Midweek News 4-24-13

Dear Family of faith, I just got back from the last Bible Study of the season. We ended with the magnificent story of “The Prodigal Son;” which, as it turns out, may be the story of two prodigal sons. It is my favorite parable in all the Bible because it speaks so powerfully about the way God woos us back to Him with extravagant love and undeserved grace. The study of the remainder of Luke’s Gospel is planned for the fall. Earlier today I visited with Beverly Gethen in Bayonet Medical Center in Hudson. She had fallen yesterday and broken her neck and is recovering from emergency surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. Beverly fell while she was volunteering at Oak Hill Hospital. Such experiences in our lives make us wonder why troubles come when we are trying our best to help others. Somehow it just doesn’t seem fair; yet Beverly has taken it in stride. “Things happen,” she said to me. “I’ll get over this.” Isn’t that a wonderful attitude?! Instead of being bitter and questioning the fairness of it all, she has accepted it as ‘an accident’ and just part of life. If only all of us could be so forgiving of life and God! We would take each experience as it comes, instead of fighting against it in our minds, and let God’s way become our way. Most of us have been hurt helping others. If you are one who laments the undeserved pain, take a lesson from Beverly. I am. According to the Health Department 43% of the homeless youth in Hernando County are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender people! What does that say about our need to be Open and Affirming of all?! Many of the young people have been kicked out of their families because they have come out. We need to be family for those who don’t have one. This Sunday’s sermon will be on the hard questions about prayer. I read this on a poster on my Facebook page: “I don’t have time to worry about who doesn’t like me. I’m too busy loving the people who love me.” It’s a good way to live. We can’t expect everyone to care about us, but we can value and rejoice in those who are truly faithful friends and family. Thank you for being there for me. With affection, Pastor Carlan

Midweek News 4-17-13

Dear Family of faith, “When others hurt, our hearts are broken, too.” That’s what I put on the church sign today. It’s how I feel about the pain that our country is experiencing right now after the bombings at the Boston Marathon. At last count there were three people dead—including an 8-year-old boy, a 29-year-old woman, and a graduate student from China—and 176 people injured, many losing limbs. When such things happen to innocent people, it’s natural to ask “Where is God?” Where was God when the bombs went off in Boston? Where is God when bad things happen to good people? The question is asked by people who believe that God is in control of our world, that God watches over our world. It throws us into confusion. I believe that when we face the tragedies and injustices of life, the horrors and darkness of evil, there are two questions which need answers: (1) Does God know? and (2) Does God care? The first question is easy. By definition God knows everything—that’s part of what makes God God. The second question is the one that causes us the most consternation. We anguish over the thought that, because bad things happen to us and those we know and even to strangers we think deserve better, maybe God doesn’t really care about what happens in the world. Maybe we are just deceiving ourselves, believing in a good God because that’s how we want God to be. And even with all the Scriptures’ teaching about the goodness and love of God, real life experiences makes us wonder whether it’s true or not. The tough times of life make us realize again that God doesn’t micromanage the world; God allows us humans much freedom to do good and even to do evil. Back to the question: Does God care, and if God did care, wouldn’t God have been there in Boston? It makes me think of a song that I heard long ago called Saint Theresa’s Prayer. It begins “Christ has no body now but yours.” In other words, God comes to us in this world through others in whom God lives—people like you and me who love and know God. We become Christ to the world; we bring God to the world. You see, God really was at the finish line in Boston this past week when those bombs went off. God was running toward the blasts, putting tourniquets on the wounded, comforting the survivors and grieving over those who had lost their lives. God was in all those people who became the face of Jesus in the midst of terror, who became the hands of Christ in the midst of pain, who became the power of God in the midst of utter hopelessness. God was in Boston in people like you and me. Let us be Christ to the world wherever we are whenever we are needed, too. Someone recently gave me a magnet with the words “I can’t change the past, but I can make peace.” Those are good words to remember. Don’t worry about the past; it’s gone and over. Just think about what you can do today to enjoy life and make it better for those around you. See you in worship on Sunday. With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 4-10-13

