Growing in Christ Newsletter

Sunday, January 19, 2003

Volume 1 Issue 21

Craig Barnes writes, “Only those who have done time behind a pulpit understand this: the worst part of Sunday morning is standing at the door after the service. You put your heart into a sermon and then your congregation walks all over it as they leave with comments like: ‘You must not be feeling very well today.’ ‘I’m glad my husband heard that message today.’ ‘Where did you find THAT message?’ ‘Thanks for trying so hard.’ ‘Well, I really enjoyed LAST week’s sermon!’”

One of the benefits of this cyber-ministry is that I’m spared that after-the-service experience. Nonetheless, some sermons come easier than others, and I confess to have really struggled with todays. Whether it is apparent or not, I feel as though I’m trying to break new ground – at least from the perspective of traditional theology – and that I may not be very well suited to the task. Even if it be brutally harsh, one function of the Bulletin Board is to provide a place for your comments and criticism. You are not expected to agree with everything that is said, and part of the mission of GiC is to provide an open forum for difference of opinion.
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It is gratifying to see people lifting their voices this weekend in opposition to the impending war with Iraq. There is hope for a nation that has a moral conscience and allows for its expression. This is the quality of life in America that is worth defending to the death, and it stands in stark contrast to the imperialistic bullying that the current Administration seems to be confusing with patriotism. My thanks to Dad for getting this information to me in time to pass it along to you:

You have the opportunity to sign an online petition asking President Bush to let the weapons inspections work, rather than rushing to war:
http://www.moveon.org/winwithoutwar/

MoveOn.org will compile our messages and present them to the Administration, including Secretary of State Powell, to U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, and to members of Congress.
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At the time this is being prepared, 958 have visited the GiC site with an average 3.6 visits per day to the Daily Guides. Thank you for your ongoing support and participation.
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Until next week…….Shalom!

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