A life that counts, July 15th 2007

Dr. Cecil Murray was once a U.S. Air Force pilot. One day, he was filling the role of intercept officer in the jet’s rear seat when the nose gas tank exploded just before takeoff. The pilot got out of the plane but was covered in flames. Murray’s cockpit cover wouldn’t open, but with a great struggle, he was able to enlarge a hole and crawl out. On the ground, he saw the pilot completely aflame. Murray rolled the man over several times until the flames were out.

Unfortunately, the pilot died from the burns. That horrible experience compelled Murray to reevaluate his life. He’d been in the service for nearly 10 years. But now he felt led to live for two — for his pilot friend who died and for the life God would direct him to live.

Soon Murray resigned so he could attend seminary. He served for 27 years as pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, a church with more than 7,000 members. He became known throughout the area as one of the most effective leaders of social causes.

When something bad happens, we don’t immediately know how it will shape our lives. But bad events can change us for the better, and as a result, help us help others.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Exercise aerobics will not meet this Monday but will Wednesday 6:00p.m. Pastor Bob and Carol are in Lexington with their grandchildren.

District Missionary Convention is this Saturday. Members are Pastor Fannin, Pastor Ames, Melissa Sutton, Mike and Nancy Bonanza, and Joe and Lois Rosolino. We’ll leave Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m.

Our teens and young adults are important to us. Please let Carolyn Talbott (teens) or Tina Limburg (young adults) know if you are available for some casual or informal times of fellowship. These young groups feel an especial attraction for the senior generation.

Tina’s College/Career Sunday School Class has been leading the Chronicles of Narnia lessons each Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Before the lessons they meet at 6:00 p.m. for Extreme Games.

Thank you for your donations to the church van/bus fund. Other items for tire maintenance and a new paint need attention. You may mark your offering “church van/bus.”

Also, our “Building Fund” needs a little maintenance. We came up a little short last month for our loan payment.

July Church Events:

Sat, July 21, District Missionary Convention, 8:30 a.m.

Williamsburg Softball Game, 3:15 p.m.

Sun, July 22, Pre-district Assembly Rally, 5:00 p.m.

Mon. July 23: District Assembly, 8:30 a.m.

Tue. July 24: Ladies Craft/non-craft Fellowship, 6:30 p.m.

Sat. July 28: Children’s Campout

Eileen Hultz’s new address:

Glen Oakes Health Campus

601 W. County Rd. 200 S

New Castle, IN 47346

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