July 29, 2008

Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

Today and tomorrow Nathan, our son, is taking the bar exam in Florida. For the last three years he's gone to law school, studied, served an internship with then governor Jeb Bush, and did another internship in the House of Representatives in Florida, and worked for the Florida State Attorney General. But everything now rests on a two-day test. The easier part is today, the tougher part tomorrow.

I've seen Nathan in many different situations in life. But this is the first time I've really seen him stressing out over a test. He has always been extremely confident (cocky would be a more appropriate term). But he knows his immediate future plans hang in the balance on whether he passes this test or not.

Recently, I came across some actual questions lawyers had asked people on the stand. Here's a few of them:

Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, in most cases he just passes quietly away and doesn't know anything about it until the next morning?

Q: What happened then?

A: He told me, he says, "I have to kill you because you can identify me."

Q: Did he kill you?

Was it you or your brother that was killed in the war?

Q: She had three children, right?

A: Yes.

Q: How many were boys?

A: None.

Q: Were there any girls?

Q: I show you Exhibit 3 and ask you if you recognize that picture?

A: That's me.

Q: Were you present when that picture was taken?

Q: Do you know how far pregnant you are now?

A: I'll be three months on March 12th.

Q: Apparently then, the date of conception was around January 12th?

A: Yes.

Q: What were you doing at that time?

Was that the same nose you broke as a child?

Q: Mrs. Jones, do you believe you are emotionally stable?

A: I used to be.

Q: How many times have you committed suicide?

Q: Do you recall approximately the time that you examined that body of Mr. Huntington at St. Mary's Hospital?

A: It was in the evening. The autopsy started about 5:30 P.M.

Q: And Mr. Huntington was dead at the time, is that correct?

A: No, you idiot, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was performing an autopsy on him!

You see if the lawyers asking those questions passed the bar exam, I'm sure Nathan will  but he's not nearly as confident as his Dad.

Maybe you have felt that way about your "Father." God has told us, "And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (I Cor. 10:13) Sometimes God has more confidence in us than we have in our own ability.

The key to passing the "test of temptation" is the next part of the verse. There He says, "But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." Passing the test is not determined by you coming up with a plan, but simply following His escape plan.

Let's put His plan into practice.

And if you think about it, would you mention Nathan to the Lord when you pray. Thanks!

Did You Know?????????????????

Larry and Kathleen Hochstetler's son, and Heidi's brother, Troy, will be ordained this coming weekend in Indianapolis and will soon be moving to Lafayette, Indiana to become the senior pastor of Lafayette First Church of the Nazarene.

Martha Daily's son, Bernard, and Ellen Hiler's brother passed away suddenly from a heart attack Saturday evening. The viewing will be Wednesday, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home at 530 N. 5th Street. The funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Steve Krampitz has a part in the Music Man being performed at the Muni in the upcoming weekends.

Matt McFee is in Marine boot camp, if you'd like to send him a note his address is:

Rec. McFee, Matthew D.

2nd Bn Gold Co. Plt. 2154

35051 Midway Ave.

San Diego, CA 92140-2154

The new Pastors' Prayer Team has begun to meet. All are welcomed to join this team of people who are praying for the pastors of our church. They will meet each Wednesday, during the summer from 6:00 -6:30 p.m. and during the rest of the year from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. You can still be a part of supporting our pastors by joining the Pastors' Prayer Team.

Small Group News: All leaders or potential leaders of small groups are invited (expected) to be a part of three training sessions at 6:30 p.m. on August 13, 20, and 27. Pastor Gregg has been asked to facilitate this important ministry.

The Middle School Small Group will not meeting for a couple of weeks. When Pastor Jay gets back from vacation he will let the group know when they will be resuming.

We are in need of some more volunteers to help staff the nursery both on Sundays and especially on Wednesdays. It may come to the place where we can not offer this important ministry to families if there are not some more volunteers.

This coming Sunday, August 3, our wonderful nursery volunteers are: Susie Jaynes with the infants; and Tracey Burger and Zach Shepherdson with the toddlers, and Anna Hiatt as the floater. This Wednesday, July 30th , the nursery will be staffed by Curtis Owen. Thank you!

Upcoming Events:

Season of Celebration Service September 3rd

Coffeehouse Comedy October 4-5 (Please note the change in date)

The next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Pat Fowler for an appointment. Did you see the article in last week paper that stated because more surgeries are now being done in Springfield the need for blood is greater that ever? Can you give?

Keep using GoodSearch.com, we've earned $22.03 for the year 2008.

ADULT MINISTRIES

The Men's Ministry Group has begun meeting on this Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. during the summer. This is a switch from the Thursday evening when they previously met. All men are invited to attend, and bring a friend for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

Saturday, August 9th, will be the next ladies Craft Connection. From 5:00-11:00 p.m. in the gym. Bring your craft, your sense of humor, and a snack to share. Come and go as you please. Contact Dawn McLain for more information.

Prime Time Potluck and Fellowship  Tuesday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Room #106. See Tricia Hofman for more information.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

Kidz Expressway will begin collecting Culver Restaurant "Team Scoopie Points" from children's meals (on the side of the bag). The children would like to earn enough points to acquire several pieces of equipment. You can give your points to Gloria Sanguedolce, drop them at the office, or leave them at the Kidz Check-In area. The children appreciate your efforts to help with their projects. You can also continue to bring ion those "Cans for Kids."

TEEN MINISTRY

Oasis is back on this Wednesday. Earn those points!

Desserts by Donation will take place August 10, this is a fund raiser for our teen ministry. Take a homemade dessert home for dinner!

Six Flags Day, August 11, $35 per teen + money for food. August 3rd is the deadline to sign up to go.

PRAYER REQUESTS...

Those listed in Sunday's bulletin

Martha Daily and Ellen Hiler at the passing of Martha's son and Ellen's brother

Fran Herwehe  recovering from knee replacement surgery

Lynette Heppe

Jared Klein

Jean Pickett's grandkids in Chandlerville