Odd Choices

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An Arab chief tells of a spy who was captured and then sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and the big, black door. As the moment for execution drew near, the spy was brought to the Persian general, who asked the question, "What will it be: the firing squad or the big, black door?"

The spy hesitated for a long time. It was a difficult decision. He chose the firing squad.

Moments later shots rang out confirming his execution. The general turned to his aide and said, "They always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet, we gave him a choice."

The aide said, "What lies beyond the big door?"

"Freedom," replied the general. "I've known only a few brave enough to take it."

How like people who resist the love of God, and the calling of Jesus Christ. For them, following God is like walking through the big, black door -- they're afraid of the undefined. And so they settle for a life that is undermined, broken, destroyed by the consequences of sin -- without ever opening the door to FREEDOM in Christ. How sad, how foolish, how ... human.

What choice have YOU made?

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If ...

The resource where I found this poem used in the April 5 sermon did not credit its origin. But some people have spoken of what it meant to them, so I share it with you.

If I knew it was the last time I'd see you fall asleep
...I'd tuck you in more tightly and pray your soul to keep.
If I knew it was the last time I'd see you out the door,
...I'd hug and kiss you one more time and call you back for more.
If I knew it was the last time I'd get to share your day,
...I know that I'd make certain it didn't slip away.
We assume we'll have tomorrow to correct an oversight,
...That we'll always have another chance to make everything all right.
That there will always be another day to say that I love you.
...There will always be another chance to ask, "What can I do?"
But just in case I might be wrong and today is all I get
...I want to say I love you so that you will not forget.
Tomorrow is not promised that we'll see another night.
...Today could be my last chance to love and hold you tight.
Instead of waiting for tomorrow, show your love somehow.
...For if tomorrow never comes you'll wish you'd done it now.
That you didn't take the extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss --
...Instead you were busy, too busy for the one that you now miss.
Hold your loved one close today and whisper in their ear.
...Tell them that you love them and why you hold them dear.
Say "I'm sorry, please forgive me, you're the best, it's OK"
...So if tomorrow never comes you'll not regret today.

....................................... -- Author Unknown

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Heaven Rejoices!

Imogene Stout "went on to glory," as she was so fond of saying, about 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009. I'd teased her before that she couldn't go, because my calendar was full ... I didn't want such a joyful, laughing spirit to leave us. But she had to keep this appointment, and Imogene, I will "clear" my calendar for you. The Bible says "the kingdom of heaven is like a party," so I know you'll fit right in, and you'll be right beside the Lord preparing a place for us. Our sadness is heaven's joy, but we're coming! We're coming! See you soon!

WG <><

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Scout Sunday a Great Experience!

The Presentation of Colors

Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance,

and declare their Scout Oath and Promise.

Jake Urbanowski talks to the kids about working together


Matthew Dunham does an excellent job with his
first reading of Scripture in a public worship service.

Other Scouts led various acts of worship, and a special word of recognition was given to the scouts who were instrumental in saving the lives of an elderly couple who had nearly succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning during the 2009 Ice Storm. Way to go, guys! And thanks for sharing the Lord's Day with us! Come again -- SOON and OFTEN!

A MUST-see Video: Watch to the End!!

May the Resurrection Joy of Easter ring in YOUR heart, too!

WG <><

Annual Conference and New Appointments

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The pastor walked into the pet shop and told the clerk, "I'd like to order 50 mice, 2000 cockroaches, and all those little silverfish bugs you can get." The clerk, astounded, said, "Well, it'll take a bit, but I believe we can get those for you. But, if I may ask, why do you want these things?" To which the pastor replied, "I'm moving to a new church, and the trustees told me to leave the parsonage exactly the way I found it!"

And then there was the pastor who, thinking to upgrade the bathrooms at the church, decided to install hot air hand dryers. Things were working great, but two weeks later, he took them out. When asked why he'd take out something that had been such a nice addition to the church, he said, "Well, I walked in one day and saw a sign taped to the dryer -- 'Press button for a sample of next week's sermon!' "

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On Fund Raising

...The church secretary answered the phone, and the caller rather boisterously asked, "Is the head hog at the trough there?"
...The secretary said, "Please sir, do not refer to our pastor as the head hog at the trough. That's quite disrespectful."
..."Oh, I'm very sorry. I meant nothing by that. It's just a local phrase we use in the part of the country I come from. The real reason I called was to donate $100,000 to your building fund."
...To which the secretary promptly replied, "Hold on, sir. I see the 'Big Oinker' coming through the door right now."

I agree -- call me anything you like, just call me to supper, ... or to come collect a check! LOL)