Rumpke rates to increase for next three years for Brookville residents present and future

By John Estridge

Rumpke charges will go up each and every year for Brookville residents, present and future.

That was the information given at the Brookville Town Council meeting, Tuesday night, November 9.

Rumpke, the current trash and recycling pickup provider, was the only company bidding for the three-year contract. BTC President Curtis Ward read the numbers during the meeting.

For 2022-23, the trash pickup will increase by 75 cents from $10.25 to $11 a month while recycling will increase by 45 cents to $3 a month for a total of $14 per month, compared to $12.20 a month now.

In its second year, the increase will be 44 cents on trash pickup to $11.44 per month and then another 46-cent increase in the third year to $11.90 per month. The recyclables increase will be 12 cents in each of the second and third years. So, by the third year of the contract, current and the planned future Brookville residents will be paying $15.14 per month for trash and recycling pickup.

While BTC took the bids under advisement at the Nov. 9 meeting, that is the only bid the town received.

Obituary for Howard Richard Eldridge

HOWARD RICHARD ELDRIDGE

Howard Richard Eldridge, 86, of Connersville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning November 15, 2021.

He was born October 31, 1935, in Huntsville Alabama to Albert and Myrtle Eldridge. He was the fifth of six children. Howard lived a full and accomplished life, centered on faith and family. From an early age he devoted his life to Jesus Christ, and following his Lord became the guiding principle behind every decision he made in life.

He was a member of the Connersville Church of Christ from 1964. He served as an elder in that church for more than 30 years. He regularly taught Bible classes and preached from the pulpit. But it was his extraordinary example as a Christian man that stands out above all his other accomplishments.

Howard’s family moved from Huntsville, Alabama to Hammond, in 1950. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1953. Soon after that, at a church event, he met the love of his life, Betty. They courted and were married on September 1, 1956. Soon after, he entered Purdue University and graduated in 1960 with a degree in Pharmacy. 

Howard and Betty moved to Connersville in February of 1964, with their four young children. He purchased Grandview Pharmacy in 1969, and began the process of guiding that business from a neighborhood pharmacy to the one of the largest independent pharmacies in the nation.

During his tenure as owner of Grandview Pharmacy, that business was named as the Healthmart Pharmacy of the Year in North America. It also employed the Indiana Pharmacist of the Year, Technician of the Year, and Nurse of the Year. Grandview Pharmacy was the first independent pharmacy in the nation to employ robotics in the filling of prescriptions.  Internships at Grandview Pharmacy, in partnership with Purdue and Butler Universities, helped educate young pharmacists. Hundreds of people in the Fayette County area have worked at one time for Grandview Pharmacy in some capacity. Many are now pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, administrators, or executives in the healthcare field.

But above all, he loved being a community pharmacist. He wanted to help others, to serve others. There were many nights that he was called to the pharmacy to deliver medicine to those in need. 

Howard loved calling Connersville home. He was active in supporting the community. He supported the local county fair and the young people of Fayette County who worked so hard raising and showing their animals. He loved life on the farm.

He is survived by his wife, Betty. He is survived by three of his four children, Ralph Eldridge (Lisa), Lori King (Jim) and Glenn Eldridge (Deidre). (A daughter, Rhonda Eldridge died in 2009). He is survived by a sister, Margie Travis. He is survived by 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A calling will be held at the Connersville Church of Christ at 575 Erie Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021. A service in Celebration of Howard’s life will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Burial will then follow that service at Valley Grove Cemetery.

Urban Winkler Funeral home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Janet Clara Pauline (Dieckman) Underwood

JANET CLARA PAULINE (DIECKMAN) UNDERWOOD

Janet Clara Pauline (Dieckman) Underwood, 91, of Connersville, passed away at her home on Saturday, November 13, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. An only child to Emil and Elsie (Narwold) Dieckman, Janet was born in Batesville, on July 17, 1930.

Shortly after graduating from Batesville High School, she married the love of her life, Robert Underwood, on September 24, 1950. Three years into their marriage they opened Underwood Jewelry Store in Connersville, where they owned and operated it since 1953. Janet was devoted to her jewelry store and worked up until the store was temporarily closed for street repairs. They were blessed with three children and 67 wonderful years together before his passing on August 23, 2017.

Janet was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church since the church opened, where she was the organist.

