OTTERBEIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Greetings in the Name of the Lord,

There was this little boy on a beach filled with hundreds of starfish and one at a time he carefully picked up one and placed it back into the sea. Well, there was an older gentleman walking on the beach that encountered this little boy and said, “Son, you will never be able to make a difference with all of these starfish.” The little boy quietly picked up another starfish and placed it back into the sea and looked over to the older gentleman and said, “I made a difference with that one.”

In order for us to be more Christ like and make a difference, we must take one step at a time.

There was a team of missionaries sailing to a foreign country when a big storm came up and one of the missionaries was washed overboard. He was thought to be dead.

Well, he washed up on an island and the natives of this island brought him back to life. For a long time he was not able to talk. Then this island was struck with disaster from another storm. Buildings were destroyed and disease started to run rampant.

Now the missionary still could not speak but was able to help the natives. He spent night and day nursing many of the natives back to health. He also helped to restore many of the homes that were damaged from the storm. Time had passed and a sail boat stopped at this island. A team of missionaries had come to shore to reach out to these natives. One of the missionaries told the chief of this village that they have come to tell them about Jesus and how he can save them.

The chief replied,” We have already met Jesus, he is standing over there.” To the missionary team’s surprise they spotted their friend that was washed overboard earlier that year.

Many times it’s not what we say that’s important, it’s how we serve. In John 13: 12-17, Jesus demonstrated how to serve to His disciples.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.  "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Jesus’ actions demonstrated how one should serve. He really didn’t have to speak to make his point. He did so to help His disciples to better understand what was expected of them.

August 7, 2010, we will be hosting the first block party at Otterbein. This block party will begin at 4:00 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m. We will have hotdogs, watermelon, entertainment and games for all ages. This is a great opportunity for all members of our church family to support this activity as well as participate in the activities. Also remember to invite a friend to this party. You can make a difference too!

Our actions can touch someone and make a difference.

Have you touched someone today? Think about it.

May you always serve the Lord and touch someone in His name.

May the Holy Spirit guide you on your journey to do God’s will. Amen

Pastor Harry

Directions:

Otterbein United Methodist Church is located on the corner of 7th & Kansas. We are located east of the hospital and south of Main Street on Kansas Street.