DELIVER US

[Carl Thomas Gladstone]

::The Conversation::                                        August 24, 2006 Labor Day, the NFL, apples, cider, cooler temps, and color in the trees.  On a road trip, numerous trucks packed with futons, small refrigerators, and college students - signs of the impending return to school.  When these things start appearing I can't help but think that we are entering a special time of year.  Actually, after the heat and travel of a summer well spent I am eager for Fall.  Returning to class or to campus reminds some of us of the community that comes along with our education.  Programs at church and at work kick in.  Friends return from vacations with good pictures to show.  We gather together to share the harvest of our experiences. After the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness there came a moment where God ushered them into the land of abundance.  To get there they had to cross the Jordan.  I appreciate the point in that story where the bearers of the Ark stand in the middle of the temporarily dry river.  "Stand there," God says, "and remember this moment."  Then because they didn't have enough to carry, God instructs them to bend down and pick up 12 stones.  With them they build an altar to remember the moment when all of God's promises were before them. Whatever goodness this Autumn holds for you.  Whatever expected joy or unanticipated sorrow that God will bring you out of - make sure that you take the time before hand to remember that in all these coming moments: God is, God loves, God delivers. In Jesus, the sign of the promise, Carl FEATURED LINK God's Love We Deliver GATHER the EMERGE community Royal Oak Friends in Faith YAFF: Rochester Newburg YA Fellowship Wesley Foundation UofM GROW Emerge Podcast  [coming soon] Soulstretch GO The NOAH Proj. Cass Community Baldwin Center Sierra Service Project City Year: Detroit Project Transformation PT: Oklahoma PT: Virginia Peace Corps READ Joshua 3 - In some ways the crossing of the Jordan is the completion of the crossing the Red Sea - one was out of danger, the other into safety and security.  At this time in your life or in the lives of those around you, how is God completing moments of deliverance?

Upcoming Events Information Thursday, August 31 Emerge Community Worship/Coffeehouse, 8 PM Worship * Concerts * BibleStudies/Trips *

*For those new to this email list - each Thursday I send an e-message to students and young adults connected with BHAM First UMC, and with the developing EMERGE worship community for young adults.  These emails are meant to stay in touch with you, encourage you in your Christian journey, and pose some faith-filled questions that might spark some email correspondence.  If you have any questions about this list, just drop me an email at the address above. Peace.

.::Carl Thomas Gladstone::. 
Deacon, First UMC: Birmingham
“Original acoustic music on the prophetic edge”
www.carlthomasgladstone.com
ca...@carlthomasgladstone.com
(248)646-1200