Jesus used the images of mercy to express how it is that we receive him or how it is that we reject him in daily life.

I was hungry and you gave me food,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

I was naked and you gave me clothing,

I was sick and you took care of me,

I was in prison and you visited me.

Matthew 25

Last Sunday four members David Hagan, Katie Ricks, Glenn Branson and Nancy Taylor told of their personal experience with a least one of these mercies. They could each have spoken longer for there is much to tell. I can imagine that those members and friends sitting in the pews were also thinking of those moments in life where they offered, received, or witnessed one of these mercies.

"I was hungry and you fed me." Where have you experienced this act of mercy? Feeding? Being fed? Witnessing one feeding another? Click Comment below and tell your story.

PS

This week I have been in correspondence with artist, Jeremiah Patterson, who created watercolors of each of these mercies. One (I was naked and you clothed me...) appeared on our bulletin cover. It also appears here. You can see all seven of these on his web site at: http://www.jeremiahpatterson.com/sevenacts.html

A Gift from Lindsey

It was a joy to welcome Lindsey Elder into worship on October 12th and to receive her gifts of faith, insight, and passion. As many of you know Lindsey, a sophmore at Southern Illinois University, participated as an intern with Uncharted Waters sports ministry this summer.

With other young adults, Lindsey helped lead Vacation Church Schools and youth meetings in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, California and Mexico. She spoke eloquently of the hospitality she experienced in the homes of hosts along the way. It was particularly moving to hear her speak of a host in Mexico whose generous hospitality seemed to far outreach her means.

Lindsey looks forward to her studies and new opportunities for ministry. Thank you Lindsey! And, thank you all for the wonderful ways your faith leads you to encourage, uplift and sustain youth and adults as they explore their discipleship.

Iowa Mission Team

For three days, Margaret Gambill, Nancy Gambill, Dennis Higgins and I worked along side homeowners, a mission team from Des Moines and former First Christian youth minister Tom Felts in reclaiming two homes in Iowa.

Floods in June of this year have still unsettled many residents. Water levels in the two homes ranmged from 3 feet to 7.5 feet. While neighborhoods look fairly normal (save piles of debris), many home interiors are still stripped to bare studs. Many residents wait for funds and labor to secure homes before winter.

Here are a few photos. Thank you for your continued support of First Christian Church mission teams.

Gone Horse Sale-ing

My "Holy Day" for nearly 20 years has been a visit to the Waverly Sale Barn in Waverly, Iowa. The event is billed as "The World's Largest Draft Horse Sale." Over 700 head of draft horses are sold one at a time. Magnificent animals. A relaxing community of farmers and ranchers, Amish and English, Canadian and Mexican and German. See you after the Holy Day. This Belgian sold for $35,000.