Walking and praying to change the world

A Theological Column by Adrienne Greene

Q:

Dear Pastor,

Someone in my church is staging a prayer-walk. What is that?

A:

            Prayer-walking is the best therapy for tired bodies, tired brains and tired spirits. The combination of fresh air and the Holy Spirit is an ancient recipe for clear vision and peace; often cultivating the rarest of emotional commodities: joy. For those challenged with the need to exercise (aren’t we all since Covid shut down the world??), walking and praying meets two vital activities at once. Yet a corporate, organized prayer-walk may also be a spiritual weapon of war against the scourge of darkness in your particular geography. Since in-person gatherings have been hindered or discouraged, many congregations have scheduled prayer walks in their communities. Every Christian should know how to do it.

            Prayer walking is a biblical practice that involves traveling on foot while praying in order to impact a spiritual territory or location with God’s blessing. There are two places in the Bible God shows us our ability to take authority over a certain locale simply by walking on it, through it, or around it (Deuteronomy 11 and Joshua 1.) Think Jericho’s walls, for instance. Spiritually speaking, Christians are empowered to take ground for God because we are filled and sealed by the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as our Savior. Prayer-walks take that power (the Holy Spirit) and put it to use as we prayerfully evoke God into the atmosphere while we walk. Even a child can participate.

            God said to Joshua, “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you” (Joshua 1:3, NASB.) Since God knows all things, past-present-future, he had already decided to give possession of the land to Joshua before the man ever got there. When Joshua arrived, God explained what he had decided to bestow and how it would occur: “Walk on the land,” said the Lord, “and you will own it.” If you continue reading the story of Joshua, the successor of Moses, you’ll find that indeed, God gifted swaths of land to each one of the twelve tribes of Israel who were under Joshua’s care. What was already true in the spirit became true in the natural. We see this often in scripture and operate under the same principle today.

            For example: We know that public schools have been a particular target of government shutdowns. In an effort to secure children from Covid19, the overly-cautious authorities withdrew that least-vulnerable population from normal life. Desperate parents and concerned citizens are prayer-walking around these buildings and campuses in quiet troops, calling on our Jesus who cures all things and secures eternal safety—to intervene where our well-intentioned policies have now scarred a generation. When the doors open, or even if the classrooms are now filled, God uses these prayer-walks to blanket the area for his repair and restoration of our students’ well-being.

What a refreshing, spring-time idea for a Sunday afternoon! Gather together under the Bible’s precedent to pray and walk around your neighborhoods, businesses, schools, churches, hospitals…anyplace with a need to be touched by God’s redeeming hand. Just as Joshua did, we claim each particular area for Jesus Christ and a full recovery. In effect, we take the ownership of the geography out of the hands of every enemy and place it squarely in God’s. You could say we make a pre-emptive strike against the Devil’s plans of continued oppression.

            Because the Lord loves his relationship with his kids more than anything else, he set up the universe in such a way that when we pray, God takes action. Yes, he operates without human intervention constantly, but there are times he asks us to partner with him in order to bring about a needed change in the earth. Prayer is that partnership. Our prayers, in concert with God’s will, change the world. And we definitely need it.

Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for sermons and insights.

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Obituary for Clarence Leroy “Ollie” Oliver

CLARENCE LEROY “OLLIE” OLIVER

Clarence Leroy “Ollie” Oliver, Jr., 59, of Connersville, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Reid Health, Richmond.

One of seven children of Clarence Leroy, Sr. and Shirley Ann Payne Oliver, Ollie was born in Rhode Island on May 5, 1961, and graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School with the class of 1980.

On July 9, 1983, Ollie married the former Pamela Dickey in Connersville. Mrs. Oliver survives.
For more than 15 years, Ollie was employed with Intat Precision in Rushville until retiring for health reasons.

Ollie was a member of the Wayne County Coon Hunters Association and in his leisure time, enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, woodworking, playing BINGO, and spending time with his family.

