Lancaster Eagle-Gazette from Lancaster, Ohio • 3

3a miw MICHELLE GEORGE EDUCATIONFEATURES REPORTER (740) 681-4342, mgeorgelancastereaglegazette.com Gospel singer Sue Dodge set to perform at Lancaster church SPIRITUALITY COLUMN Be your own person This past week, while working a per diem shift in my reprisal as a hospital chaplain, IF YOU GO What: Sue Dodge concert When: 10 a.m. June 10 Where: Lancaster First Church of God, 732 E. Sixth Lancaster Cost: A donation will be accepted at the end of the concert. FYI: For more information, call Pastor William Means at (740) 653-6675. By Jack L.

Blankenship Eagle-Gazette correspondent LANCASTER International fame is not something gospel singers Usually imagine they'll receive in their lifetimes. Gospel singer Sue Dodge is counting her blessings that she has achieved so much after being in the business for more than three decades. People who see her in concert might be the first to testify that she is a consistent, vibrant singer. Throughout her time singing gospel music, she has performed with many pioneers and her hard work has made her a pioneer in her own right. Dodge will perform at 10 a.m.

June 10 at Lancaster First Church of God, 732 E. Sixth Lancaster. Pastor William Means, of Lancaster First Church of God, said he is looking forward to having Dodge perform. 'granddaughters named Sydney and Madeline." Dodge said the gospel music ministry has helped her receive four Dove Awards for best female vocalist and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Her Southern gospel music style has had her singing in front of 10 million people in India, a few thousand in Indiana, and a few hundred in Iowa.

After hearing her rendition of "God Bless America," the late President Ronald Reagan, with tears in his eyes, said, "Young lady, you have me speechless." Dodge recently turned 60 and said she has had the honor of recording many solo and group album recordings. She has been in many of the Gaither Family Tour recordings. Her latest dream also has turned into a reality: Dodge recorded her latest DVD, "The Best of Sue Dodge," with her favorite gospel groups and as a solo artist. Her popularity kept growing and soon she became a regular on the Gaither Homecoming Tour. "Of all the blessings I have received singing with The Speer Family, I met a handsome young minister named Amos Dodge, who was in the audience in one of my performances," Dodge said.

"He swept me off my feet and we're still together after 36 years of marriage. Union of our marriage blessed us with a daughter named Tara. Now she's a grown wife to her husband, Travis, and they have blessed my husband, Amos, and me with two beautiful A114HIM preparing for 2nd Shalom LANCASTER Local gospel group A114HIM will perform its second concert as part of the Shalom Concert Series at 7 p.m. June 1 at Shalom United Methodist Church, 4925 Plum Road, 1 a -i AII4HIM will present a gospel concert June 1 at Shalom United Methodist Church. The Shalom Concert Series also will feature Persuaded and The Means Family, submitted photo Corporate chaplain stays true to faith, entrepreneurship I was mistaken for someone I am not.

It happened as I entered an unfamiliar nursing station and offered the busy staff a morning Norris Burkes greeting. In response, a young nurse stood with a deferential offer, "Please take my chair, doctor." "Oh, I'm not a doctor," I said, patting my Tweetie Bird necktie. "I just wear the tie." My remark brought welcoming giggles from her nursing colleagues. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said. "I'm not," I said in a pronounced emphasis and then rolled the chair back to her.

My second remark brought an unwelcoming glare from a nearby doctor. Nevertheless, it was true. I wasn't disappointed that I am who I am. I wasn't sorry that I didn't hold the position for which the nurse found high regard. Jesus had the same problem, which caused him to flat out ask his adoring crowds, "Who do people say that I am?" The throng fired back some wild-eyed guesses, as some even said he was the ghost of an old prophet.

