March 8, 2023

This Sunday may be the last Sunday when we turn our clocks ahead an hour, lose an hour of sleep, make the midnight shift for hospital staffs even longer, make life rough on our nursery workers, and make my responsibility of keeping you awake even more challenging than normal. However, after November 2023, we may not have to turn our clocks forwards or backwards again. I say “may” because there seems to be competing bills on a state level and federal level that leave me less than confident that next year at this time I won’t be whining about the same onerous, pernicious, nefarious and diabolical scheme. I suspect that you are used to my annual verbal temper tantrums about this.

You know what happens. This Saturday night we are to turn our clocks ahead. This means in theory that we should go to bed an hour early. Have you ever actually done that? Do you know of anyone who does? Of course not. No one goes to bed early. Everyone goes to bed the same time and on Sunday morning, it shows. However, in November when we get that hour back, we should therefore, all go to bed at our normal time like we do in March. Do you know anyone who does? Of course, not. Everyone stays up an extra hour. So, yes, I would be thrilled if this time manipulation is done away with once and for all, but I am not holding my breath.



A pastor friend of mine has his congregation all gather on Sunday morning as if they never changed their clocks and then in the service they all change together. I like it but realize that this is impossible for us to do. So, until the law is actually set, I will just have to fuss about it.

All that to say, I would love it for you to prove me wrong. What if, instead of turning your clocks ahead at 2am on Sunday, you turned them ahead at 2pm on Saturday? That way, by the time bedtime rolls around, you will be in the groove and by the time the service starts, your eyes will be at least 50% open. Either way, the cafe will likely have a bit more coffee on hand.



Do you remember The Garden Church in Baltimore, MD? We gave them some funds to help with a building project toward the end of last year. They are moving ahead with their remodeling and this week I saw some pictures. What a joy! (Click here to check out the pictures.) This church in Baltimore is so grateful for your generosity. And that really is what it is. Our generous financial support of our church enables us to be a generous church. That is one of the ways we get to display Christ. Thank-you for being such an encouraging and generous church.

Don’t forget: Clocks ahead - one hour this Saturday.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: 2 Samuel 6:1-11