Prior to the jewelry store, Janet worked at American Kitchens. Janet enjoyed attending the Connersville High School basketball games and listening to the band play. You could often find her outside mowing or working in her garden. She really loved taking her grandchildren fishing. For at least 25 years in a row, she attended the Indy 500. Family was very important to Janet, and she cherished every moment she could with them.

She will be greatly missed by her two daughters, Susan Peters and Jane (Rick) Taylor; four grandchildren, Robert (Heather) Peters, Katherine (Robert) Griner, Ronald (Jennifer) Taylor and Mathew Taylor; 10 great grandchildren Cameron Taylor, Clayton Peters, Molly Griner, Ava Griner, Ethan Taylor, Olivia and Eli Peters, Logan Taylor, Josie Griner and Jackson Davis.

Along with her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Grace Underwood.

Visitation for Janet will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 12 pm until 2 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 701 W. 3rd St. Connersville, Indiana 47331. The funeral service will begin at 2 pm at the church with Pastor Norman Dew officiating. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Veterans Council or the Connersville High School Band.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Tailwater among Hoosier waters additionally stocked with trout

DNR press release

DNR stocked 5,228 rainbow trout in five different lakes and streams across Indiana this month.Stocking

Curtis Creek Trout Rearing Station had a surplus of trout, which allowed for these additional stockings. The stocked surplus trout are greater than seven inches on average.

Stocking locations included:

—Pinhook Lake (South Bend, St. Joseph County) – 400 fish

—Fancher Lake (Crown Point, Lake County) – 1,000 fish

—Delaware Lake (Fort Harrison State Park, Marion County) – 700 fish

—Cedar Lake (Whitley County) – 2,128 fish

—Brookville Reservoir Tailwater (Franklin County) – 1,000 fish

Anglers age 18 and older need an Indiana fishing license and a trout/salmon stamp to fish for trout. The bag limit for trout in inland waters, other than Lake Michigan and its tributaries, is five fish per day with a minimum size limit of 7 inches. There is no closed season for taking trout from inland lakes. Review inland trout regulations: eregulations.com/indiana/fishing/inland-trout-regulations/.

For more information about stockings visit wildlife.IN.gov/fishing/indiana-fish-stocking.

Obituary for Melvin Harry Krieger

MELVIN HARRY KRIEGER

Melvin Harry Krieger, 88, of Batesville, passed away November 14, 2021. He was born in Batesville, on December 18, 1932, to Harry and Louise (Thielking) Krieger.

Melvin was a simple man who enjoyed mowing grass, going for rides, going out to eat, and visiting with people. Most of all, he loved to be with his family.

Melvin is survived by his children, Brian (Deb) Krieger and Ann (Tom) Narwold-Hauk; grandchildren, Colt Narwold (Sara), BJ Narwold, Blake Krieger, and Brittany Larmann (Phill); great grandchildren, Mabel Narwold, Pauline and Calvin Larmann; brother, Harry Krieger (Irene).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Johnston) Krieger.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 12: p.m. all at St. John United Church of Christ (Huntersville) in Batesville. Burial will follow at St. John UCC Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Batesville VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.

Memorials in honor of Melvin can be given to St. John Cemetery. They may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006. 

Please feel free to leave a memory or a message of comfort for the Krieger family in the online guestbook.

Obituary for Leona Kay Fultz

LEONA KAY FULTZ

Leona Kay Fultz, 55, of Brookville, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021, at her residence.

She was born May 19, 1966, in Connersville to James Blevins and Mary Phillis Tankersley Blevins, and she was a 1984 graduate of Laurel High School.

Leona was employed at Visteon for 23 years.

She was very devoted to family and greatly enjoyed family functions. She treasured her time spent with her grandchildren, including coaching their softball teams. In her leisure, she enjoyed playing softball, dancing, and singing karaoke. Leona was also a very creative person, skilled at making crafts.

Survivors include two children, Cierra Morris of Connersville and Michael Clark of Greensburg; six grandchildren, Jakia, Jazlynn, J’Da, Lamar, Eli, and Everette; a brother, Dwayne (Vickie) Blevins of Rushville; two sisters, Dolly Blevins of Connersville and Tammy (Justin) McQueen of Everton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Chris Lovett will officiate the service.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Virginia Clara Kolb

VIRGINIA CLARA KOLB

Virginia Clara Kolb, age 85, of Brookville, was called home to the Lord on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at home in the presence of her family.  

