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{Found tacked on the wall in the home of a martyred African pastor}

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power.

The die has been cast I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.

And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me — my banner will be clear!"

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And Another......

Letters to the Pastor
The following are actual questions written to pastors from children across the world.

Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister. Yours sincerely, Arnold. Age 8, Nashville.

Dear Pastor, Please say in your sermon that Peter Peterson has been a good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson. Sincerely, Pete. Age 9, Phoenix

Dear Pastor, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a sermon about something. Robert Anderson, age 11

Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance? Love, Patty. Age 10, New Haven

Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious. She goes to play bingo at church every week even if she has a cold. Yours truly, Annette. Age 9, Albany

Dear Pastor, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know my brother won't be there. Stephen. Age 8, Chicago

Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people would come to your church if you moved it to Disneyland. Loreen. Age 9. Tacoma

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon where you said that good health is more important than money but I still want a raise in my allowance. Sincerely, Eleanor. Age 12, Sarasota

Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to California tomorrow. Laurie. Age 10, New York City

Dear Pastor, I hope to go to heaven some day but later than sooner. Love, Ellen, age 9. Athens

Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God's help or a new pitcher. Thank you. Alexander. Age 10, Raleigh

Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don't think I want to because we have enough rules already in my house. Joshua. Age 10, South Pasadena

Dear Pastor, Who does God pray to? Is there a God for God? Sincerely, Christopher. Age 9, Titusville

Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Carla. Age 10, Salina

Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished. Ralph, Age 11, Akron

Dear Pastor, How does God know the good people from the bad people? Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers? Sincerely, Marie. Age 9, Lewiston

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Let's Lighten the Mood

After all the serious thoughts we've had on this blog lately, here's a short joke to help lighten the mood.

A Sermon on Lying
A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17."

The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."

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Putting Faith into Action

On Sunday I issued a challenge to our members and visitors to put their faith into action this week through the simple act of service, the act of ministering to another person in Christ's name. As members of Christ's holy church, we are called to be His body -- His hands and His feet and His voice -- in this world. When we meditate on that fact, we are generally led to the impression that we should go forth and evangelize. And, yes, we should. But we should also seek to minister to others without the necessity of evangelizing -- loving our neighbors as ourselves -- simply through serving them.

Just today, I was reading about a church in Pasadena, CA, that is actively serving others in this manner. They go to an area where day laborers concentrate looking for work, and offer them cool drinks and sandwiches as they wait. They offer to pray for the laborers, but no attempt at evangelism is made. The church members are simply serving where Christ has put them -- putting their faith into action.

In Matthew 25:35, Jesus said, "When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me." Who have you fed this week? Who have you offered a drink to this week? Who have you welcomed in the name of Christ? Look for ways to serve this week, and let others see your faith in what you do.

*******************************************************************A Prayer for the Week from Marvin Olasky, World Magazine (www.worldmagblog.com):

Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. We thank you for the way you are growing churches in Africa, China, South America and many other parts of the world. We pray that you will give daily bread to the economically poor and daily spiritual sustenance to all of us. Thank you for compassionately forgiving our debts; help us to show mercy both individually and through Christian educational and social service programs. We pray for religious liberty throughout the world: strengthen Christians tempted to surrender, and deliver from evil those whose lives and livelihoods are in danger because of their faith. Give us the grace to work all week long for your kingdom, power, and glory.

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Comments from Selected Bishops on the Dammann Trial

Here are some comments from several bishops in the United Methodist Church weighing in on the Dammann trial. Please take a moment to pray for them and if you get the chance, write them a letter or e-mail of encouragement for the stand they are taking on this matter. (I would like to recognize Rev. Allen Carmichal and Lloyd Corbett for providing me with several of these comments)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 22, 2004

The following is a joint statement from Bishop Mike Watson, South Georgia
Resident Bishop, and Bishop Lindsey Davis, North Georgia Resident Bishop,
regarding the recent Dammann trial in the Pacific Northwest Annual
Conference:

