02-03-10 -- Bring a Twelve Pack This Sunday

“The friend who attends the groom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the groom’s voice. The joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:29-30

I recently sent out an e-mail stating that this Sunday was going to be a fun and lighthearted worship service. I told the guys I e-mailed to bring their favorite 12 pack to share with others and I would have a couple of coolers for them. I had not thought about the e-mail until I received back a response – Are you a Miller Lite guy or Bud? I sent back that I am more a dark German-Ale type guy like my ancestors who own a brewery in Marzahn, Germany. I let them know for this occasion I will be drinking Mountain Dew. I encouraged them to bring a non-alcoholic beverage as well. We will be having brats, hotdogs and breakfast sandwiches this tailgate Sunday to get in the mood for the Super Bowl. Even though the Vikings will not be in the bowl we can still cheer on our favorite team and enjoy some “guy food.”

This Sunday in worship we will continue our study of John. We will be discussing a dialogue between John and his followers. He has coached them and taught them how to live holier lives. He baptized them and preached a message of repentance. Then it was time for him to decrease and Jesus to increase. It was hard for his followers to understand why the “coaching time” had ended and the “playing time” had begun. As their coach, John had prepared them to enter into ministry. With Jesus the Messiah now doing ministry, John encouraged them to join his team. It must have been a hard transition for John and for his followers. This Sunday when you come to church please wear your favorite sports jersey or sweatshirt. It is “casual Sunday” so promote your favorite professional or amateur sports team. This Super Bowl Sunday we will look at ways Jesus takes us down field and into the end zone if we will but follow him.

In Christ’s Love and Service,

Pastor Paul