August 12, 2008

Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

Have you been watching the Olympics? Once every four years I become a fan of swimming, and gymnastics, and even fencing and others sports I very seldom or never watch any other time. There's always drama and excitement. Who could watch the 4 X 100 fee-style swim this year and not be excited as the U.S. team won by a fingernail? Who isn't cheering for Michael Phelps as he pursues eight gold medals?

My favorite Olympic story took place in 1992. If you've been watching NBC recently, you've probably seen them using part of the story in a commercial promoting the Olympics. Maybe you saw it when it happened in the Barcelona Olympics. It illustrates perfectly what God wants to do in your life, and what He wants to provide for you.

It was Tuesday night of the 1992 Summer Olympics. It was the 400 meter semi-final race. The sprinters were in the starting blocks. The starter's gun sounded for a race that only takes 45 seconds to run. One runner went down like he had been shot, grabbing his leg and falling to the ground.

His father was watching from the stands, and he felt something sink in his stomach. He lowered his head. And the memory that flashed back was of the park, near the old house, his son was only six then and he was running a race with his dad, and he grabbed his hand and said, "Where's the finish line Daddy? Carry me to the finish line."

The noise of the crowd snapped him back to reality. They were cheering. What were they cheering?

He looked up to see his son, face twisted in pain, rising to his feet on the red oval track, waving off the medics who carried a stretcher. Dereck Redmond, a British sprinter, whose Olympic dream was over, whose right hamstring had just snapped like a popsicle stick, was trying to complete his 400 meter race. He had half the distance to go.

Because he couldn't walk, he began to hop. He hopped like a wounded fugitive. One step. A grimace. Two steps. A yell. The son was crying. Right there in front of the whole world.

The father had to come. He doesn't really remember all the steps down from Section 131, Row 22, Seat 25. He doesn't really remember leaping over the railing or landing on the field, or pushing off security guards who were too stunned to stop him.

The Olympics? He wasn't at the Olympics anymore. Jim Redman was a parent, outside a burning house, hearing a cry through the window. And all he knew was, "That's my son, and I have to get to him." And suddenly he was alongside of him.

"Dad," Dereck said, grabbing him, throwing an arm around his shoulder, and burying his head to hide the tears. "Dad...get me back to lane 5, I want to finish."

And leaning on each other, just like the old days, father and son made their way down the track, while stunned officials looked on frozen, and the crowd, and the whole world watching, got this lump in its throat.

The dad would later say, "If I tried to do it again, I don't think I could."

After he had taken his son where his son wanted to go - across the finish line - the medical staff came up with a stretcher once again - the father barked, "No stretcher."

He knew what his son wanted. He had been there with him all those years. Through the good times, when he made the Olympic team; when he set the British record in the 400. And through the bad times; the four operations on his Achilles tendon, the countless other injuries that left him on crutches, unable to run as late as six weeks before the Games.

"Dereck was at stake out there. If he had been taken off on a stretcher he would have never have run again. We had agreed, no matter what, he was going to finish the race. He was going to say, he got through the semi-finals of the Olympic 400 meters."

"All he needed was a little support. I'm his father. I'm supposed to provide it." And so he did. And when he saw his son was okay, when the hamstring had been iced and wrapped, and the tears dried, Jim Redmond made his way back to his seat, stopping to apologize to every official along the way.

And folks, that's exactly what your Heavenly Father wants to do for you in those dark times of your life when you think you can't possibly live the life He has called you to live; when you think you can't possibly follow His plan. When that problem seems too great; when the relationship seems beyond repair; when the temptation seems too strong; when it seems like the stronghold cannot be demolished, He simply says, "Lean on me. Struggle with all of my energy. (Colossians 1:29) Let me carry you across the finish line."

He doesn't say, "Here's my plan now just do it or be ready for the wrath of an angry Father." Instead He says, "Here's my plan, now lean on me and I will carry you across the finish line."

Why not try a little leaning today.

Did You Know???

Prime Time Potluck and Fellowship  Tonight, Tuesday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Room #106.

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.

Stephen Adams graduates from boot camp this week.

Sunday was Curtis Owen's last Sunday here, (he didn't want to be recognized) for awhile. He has been accepted into Purdue's Ph.D program in chemistry and will also be teaching undergrad courses at Purdue. Way to go, Curtis!

Thanks to Jeff Owen for organizing the Small Group Picnic last Sunday. We had well over 120+ come to the Lake Park. Everyone had a great time! Look for this to be an annual Small Group outing!

For many of our college students this coming Sunday will be their last Sunday here before they leave for the new semester. Let's remember them in prayer, and especially the freshman who are just starting their college careers.

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.

Nursery News: 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 17, our wonderful nursery volunteers are: Kathleen Hochstetler with the infants; and Julie Bott and Nicole Montalbano with the toddlers, and Breanna Cambre as the floater. This Wednesday, August 13, the nursery will be staffed by Lisa Willoughby and Patrick Crawford. Thank you!

Upcoming Events: Season of Celebration Service September 3rd

The next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Pat Fowler for an appointment.

Keep using GoodSearch.com, we've earned $23.11 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. All men are invited to attend, and bring a friend for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

Caravan Leaders/Volunteers Cookout will happen Sunday, August 24th immediate following the Worship Gathering. It will happen at the home of Director Janice Young. Janice will supply the meat and table service. Please bring a dish to share. This is for all leaders and volunteers. If you've never been involved in this great ministry to children this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the ministry.

Caravan registration will be taking place on August 31st and September 7th. Children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to join Caravan, a Christian based scouting program. Cost is $10 per child. Caravan meets every Wednesday beginning September 10 from 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Kidz Expressway is 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!

PRAYER REQUESTS...

Those listed in Sunday's bulletin

All our students and teachers and school aids as they start back to school

Fran Herwehe  recovering from knee replacement surgery

Lynette Heppe

Jared Klein

JoEllen Van Houten