Dear Family of Faith, I’m still feeling overwhelmed by all your acts of kindness in the past week. Even on Sunday there was a birthday cake in Fellowship Hour for me—and it was decorated with purple frosting, too!! Please be patient with me as I try to appropriately thank all who gave gifts and showed me such kindness. Speaking of patience…Today I ran into Publix to pick up a couple of grocery items. I was in a bit of a hurry, so I thought I would go through the Express Lane. I was third in line. As I kept looking for the line to move, I noticed that the holdup was with the first shopper. Apparently the woman at the head of the line, who had already paid for everything was squabbling about the price of something because she had gotten ahold of a store flyer that didn’t start until tomorrow. She was refusing to pay the current price and was having the bagger run to exchange her salad dressing. I decided to push my cart with the few items to another checkout. I was the second in line with the new cashier. After I had put my items on the belt, I realized that the woman in front of me had bought two things from the deli which were not coded and priced. Once again the bagger had to run off to the deli to get the appropriate labels. The guy behind me simply packed up his things and went to another line. I waited….and waited…..and waited…and fumed. Half an hour later I emerged from the store, frazzled—not from running around, but from standing around and waiting. Now, I have been doing the bulk of our family’s grocery shopping for thirty-five years (My father did it, too); but I was ready to throw in the towel an quit. If there were such a malady as checkout-line-rage, I might get tested. And yet, in the whole scheme of things, when you look at life as a whole; none of this matters. The whole incident will be forgotten within days. How is it that we so easily succumb to turning so much of life into a crisis? Even when we’re in a hurry, maybe we need to cut each other more slack so that we have time for the unexpected delays of life. So we’re a few minutes late to a meeting or planned rendezvous—it’s not the end of the world! I know that I need to walk more slowly through life to allow for more peace and less stress. How about you? I received the following email this past week: “We wanted you to know what an important role SHUCC plays in our ability to break through barriers to love others. Between meeting Karen and Linda (Schrader) and being a part of your session on “Homosexuality and the Bible,” our members have been able to “love through their past prejudices” and accept our gay and lesbian friends with an open heart. Marty and her group of tutors are also helping us “break the barrier of poverty” by helping build confidence in our Pay It Forward Farm children, giving them hope of a sustainable and fulfilling future. Thank you and the entire SHUCC congregation for all that you do for our PIFF families.” -- Christine Collins (and Paul). First time visitors continue to flock to our worship services—more than 33 bags were given out in the past three weeks alone! Take time this Sunday to meet someone you don’t know. It can be so rewarding, and it’s just the thing Jesus would do. See you in worship! With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 4-3-13

Dear Family of faith, Tonight was the Bible Study that wasn’t! I went over to the Fellowship Hall, prepared to do a teaching on Luke 11; but when I got near, I saw that the whole parking lot was full of cars. I thought to myself, “Either the Baptists are having a revival, or somebody has planned a surprise.” Sure enough, Jill and her friends pulled off a surprise birthday party for me with about 120 people present! I guess there are some advantages in turning another year older! Thanks to all who came to show their love and support and thanks for all the food, the as-of-yet unopened cards and presents, and the blessings of hope and friendship. Up until then, my day had been rather drab and uneventful—figuring out my income taxes, getting my car fixed, and checking on a cell phone. That’s the way life can be, isn’t it? An ordinary day can turn into a wonderful day. As I told the gathered crowd tonight, “The most precious gift of all is life, and every one of you has it.” Whatever else you may have, whatever troubles loom large in your life; you have the best—life itself. Appreciate the privilege of living each day, and appreciate the people around you who make life so precious and meaningful! Speaking of meaningful, last Sunday’s Easter worship was a wonderful experience in God’s presence. The choir cantata, “Wondrous Love,” was beautiful (Thanks to Wayne Raymond and Kathy Hackemer for directing and accompanying!) So was the Junior Choir offertory, “Free to Be You and Me.” The very title tells the message. Karina did a marvelous job on her solo and Alivia, Allyssa, Ashleigh, and Emma were backup. We had about 20 children who came forward for the Blessing of the Children during communion, and another 320 people shared the Holy Sacrament. The sanctuary was beautiful with 119 Easter lilies and delphiniums. Thanks to all who purchased them to adorn our service. “Where do you come from?” That was a question asked of me this past week. I didn’t know how to answer it. I could talk about my Norwegian or Ukrainian ancestry. I could tell about my birthplace in North Dakota or my childhood home in Northern Minnesota. I could mention my previous years in Ohio, or I could talk about my residence in Spring Hill. In John’s Gospel Pilate asks Jesus, “Where are you from?” It is a question out of fear as much as curiosity. And although Jesus never answered, we know the answer. Jesus came from God…and so does each one of us. Among all the answers to the question of our origin is one which stands behind all. We come from God, our Creator, our Redeemer, and our Future Home. Next time someone asks you, “Where do you come from?” just say, “God!” That ought to open up an interesting opportunity for sharing your faith! Tomorrow, Thursday, I have an interview in regard to the ongoing fitness review. Keep me in your prayers. With gratitude and affection for all of you, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 3-27-13

