Here's Lookin' at You, Kid

Do you have a favorite movie? What about it makes it so pleasurable to return to time and time again? Some of the movies I like are filled with action. Others have me laughing from the opening title to the very end. And there are those that tug at my heart.

Have you ever considered that the films that grab us may be doing so because we connect to them on a deeper level? I find it fascinating to watch movies with a theological perspective, meaning that I consider how the story and characters match up with the Truth found in scripture. Some of those themes include self-sacrifice, the pain and consequences of sin, and redemption. 

For the next two Sundays (July 23 & 30) we're going to be "At the Movies" as we see how a couple Academy Award winning films reflect biblical Truth. The first one up is the 1942 classic, "Casablanca". We'll use some clips from the movie to talk about Humphrey Bogart's character Rick Blaine and his journey from cynical self-centeredness to self-sacrifice of putting others ahead of himself - which is all of our journey to one extent or another.

On Monday evening you're invited to watch the movie with me either for the umpteenth time or maybe for the first. In either case, we'll be seeing it with a new perspective! Meet at the church at 7:00 pm and bring some snacks to share. You may want to bring along someone you're seeking to BLESS. Some great conversations could arise.

Church BBQ Potluck this Sunday

Plan on sticking around after worship this coming Sunday, July 23rd, for a BBQ potluck. The hamburgers, fixings, drinks and place settings are being provided. Your part is to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

A Heads-Up (Ear's-Up?) Warning...

Somehow I picked up a pretty sever infection affecting my left ear and the lymph nodes around it. The results are a pretty comical image in which I appear to be wearing one of those novelty clown ears. I'm taking antibiotics and other things, but just in case I'm not back to normal by Sunday, I wanted to prepare you! I've thought about preaching with a paper sack over my head, like the Unknown Comic on the "Gong Show" or even preaching from another room so that my crazy ear isn't a distraction. I'll probably just soldier on and you'll have to do the same! In the meantime, I appreciate your prayers for full healing.

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