"Larry's Notes"
Larry McCord Worship Leader and Chief Musician.
According to scriptural testimony, Jesus once told his disciples, “Greater works than these shall you do, because I go to my Father.” Considering the miracles they had seen Jesus do in their presence, these must have been astounding words. What could the disciples possibly accomplish that would be considered greater than healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and raising the dead? Not only this, but from our record in the book of Acts, they did not particularly fulfill these words and certainly we don’t see anyone today doing so (though many make claims in that area).
This has presented a mystery to many. Some hold to the belief that miracles were just for the period during and immediately after Jesus’ time here on earth, a special dispensation to usher in the kingdom with power. Others hold to the belief that the lack of visible miracles is an indicator of the faithless state of our world and the church in particular. In other words, if we were in better spiritual condition, we would see these manifestations in our midst. I think these explanations miss the point of this scripture. Consider this: What is the greatest miracle of all? I hope you will agree that the miracle of rebirth is far greater than all others we read of in scripture. As Jesus told Nicodemus, this miracle does not manifest itself outwardly (at least not at first). Like the wind, we feel (or see) the effects of it but don’t know where it came from or where it is going. Yet the fruit that this change can bring in the life of the individual (what is often called “the salvation of the soul”) is far greater than all physical manifestations we tend to call “miracles”.
Since Christ has left the physical realm to go to the Father, He now inhabits us and, as a result, we are able to take part in the greatest miracle of all: the rebirth of an individual into His kingdom. This is, indeed, a “greater work” than those He was seen to accomplish while walking among us. Our special music this morning is “It Took a Miracle” by the great church choral composer John W. Peterson. Listen to this text that expresses the wonder of God’s love and grace that bring about the greatest miracle of all!!
Larry
Haiti Earthquake Response - Health Kits
United Methodists as always has been involved in helping the poor and those in distress. Last week's earthquake in Haiti is no different. Two leaders with UMCOR died in the rubble of the main hotel in Port-au-Prince. They were already there assessing how to assist this poor nation.
Now we have a chance to help the victims in two ways:
1. Make a donation to CSUMC and designate it for UMCOR/Haiti. 100% of that donation will be sent to provide relief for the Haitian people. No (0 dollars) will be used for administration purposes. All Administrative salaries and expenses are paid for by our apportionment dollars which comes from our regular tithes and offerings.
2. Bring to the church a Health Kit or several Health Kits by this next Sunday so we can get those shipped directly to Haiti with others from our Conference. The list is attached to this note. Please bring only the items asked for. Stuffing additional items will affect shipping. Rather than sending cash for toothpaste as it asks, please make a check or bring cash to the church and we will send one large check with the shipment.
Thank you for caring and for helping our neighbors who are so desperate this morning.
Allen
Caritas
China Spring UMW continues to help Caritas keep the food pantry full by taking in donations of non-perishable food items each month. Thank you to everyone for your donations this past month.
For the month of January we will collect cereal, canned fruit and vegetables for Caritas. Thank you for all your giving and support. You help give over 1,000 pounds of food each year for the hungry.
