This issue of OLT wasn't earth shaking. There are several items that really got me to thinking. But, to start with first things, the cover page is another wonderful example of Abba Graphics art work. The article by Larry Clark is interesting because he describes a worship service that really became the norm for FBC Chula Vista during the 70's. I recently read "Pagan Christianity" by Frank Viola and George Barna. In this book, they deplored the fact that worship like the early church (somewhat like Larry Clark describes) never take place in the "organized church" of the 20th or 21st centuries. Of course, Frank Viola says that it does take place in the House Church. I am not quibbling with Mr. Viola, but I can attest that the kind of worship that he (Viola) describes and that Larry Clark describe were the norm in the 70's.


Larry described the service because Ken and others were again on pilgrimage to Church of the Redeemer in Houston. I am one of the few elders of the church that never got to go to Houston. It wasn't that I didn't want to go. I was busy in the Navy -- and, in the early days, I was really considered a second rate leader. By the way this is probably an accurate assessment. I was loved and respected as a leader and a Choir Director, but I wasn't really one of the spiritual leaders. They were right. Anyhow, I never got to Houston. I really wanted to go.

Larry Clark was an ordained American Baptist Pastor who came and joined our community in the early 70's. He was a great friend, a good leader and good preacher. He was head of one of our households. He also really acted as the assistant Pastor. He didn't have that title -- we weren't big on titles -- but that is how he functioned.

In this issue, there is a note on First Baptist Church of Arcata CA. There is also an article by Clay Ford who would become pastor of the Arcata church in a decade or so. There is also an article by Joyce Scott, an American Baptist Missionary in India. Joyce was really touched by Ken Pagaard's ministry. Joyce was a real leader in the American Baptist Charismatic Fellowship and Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries until her death in the early 2000's. She was a great lady. She is missed by many and by me personally.