then he proclaimed the need for his citizens to change. The leader must lead himself first.
5. The most valuable gift I can give to others is a good example.
Leadership is more caught than taught. While every leader should become the best communicator possible, communication is more than words. Transforming communication combines clear speech and consistent modeling. There is nothing more confusing than a person who gives good advice but sets a bad example.
Dear God,
As we begin the District Transformation Project, transform me. Fill me with passion, grant me clarity, give me wisdom. May my walk match my talk. Help me recognize 'God moments'. Make me willing to take a risk. Provide resources--human and material. Enlarge your Kingdom in ENY/NE as you see fit.
Amen
In the book of II Kings (22:10-23:25) we learn from the life of King Josiah. The leadership lesson is entitled, The Law of the Picture.
Young King Josiah is a classic example of the Law of the Picture. His leadership led to natural reform in Israel, and he teaches us how change occurs: outward reform begins with inward renewal!
Josiah was wholly devoted to the Lord and he desired to lead his people well. His own spiritual passion began to influence the nation of Judah and eventually brought about public reform. The leader must experience personal change before he or she can implement public change.
Personal renewal brings change to a leader's inward thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. This results in personal change in one's words, actions, habits and behaviours.
Public reform follows as others experience internal renewal of their own. This, in turn, results in observable public changes.
Bringing about public change begins with a leader's heart. True reformation isn't merely about behaviour modification but heart transformation. Once this young king recognized the unhealthy state of his own life, he committed himself to repentance. He wanted to change himself. Our leadership journey always begins with self-leadership. I must lead myself before I try to lead anyone else. Once Josiah's heart was changed, he could not keep it a secret. It flowed outward.
When his own life changed, he was in a position to influence others to change. His example influenced public reform. First, the change begins inside the leader, then it becomes visible to others. As they watch, it burns in their hearts and moves them to outward change as well.
Albert Schweitzer wrote, "Example isn't the main thing in leadership. It's the only thing." All the words we speak as leaders mean nothing if our life does not back it up.
Colin Powell said, "You can issue all the memos (or blogs)and give all the motivational speeches you want, but if the rest of the people in your organization don't see you putting forth your very best effort every single day, they won't either."
Through his own life, Josiah gave the people he led a picture of the change he wanted to see. This enabled him to bring about much change in a short amount of time.
Principles of the Law of the Picture
1. Most people are visual learners, not verbal learners.
Educators tell us that 89% of learning is visual. Most people need to see a model or example before they really understand. What we see is what we will be. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Followers beg the leaders to 'show me--don't just tell me'.
2. Good communication makes a vision clear. Good modeling makes it come alive.
Without doubt, a leader's words are important. They clarify the vision he wants to come to pass. However, providing an example is much more powerful and rare. People can then see what is possible if they buy into the vision.
3. It is easier to teach what is right than to live what is right.
As leaders, we must do the difficult thing and practice what we preach.
4. Leaders must work on themselves before they work on others.
Josiah bought into the need for change in his own life, then he proclaimed the need for his citizens to change. The leader must lead himself first.
5. The most valuable gift I can give to others is a good example.
Leadership is more caught than taught. While every leader should become the best communicator possible, communication is more than words. Transforming communication combines clear speech and consistent modeling. There is nothing more confusing than a person who gives good advice but sets a bad example.
Dear God,
As we begin the District Transformation Project, transform me. Fill me with passion, grant me clarity, give me wisdom. May my walk match my talk. Help me recognize 'God moments'. Make me willing to take a risk. Provide resources--human and material. Enlarge your Kingdom in ENY/NE as you see fit.
Amen
Monday, November 22, 2010
Memo Regarding District Transformation Project
This may be the most important communication that you have ever received from me and I want you to feel free to pass it on to as many of your own contacts as you think may be interested.
After two years of assessing the strengths, weaknesses and direction of our district, it has become increasingly clear to the leadership team and to me that we must take unusual measures to focus the district on task and see transformation in our churches. Far too many of them are inward focused. To reach our communities for Christ, it is going to take significant change in the way we do church.
About six months ago, I read a book, Assaulting the Gates, by Dr. Paul Borden. In it, he tells the story of an association of churches that was transformed by employing a system designed to help churches transform themselves. I was moved. What I read was exactly what I had come to believe in my 39 years of ministry.
I picked up the phone and called Dr. Borden. Miraculously I got through and we had a great conversation. I heard a whisper in my spirit—“Ask him to be your coach.” And so I asked and he agreed.
