the Centrist

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass…it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

Pray for the new concept of an ‘interactive church’

Rural Dentist available through Amazon…  “Rural Dentist” is an autobiographical work about his family’s life and dental practice in rural Western New York (Orleans County).

Dr. Bellavia is a native of Jamestown and the first half of the book details his experience in Jamestown from grade school through Jamestown Community College; the second half includes dental school through 1995.  Bellavia contends that the best opportunities in America for professionals reside in rural American “Mom and Pop” organizations.  After 1995 his practice was no longer a “Mom and Pop” organization.  He practiced in Medina NY from 1968-2001.

Paul Spitale, Jr., Bellavia’s nephew, edited and wrote the forward to this book.   Paul has his MS. Ed. and is well known in Western New York for his expertise in the arts.

Dr. B married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Brunacini Bellavia, who helped in all aspects of this work.  Marilyn holds a degree in Medical Technology.

This book credits any success he has had in life to Orleans County, its people, and those whom he has come to call friends.  Many of those are mentioned in this work. He contends there is nothing better than the lifestyle and opportunities than in Medina and Waterport in rural New York State.

The book is available on Amazon.com or at Bellavia’s website: billbellavia.com.

Bellavia is available for interviews, book signings, and lectures by emailing him at w1db@aol.com.

Lighter Side

Satan vists the church

One bright, beautiful Sunday morning, everyone in tiny Jonestown wakes up early and goes to their local church. Before the service starts, the townspeople sit in their pews and talk about their lives and their families.

Suddenly, at the altar, Satan appears!! Everyone starts screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in their determined efforts to get away from Evil Incarnate. Soon, everyone is evacuated from the church except for one man, who sit calmly in his pew, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God’s ultimate enemy is in his presence. This confuses Satan a bit. Satan walks up to the man and says, “Hey, don’t you know who I am?” The man says, “Yep, sure do.”

Satan says, “Well, aren’t you afraid of me?” The man says, “Nope, sure ain’t.”

Satan, perturbed, says, “And why aren’t you afraid of me?” The man says, “Well, I’ve been married to your sister for 25 years.”
he following are actual church bulletin board bloopers found in churches across the United States.

Bulletin Board Bloopers

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.

Evening massage – 6 p.m.

The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.

Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please use the back door.

Ushers will eat latecomers.

The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.

For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.

The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”

Due to the Rector’s illness, Wednesday’s healing services will be discontinued until further notice.

Stewardship Offertory: “Jesus Paid It All”

The music for today’s service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister’s daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.

Twenty-two members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.

A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.

Today’s Sermon: HOW MUCH CAN A MAN DRINK? with hymns from a full choir.

Hymn 43: “Great God, what do I see here?” Preacher: The Rev. Horace Blodgett
Hymn 47: “Hark! An awful voice is sounding”

On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD Dr. Hargreaves is better.

Potluck supper: Prayer and medication to follow.

Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.

The 1997 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.

Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.
Offer made to Adam

God looks down and notices that Adam is all alone while all the animals have companions, so he decides to create a companion for man as well. He comes to see Adam and says to him, “Adam, you are my greatest creation and therefore, I am going to create for you the ultimate companion. She will worship the very ground you walk on, she will long for you and no other, she will be highly intelligent, she will wait on you hand and foot and obey your every command, she will be beautiful, and all it will cost you is an arm and a leg.” Thinking for a few moments, Adam replies, “What could I get for a rib?”

Blogger’s Corner

Have a Blessed memorial Day, but never forget freedom is not free.

Dr. B