Dear Congregation,

     First, though it goes without saying...let us be cautious and wise, while being compassionate, as we experience these dangerous weather conditions.

     Second, the Memorial Service for Edie Hayes that was to be in the NDBC Sanctuary tomorrow (Thursday) has been postponed until further notice. This was the family's choice and a wise one. Thanks to those of you who had committed to hosting and ushering and leading worship and helping with the family.

     Third, the NDBC Preschool and Church Office will be closed today (Wednesday) and tomorrow.

     Fourth, the office will be open on Friday (Lord willing and traffic permitting).

     Take care,

     James Lamkin, Pastor

"Smugglers"

     There once was a fellow who regularly smuggled things across the Canadian border just north of Detroit.

     On the back of his bicycle he always carried a box of sand.

     "What you got in there," the customs official asked?

     "Nothing" said the man on the bicycle.

     "Well, then," said the official, "You won't mind if I have a look," and he proceeded to rake his fingers through the sand; but, finding nothing, he waved the man on.

     A few days later the guy was back. This time, the official took the bicycle, turned it upside down, and shook it as hard as he could. He even took the box apart; but, still, found nothing.

     Day after day, the same thing happened; and day after day, the official came up empty-handed.

     But, one day, after the customs official retired, he saw that very same cyclist in a restaurant. Calling him over to the table, he offered to buy the guy some lunch. After finishing their meal, the officer said, "Look, it doesn't mean anything to me now, but I knew you were up to something. You are a smuggler, aren't you?"

     "Yes," said the cyclist.

     "So what was it," asked the officer, "what were you smuggling?"

The guy grinned, put down his cup, looked at the official and gave the answer. "Bicycles," he said, "a lot of bicycles."

     I love that story.

     We, too, are smugglers, carriers of contraband. The Apostle Paul said so, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels."

     That's right, we common folk are chosen transporters of sacred grace.

     Next week I will publish the thank you notes, voice mails, and emails we got from the 30 refugees hosted at NDBC as they sought safety from the snow-traffic-apocalypse of two weeks ago. More than a few wrote back to say, "Thank you."

     Renee Gamache and I were smugglers for God's sake; and quiet carriers of your hospitality.

     Between Tuesday's nightfall and Wednesday's daybreak, we didn't do anything spiritual. Didn't baptize anybody, or make them serve on a committee. Didn't cast-out demons. Didn't heal the dead or raise the sick.

     Renee and I just did what you would have done. We offered a warm place, enough food, hot coffee, a landline phone, a comfortable chair, and a multi-purpose pew cushion suitable for sleeping.

     That's it. That's all. But through our efforts at hospitality, we quietly smuggled Jesus into everything we did.

     You do the same as you love and share and give and care. Smugglers, you are.

     "What kind of church is this," asked a few of the midnight refugees?

     "A good 'un," I said.

The Cherub Choir - Children ages 2 through Kindergarten

Directed by Ms. Amanda (cherubchoir@northsidedrive.org)

Sunday morning from 10:25-10:50 AM  

in the 2s & 3s Church School classroom (#102).

The Celestial Choir - Children in grades 1-5

Directed by Ms. Nicole (celestialchoir@northsidedrive.org)

Sunday morning from 10:25-10:50 AM in the Chapel.