Over the next few months we talked occasionally. I shared my passion for reaching the Northeast for Christ. He shared the methods that he had developed and then one day, as we were talking, he said, “I would like to give you and your leaders a day of my time to go over what we have learned.”
I had a scheduled a DBA/Leadership Retreat for September and I arranged for him to spend the day with us. For seven hours he shared what God had done in many of the 500 churches with which he had consulted over the years. At the end of the meeting he made a proposal regarding helping our district in turn around strategies.
After he had gone to catch his plane, I asked the team, “What do you think?” Down to the person, they answered, ”There is no way that we can let this opportunity pass. This is a ‘God-Thing’. We must walk through the door that He has opened.”
We have contracted with Dr. Borden to consult, train, and coach with our district in 2011. He will be with us a total of 40 days. During this time, eight churches will go through this transformation process. Other churches will be prepared to be a part of the DTP process for 2012.
The first eight churches have been selected. They will soon have the opportunity to decide if they want to participate. They are…
Cobleskill
Ridge Road
Hadley-Luzerne
Hague
Turnpike
Malone
Turning Point (formerly Fort Miller)
Waterford
As the district starts this process, the first order of business is to build a team of prayer warriors. Much is riding on this experiment. Our district desperately needs to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our churches. Business-as-usual is only leading down the trail to death. In addition, the leaders of our national church are watching. The results here could impact other districts around the country.
Will you join the Prayer Team? Will you partner with us and regularly pray for me, the district leaders, the pastors and churches that will lead the way, Dr. Borden, and those who will help him? If so, please post a message or email me. Write me a note pledging your support and your desire to be part of the team. I will pledge to those that respond that prayer requests and reports of what is happening in our turn-around churches will be sent regularly from this office.
No longer will we be satisfied to be an island of disease, but rather we choose to become an island of health.
After two years of assessing the strengths, weaknesses and direction of our district, it has become increasingly clear to the leadership team and to me that we must take unusual measures to focus the district on task and see transformation in our churches. Far too many of them are inward focused. To reach our communities for Christ, it is going to take significant change in the way we do church.
About six months ago, I read a book, Assaulting the Gates, by Dr. Paul Borden. In it, he tells the story of an association of churches that was transformed by employing a system designed to help churches transform themselves. I was moved. What I read was exactly what I had come to believe in my 39 years of ministry.
I picked up the phone and called Dr. Borden. Miraculously I got through and we had a great conversation. I heard a whisper in my spirit—“Ask him to be your coach.” And so I asked and he agreed.
Over the next few months we talked occasionally. I shared my passion for reaching the Northeast for Christ. He shared the methods that he had developed and then one day, as we were talking, he said, “I would like to give you and your leaders a day of my time to go over what we have learned.”
I had a scheduled a DBA/Leadership Retreat for September and I arranged for him to spend the day with us. For seven hours he shared what God had done in many of the 500 churches with which he had consulted over the years. At the end of the meeting he made a proposal regarding helping our district in turn around strategies.
After he had gone to catch his plane, I asked the team, “What do you think?” Down to the person, they answered, ”There is no way that we can let this opportunity pass. This is a ‘God-Thing’. We must walk through the door that He has opened.”
We have contracted with Dr. Borden to consult, train, and coach with our district in 2011. He will be with us a total of 40 days. During this time, eight churches will go through this transformation process. Other churches will be prepared to be a part of the DTP process for 2012.
The first eight churches have been selected. They will soon have the opportunity to decide if they want to participate. They are…
Cobleskill
Ridge Road
Hadley-Luzerne
Hague
Turnpike
Malone
Turning Point (formerly Fort Miller)
Waterford
As the district starts this process, the first order of business is to build a team of prayer warriors. Much is riding on this experiment. Our district desperately needs to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our churches. Business-as-usual is only leading down the trail to death. In addition, the leaders of our national church are watching. The results here could impact other districts around the country.
Will you join the Prayer Team? Will you partner with us and regularly pray for me, the district leaders, the pastors and churches that will lead the way, Dr. Borden, and those who will help him? If so, please post a message or email me. Write me a note pledging your support and your desire to be part of the team. I will pledge to those that respond that prayer requests and reports of what is happening in our turn-around churches will be sent regularly from this office.
No longer will we be satisfied to be an island of disease, but rather we choose to become an island of health.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
It's the Journey That's Important
One year ago, I challenged ENY-NE pastors and leaders to climb Mt. Washington with me. That goal was accomplished on August 27. At 2:45 p.m. the last climber (me) of the thirteen reached the summit of the highest, toughest, most dangerous summit in the northeast!