The Discipline is the connecting covenant within our Church. We support
The Discipline and on this issue we believe that The Discipline is clear.
We are profoundly disappointed in the recent church trial decision in the
Seattle Area. It is a clear sign of rebellion when a group chooses to
flagrantly ignore The Discipline, substituting their own perspective for
the corporate wisdom of the General Conference. While we as bishops have
neither voice nor vote at General Conference, we call upon elected General
Conference delegates to go to Pittsburgh in April prepared to discuss this
situation and to consider an appropriate response which will respect our
connectional covenant.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear North Carolina Conference United Methodists:
I join with many United Methodists around our church who are saddened and confused by the recent not guilty verdict rendered at the church trial of Reverend Karen T. Dammann of the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church. I find it incomprehensible that a clergy jury can place itself above the law of the church.
The Book of Discipline 2000, paragraph 304.3, is very clear: "...Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church." This paragraph is located in the legislative section of The Book of Discipline dealing with the ministry of the ordained. Therefore, it is the principle by which we are to be guided and is thereby the position of our United Methodist Church!
As you engage in conversation in your local church and communities around this issue, please make the following note and clear distinction; the action taken on March 20, 2004 in The Pacific Northwest Conference is the action of one group in one place at one specific time. It does not reflect the position of the Church as a whole.
The position of our denomination regarding homosexuality has not changed as the result of the misguided action taken at the Dammann church trial. This church trial jury has stepped outside The Book of Discipline and injected its perspective in place of the corporate wisdom of the General Conference. Their decision places them in opposition to the letter and spirit of the General Conference and its legislative law. According to our church polity, an appropriate response to the findings of the church court trial in the Pacific Northwest Conference will be left to the elected delegates this coming April at General Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.
As the Bishop of The North Carolina Annual Conference, I recognize that there are those within our church who do not agree with our church?s position. I reach out in love to you across our differences and desire to remain in dialogue with you! However, I reaffirm my position and the position of our church as found in the Social Principles of The Book of Discipline 2000, ¶161.G, "...Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationship with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God?s grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."

Bishop Marion Edwards
North Carolina Annual Conference
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The Verdict
I was appalled and shocked that a jury composed of 13 clergy could render a verdict so contrary to the law of The United Methodist Church as expressed in The Book of Discipline. It is important to remember that this one jury does not speak for the entire United Methodist Church. Only the General Conference, which meets every four years, has that authority.
In my opinion, the verdict of "not guilty" in the recent clergy trial of the Reverend Karen Dammann is not supported by The 2000 Book of Discipline. Those members of the trial jury who for reasons of conscience or otherwise could not uphold The Discipline should have stepped aside so that others who would have upheld the law of the church could have been selected.
Numerous Judicial Council decisions have quoted and affirmed that The 2000 Book of Discipline expressly states that "we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider the practice incompatible with Christian teaching" (par. 161G). Paragraph 304.3 of The 2000 Book of Discipline likewise declares, "While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church."
At the conclusion of its deliberations, the jury issued the following statement:
"The only charge brought against the Rev. Karen T. Dammann is 'practices declared by The United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings,' under paragraph 2702.1b relating to the Judicial Complaint of Bishop Elias Galvan. While sustaining the specification that Rev. Karen Dammann is a self-avowed practicing homosexual, we, the trial court, do not find the evidence presented by church counsel to be clear and convincing that Karen Dammann has engaged in any 'practices declared by the United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings.' We cannot sustain the charge.
"We, the trial court, reached our decisions after many hours of painful and prayerful deliberation, and listening for and to the word of God. We depended on the prayers of the whole church, which undergirded our process. We depended on the leading of the Holy Spirit.
"We have made every attempt to be faithful to The Book of Discipline in its entirety. We have taken very seriously the mandate to presume innocence unless there is sufficient evidence to bring a different verdict. The church?s obligation is to present clear and convincing evidence to sustain the charge. We searched the Discipline and did not find a declaration that 'the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.'
"We did see in the Discipline many declarative statements. An example is: 'Inclusiveness means openness, acceptance, and support that enables all persons to participate in the life of the Church, the community, and the world. Thus, inclusiveness denies every semblance of discrimination.' (Section 6 of The Ministry of all Christians, section VI, ?Called to Inclusiveness,? paragraph 138, p. 93, second paragraph)
"Although we, the trial court, found passages that contain the phrasing 'incompatible with Christian teaching,' we did not find that any of them constitute a declaration.
"We realize that the church is divided regarding issues of homosexuality. We, as the trial court, are far from unanimous regarding biblical and theological understandings.
"The beginning sentence of 'Our Theological Task,' paragraph 104, conclusion, p. 85, says: 'Doctrine arises out of the life of the Church?its faith, its worship, its discipline, its conflicts, its challenges from the world it would serve.' In this spirit, we have engaged in this judicial task."
This verdict, in my judgment, cannot be upheld by either the intention or the language of The 2000 Book of Discipline.
This verdict of "not guilty" will, without a doubt, heighten the United Methodist Church's theological discussion around issues related to homosexuality, the authority of scripture, the meaning of marriage, the meaning of family and the witness of the church in all areas related to sexuality. Such conferencing needs to be informed by grace, which beckons us to remember that those about whom we speak on either side of this vexing issue are children of God and should be treated with reverence and respect.
While bishops do not have a voice or a vote at General Conference, it is my persistent and fervent prayer that the lay and clergy delegates to the upcoming General Conference will find a way to be redemptive while holding steadfast to that which affirms the highest standards of sexual expression. Likewise, I hope that a way can be found to hold this jury accountable for it misinterpretation of our Book of Discipline. Please remember that only General Conference speaks for the whole church.
This issue must not cause us to lose our central focus, which is to make disciples. We must stay focused on worship, nurture, missions and evangelism. To be distracted by this one verdict, rather than to be called by our primary mission, is the greater evil.
Joe E. Pennel Jr., Bishop
Virginia Conference, United Methodist Church