Others said he was a lunatic, but Jesus brushed those speculations aside and turned to people who were important in his life, his students, and asked, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter stood and set it straight. "You da man!" OK, he didn't exactly say that. Peter said, "You're the Christ." Jesus responded to this astute conclusion with an astounding command. He told them to not tell a soul. Why would Jesus ask for such anonymity? Some scholars say he was trying to avoid being crucified prematurely.

I think it was much more. I think Jesus had arrived at the moment in his life where he knew he didn't need to proclaim who he was. His walk, his breath and his talk exuded the confidence of one who was truly different. He knew his purpose, and he knew he was the only one who needed to feel contentment in that purpose. We all need to know such contentment.

I had such a moment during my Ordination Council in 1981. The council was an inquisitive group of ministerial peers who pitched me random theological questions for 90 minutes. Finally, after I'd successfully navigated most of them, the council president concluded with a scripted query designed to elicit a scripted answer. "What," he asked, "will you do if this council refuses to ordain you?" I told the council that even if they mistook me for someone who was not "called," I would continue to pursue the purpose God had for me. Even if they didn't affirm my call, I would continue to minister and share the unending love of God with all.

The truth of it is, council or no council, there always will be people who will refuse to affirm you. Or there will be people such as the young nurse who want you to be someone you are not. But as I learned from this council, maybe we spend too much energy trying to proclaim who we are and not enough effort just being who God wants us to be. Nevertheless, as much as I struggle with this issue, I continue to be mistaken for someone I am not. In April, my sister-in-law mistook me for a clumsy fashion geek when she laughed at the unique way I tie my shoes off to the side.

Just goes to show it's going to take perseverance to become who God wants me to be. Norris Burkes is a syndicated columnist, national speaker and the author of "No Small Miracles." He also serves as an Air National Guard chaplain and is board certified In the Association of Professional Chaplains. You can call him at (321) 549-2500 or email him at askQPthechaplain.net or visit his website at www.thechaplain.net. "Her concert is open to the public, and there will be a love offering after her concert," he said. Dodge began singing when she was 13 and her professional career began when she was 19.

She began her gospel music career as a part of the ensemble group The Down-ings. After 18 months with The Downings, she joined The Speers Family and stayed with them for four and a half years. After The Speers, she appeared on television shows such as "In Touch With Charles Stanley," "The 700 Club" and "TBN" every week. Schroder had no idea what a corporate chaplain was. Then one of his friends, Joel Nelson, who had been a Christian Missionary Alliance pastor for more than 25 years, began working as a corporate chaplain for Sportech, a motorcycle and snowmobile parts manufacturer in Elk River, Minn.

"The more he told me about it, the more I thought, 'This is for said Schroder, who was pastor at Discovery Church in St. Cloud, for eight years and most recently worked for St. Cloud Children's Home and Catholic Charities. "I did some research, went on the Internet and tried to answer the question: What is this beast? Too many churches wait for people to come through the doors. With this business I get to go out and meet people on their own turf." A few emails led him to Boe Parrish, president and co-founder, of Corporate Care Inc.

Eventually, Schroder decided to launch Corporate Care Services using Parrish's materials and business model. "We've grown our business by basically giving away franchises," said Parrish, a former executive with Sprint Communications who runs Corporate Care in Edmond, Okla. We don't exactly want com- Lancaster. (740) 653-1351. Contemporary Worship Service with The Great Transparency: The First Presbyterian.

Church of Lancaster announces the next in a series of contemporary worship services. The public is welcome to attend and hear a local Christian band and join them in songs of praise and worship. The featured group, The Great Transparency, is a pop-rock band whose performances include ministry and testimonies. First Presbyterian Church, 222 N. Broad Lancaster.

A free-will offering will be collected. 6 to 7:30 p.m. (740)653-1594. Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church services: Regular Sunday worship services will be offered. Special classes will be offered for children, and there are many small groups.

Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church, 657 E. Main Lancaster. 9:45 a.m. www.crosspointefwb.com. "Experiencing God, The "Experiencing God, the Musical" is based on Henry Blackaby's best-selling Bible study, Experiencing God.

