A Musing for March 7

Are we getting smarter? Maybe product labels are an indication …
On a Sears hairdryer -- "Do not use while sleeping."
On a bag of Fritos -- "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down."
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding - "Product will be hot after heating."
On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."
On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."
On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness..."
On some brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only."
On an American Airlines packet of peanuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
On an American Airlines packet of peanuts -- "Warning: may contain peanuts."
On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

I’m not sure I want to know why these warnings and instructions were added to these products. I really hope no child every tried to fly with a Superman costume or that anyone tried to iron the clothes they were wearing. Much of this seems obvious. When Jesus told his disciples to love God and love everyone else it seems like an obvious overstatement. It might be like seeing another human being with a tag – “Do not abuse, exploit, damage or inflict pain.” God wants us to be smarter than that.

GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Our amaryllis bulb is not doing very well. We’re taking good care of it. It has sufficient water; it’s placed by the window during the week; the choir sings to it on Thursday evenings. Will it grow? Will it bloom? Will it be healthy? It’s easy to get a little discouraged.

It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see the spiritual growth that we desire. We need to persevere in our spiritual growth, trusting that God will bring the growth. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

KIDS TOGETHER
The kids continued making “stained glass” pictures for lent. The pictures are slowly appearing on the door between the sanctuary and the narthex. Last week we talked about using God’s word to counter temptation; the picture was of a Bible and lily. This week we talked about God’s sacrificial love and care for us; the cross is a symbol of Jesus’ love for us. Francesca Crane and Danielle Burkett were our volunteer leaders this week. Ron and Stevie Arena were to help, but Stevie was home ill. We prayed that God would make him better. It was great that Jacob brought a Veggie Tale DVD to share.

This week Dawn Flay and Dick Rusbuldt will lead the Kids Together program. Pastor Steve will remain in the sanctuary.

NURSERY
Thanks go to Joan Brior and Wendy Reid for being our nursery volunteers this week. Betti and Corrine Sharpe will be in the nursery during the worship service next Sunday.

KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club got off to a good start on March 4. We talked about temptation and trusting in God’s Word to help us when we are tempted. The children have taken on a ministry project. They will show God’s love to soldiers in Iraq with a care package. Betsy McGeorge talked to the group about her brother-in-law who is currently stationed in Iraq. The children will make an announcement during the worship service this week to invite you to help.

Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We gather in the Fellowship Hall for singing, games, Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.

VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.

SPRING AHEAD THIS WEEK
Please remember that this is the Sunday we observe the rite of Daylight Savings Time. This year we spring ahead in the winter just to confuse us more. The deeper questions are, why are they saving it, and where do they keep it? Why is it just an hour? Why not a day, or a week, or a month? Perhaps the big wonder is whether or not my VCR/DVD will start blinking “1:00” on Sunday. Life is full of mysteries … like daylight savings time.

May you continue to grow in the grace of the Lord this week.

Pastor Steve

This Week’s Motto: Tempus fugit utrum ludis necne (“Time flies whether you’re having fun or not”)