Jumping for Joy!

In the movie, "The Jerk," Steve Martin plays a simple man whose life has been challenged by many things.  While working as a gas station attendant he sees a truck make a delivery to the station and he jumps for joy as he cries out that the new phone directories have come.  He opens the book to find his name and address in print, then declares, having seen his name, that he has finally arrived. His enthusiasm over something so simple serves as a reminder that things long anticipated, sometimes things so very simple, can bring great joy.

 

Thursday, we felt like jumping for joy when a delivery was made to the church office.  "The new directories are here!" Martha exclaimed, as I stepped into the office, and indeed, there in two modest boxes were books containing names, addresses and pictures that serve to remind us of the significance of community. The photographs were taken late last summer and after a series of challenges, the finished product has now been delivered. 

 

One of the characters in the movie watching Steve Martin dance and rejoice over the new directories says, "I wish I could get that excited about nothing."  Some might wonder about our enthusiasm over these new church directories, but beside the fact that we have been waiting for a while for their delivery, they are also a great tool to put names and faces together that help us learn more about our church and the folks who we see on Sundays and at other times.  Some might not think it that big a deal, but who knows, maybe you too will think you have arrived when you see your picture alongside others and are reminded that you are part of a caring Christian community!

 

If you had your picture made or submitted a picture for the directory, you may pick up a free directory after worship this Sunday morning in the narthex.  Thanks to everyone who helped put this directory together.

 

This Wednesday evening, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. we will observe Ash Wednesday services as we begin our Lenten journey to the cross.  I hope you will be present for this meaningful service and invite a friend to join you.  Remember also that Celebrate Life will be presented Sunday morning, March 9 at 11 a.m.  Turn your clocks forward an hour before you go to bed March 8, and as we turn the clocks back more than four decades for the revival of this great musical, again, ask someone to come along with you for this special presentation.

 

Share the good news...The new directories are here! The new directories are here!

 

Jim Abernathy