Besides his wife of 37 years, Pamela Oliver, survivors include three daughters, Amanda Oliver, Christy (Mike) Helms, and Kelsey Oliver, all of Connersville; two grandchildren, Ariann Wafford and Nathan Wafford; six siblings, Jim Oliver of Morristown, Laura (Dave) Moffett of Connersville, Cheryl (Marvin) McDaniel of Metamora, Michael (Julie) Oliver of Columbus, Ginny (Ronnie) Rudd of North Vernon, and Kristie Oliver of Connersville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy (Sheri) Dickey, Jeff (Beth) Dickey, Joseph, Jr. (Bo) Dickey, Rodney Dickey, all of Connersville, and Angel Ball of Greensburg; step-mother-in-law, Frances Dickey; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Ollie was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Gaven Oliver; two brothers-in-law, Larry Ervine and Ernie Dickey; mother-in-law, Dorothy Dickey; and father-in-law, Joseph Dickey, Sr.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m., until the time of service at 1 p.m., on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Bob Ward will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation and online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Shirley R. Helms

SHIRLEY R. HELMS

Shirley R. Helms, was a caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world unexpectedly Monday March 1, 2021 at her residence in Brookville.

Born July 31, 1936, in Brookville, she was the daughter of the late Aloysius Otto and Clara J. (Sauerland) Rosenberger. She remained a lifelong resident of Brookville.

She was retired from the State of Indiana where she had been employed at the Work One office for several years.

Shirley was a very fun loving person who enjoyed life. She devoted her life to volunteering and supporting the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, as well as entertaining her family and friends. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. 

She was a member of the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legions Ladies Auxiliary, as well as the Wilbur Dennison Post #2014 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary; and had been a member of the Red Hats. 

Survivors include three children, Michael Helms of Florida, Kim Pflum of Sydney, Ohio and Bridgett Helms of Brookville; three grandchildren, Shantelle Foght, Elizabeth Thomas, and Cheyenne Wilson; seven great-grandchildren; four sisters, Janet Miller of Brookville, Joyce Lambert of Whitcomb, Donna Gesell of St. Peters, and Karen Weir of West Alexandria, Ohio, as well as a brother, Herbert Rosenberger of Brookville.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her life partner of 40 years, George Lamping, who died July 6, 2020; two sisters, Phyllis Riedman and Roberta Smith; as well as two brothers, Otto Rosenberger and Donald Rosenberger.   

Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate the Memorial Mass at 12 Noon on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Helms family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

Obituary for Gilbert Grimes Jr.

GILBERT GRIMES JR.

Gilbert Grimes Jr., age 88, of Brookville, died Monday, March 1, 2021, at his residence in Brookville.

Born February 27, 1933, in Clay County, Kentucky, he was youngest of 12 children born to the late Gilbert Sr. and Laura N. (Sparks) Grimes. On December 20, 1980, he and the former Tammy Berry were united in marriage, and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2020.

Junior was retired, having worked at the former GM Fisher Body in Fairfield, Ohio. He later worked as a chauffeur in Florida.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing guitar, and singing Bluegrass and Country Music. 

Survivors include three children, Charity Goodin of Brookville, Dennis Grimes and Gail Grimes both of California; three grandchildren, Brian Goodin of St. Leon, Jonathan Grimes of California and Rodney Goodin of Harrison, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, and wife Tammy, he was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.   

Private services will be held with interment at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donors choice. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Grimes family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

Hoosiers 50 and older now eligible to register for COVID-19 vaccine

Indiana State Department of Health press release

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that Hoosiers age 50 and older are now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. This expansion of eligibility makes the vaccine available to an additional 412,000 Hoosiers.

Due to limited vaccine supplies nationally, Indiana has prioritized healthcare workers, first responders and those who are most vulnerable in its vaccine rollout. Individuals age 50 and older account for just more than 35 percent of the state’s population but represent 80 percent of the COVID-19 hospitalizations and 98 percent of all COVID-19 deaths.

Additional groups will be added as more vaccine becomes available.

Vaccine appointments for this newly eligible population will be available over the next several weeks to align with expected vaccine deliveries to the state. Hoosiers are encouraged to take advantage of one of three mass vaccination clinics scheduled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg and the University of Notre Dame this month.

To schedule a vaccine, visit https://ourshot.in.gov and select a location from one of nearly 390 clinics around the state. Hoosiers who do not have a computer or cell phone or those who need assistance scheduling an appointment can call 211 or contact one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging or AARP. Nearly 70 libraries around the state also are helping Hoosiers schedule their appointments.

