Sunday, March 19

I will never forget my one Sunday of retirement.  We had moved from Mississippi to Texas.  Diane was busy with the new grandbaby, and I picked out a nearby Texas - sized church where I could worship.  I arrived early so I could get a good seat near the back.  There were golf carts shuttling people from their cars to the sanctuary (which was impressive), but I chose to walk. 

The usher handed me a bulletin and said, "good morning", but when I shared my name I was simply handed a visitor's card.  The organist played a great prelude, and then we had "welcome your neighbor time".  Everyone headed for their friends nearby, but no one greeted me - nor a young man, maybe about 16, who was seated on the same pew with me.  We shook hands, but he spoke no English.  All in all, it was not a church I would attend again - even though it is one of the largest churches in Texas. 

The next day I called the superintendent and asked if I could go back to work the next Sunday. 

How do we at UMCE greet those around us?  Today in worship find someone you don't know very well.  And be friendly! 

Prayer:  "Loving God, help us to be all you would have us to be, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Today's Sermon:  THE CHRISTIAN VOCABULARY: LOVE (I Corinthians 13:13)