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Topic: Green (10/22/09)
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TITLE: Turn Around At Tree Of Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ruth Brown
10/25/09 -
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Pastor Tom is on the phone,”
“Yes, Emily, I understand that but surely there are people to help hang the greens. Keep calling, please. I just can't believe this. I'll announce it again Sunday. We'll keep praying. 'bye.”
Shaking his head, Pastor Tom hung up and walked to the open window. He peered at the lush green cemetery. I can hear him plead with God.”
“Is everyone gone who really cares. Can't they see we need this symbol of hope and life and eternity. Lord, we need that spark to come together. This is one more thing Lord, it's indicative of what's happening.
Only one man showed up out of three that signed up,to winterize Sister Hannah's house. You know she's a widow, Father, a faithful servant.
“I over heard the other two men talking. One said,”I was tired, and decided to sleep in.”
“I hear ya,” the other said,”I figured plenty would show up, so I worked on my Chevy restoration.”
Lord, this stuff happens over and over. I'm a failure. I stink at this. Father, I don't know how long you plan to tarry, but it seems like time is running out. Help me break through this apathy. Please Lord.”
“Pastor Tom has my sympathy. I see a glimmer of why I'm here. Oh, wait a minute. I best explain who I am. I'm, Sam(short for Samuel)the angel of The Tree of Life Church here in Normal. I was given this assignment to relieve my brother Marcus, who has been re-assigned to Guardian duty.
The Father called me up. I'm on High Alert. Too many young pastors are deserting . We need Tom.”
“What's that Father? Point Him to Revelations 2:1-7. ?
Yes, that's a good one, most applicable to this congregation.
Yep, they've lost their first love all right. And to think they're called Tree of Life Church.
They're blind as Bartimaeus was, aren't they?
Hmmm..How shall I initiate this..Maybe stick my finger here at Revelations 2...and help the breeze...along.”
A breeze ruffles the pages of Tom's Bible, but nothing else stirs. Tom shivers and looks down at his Bible.
“Did you just send me some help, Lord? My hands are shaking,..Whoa.. Lord, This is it. You nailed the problem! I'll use it. Thank you Father.”
Hello again, It's Sunday morning. Pastor Tom is is just winding down:
“Church, we must be on guard. Have we lost our first love? Do we need to repent? Listen to vs. 7.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (NIV)
“ Family, God sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, for us! If we accept Jesus as our Savior and repent of our sins, He will be faithful to forgive us. He will give us everlasting life.
Our invitation hymn will be "Away In A Manger." Hold that in readiness.”
“I'm told the young people have a surprise for us today. Mary is coming to read scripture and speak a bit.”
“Isaiah 60:13 (NIV) Says: ”The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the pine, the fir and the cypress together, to adorn the place of my sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of my feet.”
That was the signal, the rear doors opened and children brought huge baskets of evergreens to the altar covering it completely.
“We, the youth of the Tree of Life Church, invite you all to join us afterward for a chili lunch and the “Hanging of the Greens.”
“Well, Pastor Tom gave the invitation, and folks flocked down the aisle singing ”Away in a Manger.”
Tears were streaming down Pastor Tom's face as people came to pray and meet Jesus.
And the greens were hung after the best fellowship Tree of Life Church has ever had.”
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Colin
Being a native of IL, I wondered.
I see a few grammatical errors, but the story is really sweet with an important message. Keep writing.