Car Trouble

Life sure does throw us some surprises from time to time. Yesterday we picked up Corey at Purdue and then loaded up Derek's things in our truck, too. We found a motel for the night and we planned to leave today after going to church with Derek at Cedarcreek Church.

This morning after we checked out and went out to the truck to go to church, the truck wouldn't start! We were stranded at the motel and Derek was waiting for us at church. Luckily, we were able to get in touch with him and he came to the motel to give us a jump start. But again, nothing! We decided that Derek would take us, one at a time back to the church and we would go to the next service, which we did. Their church was much different than what we were used to. The sermon was good, but I found it hard to "worship."

Anyway, no one is open on Sunday, so we decided to send Derek and Ryan on home so Ryan wouldn't miss any school, which Corey, Jamie and I stayed in Ohio. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to find someone to fix our truck so we can return home.

We never know what each day is going to bring, but we do know that no matter what "interruptions" come our way. God will see us through it. We'll see you back in Illinois after we get the truck running again!

Everyone is Invited!

I'm excited about the direction our church leadership is going! Last fall our church leaders studied The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. This spring our leaders are attending the "Forged in the Fire" and "Multiply a Missional Movement" workshops.

Why are we doing all of this?

Because we want to learn how to be more invitational to the people of Havana and the surrounding community! We want everyone to know that they are invited to become part of the Body of Christ as manifested through First United Methodist Church!

We want YOU to know that YOU are invited to become part of the Body of Christ at First United Methodist Church! If you would like to know more about how YOU can become part of the Body of Christ at First Methodist, then give me a call or send me an e-mail. I am always happy to talk to persons who want to become involved in our ministry!

Look for the Positive

From working with people, I have noticed that there are two main types -- those who look for the good in others and those who look for faults.

Some time back I overheard a conversation between one of our church women and a younger woman. The older woman was so supportive and encouraging of the younger woman -- it really was a beautiful sight to see (or should I say hear). This person has such a positive influence on all the people she meets.

Of course I have observed the opposite, too! Some people never have anything good to say about other people. How sad! Instead of building others up, these persons cause great harm.

Each of us has a choice to make: Are we going to be a positive person who builds others up or a negative person who tears others down?

I hope and pray that you and I can strive to be positive people! I hope and pray that we look for the good in others and build others up. I hope and pray that we will do no harm!

Please Pray for Our Ministry

Last night we had our Church Council meeting. We set our budget for 2009. The budget we set is a faith budget! We believe that God wants us to be in ministry at a new level. We believe that with God all things are possible, so please pray that God will provide the funds we need to provide the ministry we envision. We believe that our ministry and mission plans are God's will for our church. Please pray that God will help us fulfill these plans!