He Looks So Familiar....

(2007) Having had a glorious holiday with my friend Jan in her beautiful English cottage, Alana and I were now on route home.  At Heathrow airport after snagging a welcome cup of Starbucks coffee, we were herded into an enclosed room to await boarding. There is no place like an airport to do some great people watching!  We settled into the over sized, stark seats against the wall, and a man with what looked to me like L'oreal Espresso coverage and a beatles coiffure came up and asked to sit beside us. Smiling, we made room for him, rearranging our travel gear. I wasn't in the mood for small talk so I did not engage the gentleman in conversation.  But there was something... He looked so very familiar, but I'm in London.  There is no way I know this person.  After a few minutes the flight attendant called for first class passengers to begin boarding.  We smiled and nodded at this man as he collected his gear and headed for the plane. 
"He looks so familiar," I said to my daughter.
"Yeah," she said. "He looks just like that guy from the old Star Trek." 


Alana and I enjoying tea with our English friends

OH MY GOODNESS! Where was my brain? I was sitting beside Walter Koenig aka Pavel Chekov and totally missed my opportunity for a personal chat and autograph! The daughter who probably saw him in one, just one, movie recognized him, and I didn't!  Gah! I just lost my status as a trekkie!

This week Brother Nelson will be sharing a message he is calling "Who Is He?" based on Mark 8:27-38. At this point in the gospel narrative, there is a shift from Jesus' ministry of healing and hope to acknowledging the cross as part of the journey. In his presermon notes, Nelson asks the question, "How do we today deny ourselves; how do we take up our cross and follow Jesus?"

There are several opportunities this week for special giving. 

-We will be receiving an offering for MCC work with the Syrian refugee crisis. http://www.mcc.org/stories/news/mcc-seeks-support-ease-plight-syrian-people

-Items are still being received for the food pac program this month: 6 oz toothpaste, bath towels, bar soap, tee shirts.  We also need double-bagged grocery bags for packing the weekly food packs.

-Do you have interest and skill to buy and prepare food for 60-70 people? Factory ministries needs our help. Find more info at http://thefactoryministries.com/wordpress/

The Upper Room will be open again this week. :) I'm not yet sure who will be joining you as I will be at Refreshing Mountain Camp with the senior high youth. 

Check out this week's bulletin for more information. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

Prayer for today: Creator God, You are light- In a world of dark shadows. You are love -In a world that acts in hatred. You are hope-In a world caught in a net of despair.  Come and fill us with your healing spirit; fill us with your hope-full light; fill us with your life giving love that we who claim you will truly love You and love our neighbors. Though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though nations are in an uproar... Still you, Lord Almighty, will not leave us nor forsake us and are all things good and beautiful. For those reading this whose hearts, souls, or bodies are broken, bring healing and hope. Grant us courage to offer our hands and hearts to your Kingdom work today. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God 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