1007 Sunday!

Last night, Mike & Carol picked me up for church. Pastor Gary began a new series called the "Dangerous Church". This must have frightened some people because the fire department showed up, although they didn't arrive until around 9pm. Pastor Gary warned that too many churches today have become "safe" churches, where nothing is risked and the status quo is maintained. He provided a startling statistic; that 90% of churches today are ineffective in the battle against sin in thw world.

His series will present the differences between "safe" churches and "dangerous" churches, and how he hopes that SBCC will remain a "dangerous" church (gee, I hope Cal-OSHA isn't reading this).

The Walk With Jesus group study began at 7pm, and we discussed the nuances in The Parable of the Mustard Seed. Most of our small group was there: Lyle, Alice, Orlando, Arnold and myself; only Liz was missing. The discussion was lively; there were interpretive disagreements in the symbolism of the birds.

Pastor Ken addressed the group to announce the formation of a Lifeguard Ministry, which will match up established believers with new believers for a sort of discipleship program. I joked with Pastor Ken that I don't look good in red trunks and that due to my stroke, I would be more comfortable in the shallow end. He proceeded to tell me about a tiered program, where established believers would be teaching only what they are comfortable with. Note to self: Pastor Ken needs some help with developing his sense of humor.

We also shared a joke with Mike Clark, who sunburned his forehead at the Men Of Faith Car Wash earlier in the day. We told Mike that a lifeguard with a sunburn did not inspire confidence.

After the study was over, a bunch of us went to Carrow's for food and dessert. I had both a sundae and a strawberry shake. Judy and Kim told me that I would have a brain-freeze. But the joke was on them, since I don't have a brain to freeze. LOL.

Actually, "brain freezes" are caused when ice cold elements are constantly being placed against the roof of the mouth; I used my tongue to deflect the cold particles, and had no problems at all. Kim ordered onion rings and a sundae. Mike had a sundae, too. Carol just had an orange float. Judy had the peach cobbler. John and Rieko arrived to join us, and we celebrated John's birthday (which was earlier this week); they shared the mile high chocolate cake and a shake.

Mike & Carol dropped me off at home before 11pm.