Gone Fishin'

My dad is a fisherman, not the commercial kind, but rather the kind that loves casting a single line into the water and waiting. This means that growing up we had stink bait and, yes, worms in our refrigerator. I don't know what was in the stink bait, nor do I want to know, but I do know that it fits its name. At that time of my life, I didn't think having worms in the frig was all that odd. Now I know differently. :)   Our vacations as a family were spent up north at a lake where my dad could spend time in patient baiting and coaxing. I vaguely recall the one morning it was my turn to go out with daddy.  Grey, early morning sky, we walked down to the boat house where the small boats each had its own little slip  Those of you who know what I'm talking about can close your eyes and smell the water and fish.  You can hear the lapping of the water against the boats. You can feel the sway of the boat when you step in and catch your balance. You can hear the sound of the motor as it catches. You can feel the glide of the boat across the lake. Ahhhh..... so sweet!

This Sunday Brother Nelson will be sharing a meditation he is calling, "A Daring Invitation to the Kingdom of God" with scriptures from Mark 1:14-20 and Jonah 3:1-5, 10. The disciples and Jonah were all called to be fishers of people although I guess we could say Jonah did not have a "whale" of a good time completing his task and sat "perched" on his high horse; he seemed to think it all "smelt" badly, that God was a "sucker" in offering mercy, carrying for all "soles," and that the whole ordeal was "crappie."  (Sorry, I couldn't resist--Pathetic, I know!)

Seven persons from our church family will be baptized on Sunday as they publicly share their decision to enter God's work in the Kingdom.  I hope we all "catch" the excitement of following Jesus' call to Kingdom living today!

Etta will be joining the young adults in the Upper Room this week. 

Quizzing begins!  Good luck!

Can you believe it has been 1 year since Brother Mick  and Sister Julie joined us?  Happy Anniversary!


This Sunday is also "World Fellowship Sunday;" a great reminder for us to realize that "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28  Sisters and Brothers! Brothers and Sisters!  Many languages, colors, voices, cultures-- all one family-- time to celebrate!

"Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made, were every stalk on earth a quill, and everyone a scribe by trade; to write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky." (Love of God, FM Lehman)

My prayer for you today: 

Creator God, help each one of us to catch a glimpse and understanding of your tremendous love today.  If we reach out and catch this sweet light, grant us courage to share it with others.  There is much pain and brokenness in our world, and you invite us to wholeness and to become a part of the healing and hope.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done, will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In JESUS name. AMEN.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.

Love and Light,

Carol

Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD