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