Created by Gary Rhodes and Clare Cloninger, the musical combines the adult and children's choir, solos, ensembles, with narration to present the powerful message of Experiencing God. Calvary Baptist Church, 1910 Marietta Road, Lancaster. Free. 6 to 7:15 p.m. 740) 654-3992.

www.cbclancaster.net. Fairfield Community Church services: Sunday worship service and Sunday junior church will be at 10 a.m. Bible studies will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Fairfield Community Church, 860 E.

Mulberry Lancaster. First United Methodist Church Youth Group: This group is open to students In grades seven through 12. Crossroads Family Ministry Center, 2095 W. Fair Lancaster. 6 to 7:30 p.m.

(740)653-3330. First Methodist Church services: A traditional worship service will gospel show The concert is free and will feature the male trio Persuaded, which is out of Logan, as well as The Means Family, of Lancaster. For more information, call Tim Acton at (740) 653-4121. Corporate chaplain Nate Schroder, right, meets with Mark Boe, president and owner at Guardian Pharmacy, on April 24 in St. Cloud, Minn.

They meet on a regular basis, kimm ANDERSONST. CLOUD (MINN.) TIMES He started his business in January and is continuing to build contacts and clients. "A lot of people, when they hear the term chaplain, they think it's specifically religious," Schroder said. "In the corporate world, you're really like three people rolled into one. You're a counselor and a life coach in addition to being a pastor," Schroder, who has been married for 35 years and has four children, said many of the issues he'll deal with as a corporate chaplain are the same he faced from the pulpit.

If his own training in marital and crisis counseling isn't enough, he engages a network of other trained professionals. Victory Hill Church services: Victory Hill Church offers weekend worship services at 9 and 1 1 a.m. Victory Hill Church, 4000 Coonpath Road, Carroll. www.victoryhill.org. Emanuel Lutheran Church services: Worship services will be at 7:45 and 10:15 a.m.

Adult Bible study and Sunday school will be between services starting at 9 a.m. Emanuel Lutheran Church LCMS, 231 E. Mulberry Lancaster. Fifth Avenue Church of Christ services: Brad Seevers will lead Sunday services. A traditional service will be at 8 a.m., with Sunday school at 9:15 a.m.

and a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. A night service will be at 6 p.m. The nursery will be open for Sunday school and the 10:30 a.m. service. Fifth Avenue Church of Christ, 115 W.

Fifth Lancaster. (740) 654-0626. www.myfacc.com, TUESDAY River of Life Bible study: Bible study will be offered. A carry in also will take place. River of Life, 5090 Carnes Road, Carroll.

6:30 p.m. (740) 756-7231. www.riveroflifetoday.org. WEDNESDAY Bible study: Pastor William P. Means will lead the study.

First Church of God, 730 E. Sixth Lancaster, 7 p.m. (740)653-6675. First United Methodist Church Wednesday worship: This is a casual worship service. Crossroads Ministry Center, 2095 W.

Fair Lancaster. 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY Inner City Spotlight Open Mic Night: Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to all Inspiring poets, musicians, and singers. City of Life Ministries, 127 W.

Main Lancaster. (740) 438-6059, (740) 277-6001. By Kevin Allenspach St. Cloud (Minn.) Times ST. CLOUD, Minn.

Nate Schroder has served as a pastor for most of the past 30 years, but he always considered himself an entrepreneur at heart. Now, he's found a way to combine his spiritual calling with a chance to be in business for himselfall rolled into the role of corporate chaplain. Corporate chaplains have been around, for more than 50 years, strengthened by a portion of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits religious discrimination in the workplace. Changes to labor laws in 1972 also included requirements that employers make religious accommodations for employees if they do not substantially interfere with business. By the late 1980s, several national organizations had sprung up to provide chaplains and their counseling services throughout the American business scene.

