Dear Friends in Christ,

A town decided to hold its first ever Easter parade.  The city leaders announced that the parade would take place at 1:30pm on Easter Sunday.  Dozens of citizens turned out to watch the parade.  They waited all afternoon but no parade ever happened.

 Disappointed, they went home angry at what they assumed was some sort of municipal hoax or mix up.  What the people failed to realize was that an Easter parade isn’t something you watched; an Easter parade is something you did.  You are supposed to dress in your finest clothes, and with your neighbors, parade down the center of the street.

 In the same way, the ministry of the church is not something we watch but something we do.  Some of the most miserable people I’ve met are those who are constantly searching for the perfect church.  This usually means:  “The church that does things the way I want them done.”

 A spiritually healthy church is one in which the various members know their gifts and use them in the service of Christ and the whole body.

 I want to thank members and friends of First United Methodist Church for not just watching but for doing.  We are a healthy church and accomplish much for our Lord.  Keep up the good work.

 Easter was wonderful.  It is always so inspiring to gather with others and sing: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.”  May we all live as Easter people, doing our part to make the world a better place.

 See you in church,

Rick Calhoun