Born April 23, 1936, in New Trenton, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Rose Marie (Wehrle) Smith. She attended the former Whitewater High School. On April 23, 1953, she was united in marriage to Ed Kolb, and relocated to Brookville from Whitewater Township.  They enjoyed 68 years of partnership in marriage until her passing.

She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brookville. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching television and listening to music at the Ox Barn in Metamora; gardening and flowers, playing Scrabble and 500 Rummy as well as spending time with her family. 

Virginia was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 50. She never let the disease define her or allow her or allow it to control her attitude. She never complained about the complications that the disease brought upon her, and had become one of the oldest living persons with the disease at the time of her passing.

In addition to Ed, her husband of more than 68 years, survivors include four children, Dennis (Becky) Kolb of Brookville, Donna (Tony) Talbert of Richmond, Randy (Michelle) Kolb and Mark Kolb all of Brookville; a sister, Ruth (Lendon) Sizemore; 21 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Special thanks to her compassionate caregiver Vicky Greer and Hospice of Reid Hospital and Hospice of Margaret Mary.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Pauletta Kuntz and Helen Hall, and brothers Anthony Smith and Bob Smith.

Family and friends may visit from 9 till 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Vincent P. Lampert will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 145 East St. Michael’s Blvd., Brookville.  Burial will then follow in St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to Reid Health Hospice or Hospice of Margaret Mary. 

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kolb family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

FC court news (criminal)

Provided by the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

Criminal

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated

Charles H. Lowe, II, pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 30 days in the Franklin County Security Center (FCSC). He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was ordered to pay a Countermeasure Fee of $200. His Operator’s License was suspended for one year retroactive to the notice of Administrative Suspension.

John N. Beasley pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 720 days in the FCSC with 652 days suspended to probation. He was given jail-time credit from September 27, 2020 through November 5, 2020. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 652 days and was ordered to pay the Probation Users’ Fee of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for one year retroactive to September 30, 2020. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Jason K. Fischer pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 60 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of  $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days retroactive to the finding of Probable Cause on March 2, 2021. For the purpose of this plea agreement, the State further stipulates that there was not a refusal to submit to a chemical test. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Amy J. Marshall pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 14 months suspended to probation. She was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 14 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. Her Operator’s License was suspended for one year effective at sentencing on October 20, 2021. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Kenneth R. Kelly pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 60 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days retroactive to the Finding of Probable Cause on July 13, 2021. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Clayton J. Reisert pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with 50 days suspended to probation. He was given two actual days of jail credit. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 50 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee.  He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for one year retroactive to the Finding of Probable Cause on June 24, 2021. He was granted specialized driving privileges for work and medical purposes. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Operating a Vehicle without Ever Receiving a License

Luis F. Ramos pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs.

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Prior

Kenneth D. Bentz pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 16 months in the FCSC. He shall receive jail-time credit for one day and also from October 14, 2021 to day of sentencing October 21, 2021. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was ordered to pay a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 30 months effective at the date of sentencing and retroactive to the Finding of Probable Cause on May 7, 2020.

Possession of a Narcotic Drug

Thomas J. Whipple pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 20 months in the FCSC with 12 months suspended to probation to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed in another felony case. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations. He pleaded guilty to Disorderly Conduct, as a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim for 180 days effective at the date of sentencing, November 4, 2021.

Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More

Thomas J. Combs pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 12 months in the FCSC with 11 months suspended to probation to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed in another felony case. He was given jail-time credit from September 30, 2019 through October 1, 2019 and from May 19, 2021 until date of sentencing on November 2, 2021. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 11 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 30 months retroactive to the Finding of Probable Cause on October 16, 2019.

Barbara A. Thompson pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 60 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. Her Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days retroactive to the Finding of Probable Cause on August 12, 2021.  

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated – Endangering

Cody R. Boone pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 365 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 30 days retroactive to the Finding of Probable Cause on September 29, 2021, followed by a 180-day license suspension with specialized driving privileges for work. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Possession of a Syringe

Ashley R. Meredith pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 10 months suspended to probation to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed in a misdemeanor case. She was given jail-time credit from August 2, 2021 to the date of sentencing October 12, 2021. She was fined $1 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for 10 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Possession of Paraphernalia

Ashley Renee Meredith pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 16 days in the FCSC. She was given jail-time credit from June 12, 2020 through June 15, 2020 and from August 2, 2021 to date of sentencing on October 12, 2021. She was ordered to pay a $200 Countermeasure Fee.

