Matters of Faith
By Dr. Bascom Ratliff
Pastor, Parker/Beagle/Fontana United Methodist Churches
(Note: This story is based on actual events. As a courtesy, the names of the persons in this story have been changed.)
Edna woke up Sunday morning feeling a little hungry and out of sorts. She found herself thinking about a flyer she had seen the day before. It was an invitation to a church open house. There was a promise of hot coffee and donuts. Edna thought it might be worth going.
Deciding what to wear, that was a problem, Edna thought. She decided to wear her one and only fancy dress. It had a few stains and wrinkles but she thought it would be okay. With thoughts of hot coffee and donuts, she set out on her short journey to the church.
When Edna arrived at the church she quickly found her way to the basement for the coffee and donuts. After her second cup of coffee and third doughnut, she began to wonder why no one had made an effort to greet her or talk with her. She had expected some kind of a sales pitch about joining the church and getting involved. She was mildly disappointed that no one had tried to sell her on the idea of Jesus and church.
As she was getting ready to leave, Edna saw another flyer about lunch after services. She decided she might stay and see what the preacher had to say. There seemed to be a lot of fruit and cookies left over, so Edna filled her bag with these treats before heading upstairs.
Edna entered the sanctuary and looked for a back row seat. As she was making her way to a vacant seat, she bumped into another visitor and fell. When she fell, her coffee and the fruit and cookies in her bag fell on the floor. Her first feeling was one of embarrassment. This was quickly followed by feelings of loss and panic. She had had plans for the fruit and cookies. In a panic, she wanted to escape.
She quickly left the sanctuary, leaving her bounty on the floor.
As Edna was walking through the parking lot she was upset. She began crying. She heard a voice asking her if she was okay. She turned around and saw a young woman with a look of concern on her face.
Edna replied: I’m okay. Just feel a little stressed.
Rose: I’m Rose. I’m glad you’re okay. I was a little concerned about you. I saw you trip in the church.
Edna: Oh, thank you Rose. It’s good to meet you. My name is Edna.
Rose: I saw you drop your stuff on the floor. Should we go back in and get you some cookies and fruit for the road.
Edna: No I think I’m okay. Just a little upset. I think I’ll just go home.
Rose: Can I give you a ride.
Edna: No, I think its better if I just walk.
Rose: Well, Edna, it’s great to meet you. May I give my number? If you need a ride to church or just to chat, give me a call.
Edna: Okay. And thank you.
Two weeks later, Edna found herself needing a ride to pick up a prescription. She had difficulty finding someone to take her and she remembered her encounter with Rose. She thought, “I wonder if Rose really meant it when she offered me a ride”. Edna called Rose and Rose agreed to take her to the pharmacy.
Over the next several months the relationship between Rose and Edna continued. Edna started going to church and even attended a few women’s activities with Rose. She found that her relationship with God and the church also improved.
When Edna later joined the church, she expressed special thanks to Rose for that special Sunday when they met in the church parking lot. She felt that Rose was an emissary from God. She believed that God worked through Rose to bring her into the church.
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I believe that the story of Edna and Rose is a good lesson for all of us. When we are attentive and caring of others, God uses us in wonderful ways. I think that Rose was following the command of Jesus to love and care for others when she offered to help Edna. To me, this is a simple miracle of God’s love.
Do you find yourself longing for genuine love and companionship that comes only from God. If you’re ready to heed God’s call, I invite you to come and worship with us. We are fueled by God’s wonderful promise of unfailing love. Please accept our invitation to a morning of wonderful music and great fellowship. And, of course, hot coffee and cookies.
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We will worship at the Fontana United Methodist Church during June 2024.
We will worship at the Parker UMC during July 2024.
We will worship at the Beagle UMC during August 2024.
All Sunday services are at 10 a.m.
We serve communion on the first Sunday of the month.
All are welcome in God’s House.
Dr. Bascom Ratliff (913-710-5748)
Pastor, Parker/Beagle/Fontana
United Methodist Churches
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