Dear Family of faith, I hope that you staying warm on these chilly days. Who would know this is Florida?! I have lost count of how many times we have dragged in our orchid from the lanai this year! Last night Ed Lewis and I went down to Tampa to represent our church at a rally in support of ending the discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in our judicial system—the very thing the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing this week. About 200 people braved the cold to show support for people of all gender identities, and the stories of some were heart-breaking—lack of legal standing creating all kinds of problems ranging from deportation to inheritance nightmares. Following the rally, we combed the streets of downtown Tampa to distribute blankets and caps to the homeless. We gave out 8 blankets and as many stocking caps and even two pair of wool socks. We found people sleeping in doorways—including one mother and her son. We also found people huddled in bushes around parking lots. One man was barricaded behind trash containers as a windbreak, and a woman was sleeping on the steps of the Catholic Church, of which she claimed to be a member. I am astounded how these homeless people try to take of each other, too. One man, after receiving a blanket, said, “My buddy over there could use one, too.” Often we hear “Thank you!” and “God bless you!” Isn’t that amazing—that people who have so little are grateful for what we would consider part of every household? I am blessed by them—the ones Jesus called “the least of these.” I probably won’t need any more blankets or caps this season to give out (hopefully), but I want to thank you who have provided this opportunity to help these who seem so hidden to the world at large. Already some “snow birds” are flying back north to get in on the tail end of winter. Hug them all a little tighter in the next weeks as their time with us is short. I just read today where the co-workers of the Keller Williams Realty in Plantation, Florida, who won the Powerball jackpot two weeks ago, decided to share their winnings with the one person in the office who didn’t kick in for the tickets. Jennifer Maldonado had just started working at the agency two weeks before and didn’t have the extra cash to chip in for tickets. Apparently, it didn’t matter to the winning office pool. She will be included in the wealth. It reminds me so much of the parable that Jesus told about the workers in the vineyard and how those who worked 1 hour got the same reward as those who worked 11 hours. That’s what so amazing about God’s grace! We don’t deserve it, but it comes to us anyway. May your life be filled with the underserved grace of God, and may you show that same undeserved goodness and generosity to others by the way you treat them and live your lives! With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 3-20-13

