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SEPTEMBER 2026 MILLS’ MUSINGS – COMMON CARRIERS
It’s a phrase you don’t hear all that much any more: common carrier. As I understand it, it primarily identifies a person or a business that transports passengers, goods, or services for a fee and makes their service available to the general public. Examples of common carriers include railways, airlines, shipping companies, and bus lines.
It was a bus ride that brought to my mind that obscure terminology and, along for the ride, a memory of a simpler time.
As a young child, I rarely saw a bus, not even a school bus. My hometown encompasses less than a square mile. The one school was K-8. There was no bus. All of us walked to school, running if necessary to make it to our seats before the late bell rang at 9:00. Technically, by the time I attended that newly built school, what was still called “the bell” had become an electronically amplified buzzer. But I’m pretty sure it was an actual bell when my dad at that age had walked to the old school building in that same town.
At noon, we kids all walked home for lunch. Then we walked back to school, where we stayed from 1:00, when the afternoon late bell rang, until 3:15, when the dismissal buzzer/bell sent us scampering home. The routine varied only on days when it was pouring raining. Then, you and as many other kids as would fit, scrambled into a car driven by your mom or another mother. Seat belts were still a novelty, so if your backside could find a bit of vinyl to call home, you were welcomed aboard for the three-minute ride.
The summer before I started sixth grade, my family moved to a new home just outside of town. Walking to school in the township wasn’t an option, so I became acquainted with the school bus. But for me, public transportation still remains terra incognita. So, part of my recent European trip with Tim was devoted to learning how to travel by bus and train.
Shortly after we boarded a nearly filled bus one morning in Salzburg, there was a prerecorded announcement, first in German, then in English, “Please give your seat to someone who may need it more.” No guilt, no shame, no threat of enforcement. Just a few simple words that evoked an earlier time, a time when recorded announcements were technologically unfeasible – and when reminders to treat others with common courtesy were unnecessary.
A few minutes into our journey, an elderly woman, leaning heavily on a cane, stepped up into the middle of the elongated bus. As she did, a slightly less elderly couple stood up from their seats just across from the door. They motioned to the new arrival, and went up two more steps to take another pair of seats. The woman used her cane to help her settle slowly into a seat they just had yielded.
According to a website I visited, “Historically, common carriers were bound by public obligations arising from statutory or common-law duties.” According to the Bible, so are Christians, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6;31).
Even after our trip, I don’t think I’m at risk of becoming a big fan of city buses. But I pray that I, and all of us, might learn to see ourselves as common carriers of God’s kindness and compassion.
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News & Announcements for Sunday, August 30, 2026
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS ON SUMMER BREAK
Sunday school is on summer break. We will resume in September with a study on how Christians can faithfully engage in politics. More information coming soon!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 3:00 PM
The Women’s Bible Study will begin our new year on Tuesday, September 8th at 3:00 p.m. We are continuing to use the book Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin. Please work on week 6 – pgs. 96 – 113, Secret Righteousness. Thanks so much Karey for continuing to be our teacher. Grab your Bible, your book and a snack that you can share with the whole group and join us as we learn together! This would be the perfect time to bring a friend!!
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 9:00 AM
We’re partnering with our friends at Elon EPC and starting a new monthly men’s bible study, beginning Saturday, September 12. We’ll use Zach Wagner’s book, Men of Virtue, to guide use through a study of the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. We look forward to seeing you there!
MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: DOWNTOWN EPC
Our mission focus for the month of August is Downtown Presbyterian Church, a new EPC church plant in downtown Lynchburg. Through the faithful ministry of Downtown EPC, God is building a community of faith and sowing the seeds of the Gospel. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with and support this vibrant church plant just across the river from us. You may make a donation by specifying Downtown EPC on your check memo line.
HELPING HANDS OFFERING – THIS MORNING
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News & Announcements for Sunday, August 23, 2026
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS ON SUMMER BREAK
Sunday school is on summer break. We will resume in September with a study on how Christians can faithfully engage in politics. More information coming soon!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MEETING JESUS: CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE – SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 7:00 PM
Join us at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, August 23 at 7pm for a community worship service. This is a wonderful opportunity to worship together with our brothers and sisters throughout Madison Heights and Amherst County.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 9:00 AM
We’re partnering with our friends at Elon EPC and starting a new monthly men’s bible study, beginning Saturday, September 12. We’ll use Zach Wagner’s book, Men of Virtue, to guide use through a study of the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. We look forward to seeing you there!
MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: DOWNTOWN EPC
Our mission focus for the month of August is Downtown Presbyterian Church, a new EPC church plant in downtown Lynchburg. Through the faithful ministry of Downtown EPC, God is building a community of faith and sowing the seeds of the Gospel. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with and support this vibrant church plant just across the river from us. You may make a donation by specifying Downtown EPC on your check memo line.
Read more...
News & Announcements for Sunday, August 16, 2026
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS ON SUMMER BREAK
Sunday school is on summer break. We will resume in September with a study on how Christians can faithfully engage in politics. More information coming soon!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 11:00 AM
The Northminster Book Club will meet on Thursday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Depot Grille. We will be discussing The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Come join us for lunch and lots of great conversation!! Feel free to bring a friend!
MEETING JESUS: CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE – SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 7:00 PM
Join us at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, August 23 at 7pm for a community worship service. This is a wonderful opportunity to worship together with our brothers and sisters throughout Madison Heights and Amherst County.
MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: DOWNTOWN EPC
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News & Announcements for Sunday, August 9, 2026
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS ON SUMMER BREAK
Sunday school is on summer break. We will resume in September with a study on how Christians can faithfully engage in politics. More information coming soon!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 11:00 AM
The Northminster Book Club will meet on Thursday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Depot Grille. We will be discussing The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Come join us for lunch and lots of great conversation!! Feel free to bring a friend!
MEETING JESUS: CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE – SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 7:00 PM
Join us at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, August 23 at 7pm for a community worship service. This is a wonderful opportunity to worship together with our brothers and sisters throughout Madison Heights and Amherst County.
MISSION FOCUS FOR AUGUST: DOWNTOWN EPC
Read more...
