August 19, 2008

Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

If you are like most Americans, you have been tuning into the Olympic Games. You've been seeing the American quest for Gold and Silver and Bronze. You've been watching "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." Me, too. And as I've watched, I've come across a few questions and lesser known facts from the Beijing Olympic Games that in some cases pertain to First Church of the Nazarene in Springfield, Illinois. For instance:

1) Michael Phelps, the Gold Medal Machine, eats between 10 and 12,000 calories a day! A day?!? Wow! That is closing in on the caloric intake possibilities of all who will be at First Naz for our Kick-off dinner on Wednesday September 3rd!

2) With the news coming out of China that during the Olympic Opening Ceremonies some of the fireworks were fake and a little girl singer was deemed to not be cute enough to be seen worldwide (the so-called homely kid was replaced with a more cute, lip syncing replacement), I want to assure the good people of Springfield First that we have never used phony fireworks; but because he's younger, cooler and cuter rumor has it that Pastor Jay will be lip synching my sermon this coming Sunday.

3) How come the guy beach volleyball players are wearing shorts and t-shirts and the girl beach volleyball players are wearing not much more than dental floss? Is modesty only a male event? (Don't ask the male synchronized divers that question--they have their own modesty issues.)

4) We have been kicking around the idea of having a Synchronized Baptism Event at First Naz, but have decided that since we have no underwater cameras, and a small baptistery - we have decided to "tank" the idea (pun intended).

5) If "First Naz Super-Counter" Jim Mills was in China--we would not only know the exact ages of those who "aren't even close to 16 year old" Chinese gymnasts, but we would also know why those little 12 year olds weren't in Sunday School last week.

6) Gossima, Whiff-Whaff, Flim-Flam and Ping-Pong are alternative names for the Olympic event known as "Table Tennis," but at church, until the table was smashed to smithereens, it was known as, "The game that no one can beat Pastor Gregg in."

7) Speaking of "The game that nobody can beat Pastor Gregg in" (Ping Pong), should it even be an Olympic sport? And if ping pong makes the Olympic cut, why not have other basement games like pool, darts, (I'm sure I could medal in dart board holding) air hockey, (another medal for me, after all I was ONU air hockey champion in 1975-76) and foosball (Nathan won't even play me, another medal) and, of course, video games? If video games were an Olympic sport, I know some basement dwelling, Nintendo 360, Wii playing First Naz teenagers who could quite possibly qualify for the 2012 London Games.

8) And while we are adding Olympic events, since Badminton is an Olympic event, why not have other back yard activities like croquet, lawn darts, and, better yet, outdoor grilling as Olympic Competition? I have tasted some of the barbequing of some First Nazarenes and I would say it is "world class" and gold medal worthy. Yum! Who knows -- with a Hibachi, a little practice and just the right marinade maybe I could be an Olympic class Barbequer too!

9) I have other burning questions about some Olympic events that I wish Bob Costas or someone at the NBC studios would answer for me, such as:

a) Isn't "Women's Yngling" missing a vowel? Can't we buy yngling a "U," "O" or an "A" from Pat Sajak? In case you don't know, yngling is a sailing event. There is also a sailing event in the Olympics called "49er." I think a San Francisco football fan had something to do with that name.

b) Why do the synchronized swimmers wear a nose plug? The weird kid in my swimming class growing up wore a nose plug. Don't you think those swimmers should know how to swim without a nose plug? You don't see Michael Phelps wearing a nose plug.

c) Apparently "Men's Trap" has nothing to do with a gold digging woman looking for a "Sugar Daddy." Men's trap is a shooting event. Strange but true.

d) And "Women's Sculls" has nothing to do with anatomy or pirates or poison. Sculls is a rowing event. Who knew?

I might not get answers to my Olympic questions in the sport pages of the newspaper, but there are some life answers in the sport pages of the Bible (You didn't know that there is a Sports Section in the Bible? There is. Check this out:)

In Genesis it talks about "the big inning." In Philippians it talks about hockey and how we need to press on toward the goal. In Acts 27 it talks about throwing the ship's tackle overboard. I've always assumed they were playing football, and the poor guy got too many holding penalties. And in the KJV we're told that Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and Isaac was sporting with Rebecca his wife. I always assumed that meant he saw them playing ping pong.