Dear Family of faith, Happy Spring! That’s the hopeful outlook; unfortunately it’s been a cloudy and rainy day in this Sunshine State. I heard today that long ago the St. Pete Times would give away free newspapers on any day that the sun didn’t shine. Wouldn’t that be nice? The days are longer now, which is how we get the word “Lent” for this season of the church year. The word lencten in Anglo Saxon meant “to get longer” (our lengthen), and is the root of our word, Lent. I saw a female cardinal in the backyard yesterday. I was so excited! Now when I lived “up north,” such birds were no big thing—they were ‘a dime a dozen.’ But I don’t remember seeing a cardinal in my yard since I’ve lived in Florida. It was a little reminder of the past as well as a hopeful sign for the future—that God’s creatures are moving back into the once stripped-out, deforested allotment where we now reside. We all live between the past and the future. Happy are those who have pleasant memories from yesterday to bring new joy; and happy are those who have wonderful dreams to look forward to in the future; yet, real life, the only life we have, is now. May all of us enjoy the day at hand and delight in the cardinals, the blue jays and the mourning doves that show up unexpectedly in our backyards! I am in a quandary. I received a check in the mail from my mortgage company payable for the amount of $.01. Now I know that it has already cost the company a lot more than a penny to process that check, and if I cash it, it will cost them more again; but if I don’t cash it, then their books will be off. What to do? I wonder if I would need a bank account to cash it at a local bank? Would I need an ID? Sometimes life gets ridiculous, doesn’t it?! Just keep laughing! Already this week some of those who have been attending worship regularly are leaving for the cold country. Hug those around you a little tighter in these coming weeks. Many more will be going north. Never take your friendships for granted. They are worth more than gold. With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 3-13-13

Dear Family of faith, First of all, let me say thank you for all the cards and letters, emails and calls that I have received from many of you in the past two weeks. Those, and your affirmation on the last Sunday of February, have meant so much to me; and I appreciate more than ever the support and caring that you have shown. I have come to value friendship more in my life than at any other time. Our trip to see our grandchildren was wonderful. Not only did we see our 2½ -year-old granddaughter, Annika, and our newborn grandson, Malik (pictures soon available); but our Ohio children surprised me and drove through the night to spend the weekend with us for an early birthday party. It was wonderful to have the whole family together in one place. One of the highlights was when our four children and two son-in-laws all gathered around me, laid hands on me, and prayed for me—so touching. It’s at moments like that that I know God has blessed me beyond anything money can buy. Speaking of blessing, thanks to those of you who were praying for me this morning. I had a rough night, but about 7-8 a.m. I felt an incredible calm come over me that only comes from prayer. Never underestimate the power of interceding for others! Recently when I was on a beach, I wrote the following words about what I saw: She sat in her wheelchair, perched on the boardwalk, Wrapped in her shawl on the hot sunny day, Looking at the bronzed bathers on the beach Frolicking in their carefree youth, Oblivious to the watching eye of nostalgia incarnate. A wistful window on yesterday’s pleasures Brought moments of delight to one imprisoned by age; And yet within, her spirit sparkled anew with every gleeful laugh Of half-clad lovers on the sand. Their joy audible, hers now silent, Her soul waiting for rebirth and youth come back again. Don’t ever get too old to be young at heart! With affection for all of you, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 3-6-13

Dear Family of Faith, There is a God! That’s how I felt last Sunday after an incident on my way to church. I stopped at a light on Elgin Blvd. saw one car coming, waited for it to pass, and then pulled out to make a right turn. What I didn’t see was a sheriff’s deputy coming, and I “cut him off.” Well, it took about two seconds for the flashing lights to come on and I was pulled over to the side of the road. “Oh, no!” I thought. “I’ll be late for choir rehearsal and who knows what else!” As I handed over my driver’s license and waited for him to run his checks, I was ruing the fact that it would be a costly mistake for not seeing his car coming. He came back to the car. I rolled down the window, ready for the bad news. He handed me back my license and said, “Let’s just call it even this time.” There is a God!! At a time when I needed a little grace, it came—from a most unexpected source, too! That’s just like God—to show up in a disguise to remind us that He is not very far away, and that in our most desperate times, we can sure of His Presence. I hope that is true for you—that you, too, have those little reminders in your life that God has not abandoned you, but is very much with you in the midst of life. As you know by now, the Baltimore Ravens managed to hang on to a 3-point lead to win the Super Bowl over their opponents, the San Francisco 49ers, who came roaring back in the second half. Prior to the big day the mayors of San Francisco and Baltimore were interviewed on CNN. What struck me about the interview was not what they said as they bantered back and forth about the game, but rather that San Francisco’s Mayor Li is Asian American and Baltimore’s Mayor Rawlings Blake is African American. In other words, both are members of minorities. It was just one more reminder that the face of our country is rapidly changing, and we need to be open to the diversity around us. I’m so glad that you and we, as a congregation, are accepting of all people. Life will be much easier for us than for those who try to live in the past. See you on Sunday for the party. Wear some colorful clothes and plan to have a good time! With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 2-20-13

