Untitled Page

From the Desk of Pastor Locke:
    Many people experience a post-Easter letdown. Over the year I have experienced a physical letdown and would take the following week off. Some people experience an emotional letdown, sort of the “now what” syndrome. They have poured so much of themselves into the celebration that they find themselves emotionally drained. And for others there is a spiritual letdown - having worshipped on Easter they feel OK spiritually and decide to wait until December before renewing their journey with Jesus. If you find yourselves struggling with a physical, emotional, or spiritual letdown may I offer a choice - remember Steve Lyons.
Many of you may not know who Steve Lyons is; but he was a baseball player known for his enthusiasm for the game and he made an unforgettable impact on the sport on July 16, 1990. On July 16, 1990 the White Sox were playing the Tigers in Detroit and Lyons bunted and raced for first, knowing it was going to be close he dove at the bag. Safe! The Tiger’s pitcher argued the call and engaged the umpire into a heated argument. Absorbed in the game and debate, Lyons felt dirt trickling down the inside of his pants and without missing a beat he dropped his pants to wipe away the dirt and 20,000 jaws hit the floor.
He was wearing sliding pants which kept the game at PG-13 rather than R rated; but that didn’t stop the jokes. Women would wave dollar bills when he came to the plate and within 24 hours he was interviewed on 7 live TV shows and 20 radio programs. He said their pitcher threw a no-hitter and only had 2 TV interviews while he dropped his pants and got 7; it is a strange world we live in. Now, I do not tell the story to advocate exposing ourselves to the world; but because of his enthusiasm. So engrossed in the game he was willing to become the focus of jokes and still keep his perspective.
If you face the post-Easter letdown; remember Steve Lyons and his enthusiasm. With the story of Easter fresh in so many minds; it might be a good time for enthusiasm to tell what it all means. Paul encouraged the Corinthians with the simple message of Jesus Christ: All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Sometimes we might feel we don’t know enough to share God’s simple story of love and forgiveness, “That God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.” If that seems too simple remember - simple messages are often most memorable. Om April 7^th, 1865 the president sent a simple message to “General Grant. Gen. Sherman says, “If the thing is pressed, I think Lee will surrender.” Let the thing be pressed. A Lincoln.” Grant did as ordered and two days later Lee surrendered at a place called Appomattox. Simplicity.
That was what Paul was saying; God has given us a simple message to share in order to explain what Lent and Easter were all about; a wonderful story that gives an account of the hope in us. If the opportunity presents itself then remember the enthusiasm of Steve Lyons and dive in, you may be amazed what God can do and find the perfect remedy for a post-Easter letdown. Blessings and Peace.                                                                                                         --Pastor Locke

					1	2
3 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship Service w/Holy Communion & Sunday School 11:45 Fellowship and Coffee Hour 11:55 Elders' Meeting	4	5 7:00 PM Blackwood Brothers Concert	6 11:00 AM Wednesday's Word Bible Study	7 10:00 AM Knutty Knotters Quilting	8	9
10 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship Service & Sunday School 11:45 Fellowship Event Potluck "April Showers"	11	12	13 11:00 AM Wednesday's Word Bible Study	14 10:00 AM Knutty Knotters Quilting 6:00 PM Council Meeting Fireside Room	15 8:00 AM Spring Flea Market	16 8:00 AM Spring Flea Market
17 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship Service w/Holy Communion & Sunday School 11:45 Fellowship and Coffee Hour	18	19	20 11:00 AM Wednesday's Word Bible Study	21	22	23
24 9:15 Adult Bible Class 10:30 Worship Service & Sunday School 11:45 Fellowship and Coffee Hour	25	26	27 11:00 AM Wednesday's Word Bible Study	28 10:00 AM Knutty Knotters Quilting	29	30