August 15, 2008

A Word about finding Strength…

We spent most of the morning crossing Eagle Lake. I was in the stern. Kenny in the bow and David was sitting on the textured bottom in the middle of our 16 foot, all aluminum, Grumman. Other than a little wind, traversing the lake was a lark, especially compared with what lie ahead. We portaged around Churchill Dam and along with four other canoes, slid into the Allagash River. The next nine miles, called the Chase Rapids, all classified as Class II, provided a fearful challenge of shallow icy rock-filled water to the 13 year old boys, and this 30-something pastor. They say it takes an experienced person in the stern to guide a canoe through those rocks and drops. Let’s just say, apparently, I wasn’t skilled enough, for it was not long until this once long and sleek craft looked much like a silver banana as the three of us wrapped our borrowed canoe around a “gotcha” granite bolder. Without going into all the gruesome details, we eventually took most of the curve out of the canoe, and by the time we arrived at the St. John River, some sixty miles downstream, we or I, had gained enough water-way savvy to finish the trip unscathed (except for being bitten by about 1 million tiny “black flies).

Why do I tell you the story? Well for one – it was a great trip! But more importantly, to say this: that if one does not run the river, the river will run you. Don’t forget that. And if the river runs you, it’s not a pretty sight. In other words, to make it through places like Maine’s Chase rapids, you have to have the strength to control the craft. You have to “run the rapids.”
Life is filled with rapids. To some they look exhilarating; to others intimidating, to all they are obligatory. The question is, will you run them or will they run or ruin you?

This Sunday we will consider what it takes to be Finding Strength to run the rapids of life. Our text is 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17. I hope to welcome you to our time for the corporate worship of our life-giving God!

And remember…
Our guest worship leader is Ed Willmington, Director of the Fred Bock school of Worship at Fuller Seminary.
Sign-ups this weekend include – Men’s August 30th “Cookoff,” and our September 12-14 annual Family Campout at Lopez Lake.
Also – Mark your calendars – Sunday September 7th is our third “All Things Become New” Car Show. Come and mix with our guests that bring a car – or if you have one, bring a classic restored car of your own. Plan to stay around for a BBQ and Classic Car Awards.

From time to time - check out what is happening by going to www.gracevine.com, our churches WEB page. You'll find everything from downloadable sermons to the most recent schedule of events.

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