All Of This Goodness Is Happening Today!

We will be having an unplugged type of service today with acoustic guitars and candlelight. This is an approach we take from time to time to present the music with a different feel. (A few times we have taken this approach when the power has gone out in the building, but sometimes we do it intentionally. Today it is intentional.) It is our desire to express our worship for God in fresh and creative ways. He is deserving of our best efforts.

I will be talking about an interesting interaction Jesus had in which He talked about belonging to God. People got mad at Jesus when He told them about this but, of course, He always spoke the truth.

Then after the 11 o’clock service we will be having our Annual Chili Cook-Off. This is a chili competition which serves as a fund raiser for our Youth Group. Do you like great chili? Yeah, me too. There will be lots of it at the Chili Cook-Off!

You say, “Wow! All of this goodness is happening at the services today? How cool!”

Yep. You won’t want to miss it.

Join us at 9am or 11am at…

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

The Stormy Chili Cook-Off of 2013

I had just dug into a tasty helping of chili at our Annual Chili Cook-Off when someone approached me with a concerned look on her face.

“Dan, my husband called to say that a tornado has touched down in Wilmington.  That’s not far from here.” 

I had heard the weather was going to get rough but I had been busy and hadn’t really thought too much about it.  Looking out the large windows I saw heavy rain, blowing sideways.  It was dark… at 12:30 in the afternoon.

I thought, “Hmm, I better let people know what’s happening.”

“Can I have your attention, please?!?  Everyone!!!  Please!” I called out several times.  The fellowship hall grew quiet.  “Folks, we want to let you know that a tornado has touched down in Wilmington, Illinois which is not too far from here.  We have some people who are monitoring the weather.  We’ll provide updates as the situation changes.”

There was a moment of quiet, a few nodding heads and then everyone went back to talking and eating chili.  It’s very hard to stop our folks from enjoying good food.

It wasn’t too long before we were getting reports of tornados touching down in even closer locations: Frankfort, Tinley Park, Alsip and even at the corner of 111^th Street & Cicero Avenue—which is about 2 blocks from the church.

(One person even told me there was a very small tornado ripping through my office.  But that just turned out to be Bob Miller and some of the other ushers, wrestling.)

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In the meantime, most of the folks hung around, the votes were counted and Shital Thakkar won first place in the Chili Cook-Off.  His “Internet throw-down strategy” seemed like it might be a bit of a risky maneuver to me, but it paid off.  Mark Bogard took second place. 

I didn’t get a final count but I believe there were only one or two fist fights, so, it was a quiet year from that standpoint.

(And I hate to disappoint, but I did not do any of my ninja moves.  Sorry, perhaps next year.  Or… you never know… I’m not making any promises… but… Yia Yia Palooza is coming soon…!)

As I was heading home, after the event was over—across the somewhat flooded church parking lot—the sun began to peek through the clouds.  I looked at the temperature on the sign at the bank:  It was 62 degrees with just a slight breeze and sunny.

I shook my head and laughed knowing that I would only need to wait for 20 minutes, or so, until the next “season” arrived here in Chicago.  Who knows?  Maybe it would bring a lovely winter snow.  It’s always fun to make a snowman after you’ve had a few hearty bowls of chili!

E-Flash From Dan, November 15, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

There’s been a lot of action around the church last night and today because the women are getting prepared for their retreat.  It begins this evening.  It seems like every year I forget how much effort they put into this event and then I’m impressed all over again by the dedication, servanthood and sheer energy of those who provide leadership and help to make sure the retreat is edifying, encouraging and uplifting to those who come.  Those who will be participating this year will be blessed!

(Occasionally, if I time things just right, they take pity on me and I can get in on a little bit of the food.  This has only come with a great deal of practice.)

That’s happening on Friday night and Saturday.  On Sunday I will be talking about being unashamed of Jesus and the gospel message. 

You might be thinking, “What could anyone possibly say about that subject?”

I’m glad you asked.  You won’t want to miss this Sunday to find out the answer to that question.  But just for a little sneak peek, the Apostle Paul contributed to the subject in this way, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16

I hope you can make it.  It will be worth it!

We are also having our Chili Cook-Off immediately following the 11 o’clock service.  This is a youth fundraiser.  Come and taste a whole bunch of great chili prepared by a number of folks from the congregation and then vote for the best tasting chili. 

This is a big deal!  The winner of the Chili Cook-Off gets incredible awards and prizes (…okay, fairly nice awards and prizes) but more importantly, the winner gets the prestige of being the 2013 Chili Cook-Off Winner.  (Man, does that ever look impressive on a resume!)