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Thoughts on the Recent Dammann Trial

Recently our denomination was rocked by the "not guilty" verdict from a church trial that was conducted to determine if the Rev. Karen Dammann was in violation of church law as it pertains to homosexual clergy. The Rev. Dammann had previously notified her bishop, Bishop Elias Galvan, by letter that she was in a partnered relationship with another woman. Bishop Galvan filed a complaint against Rev. Dammann which eventually led to the church trial that was recently completed.

It appears that the outcome of this trial is a flagrant attack of the Book of Discipline and against the beliefs of the majority of members of the United Methodist Church. The Book of Discipline clearly says, “Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.” (Par. 304.3). There was absolutely no way that the church trial could come out with anything except a "guilty" verdict against Rev. Dammann and the immediate revocation of her ordination.

The fact that the church trial in fact affirmed Rev. Dammann as an ordained minister and failed to find a violation of church law should not be taken lightly. This was clearly a biased attempt to bring this matter to a head at General Conference, scheduled in just a few weeks. While many bishops have expressed outrage and concern at the ruling, the bishops do not have a voice at General Conference. Votes on issues, including votes on the inclusion of homosexual ministers, will be left up to the laity and clergy delegates to the conference. Clearly, the proponents of homosexual ministers hope that the delegates will be more liberal than the bishops and will affirm a change to the Book of Discipline.

This brings up a great point about the United Methodist Church. We are a diverse church with an equally great diversity of opinions. We have allowed into our midst a sizeable liberal contingent, which brings with it liberal notions such as the inclusion of homosexual ministers, opposal to all war, approval of abortion, approval of homosexual marriages, and even liberal spirituality, which can include the denial of the deity of Christ and the denial of the miracles. The majority of our denomination, however, tends to be more conservative, both in regards to moral issues and in spiritual issues. However, it is the liberal branch of our denomination that gets the most press.

This is a time for us to rise up and defend the spiritual truths on which our denomination was founded. Ours is a denomination that believes in the Bible, that believes in the deity of Christ, that believes in the virgin birth, the miracles, the atonement of Christ on the cross, and the resurrection on the third day. Ours is a denomination that believes that the Holy Spirit can touch and redeem all lives and all circumstances, including redeeming homosexuals from a life of sin to a life of holiness. It is time for us to reclaim our denomination and to stand firm on our biblical foundation. For years groups like the Confessing Movement and the Good News organization have been the vanguards in this fight. It is time the laity and clergy in the United Methodist Church stand up and fight to restore our traditional beliefs before it is too late. Let us pray the Dammann trial will be a wake-up call to our church.

