A typical weekend for FUMC Temple.
Pastor Kit and Emma took our high school youth on a mystery trip. They floated the river in San Marcos, went to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, played mini golf, and, most importantly, went axe throwing.
That’s right. Pastor Kit taught our youth how to properly throw an axe. Parents – your welcome.
In the meantime, I was busy setting up everything to have the ashes of one of our members, a dear friend, spread on our ranch.
The worst part was trying to erect the two portable awnings. Just at the moment I was about to renounced my faith in everything holy, Scott showed up and showed me it was a two-person job.
Earl’s family and friends arrived and his ashes were dispersed on top of a hill in a beautiful pasture. It was a sacred moment. It couldn’t have been better. I know as Earl looked down from heaven, he was very pleased.
Then came yesterday, my favorite Sunday of the month. That’s because it was time to serve the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
After doing this for decades, you’d think I have it down. Yesterday was not the case.
As Mary Jacq knelt at the altar, I broke off the bread, placed it in her hands and said, “This is the body of Christ, broken for you.” That was the moment I realized I had given Mary Jacq the biggest piece of bread in the history of bread.
I started to take it back and break it in half, but then I remembered the bread represents God’s grace.
I’m not sure what Mary Jacq did, but it must of been pretty bad to need that much bread. The good news is, as always, God has Mary Jacq, and the rest of us covered by God’s never-ending, healing grace.
I also watched as woman I dearly love, struggle to kneel at the altar for Holy Communion. She was determined to be on her knees as she participated in the Sacrament. Larry had to help her back to her feet. For me, it was a humbling moment to see her beautiful faith and love for God. I was thankful to be there.
Also, during the sermon, I told a joke about the one food that causes more pain and grief than anything else.
Before I got to the punch line, Craig said in a very depressed voice, “Wedding cake.”
He was right but I’m pretty sure I am going to be doing couple’s counseling with Craig and Meg this week. Pray for me.
The point to this meandering devotional is to highlight our church is a place that is filled with life, love, and joy. That’s what church is about.
If you are thankful for all that God has given you, go to church.
If you are struggling to find joy in this hard world, go to church.
If you want to be part of a faith family that seeks to serve God, go to church.
If you want to be reminded and motivated by the tremendous faith of others, go to church.
If you want to encounter the Holy Spirit in a unique, healing way, go to church.
This list goes on and on…..
This is why Jesus said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
If you are not currently attending church, I pray you start. It will change your life. It changed mine.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I humbly ask that you shine your light through me into this dark world. Help me to bring others into your loving light. Bless every church that shines for you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Also, just for the record. If you want your children to learn how to throw an axe, come to our church. We are special that way.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 