All of you know that I wear glasses. I have worn glasses since I was in first

grade. Of course, as I got older, those single lens glasses gradually changed into
bi-focals to allow me to read and see things at a distance more clearly. I suffer
from both astigmatism and far-sightedness. Actually my visual prescription has
changed very little over the last ten years.
I got to thinking about what glasses do for anyone of us whether we need
them or not. With or without glasses we need to have clarity and perspective
regarding what is around us. Right now, many of you are involved in prayer triads
to study selected scripture passages and to seek God’s direction regarding where he
seeks for First Christian to live and to move regarding its mission and vision. What
kind of clarity and perspective is God giving you?
Some time close to or immediately following Easter, I will invite all of the
recorders of the prayer groups to gather for a time of brainstorming and
discernment regarding what God has revealed. From this session, we will draft a
new and exciting mission and vision for First Christian. Then we can begin the task
of assembling a Search Committee and drafting a narrative profile of First Christian
for perspective candidates for settled pastor.
Seek for clarity and perspective regarding God’s call to us.

Pastor Nik

Some of you know that I do my best to get to the gym on those days I am at home to work out. Actually, there is a similar gym in Monroe, but I have not been able to take advantage of it. Years ago, I reaffirmed that if I did not take good care of myself I really could not have adequately been able to care for others.
When I go to the gym I usually spend some time on an elliptical machine to get my heart rate going and to warm up my muscles. I may use a treadmill or a rower if an elliptical is not available.
I spend most of the rest of my time lifting weights and toning various parts of my body. I use a personal trainer who makes sure that I lift the weight with the proper form. Often my trainer or another friend will become a spotter for me. The spotter has a primary purpose: to make sure that you can lift the weight you are trying to lift and to prevent any chance of your dropping the weight on yourself, which could lead to serious injury.
I want all of us to apply the concept of a spotter to the work and the ministry of the church. How can we serve as spotters for one another? Let me suggest some possibilities. Volunteer without being asked to assist another with their tasks, whether it be communion preparation, stepping in for an absent deacon or elder, joining with others to provide snacks for a coffee fellowship, making sure that all of the lights are off as you depart the building, assisting in the video booth.
I am sure that all of us have heard the statement, “Everybody’s business is nobody’s business.” I have never tried to confirm that here at First Christian. But don’t be surprised if you see a balled up piece of paper on the carpet. The next question is, who will pick it up?
Be a spotter when it comes to the ministries of First Christian.

Since I shared a children’s story last week in order to make a point, I decided that I would continue this week with that trend. Only this week I will not share the entire story because I believe that the title to this story is sufficient.
The story is “The Little Engine That Could!” I believe that most if not all of you are familiar with that story. The little engine had a tremendous task of pulling a great load of freight cars over a mountain. This is a story of faith. It is a story of hope. It is a story of possibilities.
My dear people, I want you to think big and to think outside the box when it comes to First Christian Church. Dream big dreams. Think great possibilities. Remember that all things are possible with God.
We have begun a time of discernment. I have invited you to join together in prayer triads to attentively study some designated scripture passages and to continually ask, what is God saying to us? It is not about your agenda. It is not about my agenda. It is about God’s agenda.
Can we be like that little engine as he began to pull that great load up the mountainside? “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” As he got closer to the top, his chugging changed to “I know I can, I know I can, I know I can”
Will you stand at the foot of the mountain and only say, “No way?” Or will you stand at the foot of the mountain and say, “Let’s do it because God will be at your side to lend a helping hand?”