Weekly Greeting - April 4, 2025
Greetings friends,
The day my son got married I went out for a hike in the woods early in the morning. As I walked along, I spotted an interesting rock along the trail. When I picked it up, I noticed that it had a fossil of a plant imprinted in it. I also noticed that it had been stepped on with many muddy boots and shoes, obviously a lot of people had not noticed it, or took no interest in it. It fascinated me.
I thought of how that at one time the plant that had become embedded in that limestone rock had once been green, and vibrant, and full of life. It was no longer green, but it still existed; set in that stone.
It made me think of my son’s upcoming wedding and marriage. I put it in my pocket. During the wedding ceremony, I took it out and showed it to those in attendance and told them how I had found the rock that morning and that I was keeping it as a metaphor for Michael and Michelle‘s marriage.
I will place it on the bookshelf of our home in Nashville to remind me to pray for my son and new daughter-in-law. It will help me remember to pray that their love will always be alive until it is set in stone.
I also pray for the people of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. You have been a blessing and it has been an honor to be your preacher. I know that you will continue to be a blessing to this community and world.
I look forward to seeing what God does in the next chapter of the Bethlehem story and pray that your love for God and the world will grow until it is set in stone.
Blessings,
Craig
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We continue our “Soul Food: You Can’t Live By Bread Alone,” Lent and Easter worship series this week. Our focus this Sunday will be on the nourishment at the table. Our text is John 7:37-39.
Everyone needs the nourishment from the table that comes from being welcomed in God’s house. Everyone needs the nourishment of the Holy Spirit. Make an extra effort this week to encourage yourself and those you know to take advantage of the gift of worshiping God together. Hope to see you Sunday!