Beloved,
Basking in another day
of global warming, some quickies:
1. That's right!
We never cancel worship services on the corner of Lincoln and Main! Let it snow, let
it...
2. Our annual
congregational meeting to receive annual reports is tomorrow, February 2,
immediately after the second service. We receive, uh, annual reports,
vote on the annual terms of call, and, tomorrow, fill in an officer spot for an
unexpired term. Yes, you will be home in time to catch the President's
interview by the self-proclaimed neo-Cronkite and #1 authority on
Christology...uh, uh, uh,...I mean watch the Super Bowl.
3. I've been asked if
next Saturday's "Couples Breakfast" (February 8 - 9-11 a.m.) is only
for couples. Nah! It's about headship in families, churches, and
governments. While "I-know-that's-what-Jesus-and-the-Bible-say-buuuuuuut-drum roll-I-think" folks will be especially whatevered, women and men - couples or singles or... - who
know something is wrong with our families, churches, and government will dig in
for a more divine
solution to our
ailments. Hey, this is a good opportunity to invite, welcome, include,
and agape! Repeat! This is a great opportunity to... No, ya don't have to be
a member... When have we ever said that? Remember, we're praying
and working to be a beacon for Jesus and safe haven for everybody!
4. Speaking of headship,
I'm often asked by folks beyond the borders of Lincoln and Main's corner to
write something about church leadership. Specifically, I've been asked to
provide some hints for pastor search committees, nominating committees, Sunday
School teachers, circle leaders, and anyone doing anything in the church
that's, uh, considered leadership. Because everything that I write,
except for my non-bestselling books, often causes someone on the corner of
Lincoln and Main or close to Lincoln and Main or kinda related to Lincoln and
Main or once associated with Lincoln and Main to assume I'm writing about Lincoln and Main exclusively
as if the Church's borders were confined to Lincoln and Main, that ain't
the case. I've hesitated to take on anything like it because my
counseling/caring load is heavy enough. Buuuuuuut when a neighboring church in Illinois...or
Iowa...or Wisconsin...or Indiana...asked me to write something about it for 'em
because of recent challenges/opportunities, I gave it a shot. Anyway,
it's just been posted on www.koppdisclosure.com.
5. Penultimately, the
OGD has some stuff below, sparrow story and video at the bottom, that pack a
powerful redemptive punch; and if I have to explain it to ya,...
Blessings and Love!
[I am grateful to my brother in Christ Larry Pearson for sharing
this with me. OGD]
WHEN A SPARROW FALLS.....
Here a female mate is injured and the condition
is soon fatal. She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road.
Here he brought her food and attended to her with love and
compassion.
He brought her food again, but was shocked to find her dead.
He tried to move her ... a rarely-seen effort for swallows!
Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never
come back to him again, He cries with adoring
love.
He stood beside her, saddened of her death.
Finally aware she would never return to him, he
stayed beside her body chirping out his sadness and
sorrow.
Millions of people cried after seeing these
photos
in America , Europe, Australia , and even India
..
The photographer sold these pictures for a
nominal fee to the most
famous newspaper in France . All copies of that
edition were
sold out on the day these pictures were published.
And many people think animals don't have brains
or feelings?
You have just
witnessed Love and Sorrow felt by God's
creatures.
The Bible says God knows when a sparrow falls. How much more He
cares for us.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply and
speak kindly.
Grace is God reaching down.
Faith is man reaching back.
“A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I
saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”
John
Calvin
The Old Gray Dog
Jim Tuckett
http://theoldgraydogponders.com/
PS Here's
something I think you will enjoy.