Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith
Today is National Read in the Bathtub Day
Now and then a pastor has to wade into such delicate topics as this in order to explain the official position of our congregation—and the standards we have set for our members.
I have searched through all of the policy manuals of First United Methodist Church Sullivan—and have yet to find any policies on bathtub etiquette for our members. Therefore, I’ll wing it:
Of course, our church approves of reading the Bible in the bathtub. As well as the Upper Room and any other devotional material. We also approve of taking your hymnal into the tub so you can sing while you are there. However—if you take a hymnal from the church into your tub, and drop it into the water, we will expect you to replace it—as soaked hymnals swell up and will not fit in the pew racks.
As for taking political books to the tub, we do not recommend it as you may get angry and overheated—increasing the temperature of the bathwater—and thereupon sustain a second degree burn.
You are also encouraged to take any books your pastor may have published and read them in the tub. In fact, I encourage you to accidently drop it into the water—thereby necessitating the purchase of a replacement.
And as I reminded you last month (on National Take a Bath Day), please, PLEASE—no selfies on Facebook.
Joys and Concerns from Yesterday’s Worship
Joy at John Love’s recovery from surgery
Joy that Sandy Stone is back at church after a spell in the hospital
Concerns for Kari Younger for health (from Beth White)
Concerns for Lynn Berner for health
Concerns for the Honduras Mission Team
Joy that Mary Ann Hecht’s sister, Ginny, is improving after a fall
Joys for warmer temperatures and melting snow
My In-Town Days this Week
All day Tuesday and all day Wednesday. I love to spend time with people—so please call and let me know when you are available. I also welcome your thoughts and questions about the church.
Combined Church Council meeting and Bridging Table: 6 p.m. TOMORROW (Tuesday)
If you want to get involved in the ministries of our church—or propose something that you would like to do—this meeting would be a great place to start.
We are switching to a new (and improved?) way of organizing ourselves to be in ministry to our own members and to our community. All the organization that used to funnel through the Nurture, Outreach, and Witness committees is now being re-routed through what we call a “Bridging Table.” The “Bridging Table” is still under construction—so come learn about it and see what progress we’ve made in the last couple weeks—since several of you attended the first sessions.
Everyone is welcome. If you are interested and cannot make it, let me know and I’ll get you a handout.
Once again—the best way to connect with me is by phone/text or email:
217-898-3148
Repertoire 