April 25, 2024
Dear DARRTOWN UMC Members and Friends,
The Gospel lesson for the fifth Sunday of the Easter season is John 15:1-8, in which Jesus invokes imagery of grapevines and branches which would have been very familiar to his listeners. Similar to the way he compared his role to that of the Good Shepherd last week, here he describes himself as the vine and the disciples and believers as the branches. He says, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”. Pastor’s message title is Connected to the Source.
As most of you receive this edition of This Week at Ross, Maggie and I will have returned from our time away. We have been able to rest, plan, prepare, dream, and accomplish several things that will help us in our respective ministries and journeys with our cherished church appointments and families. We have also been able to continue to embrace the loss of her mother on April 1. Once again, we receive joy and peace in the knowledge that the faith we share, the same faith our loved ones had, leads to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Greetings Church Family,
While away, each day we have planned for some of the things we enjoy. Yesterday as I went out to load the van for a trip to the beach, I discovered the tire on the front passenger side was flat. I immediately called AAA, only to learn they would not fix a flat on site–they would only change a tire or tow the vehicle. I did not want to use up one of our four annual service calls just to remove a tire or for a half-mile tow to the Tires Plus store on the corner.
I decided to jack up the van and remove the tire myself. After manipulating it back into a somewhat round shape, I rolled the tire through the parking lot, out to the main street, down the sidewalk and across the shopping center, straight to the tire dealership. I am sure you can imagine the looks I received from various people, some asking if I needed help. I replied that I did not, that I was just taking the tire to be repaired.
Walking back home and realizing our plans for the day would change, I remembered that I learned a long time ago to not look at that as necessarily a bad thing. Maybe we just were not supposed to be heading where we planned, especially after Maggie said she had found a dime on the floor that was not there earlier. (Some of you will remember that story.)
At about 1:00, I got a phone call letting me know I had tire insurance and that the brand-new tire I would receive at just a minimal cost would be ready to pick up soon. I once again walked down to the corner to get the tire. The repair person offered to put it in my vehicle, but I said “No, I am walking it”. Once again, I heard “Are you sure you don’t need help? “No, thank you,” I replied, as I walked the tire down here and I will walk this one back”. Again, on the return trip I received looks and offers of help from people as I rolled my brand-new tire back up the street to the complex two streets over. Within 20 minutes I had it mounted on the van and life was back to normal.
I always look at these situations and think to myself that there is a sermon in them. This time I am not sure yet what that is, other than I was reminded that when things do not always go according to plan, take a deep breath, and continue to do whatever it takes to get back on track. I also was encouraged by the many offers to help a man rolling a tire down a sidewalk in a place far from home. A couple of residents at the pool who noticed my adventure even said “You were the guy rolling the tire, weren’t you?
This experience is another reminder that we never know who is watching. Sometimes on our own we can accomplish a thing that must be done. Other times people are willing and ready to help. It is in the situations where help is needed that the Church truly does its best work. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Chris
There are just two more Sundays to make your reservations for the Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome, so plan to bring along family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy a chicken dinner, raffles (including two Huffy children’s scooters), and music by the Darrtown Singers. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. To make your reservation, hand your completed form (including payment) to Jan or Judy, drop it off in the church office, or mail it to the church in time for receipt before May 5.
Morning Has Broken, this Sunday’s closing hymn, first appeared in an American hymnal in 1955. It offers a rare example of a Christian hymn receiving acclaim through the popular media, in this case Cat Stevens release in 1971 on his triple-platinum album Teaser and the Firecat. The UMC’s Discipleship Ministries website offers more background; Stevens original recording is here.
Church Sign Wisdom: If you walk with the Lord, you’ll never be out of step.
May God’s light surround you, God’s love enfold you, God’s power protect you, and God’s presence watch over you.
Emily Adams
Administrative Assistant
NEXT UPDATE 05-2-2024