Now Paul did write: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step." (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NLT)

How is your race coming along? Are you running to win an eternal prize? Paul says to "run with purpose in every step!" In other words, make each step of your life meaningful, thoughtful and faithful! Are you running a gold medal race?

Did You Know???

• Ivan Fink broke his leg in two places while at work and will be facing upcoming surgery. Remember him as you pray
• 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 recent article stating there is a critical need for O Positive blood in Springfield?
• The next Season of Celebration gathering will be Wednesday, September 3rd. Dinner will be from 5:00  6:00 p.m. the menu will Mostaccioli and Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, and Cake. And then we will have a great time of praise.
• The Wednesday Night Connection Classes will kick off on Wednesday, September 10. Caravan and Velocity for our kids and teens will begin and for adults we have a great selection of 6 week classes to choose from:
• The Pastors' Prayer Team facilitated by Joan Small... a group of people who are committed to praying for the pastors of the church and the needs in their lives and for our church. Starting September 10 they will meet from 5:45-6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.
• A Parents Forum facilitated by Kathy Hedden  this group will look at the central focus of parenting  the Gospel. We need to direct, not simply the behavior of our children, but also the attitudes of their hearts. They will look at some simple parenting strategies that any parent can carry out. They will also spend a significant amount of time in prayer for their children, and learn how to turn to the Father and place every detail of our child's life in His loving and capable hands.
• A Ministry of Encouragement facilitated by Mike and Julie Duncan. This is a ministry that writes notes and contacts new people to our church, those who have been missing church, and those going through difficult periods of time in their life
• Financial Sense Class  (10 weeks) facilitated by certified trainers, Tom Hedden, Geoff Sarginson, Larry Hochstetler, or Bob McIntyre. Using the Bible as a guide this class' focus is learning how to handle our finances God's way. Cost is $45 per person, $55 per couple (this covers the cost of the curriculum).
• Where is God When...? facilitated by Fred Prince. We will explore ways to find God in difficult times. Cost of the book is $8.00.
• Self-Defense Class facilitated by Kim Barrington. Basic self-defense techniques will be taught to beginners and more advanced students alike.
• "Putting the Pieces Together - Developing a Fully Integrated Biblical Worldview." Facilitated by Andy Peterson. This would be a great class for new Christian, or the person that has questions about Christianity and why and why we believe what we believe.

All Church Work Day: September 13, 9:00 AM. We'll be sprucing up, cleaning, trimming, repairing, etc. We need all the hands we can get. Lunch will be provided.

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.

Let's remember our students as they many have started school this week, and others will begin in the very near future. Also, for many of our college students this past Sunday was 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.

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 24, our wonderful nursery volunteers are: Bonnie Patterson with the infants; and Robin Buchanan and Elizabeth Bott with the toddlers, and Delaney Workman as the floater. This Wednesday, August 20, the nursery will be staffed by Patti Young and Brytani Young. Thank you!

Upcoming Events:

Season of Celebration Service September 3rd

All-church Fellowship in the gym September 14th following Morning Worship

Coffeehouse Comedy November 8 & 9

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 recent article stating there is a critical need for O Positive blood in Springfield?

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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.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

Caravan Leaders/Volunteers Cookout will happen coming Sunday, August 24th immediate following the Worship Gathering. It will happen at the home of Janice Young. 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. Bring a dish and a lawn chair, meat and table service provided.

The Kidz Store (new location  the Kidz Kitchenette) will be open 9:30  10:15 a.m. on August 31st.

Upward Basketball sign-up will be on Saturday, October 25.

Caravan registration will be taking place on August 31 and 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. See Director Janice Young for more information.

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 happening on Wednesdays. Earn those points! Velocity will kick off on September 10th.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Those listed in Sunday's bulletin

Ivan Fink

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  in Memorial Hospital