Dear Family of faith, I just got back from Bible Study again. I am always amazed at the life and teachings of Jesus. More than anything else I do as a pastor, I relish the chance to make the Gospel known. It is so freeing, so refreshing in this world caught up in its own self-centered smugness. Yesterday when I was driving, I came up behind the most awesome red Corvette convertible. It was a shiny, the chrome all bright, and the top all clean; and I found myself a bit jealous…maybe even covetous. Then I noticed that this gorgeous, hot car had a handicapped license plate on it! I thought to myself, “That’s the way I want to live my life—never giving up in spite of the challenges and heartaches that come my way.” Instead of bemoaning my problems, I would rather look for opportunities. Surely that’s what the driver of that Corvette was doing—in spite of physical limitations, he was taking advantage of what he could enjoy in life. Apparently his right food was doing just fine, and he was going to use it to drive his fancy car. Would that we would all look to the joys of life and not let the troubles overshadow life’s possibilities! Last night I looked into our fruit bowl and saw a very shriveled up grapefruit. It was all wrinkled and dry-looking, and I was just about to throw it out when I thought, “I’ll just cut it open and see if it’s all moldy inside.” When I did manage to break through the tough skin, I found the most juicy, bright red fruit I had ever seen. It was incredible, and so tasty that I ate both halves! It got me to thinking about life and how we often count those among us who are ‘shriveled up’ and have a lot of wrinkly skin as not much value for anything. And yet, hidden beneath that tough exterior is something very sweet and good—the experiences of a lifetime molded by courage and determination, faith and hope. Next time you run into someone whom you think is “past his or her prime,” take time to explore what lies within. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover how sweet the inside really is! I appreciate you more than words can express. With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 2-13-13

Dear Family of faith, I’m just getting back in the office after a wonderful Ash Wednesday experience. The soup and bread were absolutely delicious (I had two helpings myself!), and the Holy Spirit’s presence was very real to me and others around me as we looked into our hearts and accepted God’s grace anew. I am so glad that this congregation has been open to having such a service, for many Protestant churches don’t have any traditions associated with ashes and Lent. This past week I had the privilege of finally seeing Bob Edmonds. (Bob had a liver transplant in Massachusetts last fall.) He and Joann shared how they surrendered Bob’s life to Jesus (since his chances of a successful surgery were so small). They talked about how hard it was to “leave things in Jesus’ hands.” We so want to control everything, to be in charge of our own destinies. I find that a lot lately. I want to control my future, want to determine what happens to me and when. But life gets to be too much for me at times, and I have either to surrender it to God or break. Maybe some of you know what I’m talking about. If you feel like you can’t take it anymore or can’t deal with all the troubles of life, just let go! Put your future in God’s hands and leave it there. Ask God to give you a vision of something beautiful to come out of whatever is worrisome or horrible. And then just trust, remembering that God is the Author of miracles we can’t even imagine. That’s what Bob and Joann found out. Bob looks better now than I’ve ever seen him look! A friend of mine put the following Rick Warren quote on Facebook recently: “Strong people affirm the strengths of others. Weak people attack the strengths of others.” I have found that to be painfully true in my life. The stronger we are, the more interesting we become to those who wish to bring us down. Yet our true strength is never our own, but God’s. And when we trust in God, we can weather any attack. I am so grateful for all of you and your love. Continue to help each other and bless those around you. With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 1-30-13