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BACK!!!

Well, after almost a two-week hiatus, I am back and ready to start blogging again. Had a wonderful trip to Spokane, Washington, for business the week of March 14th. Got to meet up with a couple of old friends who I rarely see outside of this annual conference. Took off one day to do some birding around Lake Corde d'Alene in western Idaho. It's amazing how you can see God's hand all around you -- if you only take the time to look. I never cease to be amazed at the diversity and wonder of nature. Wonderful new species of birds that I had never seen before were present everywhere we looked, from tundra swans to Barrow's goldeneye ducks to the common magpie of the western U.S. How can anyone look down on a magnificient glacial lake with mountains in the background and listen to the sound of wind through the ponderosa pine and imagine it was all created through chance? The evidence of God's design was all around me, and I worshiped Him as I took in the beauty of creation all around me. What better time to see God's hand in nature than in the spring of the year, as new life springs from the depths of winter and as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

I am looking forward to the worship service tomorrow and to the upcoming marriage ceremony for Jamie Padgett and his fiancee. It is nice to travel, but it is equally nice to be back home again with my church family. I love this time of year. New life springing up around us daily, a new family being created next weekend, and new graces and mercy from our Lord daily! Halleluyah! Praise God!

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Democratic Party polled on gay unions

By JIM THARPE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/23/04

Georgia House leaders have surveyed fellow Democrats about whether a controversial ban on same-sex marriage should be considered for another vote.

House Speaker Terry Coleman (D-Eastman) has said he wants the proposal to come before the House for a second vote before the legislative session ends, but it currently is stalled in the House Rules Committee. Opponents of Senate Resolution 595 are trying to keep it bottled up in committee until the General Assembly adjourns April 2, a move that would kill the proposal for the year.

Democratic leaders, who control the House, would not reveal the survey's results — or say what influence that survey might have on the legislation's future.

"You try to get a feel for where your membership is, and to read any more into it would be far-fetched," said state Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), who chairs both the Rules Committee and the House Democratic Caucus.

Smyre said the survey consisted of "four or five" questions — about SR 595 and other legislation — passed out Monday to House Democrats. The Rules chairman said he will not permit SR 595 to be brought up in his agenda-setting committee today and was reluctant to comment on its legislative timetable.

"It's still cloudy," he said. "I'm sure that within the next few days it will be more definitive as to what action is going to occur."

The resolution, which would set up a November referendum to place a gay-marriage ban in the state constitution, has been the year's most controversial piece of legislation. Legislators have been the target of well-coordinated lobbying and demonstrations by the Christian Coalition, which supports the ban, and the state's largest gay-rights organization, Georgia Equality, which opposes it.

State law prohibits gay marriage in Georgia, but supporters say a constitutional ban is needed to guard against the law being overturned by the courts. Opponents contend conservatives are trying to drive a wedge between philosophically divided Democrats.

The issue has split Democrats, with most African-Americans and liberal whites opposing SR 595, while conservative whites have sided with Republicans in supporting it. The resolution failed by three votes to get the necessary two-thirds majority on its first House vote Feb. 26. House members voted to reconsider the decision, and the resolution was sent to Smyre's committee where it has remained.

Supporters contend they have the 120 votes to pass the measure if they can get it back to the House floor for a vote.

State Rep. Bill Hembree (R-Douglasville), a key House proponent, questioned the Democratic survey in light of assurances he has been given.

"That's strange because we have a commitment from the Speaker [Coleman] to bring it back out for a vote," Hembree said. "He told me specifically, 'Bill, we'll have a vote on it before the session is over.' "

The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce waded into the fray this week. On Tuesday, executive committee board member Ben F. Johnson III wrote to state Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) expressing concern about "Section B" of the proposal. Drenner is the Legislature's only openly gay member.

"Some will interpret the new language as an invitation for the courts to interfere with domestic partner benefits given by most of America's largest companies," Johnson warned.

Supporters of the ban have characterized that argument as bogus, arguing that the current law includes essentially the same provision.

Two attempts to drop Section B have failed. Smyre, however, said the business community's concerns are resonating with his committee.

