8-29-12

Dear Family of faith, What a joy it was on Sunday to be back with you in worship! Our two Sundays away at church in Ohio and in Minnesota reminded us of how different you are-- how much more warmth and hospitality we find in Spring Hill. I can understand better now why so many people who have moved away write back and say, "We can't find a church like ours." God's Spirit is surely in this place, and we rejoice to be back with you (although we have yet one more worship to miss). As I was coming into the church this past week, I noticed some unsightly weeds growing in the cracks of the sidewalk. My first thought was, "I hope someone gets rid of those." My second thought was, "What do you mean? This is YOUR church and YOU should be helping to take care of it!" At that thought, I bent down and spent the next few minutes cleaning out the weeds from the sidewalk and along the edges of the flower garden. Of course my hands and fingernails got dirty in the process, but they washed up. Then the thought occurred to me: Why not challenge everyone who is able to bend over to pick out ten weeds on their way into the church buildings? If everyone looked down and around on their way into church and got rid of just ten weeds, just think how few, if any, we would have! Of course, we might become known as "The Church of the Dirty Fingernails," but that would be a kind of badge of honor-- helping to keep God's House in good condition. I think Jesus would approve! So I challenge you: pick ten weeds on your way to worship! "Whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome at Spring Hill U.C.C." Somebody you know needs to know that promise. Tell them this week! With affection, Pastor Carlan