Sunday, May 17, 2015

ASCENSION SUNDAY


  
   Today is Ascension Sunday. Today we remember the Ascension of our Lord and the promise to come again in a similar manner. The disciples watched longingly as Jesus ascended into the clouds. Two men in white roes (angels) said to them; "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven." The disciples had hoped that they would live to see the day of his return. They didn't live to see the day, that would be given to another generation.
   A number of years ago a rather large family were all seated around the table enjoy their evening meal. The mother remarked at how still and how quiet the weather appeared. There was a strange feeling in the air and she commented; “It's almost like the end of the world and Jesus is about to return.” One of the younger members of the family who has just received his dessert said; “I hope He doesn't come until after I have finished my apple pie.” Well Jesus allowed me to finish my apple pie and perhaps too many other desserts after that. We do not know the times nor the circumstances of his return we only know that someday it will take place.
Pastor John Fraser

Sunday, May 3, 2015

What Is Involved In????


Retirement Planning



There are so many things to plan for when retiring that it makes one's head spin. Jill and I have already started gathering packing boxes and separating what stays, what goes and what comes with us! As I am writing this little blog I look across my office an at old “wardrobe box that we used to transport our belongings when we first moved here. Already the box is half filled. However, it is filled with throw away items that are not coming with us! We have already looked into the best means of transporting our belongings from Bermuda to Florida. It looks like there are two possibilities both of which include air cargo. One possibility is to go through Miami and up to Orlando. The other possibility is to go through New Jersey and down to Leesburg. Cost will play a determining factor as to which one we will choose.

However, the big item of concern with regard to our move to the US is health insurance. I am certain that we have all heard horror stories of how expensive health-care can be in the States. While Jill and I are in good health it is an absolute necessity to have some form of health insurance. I have looked at several possibilities and the cost varies. The one that I am giving very serious consideration to is the one that I would like to tell you about.

Christian Healthcare Ministries has been in existence now for 30 years plus. U.S. Health insurance under the Obama administration allows for CHM having factored it in as a “grandfather clause.” CHM is a Christian ministry and is open to people no matter where they live and no matter what their age. There are three levels of coverage; Gold, Silver and Bronze. The cost per month goes from $45, $85 to $150 per person. For an additional package called “Brother's Keeper” your coverage can be increased. Jill and I estimate that the Gold Package for both of us along with “Brother's Keeper” will cost us approximately $325 a month. Who is allowed to join and what are the restrictions?

To be CHM members, participating adults must be Christians living by biblical principles, including abstaining from the use of tobacco and the illegal use of drugs (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), following biblical teaching on the use of alcohol, and attending group worship regularly if health permits (Hebrews 10:25). There are no restrictions based on age, weight, geographic location or health history.

CHM is something that those who are planning a possible move to the US or those in the US who are looking for a more affordable program should check out. Their address on the web is:




Your Pastor & Friend,

John Fraser