The Gift of Time

Wow, I thought Pastor Shawn did a great job sharing the gift from God that we may not of considered as a gift – TIME. 

Eccl 7:2 “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart”

At the end of life, you see what is really important, your relationships – spouse, children, friends, Jesus.  What legacy are you leaving this world?   A self-serving one or a God kingdom building one?  How would you change the way you live right now if you only had 30 days to live?

Check out this heart-wrenching video of Larry, a husband and father who spent his days working for an energy company as an accountant, living a “normal” life.   Little did he know how quickly things could change.  Now he’s suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  At only 42 years old, he has been told he could die at any time.  Despite his diagnosis, he is doing everything he can to make each and every moment count.

A Shout out to those Zebras

My former school Rochester High School is heading to the Boy’s Basketball State Finals this weekend.  This is a proud day for all Zebras out there!  Our school has never been in a state final and I’m sure the town is partying this week.  I’m especially excited because I have a cousin playing on the team and the Head Coach was my girls coach when I was in school.  This week I’ll be digging through my memorabilia to bring out a Rochester Z’s shirt once again!  And I’ll be heading down to Indianapolis cheering the team to victory!  proud former Lady Zebra–Lyndee

Are you a Friend?

This Sunday will be discussing the Gift of Friends that God has placed in each of our lives.  (Not the TV show   ) Here’s a cool story about friendship to get you thinking… Am I really a friend?

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,  I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle.  It looked like he was carrying all of his books.   I thought to myself, ‘Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.’  I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.   

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.  
His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him…    He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, ‘Those guys are jerks.’   They really should get lives.  ‘ He looked at me and said, ‘Hey thanks!’  There was a big smile on his face.   It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.  

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.  As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.. He said he had gone to private school before now.  I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.  We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.  

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends  He said yes.  We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my  friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, ‘Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!  ‘ He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.. When we were seniors we began to think about college.  Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.  I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never  be a problem.  He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship..

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.  I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation.  I was so glad it wasn’t me having to get up there and speak  Graduation day, I saw Kyle.  He looked great.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.  He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.  He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.  Boy, sometimes I was jealous!   Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.  So, I smacked him on the back and said, ‘Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!’  He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.  ‘ Thanks,’ he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began  ‘Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.  Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly your friends….  I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.  I am going to tell you a story.’ I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.  He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.  ‘Thankfully, I was saved.  My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..’  I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.  I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it’s depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions..  With one small gesture you can change a person’s life.  For better or for worse.  God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.

 

Betty Turner Memorial Service

You are invited to celebrate the life of Betty Turner this Saturday, March 14th 12:00 noon at our church.  She has been missed by her family and friends since her passing this winter.  Together let’s comfort her family and friends while remembering the impact she had on us all.

A meal will follow immediately after the service.  You can bring a side dish, dessert, etc. if you would like even if you are unable to attend the service.  Church doors will be open by 10:30am.

Big Give Testimony

Check out more on this testimony and others on http://thebiggive.wordpress.com/

This week be apart of the BIG GIVE!!

Things you need to know …..

DON”T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS THIS WEEKEND!  It’s time to spring forward – move your clocks one hour ahead Saturday night.  If you forget you will be just in time the the closing prayer on Sunday : )

Crosshairs Sunday!  We will be meeting immediately after service.  Lunch and childcare will be provided.  Everyone is welcome.  Some highlights – Big Give, Easter Sunday, Easter for kids, summer oureaches, camps, youth group and I’m sure more!  We need your creative input and ideas!

Betty Turner Memorial – Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Betty Turner on Saturday, March 14th 12:00 noon at the church.  There will be a meal afterwards.  If you could bring a covered dish, dessert, etc, it would be appreciated.

Finally don’t forget to be a giver this week : )  Get those Big Give cards out!  Share your stories with us and read what others have been doing.  Check out http://thebiggive.wordpress.com/

First Bicycle Ride of the Year

I figured I haven’t shared a good family story in a while so here we go…. I thought with all the germs and such that have plagued our house for days it would be a good idea to get the kids outdoors for a little fresh air.  We decided on a bike ride.  Abby’s quite the little cyclist on training wheels and Jack is the smart one who enjoys the scenary behind me.  First we had to walk the bikes to the gas station to fill up the tires with air after they failed to fit in the back of the van with much pushing and squished fingers.

We forged on a 2 mile circuit around the neighborhood.  Abby has improved, we only had 1 major spill and no blood on our journey.  I tried to impress my children with the talent and speed of my years of bike riding skills and managed only to catch my favorite pair of jeans in the chain that now sport a 6 inch slash. Dang, wide leg jeans!  Now what am I going to wear to church!

In the end it was great time spent with the kids.  Some fresh air to clear out those lungs.  We are so ready for those nightly bike rides together.  I only need tighter jeans : ) – okay, maybe not…

I did it!!

Today I did the Big Give!!!! It was AWESOME!! I was on my way to work and though of someone to give to at work. The rest of the story is on the Big Give web site, Check it out!!

Pastor Shawn

Big Give Website

We now have a website just for our “Big Give” series.  Check it out at http://thebiggive.wordpress.com  It’s a place where we can share our giving stories and hear about what’s happening at our other campuses.  Let’s inspire and encourage each other!  Together we’re touching lives across northern Indiana!

Ready…Set… Start Giving!

Ok guys and gals, this week you should of picked up a couple of BIG GIVE cards at church.  Start thinking of who and what you are going to give.  Remember it doesn’t have to be extravagant, just thoughtful!  There was a list in the bulletin from free to some $$$.  I have two in mind who I’ll be targeted this week.  We would love to hear your stories of giving too.  Ready… Set… Start Giving!