“..….with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
On December 8th, 1903, Samuel Langley, head of the Smithsonian institute and America’s foremost expert on flight, was ready to make his most important attempt at manned flight. The effort was planned to launch from a boat on the Potomac River. The press was all at hand, waiting expectantly.
But it didn’t happen. Unfortunately, the launching device, which was supposed to hurl the plane into the air, snagged the plane at the last second..and it went into the water “like a handful of mortar”.
The New York Times, scornful of attempts at powered flight, heaped abuse on Langley. They editorialize: “The ridiculous fiasco…was not unexpected. The flying machine might be evolved by the combined and continuous efforts of mathematics and mechanicians in from one to ten million years.”
History tells us that nine days later at Kitty Hawk, Wilber and Orville Wright did what the press reported was impossible and achieved powered flight. It was a revolutionary development…but few reporters even noticed. Most editors considered the whole thing a scam.
The world has a history of missing the really important stories because of preconceived ideas…..like the one of the baby born in the manger to a common ordinary Galilean couple. A baby who was the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world.
Let celebrate Him in our life groups this week. Be encouraged it wasn’t easy for Christ to reach people either.

To respond hit reply, then type in the number of folks this week, then hit send.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

Stephen Bishop

We were made for community!!!
Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16

Army historian Brigadier General S.L.A. Marshall, after extensive interviews with soldiers returning from combat, concluded that the primary motivation for a soldier to fight is a sense of unity with his immediate combat unit. “I hold it to be one of the simplest truths of war,” he said, “that the thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going…..is the near presence or presumed presence of a comrade.”
Paul didn’t go to the mission field alone; he always had partners, Jesus sent his evangelists two by two. The “three fold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). What would David have done without Jonathan’s support in the wilderness? Even our Lord Jesus wanted His closest friends near Him in Gethsemane. Our faith is strengthened when godly peers stand with us in difficulty.
But the question isn’t, “do I have a close friend on whom I can lean?” It’s, “how can I be such a friend?”
As you and your group start to consider how you will plan your summer “get togethers” and meetings, I would encourage you to meet several times for connecting and sharing over the summer. It’s always great to continue to meet on a weekly basis but if not, then at least get together every 2-3 weeks. The shadow of crises can appear unexpectedly especially in these uncertain times and it is important to be close enough to be the “friend” our brother/sister may need to lean on.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!!
To send your weekly attendance please hit reply, inter the number. Then hit send. Thank you.
Stephen Bishop—Interim Life Groups Director

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. Acts 1:8
One of my favorite stories involves the renowned polish pianist Ignacio Paderewski and a small boy. Prior to one of Paderewski’s performances a young mother in the audience noticed that her little boy was missing from the chair beside her. To her astonishment as the floodlight illuminated the stage there sitting at the grand piano was her small son innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. At that moment the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his hands and began to transform the simple little tune into a moving musical presentation. The interaction of the child and the great master took a potentially uncomfortable situation and a routine concert and made of it a story that is told and retold.
As small group leaders we often find ourselves playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Then, when we let the Holy Spirit come into our group and began to work with our heart, and the hearts of those around us we have a sense of what the great Master can do, and our little contribution moves from our living room into the lives of all who come. The challenge for each of us as leaders is rather than be lecturers and directors, to be facilitators and encouragers. Let the Master lead your group….welcome the Holy Sprit.
Our next small group leaders huddle is coming June 7th: 4PM looking forward to seeing you there.
Let us know of your attendance this week…..simply hit reply…then type in the number…then hit send.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

Steve Bishop---Interim Director of Small Groups