"I've got members coming to me with three options," he said. "Some say let it [SR 595] out. Some say don't let it out. And some want it out with Section B gon

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GOD USES ALL GIFTS FOR BIG PURPOSES - ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
"There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are
they among so many people?" John 6:9

It's remarkable what your gift will do. Whether it's five loaves and two
fish or the gift you place in the offering, miracles happen when you give
all you can. Your gifts do remarkable things: feed people with food and
hope, wrap babies in warmth and love, empower communities with skills and
support. Gifts renew the giver, too, in spirit and in strength.

The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering is this Sunday, March 21. Please remind your congregation of the date and encourage them to receive the offering. You will be joining United Methodists all over the world to help
undergird the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) entire
ministry. Your gifts to OGHS allow UMCOR to work efficiently and
effectively in disaster response, hunger and poverty ministries, and
refugee ministries around the world. The offering may be received at a
different date if necessary; it is never too late for sharing!

Visit http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/oghs.stm to learn more about UMCOR and OGHS and to find out how your congregation can participate. [From UMC News Service, 18 March 2004]

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Out of Town

Just a quick note to let anyone who is reading this know that I will be out of town on a business trip for a week. I will be traveling to Spokane, Washington, for a conference and will not be back in town until next Friday. So, there will not be any posts on this blog until then.

Please keep me in your prayers as I am traveling.

Thanks,
Greg

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Just wanted to relay a thanks from Moody AFB and our deployed airmen for the items donated by Naylor and Wright's Chapel. As I was carrying them in this morning, our orderly room sergeant expressed delight over all the donations, especially the baby wipes. She said that when she was deployed, that was the one thing that she really appreciated in the desert. She said there were times when they didn't have the opportunity to shower for a whole week, and she said the baby wipes were used to wipe the sand and grime and grit off of them. Thanks so much for the donations!

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I was reading in Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life," today, and ran across a really insightful section. Rick writes:

"You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't always have to be 'in charge.' You also know you're surrendered when you don't react to criticism and rush to defend yourself. You don't edge others out, you don't demand your rights, and you aren't self-serving when you're surrendered."

I think too often that we are too quick to react to criticism or rush to defend ourselves. We have been taught to stand up for our rights. To make sure that we get what we deserve.

Just today I found myself getting a little angry because a flagman on a construction site waved his "Slow" sign at me as I drove past. I was driving the posted speed limit -- they hadn't dropped the speed limit for the construction site -- but yet he alleged (by waving the "Slow" sign at me) that I was driving too fast. I was indignant. How dare he insinuate that "I" was wrong. I started to pull over, but a truck was right on my bumper (driving faster than me!). So I fumed all the way home. My pride had been hurt. My rights were being trampled on. This flagman was not respecting me.

Sound familiar? Maybe you've done something similar. Maybe you've been too quick to take offense when someone questions your actions. Maybe you've gotten ticked off because you weren't recognized for something you did while others were. Maybe you felt your rights were being violated and you stood up and put the other person in their place.

But, as Rick Warren points out, that should not be our Christian response. We should return evil with good. We should humble ourselves, as Christ humbled Himself, putting aside "our" rights, "our" pride, and "our" way of doing things. We should be fully surrendered to God so that we won't try to "puff ourselves up." It's not about us. It's about God.

So what if a guy waved a sign at me for driving too fast? So what if I don't get recognized at work for an award while others in my office are? What's more important -- my pride or growing a heart like Jesus?

"Not my will, but your will be done." -- Luke 22:42

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Three Little Words

I mentioned this in a sermon one time, but isn't it amazing how life's largest events are all summed up in little phrases, usually three word phrases? Think about how life-changing phrases such as "You have cancer," "It's a boy," and "I love you" are to us. Think about the impact that these words have on us and our life. I've often pondered this, and I've come up with the idea that there are times in our life when words just can't fully express the range of emotions or the changes that are coming. It's in times like these that we use short phrases that are deep in meaning.

I was reminded of this recently when I watched the movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Have you ever considered the words of Christ from the cross? Think about the meaning pregnant in His phrase, "They know not." Think about the life-changing impact of His prayer, "Father, forgive them." And then His last words -- the sweetest words human ears have ever heard -- "It is finished." Three little words, but three words that brought an end to death, an end to sin, an end to banishment in Hell. Three little words that brought with them life, hope, and the promise of eternal love.

