Even with the organ cipher, we were blessed, once again, with our music Sunday morning.  Carolyn and Brent provided some wonderful moments of inspiration with their offering of music.
 
One of my favorites was Brent singing, "I Love to Tell the Story."  If you have had a chance to visit with him, you know how true it is when he sings that hymn. His music ministry is a source of great joy, for Brent and those who have the opportunity to hear him.
 
As I listened to Brent and heard the appreciative and enthusiastic response from our congregation, I had to wonder, do we love to tell the story?  The hymn has been a favorite for most Presbyterians forever.  But when I think about how challenging it is to get most Presbyterians to tell the story, or even come to worship to hear it, I had to wonder.  Do we love to tell the story?
 
A couple of Sundays ago, we spoke of the importance of Christ dwelling in our hearts.  As we have seen over and again, it isn't enough to be a good person, or even a good Presbyterian.  We all have experienced the dreadful power of Sin in our lives.  Not to mention, almost every day, we hear about the tragic fall of this good person or that good person, even good people of faith.  Our only hope is to have Jesus Christ in our lives, our hearts, and our minds.
 
After worship on Sunday, I was visiting with Brent.  He shared with Dick, Carolyn, and me an amazing story about how he met his wife, after his first wife died of cancer.  It is an extraordinary story filled with the signs of God's handiwork.  I would encourage you to ask him about it the next time he is here.
 
After he shared his story, he remarked how blessed he was that God's signs had been so clear.  I made the observation that it was not so much the signs were there, I believe God works in everyone's life this way.  The blessing is that Brent had the eyes to see the signs of God's handiwork because he has nurtured the gift of faith he was given.  His telling, and hearing, the story, if you will, has given him the eyes to see it is true.  Even in a most difficult time in his life, he could find joy, because the old, old story of God's love in Jesus Christ was written upon his heart.
 
As a pastor, I have had the privilege of knowing many people like Brent.  People, who have lived through tragic moments and seasons of grief, people who have walked through the valley, only to find their faith stronger on the other side.  I have known others, as well.  People tormented by every little thing.  Their fear and anxiety are great.  Their life choices only add to the chaos of their lives or their families.  If they have any faith at all, it is an immature faith, "blessing deep", as we said on Sunday.  They turn to God in times of crises, but when the crisis is over and their needs have been met, they turn their back on God until the next time.
 
One of the great challenges of ministry is helping people to see what their lives could be with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ.  People of faith, this is why we tell the story. May we grow, each day, in our love for doing so.  "I love to tell the story, 'Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and his love."

See you in church!
 

                                                  

Anita Werling, Professor Emeritus, from Western Illinois  University, is a prolific performer of national stature.  She is an active member of the American Guild of Organists. 

   

                                                  

Fillman Fellowship will meet at 9:30 a.m. this morning, August 9, at Dew's Diner on South A Street.

   

                                                  

Save the date:  September 9, 2012 is Homecoming Sunday.  We will also have our "Blessing of the Animals" again this year for our Sunday school kick-off.  Look for more information in the next couple of weeks.

   

                                                  

Over the years we've accumulated a number of coats that are hanging up in the hallway outside of the offices. Please double check prior to September 1, 2012.  After that date, they will be taken to Strom Center.  Thank you!

   

                                                  

Help fill Jamieson Center's food pantry!  You can bring any nonperishable food item and place it under the mirror outside of the office each week.  Thanks for your help. 

   

                                                  

The family of Shirley Armstrong will be hosting an open house in honor of her 80th birthday. Please join us on Saturday, Aug. 25th from 1-3 pm in the social hall. No gifts, but cards are welcome.