As with any project, the year was full of planning, execution and set backs. My to-do list was filled with items such as
Research climbing Mt. Washington
Make a list of gear to be purchased
Get in shape—joint the ‘Y’
Following notes said— Get a nice pair of hiking boots
No cotton – get rid of jeans
Wool socks
A nice outdoor backpack
Rain gear
Along the way, experienced hikers from Hague stepped up beside me. They emphasized rigorous training. My list expanded…
Climb Hadley Hill
Climb Treadway Mt.
Climb Noonmark Mt.
Climb Giant Mt.
One by one these items were crossed off my list!
Ignore critics
Ignore naysayers
Ignore negative comments
Focus on the positive
Focus a completion of the task
Along the way, I had a bad fall on Giant Mt. Big, ugly bruises and soreness covered my body.
Ignore injury; keep going.
As I stood on top of the mountain I was reminded of why I do things like this. I attempt difficult things because of what I become in the process. And I do difficult things because of the fulfillment in taking others with me.
As we reached the summit, one of my fellow climbers, who had never attempted anything this high before, looked at me and said – what’s next?
As with any project, the year was full of planning, execution and set backs. My to-do list was filled with items such as
Research climbing Mt. Washington
Make a list of gear to be purchased
Get in shape—joint the ‘Y’
Following notes said— Get a nice pair of hiking boots
No cotton – get rid of jeans
Wool socks
A nice outdoor backpack
Rain gear
Along the way, experienced hikers from Hague stepped up beside me. They emphasized rigorous training. My list expanded…
Climb Hadley Hill
Climb Treadway Mt.
Climb Noonmark Mt.
Climb Giant Mt.
One by one these items were crossed off my list!
Ignore critics
Ignore naysayers
Ignore negative comments
Focus on the positive
Focus a completion of the task
Along the way, I had a bad fall on Giant Mt. Big, ugly bruises and soreness covered my body.
Ignore injury; keep going.
As I stood on top of the mountain I was reminded of why I do things like this. I attempt difficult things because of what I become in the process. And I do difficult things because of the fulfillment in taking others with me.
As we reached the summit, one of my fellow climbers, who had never attempted anything this high before, looked at me and said – what’s next?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Homegoing
Last night at 6:55 pm, Susan’s dad, Paul C. Cooke, Jr., went to be with the Lord. For the last two years of his life we had the privilege of having him live with us. During this time, his Parkinson’s and dementia steadily worsened, leading to his death.
Mr. Cooke served in the Navy at the end of WWII. He was the father of two, my wife Susan, and Paul C. Cooke III, of New Castle, Delaware. An industrial engineer by trade, he was employed for years by Fleer, a Philadelphia company that produces baseball cards and bubble gum. Mr. Cooke was also a pilot. In his younger years, he enjoyed flying his own plane. He loved yard work and landscaping, especially the many shrubs that he tenderly cared for. A long time member of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, he also was a Grand Master for the state of PA.
Mr. Cooke had a caretakers heart, himself taking care of his mother, Mary, his wife, Winnifred, and his friend, Eleanor, before their deaths.
He was a long-time resident of Bucks County, PA, where he lived at 224 Andover Rd., Fairless Hills since 1957.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Sr., his mother, Mary, his sisters, Anna and Faye, and his brother, David. He is survived by brother, Reg, and sister, Paula. In addition to his son and daughter, Mr. Cooke is survived by five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Though cautious and prudent in many areas, he was also known as a fearless and sometimes reckless driver, one not easily intimidated by the eastern big city drivers.
Partial to seafood, many of his meals during the last few years he was at home were taken at Dom’s, a local seafood market. More of a market than a restaurant, the owners installed a table known as Paul’s table. When he arrived, he seldom ordered. Instead, he waited patiently until his plate appeared with whatever the kitchen had decided he would have that day. Never a fast eater, he then spent a couple of hours savoring every bite.
Soon after his arrival in our home, before his dementia set in, I had the privilege to talk to him regarding his spiritual condition. On a dark, cold winter night, he bowed his head, prayed the Sinner’s Prayer and invited Christ into his heart. Susan, who has prayed for her Dad for over 43 years, sat in tears as she watched her dad, with tears of his own, acknowledge that he was a sinner in need of a Saviour.
It is our conviction that he is more alive today than he has ever been. His earthly tent, the body he had inhabited, left our home at approximately 9:30 pm, accompanied by an undertaker. His spirit, accompanied by a heavenly host, left two-and-a-half hours earlier. Heaven now becomes much richer and more real to us, especially to Susan.
