I have been thinking over the last few weeks about the nature of the church.  But first, a story…

Not too long ago, I managed to get my truck stuck in the mud.  The details are a little embarrassing and not germane to the point I’m trying to make, so I’ll leave them out.  Suffice it to say, I was unable to remedy the situation by myself.  I tried and tried to no avail.  It’s not in my nature to ask for help, but I knew I had no other options.  I called my good friend Derrick who came without hesitation.  In the process, two good Samaritans happened along who also pitched in.  In short, I spent an hour and a half unsuccessfully trying to get my truck unstuck.  With the help of a friend and two friendly strangers, I was unstuck and rolling again in a matter of minutes. 

Many of you are aware of the news splash the United Methodist Church made over the weekend.  On Friday, a group of United Methodist leaders announced a proposal for the separation of the United Methodist Church.  This is one of several similar proposals that will come before General Conference when it meets May 5-15 in Minneapolis.  You can read our bishop’s response to this announcement, as well as the full text of the proposal and an FAQ, by clicking this link:  https://www.umcsc.org/bishop-holstons-statement-on-separation-proposal/.

New Year’s resolutions – we’ve probably all made them and we’ve probably all broken them.  I read recently that 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions.  To put that in perspective, about 33% of Americans watch the Super Bowl.  Even though we keep our New Year’s resolutions with varying degrees of success, chances are a lot of you will be making them. 

There was some big excitement at the Smith house the other night.  Almost of its own accord, the Christmas tree fell over.  Though she was seen running from the commotion, eyewitness accounts confirm the dog was not to blame.  Neither child was in the room at the time and no suspicious persons were seen loitering in the living room.