THE FORGIVEN LIFE

Maybe you saw it as it happened. I saw it later on YouTube. On the very last play of the Michigan-Michigan State football game recently, the Michigan punter fumbled Sam's Picture

the snap from center, the State players grabbed the ball, and they scored a touchdown as time expired to win the game by a mere four points. According to Massey-Peabody Analytics, the folks who keep up with such things, such an event had only a 0.12% chance of happening. That is twelve one-hundredths of one percent! But it happened.

The ugly part of the event is that too many people attach too much significance to the exploits of twenty-year old young men on Saturdays in the fall and Blake O'Neill, the Michigan punter, has been the subject of social media outrage, including death threats. Jason Day writing in The Wall Street Journal reminds us that poor Mr. O'Neill will have to watch that horrible moment "...on TV for the rest of his life. Ten seconds, now here for an eternity." Mr. Gay points out that mistakes and misjudgments are a fundamental part of sports, but I'm afraid that he's correct about "the rest of his life" part. This will be around for a while.

You and I probably know about things like Mr. O'Neill's fumble. You're had your share, if you're human, and I've had mine. Not every moment of our lives is a highlight reel, is it? The fumbles, mistakes, and misjudgments are there too, are they not? And if we aren't careful, we will play them over and over for the rest of our lives and, sadly enough, there are always those around who will rerun them for us lest we forget.

Don't get me wrong here. We need to remember our mistakes. We need to learn from them and teach from them, lest they be too often repeated. But we also need to remember that our mistakes and fumbles do not define us. We do not, after all, have to look at them every day for the rest of our lives. We are a forgiven people, a people who believe in redemption, fresh starts, and new beginnings. St. Paul reminded us that in Christ, we are "...a new creation: everything old has passed away..." (II Cor. 5: 17)

Of course, it's one thing to read and believe that we are forgiven, that we are new creations, and that we don't have to look at the tapes of our failures for the rest of our lives. Living that forgiveness is another matter. Living a forgiven life is a difficult task, and we talk about that task here each week. As always, there is a place for you.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

AARP Safe Driving Course Is November 12. The AARP Driver Safety Class meets the needs of older drivers to keep them independent, safe and confident while on the road. The cost is $15 for AARP Members and $20 for Non-members. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

Save the date! Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be presented by the Jubilation Drama Ministry on December 18 and 19. This fully staged musical with orchestra follows the Three Kings on their journey to the Christ child and their encounter with Amahl and his mother. Tickets (Seniors $18/Adults $22) will be available on the Bridge, beginning this Sunday, and through the Church Office. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Operation Christmas Child boxes now available! You may pick yours up at the Reception Desk. Please bring your box to the staff workroom by Monday, November 16. For more information, contact Karen Edris, president of the United Methodist Women, at karen.edris@gmail.com.

Power 45! Fourth and fifth graders are invited and encouraged to bring their friends! Sunday, November 15 from 4-6 p.m. Meet in the Family Life Hall Lobby. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Our Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet Wednesday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join the Senior Adults in attending Brad Sherrill's production of Exodus on Sunday evening, November 15 at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta. Sherrill is an actor/photographer and will portray Moses against a backdrop of his photographs. We will depart at 5 p.m. from the Polk Street parking lot. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

Marietta Singles is a group of 55 and older singles who gather for fun and fellowship every Monday. Dinner and a program begin at 6 p.m. in Room 327 and all are welcome! For more info, contact Lou Gibson at 770-590-0388.

Created by God. Created by God is a study of human sexuality with a Christian foundation and is open to 5th and 6th graders. The program will be held November 13-14 and offer both you and your child an opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully created by God and are called to responsible living as sexual beings. Registration is required. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The Hospitality Ministry is looking for friendly, creative and energetic volunteers to help greet on Sundays, provide special event setup and décor and be helpers at Church Family Supper on Wednesdays. (Beth Dawson, ext. 7829)

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Website, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

Join us for the Beth Berman Memorial Fund Dinner and Silent Auction this Thursday, November 5 in the Family Life Hall. Our guest speaker is Mr. Shane Claiborne. Shane is a founder of The Simple Way, a faith community in inner city Philadelphia that has helped birth and connect faith communities around the world. You won't want to miss the Silent Auction that begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the church office. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Senior Adults: Let's Go To the Picture Show! The Age of Love, tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Wellness Center. This is a free event if you meet there, or call Rev. Lori Ethridge to reserve transportation. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Join us for Church Family Supper!

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

November 4
Barbecue chicken or baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, pintos, salad bar, biscuits, rolls, and desserts

Kids- Chicken sandwich, macaroni and cheese, apple sauce, salad bar, and dessert

Save the Date

Thursday, November 5

Beth Berman Memorial
Fundraiser Dinner & Silent Auction

November 9-16
Mission Trip to Ecuador

Wednesday, November 11
Dementia Caregivers Support Group

Thursday, November 12
AARP Safe Driving Course

Thursday, November 12

UMW Dinner

November 12-14
Created by God

Sunday, November 15

Stewardship Commitment Sunday

Sunday, November 15

Church-Wide Thanksgiving Feast

Sunday, November 15
Power 45!

Sunday, November 15
Senior Adult Ministry
Trip to See Exodus

Monday, November 16
Operation Christmas Child
Boxes Due

Wednesday, November 18

Senior Adult Ministry
Catered Luncheon

November 26-27

Church Offices Closed for Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 29

Poinsettia Sale

Sunday, November 29

First Sunday of Advent

Wednesday, December 2

Children's Advent Event

Sunday, December 6

Poinsettia Sale

Sunday, December 6