It’s happening this Sunday, November 17^th.

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, click on the link below to read the Pastor’s Report from the 2013 Annual Business meeting.

Link…    http://danmarler.blogspot.com/2013/11/pastors-report-2013.html

E-Flash From Dan, 11/3/12

Dear E-Flash Friends;

There were quite a few times that Jesus said this phrase: “Do not be afraid.”  It is interesting that he said the phrase in situations where we wouldn’t find it unusual for a person to experience some fear.  We’re going to talk about this challenge to “not be afraid” at the services this Sunday.  I hope you’re planning to join us!

And since you’ll be here, already.  Make sure to hang around for the Annual Chili Cook-Off after the 11 o’clock service.  The Chili Cook-Off is a fundraiser for our Closed Captioned Youth Group; it’s a tasty lunch; and it’s a good way to get to know some folks at church.  It’s a terrific event and you’re invited!

Oh, and don’t forget that we change the clocks this weekend, too.  Set you clocks back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.  (If not, I’ll see you early Sunday morning!)

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  Check out the latest “Dan and Vic Podcast” it’s fun way to spend 12 minutes.

Link…

http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=201211031211009FCE5C

Dan and Vic Podcast for 11/3/12

              Click here for podcast!

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Don't Eat All The Baked Goods In The Same Day

We had the chili cook off and bake sale at church.  I’ve been eating cookies non-stop since noon today and I’ve actually gained 135 pounds over the past 6 hrs.  That doesn’t seem possible, does it?  Most of it is in my ankles.  I think it might be a record of some kind.  I’m going to look it up.  Hmm, I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe you shouldn’t eat all the baked goods in the same day.

E-Flash From Dan, Nov. 10, 2011

Dear E-Flash Friends;

King Solomon says, “Finishing is better than starting.” 

“Hmm, what is Ol’ Sol talking about,” you ask?  Well, I hope you’re planning on being here, at church, this Sunday, Nov. 13^th, to find out.  You will be blessed if you come.

And don’t forget that after the 11 o’clock service we’re having the Annual Chili Cook-Off and the Bake Sale.  The Cook Off and Bake Sale are fund-raisers for the International Youth Convention, which our youth are attending in the summer of 2012.  And they are tremendous opportunities to eat some tasty food!  If you think about it, just the very idea of freshly baked goods, all by itself… uh huh… are you picturing something chocolate?  Yep, that alone is reason enough to be here! 

Who’s with me?!?  (Just so you know, I’m visualizing lots of cheering, right now.)

Alright, time for a brief change of subjects:  When I meet with folks, one of the issues that comes up over and over again has to do with helping people who are experiencing troubles and problems.  The very brief attached video addresses a fundamental issue regarding with this matter.

Click on the link to view the video…  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBEYzmXqaxQ

Hope you’re having a great week.  I’m excited about seeing you all on Sunday!

Blessings,

Dan

  

P.S.  King Solomon and I are not close personal friends, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t mind when I refer to him as “Ol’ Sol”.

E-Flash From Dan, Chili Cook-Off Edition

Dear E-Flash Friends and Chili Lovers Everywhere;

The greatest chili recipes on the planet will all be converging on Oak Lawn, IL, this Sunday, Dec. 6^th, at the 2^nd Annual Closed Caption Chili Cook-Off!

If the Food Network has any great marketing savvy, they will make sure to send a crew to cover this extraordinary culinary event.  (Does “chili” qualify as something deserving of a fancy word like “culinary”?  I think so, but then again, “j’adore chili.”  That’s French.  See?  This is really getting fancy.)

Well, whether the Food Network is present, or not—and it’s their loss if they’re not—YOU are invited to the chili cook-off.  Yes, YOU!!!  Are you jumping up and down and clapping your hands right now?  Are you saying, “Yes!  I’m invited!!  I can’t believe it!  I’m really invited!!!  This is my lucky day!  Wooo hoooo!!!”?

Good.  That’s the response I was hoping for…that, and a cartwheel or two.

The chili cook-off will happen following the 11 o’clock service—about 12:10 or so.  (I hear the minister preaches shorter sermons on Sundays when food is being served as soon as he’s done.  He’s very predictable.)  The cost is $5.00, and proceeds go toward helping the Youth group pay for their trip to the International Youth Convention in the summer of 2010.

Hope you’re having a great week and hope to see you on this flavorful Sunday!

Blessings,

Dan

P.S.  For those folks who, perhaps, don’t like chili, we will have hot dogs available, also.