Good morning!  I hope you’re having a great Tuesday.  I’m still rejoicing over a great Sunday.  We had a great problem on Sunday morning.  A couple of late-comers couldn’t find a parking spot and had to park in the front circle.  (Several of us may need to start parking in the grass to make sure we have spots available for guests).
 
             The bell choir did a wonderful job as usual and the Praise Team inspired us to truly worship.  (Plus, they sang one of my favorite hymns—”My Jesus I Love Thee.”)  The video, 99 balloons, and the scripture reading reminded us of how precious life is as we celebrated Sanctity of LIife Sunday.  God’s presence was truly present.  
 
             I hope you are enjoying the “Growing Closer to God” Class on spiritual disciplines as much as I am enjoying teaching it.  (Sunday School and Wednesday evening).  Remember if you miss the Sunday morning class, you can catch it on Wednesday night.  Also, we are taping it if you want to pick up a CD.  Anyone fasting this week?  [Oh, that’s right!  You’re not supposed to talk about it even if you are.]
 
             Aren’t you glad God gives us opportunities to come together each week to worship, and pray and encourage one another?  But yet, it’s in the day to day struggles of living, and working and loving that our faith is put to the test.  It’s during the week as we rub shoulders with the world that we have the greatest opportunity to influence lives and make a difference in our world.
 
             During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, the British government began to run low on silver for coins.  Lord Cornwell sent his men to the local cathedral to see if they could find any precious metal there.  Af¬ter investigating they reported:  “The only silver we can find is in the statues of the saints standing in the corners.”  To which the radical soldier and statesman of England replied:  “Good!  We’ll melt down the saints and put them in circulation!”
 
             God doesn't need us setting in a dusty corner or sleeping on a comfortable pew.  He needs us “out there”, in circulation, touching people’s lives.  As Colossians 3: 17 tells us “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him.”  Whether you’re delivering mail, taking blood pressures, teaching kindergarten or washing dishes … do it as if you were doing it for Christ.  Our mission field is all around us.  Get out there and circulate!
 
             I trust you’re working on your chili recipe for this coming Sunday night.  I’m actually experiment¬ing with a new recipe today.  It’s good, but it needs a little something.  I’m still looking for that “secret ingredient” that will make it just perfect.
 
             Have a great week!
 
                                                                                           In Christ,
                                                                                           Pastor Barry