Possession of Marijuana

Evan L. Roberts pleaded guilty as a class B misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $250 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 180 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Strangulation

Thomas J. Whipple pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 14 months suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 14 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. As an additional condition of probation, he is to have no contact with the victim. He also pleaded guilty to Domestic Battery, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 12 months in the FCSC with eight months suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. Defendant no longer has any right to possess a firearm.

Driving while Suspended

Derrick B. Lakes pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. His Operator’s License was suspended 365 days effective the date of sentencing, November 4, 2021.

Maintaining a Common Nuisance

Autumn M. Bills pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 14 months in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. She was fined $1 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for 14 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 and a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. As an additional term of probation, the Defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations. She pleaded guilty to Possession of Marijuana, as a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to six months in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. Upon successful completion of probation, if the Defendant passes all drug screens, successfully completes outpatient treatment and completes all other terms of probation, the Defendant may petition to have judgment of conviction entered as a misdemeanor and the State will not object.

Battery

David A. Harmon pleaded guilty as a class B misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 180 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee. As a condition of probation, Defendant will have no contact with the victim.

Ask Adrienne Greene: Jews are special people

Theological column by Adrienne Greene

Q:                                                                                                                                     

Dear Pastor,

I’ve heard that Jews are special and we’re supposed to pray for Israel. Why do we have to put them in a special category?

A:

First off, if you’re in a Christian church, I’m hoping you’ve heard about one special Jew in particular—Jesus Christ, the Savior! This is the main reason Christians consider Jews unique; that ethnic group gave us the Son of God. As a result, God asks us to honor his heritage: Jerusalem and the Jewish people.

However, it is true that Jews as a nation and as a religion (the two things are not the same) have not yet received their Messiah-Jesus. Still today, while Jews acknowledge him as a gifted teacher, rabbi, even a prophet, they refute the idea that he was and is the Messiah due to events surrounding Christ’s crucifixion. But more and more, the Lord Adonai is opening their eyes to the truth: Jesus came and fulfilled every prophecy foretold about himself; the promise of the coming King.

Thankfully, a contingent of the Jewish population has pulled away from traditional beliefs and embraced Christ. These unique people are called “Messianic Jews.” They sometimes say, “we are completed Jews.” My messianic Jewish friends have explained to me that this is because every Jew has a missing piece inside them. When they find Christ, they feel whole for the first time. In truth, it is the same for Gentiles. All people are born with a God-shaped hole designed to be filled by Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls.

Now to the nut of your question: Why are we Christians asked to respect a nation who rejects the Savior? Because the same Bible that explains the painful rejection of Jesus by his own people also reveals the heart of God. Thousands of years ago, Abraham the first Jew, who had just been told that through him the nation of Israel would be born, heard God say this, “…and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3.) Later, after Moses led the nation of the Jews out of captivity, God made this same point again through the prophet Balaam as he stood prophesying over them, “…blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you (Numbers 24:9.) God asks us to bless the Jewish nation and the people in it, and so we must. When we do, we experience a return on that blessing. We reap what we sow, in other words (Galatians 6:7.) Naturally, when we curse them, we suffer as well. God still loves Jews for the sake of his Son, Jesus. In our quest to honor God as Christians, we must respect this mandate to also honor God’s special people.

Lastly, I cannot forget to mention the most important information on this subject—the vine-scriptures in Romans 11. Jesus the Jew is the vine of life, says the Bible, and anyone who believes in him is grafted into that vine; to turn a botanical phrase. It is a work of the Holy Spirit: our spiritual DNA mixes with Christ’s blood when we receive him as our Saivor…and we then become inheritors of everything God promised the Jewish people! (They were given special blessings and promises because they are the nation of Christ’s heritage.) Through Jesus, we are part of the same Jewish vine. When we honor Jews, we honor Jesus Christ.

Psalm 122, written by the great King David, also teaches us how to view Jerusalem which is the holy site of the Jewish nation. David asks his readers to, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” He then declares the reward over those who do it: “May they prosper.”

On my desk in my office, I have a rubber ducky. It is the kind children float around in their bathtubs. My rubber ducky, however, is wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and yarmulke (circular, prayer beanie). He’s there, both to bring me joy (he’s adorable) and to remind me to pray for Jerusalem. I pat his head and bless Jerusalem in honor of my Savior and in service to my King.

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 videos and insights.