"YOU MIGHT BE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTRY CHURCH IF..."

1. The doors are never locked.

2. The Call to Worship is "Y'all come on in!"

3. People grumble about Noah letting coyotes on the Ark.

4. The Preacher says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the
offering," and five guys stand up.

5. The restrooms are outside.

6. Opening day of deer hunting season is recognized as an official
church holiday.

7. A member requests to be buried in his four-wheel drive truck
because, "I ain't ever been in a hole it couldn't get me out of."

8. In the annual stewardship drive there is at least one pledge of two
calves.

9. Never in its entire 100-year history has one of its pastors had to
buy any meat or vegetables.

10. When it rains, everybody's smiling.

11. Prayers regarding the weather are a standard part of every worship
service.

12. A singing group is known as the "OK Chorale."

13. The church directory doesn't have last names.

14. The pastor wears boots.

15. Four generations of one family sit together in worship every
Sunday and Wednesday.

16. The only time people lock their cars in the parking lot is during
the summer and then only so their neighbors can't leave them a bag of
squash.

17. There is no such thing as a "secret" sin.

18. Baptism is referred to as "branding."

19. There is a special fund-raiser for a new septic tank.

20. Finding and returning lost sheep is not just a parable.

21. You miss worship one Sunday morning and by 2 o'clock that
afternoon you have had a dozen calls inquiring about your health.

22. High notes on the organ sets dogs in the parking lot to howling.

23. People wonder, when Jesus fed the 5,000, whether the two fish were
bass or catfish.

24. People think "Rapture" is what happens when you lift something too
heavy.

25. The cemetery is in such barren ground that people are buried with
a sack of fertilizer to help them rise on Judgment Day.

26. It's not heaven, but you can see heaven from there.

27. The final words of the benediction are,
Y'all come back now, ya hear!"

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World Day of Prayer

Today is the world day of prayer. Take a few moments and join together with Christians all over the world in communing with our God and Creator. While you are doing so, please say a special prayer for our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church. Today, 5 March 2004, we are seeing more Christians persecuted and killed for their faith than at any other time in the history of the world. Horrific persecutions worse than those inflicted by Nero and the other Roman emperors. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in places like China, Sudan, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, just to name a few.

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Thoughts on "The Passion of Christ"

After months of anticipation, I finally got the chance to view Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of Christ," on Saturday night. The theater was packed, although there were a few empty seats right on the front couple of rows. Seems like a lot of families and church groups had gone together and were sitting in blocks. It was nice to see a Christian movie sold out.

Things I liked: Overall, I liked the movie. For the most part, it was biblically correct. I think the portrayal of the physical suffering of Christ was the most realistic that has ever been shown in film. The acting was top notch, especially the actor who played Pontius Pilate. He deserves an Oscar nomination for his job, but don't look for it. I liked the original languages -- the subtitles did not take away from the movie, and I did enjoy listening for words that I recognized from the Bible (Adonai -- Abba). Also, no previews for other movies were shown -- I really appreciated that. It would have taken away from the movie.

Things I didn't like: While the movie did do a great job showing the physical suffering of Christ, I don't believe it spent enough time showing the spiritual suffering that Christ suffered. It was hinted at, especially in the beginning scenes when Christ was being tempted by Satan, but it was never clearly expressed in the movie. I worry that those who don't understand the spiritual side of Christ's sacrifice might miss this very important part. Minor extra-biblical items and biblically incorrect items (not doctrinely incorrect) were present that I noticed, including Veronica's veil (extra-biblical), Jesus taught standing up (Rabbis always taught sitting down in those days), Peter and John were sitting in the wrong place at the last supper. Minor points, but they distracted me during the movie.

Summary: Overally, it was a decent movie. Not life-changing for me as I expected from all the hype, but a good movie none-the-less. I plan on going back in a few weeks after the crowds die down and watch it again without the expectations. Final thoughts -- Go see it! Take friends to see it! Discuss it amongst yourself. But look for the living Christ instead of the one on the screen.