Dear Family of faith, “Incredible” and “Wonderful” are two adjectives used by those who attended the musical, Billy Elliot, last night at Ruth Eckerd Hall, a church-outing to see the production which is set in a coal miners’ strike in England during the time of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. It’s a story of a miner’s son who found his true identity not in boxing or bullying, but in dancing. The 13-year-old boy from MA who played the part of Billy was unbelievably talented, but it was the theme that captured all our interest and affection—that people should be free to be who they are and be true to themselves. In the end, life is not about living up to someone else’s expectations, but rather about being who you are and embracing that identity. It’s about letting the real you out, letting your soul soar, letting your spirit free; and finding in that freedom, the joy of living. That is what I have tried to do in my ministry; that is what I have desired for our church. What it means for me is that I have to stop putting labels on people, cease trying to find a “slot” for them in my limited vocabulary, and just let them be who they are. Maybe you can try to be that for others, too. Instead of looking at family and friends or strangers and asking “What are you? What label do you wear?” Try just saying, “I love you just as you are.” After all, didn’t Mr. Rogers teach us that? Do you worry a lot? I can when the threats of life are pressing down and things seem so uncertain. I learned long ago that trying to “distract myself” from worrying never works. I can’t “keep busy” and avoid thinking about things. The only way that I’ve been able to stop “worrying about tomorrow and let tomorrow worry about itself” (as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6) is to bring my worries and leave them with God. It’s a conscious choice, and it takes some practice; but in the end we have the assurance that all things work for good for those who love God. I hope that you can do that with your worries this week. Let God handle them! With affection for all of you, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 1-23-13

Dear Family of faith, Life can change so fast! I was thinking about that as I drove home one evening last week with all the cars whizzing toward me at 60 m.p.h. in the opposite lane. All it would take is one distracted texter or someone juggling a cell phone to swerve into my lane and that would change my life forever. It really is an act of faith to get in your car these days, isn’t it? We have to believe that those in the cars around us will stay in their lanes and drive safely even though we have no control over what other people do. A lot of life is like that—we have no control over it, and things that happen outside our control can radically change our futures. I don’t know about you, but, in view of that, I am so glad that God promises to walk with us through all of life. And if others choose to hurt us or make life difficult for us, God can use every circumstance and event for good. Remember that if you find yourself in a hard spot today. This Sunday will be a day of celebration, not only because we are installing our officers, but we are also receiving into membership 18 people. Come, welcome the new members and celebrate God’s goodness! My sermon for the day is entitled “What Could Have Been.” Do you ever think that you are too old to be of any good? I read with interest about the Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini, a biologist from Italy, who died last December at age 103. She kept an intensive work schedule through age 100! When I read about people like that, I wonder whether they ever complained about their aches and pains or said, “It’s somebody else’s turn” and “I’m too old to help”? Sooner or later we all come to the full-stop in life (death). Until that time shouldn’t we keep running? I have a feeling that those who keep going last longest? What do you think? You are wonderful people, and God has blessed me much through you. Keep hugging! With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week News 1-16-13

Dear Family of faith, Have you ever had so much to do that you couldn’t do anything? I have been feeling that way this week—overwhelmed! Some days I have more than twelve hours of church work to do. I have begun to discover that when I have more to do than seems possible in a day, it often helps to do nothing for a while. I know that this goes against all common sense and certainly it can, in those who are driven people, increase the anxiety level as the number of hours left to finish work decreases. On the other hand, sometimes what I really need when I feel overwhelmed is not more time as much as a morale booster. When life gets rough, we need some encouragement, some delight to give us the courage to get “back to the grindstone” and accomplish what needs to be done. So next time you have more to do than is ‘humanly possible,’ consider taking a break. Go for a walk; sit in the sun; work a puzzle, get yourself a Starbucks latte, do something to bring you a moment of joy so that you can get back to being who you need to be to do what needs to be done. Last night I was online trying to buy airline tickets for a trip later in the year. I worked through choosing the flights and then went through choosing all the seats; then I got stuck. I couldn’t find out how to get back to continue the process, so I lost about half an hour’s worth of work. After calling the airline to get some instruction, I started all over again (not a happy camper!). But to my surprise, and for whatever reason I don’t know, but when I selected exactly the same flights again, the price for the ticket had dropped $300! Needless to say, I wasn’t too put out by the whole experience! I think it was God’s way of telling me that He can turn my failures into blessings. Think about that next time you find yourself in a funk over some mistake you’ve made. Instead of berating yourself (and others), think about what might come of it. Too often we make life too hard for ourselves; God wants to make it easier. God comes, not to hurt us, but to help us; not to curse us, but to bless us. That ought to keep you smiling for at least a week! I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. You are my family away from family. What a day to celebrate God’s faithfulness in the past year, and a day to celebrate you whom God has called and chosen to be a light to our world! With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week 1-9-13

