Weekly Recap

Weekly Recap is a regular feature of the Berea Christian Church website.  It contains the reflections, recollections, and sometimes the ramblings, of the minister at the end of each Lord's Day.  Visitors to our site may not recognize the names and events described herein, but are asked to understand that we consider ourselves a family of God's kids who recognize one another by nicknames, pet names, life episodes, etc.  In light of this fact, one may see some very serious topics covered as well as some light-hearted ribbing.  No apologies are made for the remarks contained in the Weekly Recap since, in our familial relationship where we have a unique love for one another, irreverence is often the best indicator of that love.  Having said that...

Weekly Recap 08/29/2010 

"They" say that time is a great healer.  To an extent that's true, I suppose.  I also believe that the Lord is the greatest healer and that He is not limited by time.  We humans, however, are limited by time.  It will, therefore, be some time before the emotional scars of the brutal murder of our Christian sister Diann are healed.  And each of us will find it difficult to remember (without the hurt), the Diann "things." 

Who will forget her way with the kids as she taught them with her Kids' Sermons?  What about the "freebies" she passed out to those kids?  And, did you notice the bag of toys for her grandkids was still in "her" pew?  Who will forget her direction of our Christmas play?  At the community VBS, will next years kids miss her?  No doubt.  Did Kara feel different during today's worship service.   When she played during the service at offering time and sang her Offertory special, did she miss hearing Diann singing behind her?  And, when Deb P. has a special prayer need, will she look for her prayer partner who will not be found?  What about Deb A?  What will she do when she has a home computer problem?  Who will be right there to  "uncrash" her P. C?  When Matt needs some help in completing his scout projects, who will donate each Monday evening to work with him?  When the grandkids, some of whom are still very young, skin a knee, suffer a cut or a bruise, who will soothe their hurts?  I know.  Mom or Dad will be there, but this grandma was special.  Will Kim W. remember how she could always count on Diann to help with a band project?  Of course!  Will it hurt to remember?  It will, for a while.  What about Annie?  She now has Matt helping her as an assistant.  Everytime she sees him, will she be reminded of Diann?  Will her eyes tear up?  I know they will, also for a while.  Annie and her class made a list of "Happy Memories of Diann" last Sunday in class.  The memories were happy.  The project was sad.  Will Lori B. have memories?  Too many.  It won't be easy.  What about Annice K., a co-worker?  Is there an empty work station to remind of that tragic day?  There is.  Will there be an extra work load now, Jack?  There will be, for a while.  And, at the end of every worship service, who will walk with me, giving hand slaps to all the kids?  Will I miss that?  I will, indeed.  I'll miss the banter.  I'll miss the hug.  I'll miss the "good job; great sermon" remarks. I could go on and on, but I can't even begin to list all of Diann's friends or the impact that she had on all of them.  What a void has been left in our world.

To the person or persons who took the life of Diann I will say this.  Our God is a God of perfect justice and mercy.  In due time, you will face His perfect justice.  If He shows you mercy, who am I to find fault with His ways?  But if I had my way, you'd face every person who carries the hurt, the result of your animalistic behavior.  May God's Holy Spirit utterly convict you.

To all who knew and loved Diann: Please pray that justice is swift.  Please pray that our hurt is eased.  Pray without ceasing.   

DON'T FORGET DEPARTMENT:
 
Please pray for those on our prayer list.  Ask around and learn that we have received answers and blessings!  We continually make changes to our list.  If you know a name which should be added to or replaced on that list, please let someone know so we can make additions/corrections.  See our "Prayer List" page for updates.  Why not join us for prayer on Wednesday evenings if you're in the neighborhood?  (See time below.) 

Don't forget to  check out the "STARS", our Youth Group link on our TOC page or click on the red link a few words back.  Read about the future of Berea!  See what Diann has done; what Deb P., and Annie are doing. This is hard work and takes hours of preparation. Thank these guys when you get a chance.  (NOTE: Use your browser "back" arrow to come back here.)

"OTHER STUFF" DEPARTMENT:"

Check it out!  "Kids' Sermon" is on its own page.  Find it from the TOC page or the STARS page.  Return links are provided to go back to the STARS page and TOC.  Let us know if you experience any problems.   NOTE: The current sermon is Diann's final message to "her" kids.  That message will remain until the sermons resume.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to:

NOTE:  If you have a family or personal news item you'd like to have included in the Weekly Recap, let me know by phone, email, telegram, etc.  Let Diann know for info to be included in the "STARS" pages.

Thank you, Prayer Partners and thanks to those who attend our Wednesday evening prayer meeting.  We'll see you this coming Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Let me know if I've forgotten anything or anyone.  I'll publish a correction.

And so it goes.  A very sad day in the lives of God's kids.  Love one another.

In Christian love,

Ed

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