Vaccination clinics that are part of the federal vaccine program, including those at Meijer and Kroger, appear on the clinic map at https://ourshot.in.gov but are scheduled through those retailers’ platforms, not through the state centralized system.

As of Wednesday, 1,031,266 individuals have received a first dose of vaccine in Indiana and 608,638 are fully vaccinated.

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Hate them or love them: Zipper merges coming to a Hoosier highway construction site near you

Indiana Department of Transportation press release

The Indiana Department of Transportation will be transitioning from merging early to merging late with more widespread use of zipper merges in work zones this construction season. 

What is a zipper merge?

Zipper merges are used when a lane is closed ahead due to road construction or maintenance work. Zipper merges are designed to keep traffic moving by allowing drivers to use both lanes until reaching the merge point.

How does a zipper merge work?

Zipper merges work exactly as they sound – like a zipper!

As drivers see “lane closed ahead” signs, they should stay in their current lane up to the designated merge point. Then drivers should take turns moving into the open lane. This practice is much safer than merging early, which causes congestion and more significant changes in speed.

When a zipper merge is in place, be respectful of other drivers who wait to merge until just before the lane ends – they’re doing it right!

Zipper Merge vs. Early Merge

Most drivers tend to merge at the first sight of a “lane closed ahead” sign, however many slow too quickly, which can lead to unexpected lane switches, serious crashes and road rage.

Zipper merges provide several benefits to the traveling public. Risks decrease when motorists use both lanes until reaching the defined merge area and then alternate or take turns moving to the open lane in a zipper-like fashion.

What are the benefits of a zipper merge?

  • Reduces speed differences between two lanes
  • Reduces queue length by up to 40 percent
  • Reduces congestion and keeps traffic moving smoothly
  • Creates a sense of fairness and equity that all lanes are moving at the same rate
  • Brings order to the merging process

When should zipper merges not be used?

In situations where traffic is flowing at highway speeds with no or minimal back-ups, drivers should merge early to the open lane. Not all work zones are conducive to use of a zipper merge. Signage will be present if a zipper merge is present, and motorists should continue to merge when it is safe to do so.

Visit the INDOT website to learn more: bit.ly/INDOTZipperMerge.

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ISDH opens vaccines to 55 and older and announce mass vaccine sites

Indiana State Department of Health press release

Blog covid vaccine for 55 and older and mass sites 3-2-21

The Indiana Department of Health today announced that it has partnered with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, University of Notre Dame and Ivy Tech Community College to host three mass vaccination clinics to help eligible Hoosiers receive a free COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition, effective today, Hoosiers age 55 and older are now eligible to receive a free vaccine.

“Getting tens of thousands of vaccines in arms in a matter of days is a huge undertaking that requires incredible partnerships,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “We are incredibly grateful to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Notre Dame and Ivy Tech for their willingness to meet this challenge head-on to help save Hoosier lives.”

The mass vaccination clinics will offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which received its Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA on Saturday. The vaccine requires only one dose and has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths in clinical trials involving nearly 44,000 participants from all races and ethnicities.

“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine gives eligible Hoosiers a safe, effective and convenient way to protect themselves from COVID-19,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Because it requires just one dose, every shot administered represents a Hoosier who can rest easier, knowing their risk of severe illness from this disease has dropped exponentially.”

The Indiana Department of Health has also begun planning for a future mass vaccination clinic in Gary in collaboration with local health officials. Additional mass vaccination sites in other locations will be planned as more vaccine becomes available.

All clinics will require advance registration through https://ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211. Proof of age and residency will be required. The mass vaccination clinics are listed as sites that eligible Hoosiers can select when making an appointment. No walk-ups will be permitted.

Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging, AARP and nearly 70 libraries around the state also can help Hoosiers schedule their appointments.

The clinic schedules are as follows:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis March 5-7 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Enter through main gate off 16th Street; participants will remain in their cars for their vaccines.

Ivy Tech Community College 8204 County Road 311, Sellersburg March 12-13 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Participants will remain in their cars for their vaccines.

University of Notre Dame Compton Family Ice Arena 100 Compton Family Ice Arena, Notre Dame March 26-27  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additional dates may be added to each of the above sites depending on demand and vaccine availability.