Dear Family of faith, Aren’t you glad to see all the snowbirds back among us? Most of them have now fled the north for balmier days down here, and I’m so excited about it! Jan Bastow told me on Sunday, “I’m ready to party!” So am I, and if any church is a partying church, this is the one! I’ve always known that partying is good for the soul. Now even health professionals are recognizing it. In the last issue of the AARP magazine there was an article on “10 Tips for Better Health.” The very first one was “Throw a party!” (The others were “Adopt a pet; Eat chocolate; Drink coffee; Drink a glass of wine or beer; Have sex; Listen to music; Take a nap; Enjoy nature, and Stop using antibacterial soaps.” ) At one of our team meetings this week, Jan Thayer, our Vice Moderator who had been absent for many weeks, remarked, “I’ve sure missed this place.” It was a response to listening to Ellen Niemann sharing a spiritual moment in her life. That says along about what God is doing in our midst: comforting us, healing us, leading us, and changing us. Many who have gone away can’t wait to come “home” to the family we find in our church. It can only be that way if we continue to open ourselves up to God’s Presence and love and share that with others. This week, don’t run so fast that you miss the beauty of those in front of you. Take time to ponder your surroundings, to delight in the beauty of God’s world, and to listen ardently to those who share this journey of life with you. It makes all the difference! With affection, Pastor Carlan

Mid-week 1-2-13

Dear Family of faith, Happy New Year! I pray that this new chance at life in 2013 brings you good health and much joy. Jill and I had a great week away in the south of Florida (where the weather was a few degrees warmer and sunnier). It was a much needed vacation and, to be truthful, we weren’t in much of a hurry to come back! Of course, we would miss all of you even more if we stayed away too long, though. While we were in Naples, we visited Jill’s aunt and uncle, who live on a lake on the road to Marco Island. As I sat on the couch in their modular home, I noticed a cabinet on the wall opposite me, stuffed with Precious Moments figurines. I thought to myself, “Those must be really valuable to Aunt Ginny since she has taken up so much space with them in their small home.” The couple had downsized considerably when moving from the north. You can imagine how surprised I was a few minutes later when Aunt Ginny asked Jill, “Would you like my Precious Moments collection? None of my children want them.” Jill had no interest in them, either; but I got to thinking about the irony of the situation. This woman had avidly amassed a fortune in figurines during her lifetime, and now they were worthless—not just to her offspring, but even to herself. It had all been a waste of money. I have collected things in my own life that later turned out to be of little interest to me. I’m not sure what it is about us human beings, that we find a strange delight in amassing things that have no practical value. I only wish that I could recapture the cost of the things I collected and later disposed of and given it to those who really needed help. I’m much more careful now not to spend money on whims or things that have no intrinsic value. Especially as we begin a new year, it might be worth our while to ask the question before we buy, “Who would want this when we’re gone?” If the answer is “No one,” it’s probably not worth buying. On Christmas Eve morning as I was taking my shower, I took down my washcloth and discovered, to my great surprise, a big black blob underneath it. I couldn’t quite tell what it was, so I called Jill in to check it out. From the other side of the glass, she could discern the makings of a frog. What to do? I could just see myself running around the house naked, chasing after the hopping amphibian! Jill came up with a better solution. She used a pastry scraper and a jar to capture the creature. Then the question was “What should we do with it?” Since we didn’t have frog legs on our Christmas Eve menu, we opted for letting the frog go in the yard. I got to thinking about that whole experience: There are a lot of things in our lives that we make into problems that really aren’t problems at all. Instead of stewing about them, we ought simply to take hold of them and let them go. Why should we keep anything in our lives that gives us headaches? Don’t stress about anything you don’t need to get stressed over. Just let it go! Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday. And happy dieting and exercising! With affection, Pastor Carlan