Family trauma during Susan's infancy fragmented the family, leaving Susan feeling abandoned and different from other children. She remembers crying, "I want a daddy like other girls and boys." God, in His providence, gave her two years with her dad at the close of his life. "I was so proud," she said, "to have my dad for two years, to share my home with him, to love him and to be loved by him. What a special gift God gave me."
For the many of you who have asked about and prayed for Mr. Cooke over the past two years, we would like to say, "Thank you." Susan is looking forward to traveling with me. She is excited about getting to know our churches and our people better.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send gifts to: The Vision Fund of ENY-NE, 793 Corinth Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804. This fund aids in team building and leadership development in our district.
Susan and I would like to acknowledge the caregivers who have helped in our home, especially Mandy Starks who was with him at the end. We believe each one was a gift of God and a divine appointment. We have no regrets over the care that Mr. Cooke received. Also, we are grateful to Homeward Bound program of Hudson Headwaters Health Network and High Peaks Hospice who were generous with their care during Mr. Cooke's illness.
Finally, we are grateful to our God, who knowingly guided us to the northeast 'for such a time as this'. We eagerly anticipate his continued guidance.
Mr. Cooke served in the Navy at the end of WWII. He was the father of two, my wife Susan, and Paul C. Cooke III, of New Castle, Delaware. An industrial engineer by trade, he was employed for years by Fleer, a Philadelphia company that produces baseball cards and bubble gum. Mr. Cooke was also a pilot. In his younger years, he enjoyed flying his own plane. He loved yard work and landscaping, especially the many shrubs that he tenderly cared for. A long time member of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, he also was a Grand Master for the state of PA.
Mr. Cooke had a caretakers heart, himself taking care of his mother, Mary, his wife, Winnifred, and his friend, Eleanor, before their deaths.
He was a long-time resident of Bucks County, PA, where he lived at 224 Andover Rd., Fairless Hills since 1957.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Sr., his mother, Mary, his sisters, Anna and Faye, and his brother, David. He is survived by brother, Reg, and sister, Paula. In addition to his son and daughter, Mr. Cooke is survived by five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Though cautious and prudent in many areas, he was also known as a fearless and sometimes reckless driver, one not easily intimidated by the eastern big city drivers.
Partial to seafood, many of his meals during the last few years he was at home were taken at Dom’s, a local seafood market. More of a market than a restaurant, the owners installed a table known as Paul’s table. When he arrived, he seldom ordered. Instead, he waited patiently until his plate appeared with whatever the kitchen had decided he would have that day. Never a fast eater, he then spent a couple of hours savoring every bite.
Soon after his arrival in our home, before his dementia set in, I had the privilege to talk to him regarding his spiritual condition. On a dark, cold winter night, he bowed his head, prayed the Sinner’s Prayer and invited Christ into his heart. Susan, who has prayed for her Dad for over 43 years, sat in tears as she watched her dad, with tears of his own, acknowledge that he was a sinner in need of a Saviour.
It is our conviction that he is more alive today than he has ever been. His earthly tent, the body he had inhabited, left our home at approximately 9:30 pm, accompanied by an undertaker. His spirit, accompanied by a heavenly host, left two-and-a-half hours earlier. Heaven now becomes much richer and more real to us, especially to Susan.
Family trauma during Susan's infancy fragmented the family, leaving Susan feeling abandoned and different from other children. She remembers crying, "I want a daddy like other girls and boys." God, in His providence, gave her two years with her dad at the close of his life. "I was so proud," she said, "to have my dad for two years, to share my home with him, to love him and to be loved by him. What a special gift God gave me."
For the many of you who have asked about and prayed for Mr. Cooke over the past two years, we would like to say, "Thank you." Susan is looking forward to traveling with me. She is excited about getting to know our churches and our people better.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send gifts to: The Vision Fund of ENY-NE, 793 Corinth Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804. This fund aids in team building and leadership development in our district.
Susan and I would like to acknowledge the caregivers who have helped in our home, especially Mandy Starks who was with him at the end. We believe each one was a gift of God and a divine appointment. We have no regrets over the care that Mr. Cooke received. Also, we are grateful to Homeward Bound program of Hudson Headwaters Health Network and High Peaks Hospice who were generous with their care during Mr. Cooke's illness.
Finally, we are grateful to our God, who knowingly guided us to the northeast 'for such a time as this'. We eagerly anticipate his continued guidance.
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