In recent years, as businesses look at ways to cut costs, some have turned to corporate chaplains as an alternative to more traditional employee assistance programs. Still, until this past summer, FAITH CALENDAR TODAY Baked steak dinner and auction: A baked steak dinner, Chinese and silent auction will take place. Carryout will be available. Zeigler Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4003 Tschopp Road NE, Lancaster. The meal is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12.

Auction tickets are 50 cents each. 4 to 7 p.m. "Experiencing God, The "Experiencing God, The Musical" is based on Henry Blackaby's best-selling Bible study, Experiencing God. Created by Gary Rhodes and Clare Cloninger, the musical combines the adult and children's choir, solos, ensembles, with narration to present the powerful message of Experiencing God. Calvary Baptist Church, 1910 Marietta Road, Lancaster.

Free. 7 to 5 p.m. (740) 654-3992. www.cbclancaster.net. The Rev.

Susan A. Perkins book signing: Praises Family Books and gifts will have a book signing for area author the Rev. Susan Perkins. Perkins is the author of "Promises" and "Passover Promises," the first two books of the "Promises" series. Perkins is a resident of Stoutsville.

She Is a retiring pastor in the United Methodist Church. Hardbound and paperback copies will be available to buy for Perkins to sign. Praises Family Books and Gifts, 1235 N. Memorial Drive, Lancaster. 1 1 a.m.

to 1 p.m. SUNDAY Amanda Presbyterian Church services: Pastor Elizabeth Tietz will offer worship services. Everyone Is welcome to attend. Amanda Presbyterian Church, 141 E. Church Amanda.

10:30 a.m. Calvary Orthodox Lutheran Church services: Sunday school will be at 9 a.m., with worship services at 10:30 a.m. Calvary Orthodox Lutheran Church ELCA, 508 N. Broad petition right here in Oklahoma, but anywhere else in the country is fantastic. We want the concept to grow not because it's our business.

It's the Lord's business. Nate can use all our materials and resources and he doesn't pay us a cent, unless he should outsource some business to us in Oklahoma." Schroder grew up in Moorhead, earned a degree in horticulture from the University of Min-nesota-Crookston, and went intp the fruit and produce business. Later, he felt the pull to seminary and went to Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Ore. He spent five years as a pastor in Oregon and another 15 in Iowa before returning to Minnesota. be at 9 a.m., with a praisecontemporary service at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday school will be offered during both services for children age 3 through those in sixth grade. Child care will be provided for children age 2 and younger. Children in seventh through 12th grades meet at 1 1:30 a.m. at Rising House. First United Methodist Church, 163 E.

Wheeling Lancaster. (740) 653-3330. Grace United Church of Christ services: Pastor Ruth Farrell will lead Sunday worship services. Grace United Church of Christ, 1 185 Pleasantville Road, Lancaster. 10:30 a.m.

Pleasantville United Methodist Church services: Worship services and a moment for children will be offered with Pastor Geri Lampton. Pleasantville United Methodist Church, 112 Lincoln Pleasantville. 9 a.m. (740)468-3257. Redeemer Lutheran Church services: The Rev.

Jack C. Davidson will conduct Bible study at 9 a.m. and worship services at 10:15 a.m. Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church LCMS, 1400 Concordia Drive, Lancaster. (740) 653-4083.

River of Life services: Sunday morning worship services will be offered. River of Life, 5090 Carnes Road, Carroll. 10 a.m. (740)756-7231. www.riveroflifetoday.org.

Fairfield Christian Church service: American Sign Language interpretation Is offered during the 10:30 a.m. service. Call to confirm the volunteer interpreter Is available. Nursery and classes available for all ages at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Fairfield Christian Church, 1965 N.

Columbus Lancaster. (740) 654-0099. www.fairfieldcc.com. First Church of God services: Sunday school will be at 9 a.m., with worship service at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Services will be led by Pastor William P. Means. First Church of God, 730 E. Sixth Lancaster. 10 a.m.

(740) 653-6675..