A separate advisory with instructions for media interested in covering the clinics will be issued closer to the events.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://ourshot.in.gov.

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Obituary for Ralph L. Brandes III

RALPH L. BRANDES III

Ralph L. Brandes III, was born on October 19, 1951, in Milan, a son to Ralph and Clara Centers Brandes II. He married Denise Bennett on July 9, 2011, in Milan. Ralph spent his career as a diesel mechanic. When Ralph wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, mowing the grass, and most of all, loved to spend time with his friends and family. On Monday, March 1, 2021, at the age of 69, Ralph passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Those surviving who will cherish Ralph’s memory include his wife, Denise Brandes of Milan; four children, Edith Brandes of Osgood, Amanda Struckman of Milan, Luciana (Tim) McConnell of Milan, Carmelita (Bill) Brown of Milan; two step-children, Joseph (Chelsea) Holcroft, and Sarah Holcroft all of Madison; 23 grandchildren, Christina Brandes, Kristina McConnell, Sean McConnell, Tiffany (Joe) Scruggs, Sarah Struckman, Echo Roark, Aaron McConnell, Richard Andrew Struckman, Stephan Horn, Ashley Brown, Austin Burdett, Tiffany (Shelby) Burton, Dustin Morgan, Kelsey (Kenton) Graham, Caitlyn Morgan, Destiny Brandes, Danielle Brown, Hunter Holcroft, Brady Brown, Waylon Lewis, Owen Holcroft, Laine Holcroft, and Lily Lewis; 31 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Linden (Yvonne) Brandes of Brookville, and Greg (Pam) Brandes of Milan, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by both of his parents, one brother, Gary Brandes; and a great-grandson, Jayce Struckman.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 4, 2021, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home in Sunman. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m., and burial will follow in Old Milan Cemetery immediately after. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Margaret Mary Outpatient Cancer Center, Oncology Department or to Margaret Mary Hospice in Batesville.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, all attending must follow Governor Holcomb’s mandates: You must wear a face mask; you must social distance; funeral home attendance is limited to 50 people at any one time; and if you are not feeling well, or if you have a compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave personal memories, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Ralph Brandes III.

LTC unanimously passes resolution in support of LPD officer who was part of an officer-involved shooting

By John Estridge

Liberty Town Council members unanimously passed a resolution in support of a Liberty Police Officer involved in an officer-involved shooting, which ended in the death of a female Friday, February 26.

According to an Indiana State Police press release from Friday, LPD Officer Lorenzo Shepler was called to U.S. 27 south of Liberty near 1 a.m., Friday for a report of a woman, later identified as Maggie A. Dickerson, 29, of Liberty, walking in the middle of the highway. When Shepler attempted to move the Dickerson off the highway, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the woman advanced toward Shepler while she was brandishing a knife. Shepler fired multiple rounds from his handgun, striking the woman at least one time.

She was flown by medical helicopter to Kettering Ohio Medical Center where she later succumbed to the injuries sustained in the shooting.

The Indiana State Police were asked to investigate the incident, which was near but outside the town limits.

In the resolution, the town said after the investigation is complete, the results will be turned over to Union County Prosecutor Andrew A.J. Bryson. He will then decide if any charges will be filed as a result of the investigation of the shooting.

Thus, LTC — through the resolution — affirmed it would pay for any attorneys Shepler needs. It will be his choice of attorneys if there is a need. Also, it will also pay for any mental health counseling Shepler deems necessary as a result of the incident.

It is the LPD’s policy to place an officer involved in a shooting on administrative leave. Because of that, the resolution affirms Shepler will receive his normal pay and benefits while on administrative leave.

Council members made no comments prior to or after the vote.

In answer to a media question, town attorney Walt Chidester said the Union County Sheriff’s Department and the Liberty Police Department have held a long-term agreement to help cover each others’ respective areas when an officer from the other jurisdiction is either on another call or too far away to quickly respond. Also, if there is a need for backup during an incident. Thus, it is believed the liability insurance of the officers’ respective governmental agency continues to cover the officer. In this instance, the liability insurance from Liberty will cover Shepler.

Union County Sheriff Dale Dishmond said that is also his understanding.

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