May 22, 2007

Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

Do you have a catfish in your tank?

I've noticed a few of you walking around looking like you've got a catfish in your tank, but you not knowing why it's there?

In the northeastern United States shipping codfish across the U.S. is big business. The fact is there is a huge market for eastern cod all over, but it seems like especially in the sections of our country farthest from the northeast coastline, they really love eastern cod. This fact raised a problem. At first they froze the cod, then shipped it else where, but freezing it took away much of its flavor. So they then experimented with shipping the fish alive, in tanks of seawater, but that proved even worse. Not only was it much more expensive, but the cod still lost its flavor, and it also became soft and mushy.

Finally, some creative person solved the problem in a most innovative manner. The codfish were placed in tanks of water along with their natural enemy  the catfish. From the time the cod left the East Coast until it arrived at its westernmost destination, those ornery catfish chased the cod all over the tank. And you guessed it, when the cod arrived at the market, they were as fresh as when they were first caught. There was no loss of flavor nor had they become soft and mushy. If anything, it was better than before.

Your catfish may look like a huge disappointment; a doctor's report you didn't expect; another unexpected financial setback. Sometimes they swim into our tank all on their own. Sometimes the "enemy" throws them in. Sometimes we open the door and invite those nasty old catfish in by the choices we make. And sometimes, get this, there are God-appointed "catfish." Sometimes God brings those things into our life that will keep us alive, fresh, growing, and dependent on Him. It's all part of God's project to shape our character so we will be more like His Son.

The reason your catfish may be in you tank doesn't matter. Our response should be the same. Remember The Hebrew preacher wrote, "Endure hardship as discipline." (Hebrews 12:7) It might not be discipline, but if we endure as if it is we will grow as God uses that very thing to shape us into the image of His Son.

Here's few thought on happiness:

"I've learned to see my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them." John Stuart Mill

"Happiness is never in our power and pleasure is. I doubt whether anyone who has tasted joy would ever, if both were in his power, exchange it for all the pleasure in the world." C.S. Lewis

"Happiness has no reason. It is not to be found in the facts of our lives, but in the color of the light by which we look at the facts."

"Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The joy is not always in getting what we want but in letting go of what we don't really need."

"You should do something every day to make other people happy, even if it's only to leave them alone.

This my help also, the next time you realize you have a catfish in your tank, if it's a person that's the cause of the stress why not picture them as a whiskery ole' catfish, at least that should bring a smile to your face. And if you look in a mirror and you realize a catfish is staring back at you, realize you have a choice, you don't have to stay a catfish, you can be made into a new creation.

You really can trust your Father, he has not abandoned you; He has not forgotten you; He isn't playing a game with you. Always remember Acts 1:8 from The Message  "Timing is the Father's business." You can trust Him.

DID YOU KNOW??????????????????

The teen District Impact Team will be presenting the Word through music and drama on Saturday evening, June 9th, at 6:00 p.m. Our own Clara Stone is part of the team, let's come out and support their efforts.

The Prime Time Dinner on the Grounds will take place on Tuesday, June 12th at 6:00 p.m.

The Olivetians, with our own Beth Hiatt, did a great job in leading us in worship this past Sunday evening.

Habitat for Humanity if you're interested in participating in helping to build a Habitat for Humanity Home be sure to speak with Lee Workman. If you can't do the physical labor but would like to help prepare lunch for those that are involved in the physical labor, they need you also. Make sure you pick up a flyer for more info on dates and skills needed or speak with Lee. Be sure to see the new work schedule.

Sunday School Promotions  On Sunday June 3rd there will be a special promotion ceremony held in the gym. There will be no regular Sunday School Classes so that everyone can attend and celebrate our children. Refreshments will be served prior to 9:30 a.m. ceremony. After the ceremony the children will be visiting their new classrooms and getting to know their new teacher.

Neighborhood Connection Volunteer Sign Up. Anyone wishing to help in any way with the annual Neighborhood Connection (June 30) can call Jerry Stone at 528-8331. We need many volunteers to continue this successful outreach event.

Our next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, June 13th, 3:00-7:00 p.m. See Pat Fowler to sign up to be a donor. Upcoming Events:

Vacation Bible School  Sunday-Thursday, June 24-28

Neighborhood Connection  Saturday, June 30th

Summer Camps: (Camp Fee is $85  See Pastor Jay or Debi Adams for registration forms) Junior High Camp (Grades 6-9) June 11-15 Senior High Camp (Grades 9-12) June 25-29 Girls Camp (Grades 3-6) June 23-27 Boys Camp (Grades 3-6) July 30-August 3 Family Camp and Camp Meeting July 16-22

Keep using GoodSearch.com, we've earned $35.99 as I wrote this!

ADULT MINISTRIES

Men's Ministry gets together every Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. for a Bible Study and fellowship. All men are invited to attend and bring a friend. See Jerry Stone for more info.

See George or Sue Bagley if you want more info on our small group ministry.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

New Kidz Kingdom! Make sure you check out the new décor. It's exciting, kid friendly and very inviting! Thanks to the volunteers who came last Saturday and worked feverishly to create a fresh environment for our children. It's spectacular!

Vacation Bible School Needs  We will be collecting old and discarded cell phones, cameras, and watches for the kids to use during Vacation Bible School. There will be a collection box in the foyer for your convenience.

Caravan Dinner and Badging Ceremony  June 6. Everyone is invited to dinner in the gym at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th. The badging ceremony will take place in the Worship Center from 6:15-7:00 p.m. There will be no Wednesday Night Connection classes so we can intergenerationally celebrate the accomplishments of our kids.

Ministry Opportunities in the Kidz Zone:

There is a need for more volunteers for nursery.

There is a need for someone to share their love for children by helping to lead/teach the Kinderchurch children (ages 4-Kindergarten) during Sunday Morning Worship Gathering every 4th or 5th Sunday. Please contact Gloria Sanguedolce (529-3138) or call the church office if you would like to share in this life changing ministry.

TEEN MINISTRY

MOMENTUM is back on this Friday, May 25. Only 2 more Momentums until next fall!

MOMENTUM VOLUNTEER BANQUET June 8, 7:00 p.m. All Momentum volunteers and their families are invited. Free childcare will be provided. Please RSVP to the church office or to Pastor Jay.

This Saturday, May 26th , the teens are going caving in Southern Illinois. They will be leaving the church at 8:00 a.m. and returning by 4:00 p.m. Bring a complete head-to-toe change of clothes, flashlights, and adventuresome spirit, and $5 + lunch money. See Pastor Jay for any other the details.

PRAYER REQUESTS..........

Those listed in Sunday's bulletin

Anne Baldridge, recovering from surgery

Trudy Tucker

Ron Linkenback

Jeanne Horn

Marcella Fink

Elmer and Onea Krohe  Elmer is now home for the hospital

Joanne Reeves  why not send her a note!

Dale Baldridge

Tina Musick

JoEllen VanHouten

Jane Hale

Lynettee Heppe  undergoing chemo