Three Things You Need To Know

Well I said it would be October before you heard from me again and here it is the 13th already. We returned from our lengthy trip on October 5. We enjoyed two days in Branson on the way to Colorado. The presentation of "Jonah" at Sight and Sound Theater was very good. I liked it a lot. We took two days to get to Sonscape Retreat Center located between Woodland Park and Divide Colorado about an hour west of Colorado Springs. We were there September 14 - 24. We were the host and hostess for seven guests and two retreat leaders. We did all the meals, preparing, serving, and cleaning up. We did grocery shopping for the meal ingredients as well as general clean. We put in some long days and were tired and ready for bed when the day was over at 9:30 or 10:30. We had nice accommodations and the scenery was lovely. We did get a couple hours on a few days to do some trail walks and just relax together. Perry and Jeanien Meyer whom I married in our Willmar Church are on staff at Sonscape which is how we got connected to the center. It was wonderful to see them again and reconnect. Plus Perry's parents Jerry and Verla dear friends from Willmar were also there and we got to see them a number of times. Verla and Jeanien also helped us with some of the washing of table cloths and linens which was a big help. We spent an extra day with them and toured Pike's Peak and Cripple Creek Canyon. We had beautiful weather and saw some gorgeous colors.
Our next stop was NW IA. and Joyce's nursing class reunion at Okoboji. We stayed the weekend with Joyce's sister (Dorothy and Mike) at their cabin on Little Spirit Lake. The weather was good enough for us to do a little kayaking. We did spend time with Joyce's mom in Sioux Center. Our next destination and stay was Milwaukee being with Sarah and family for three nights. And our final two nights were spent in Fulton for my 50th High School Class reunion. It was great seeing many
classmates many of whom I did not recognize nor they me. It was a fun time. Now we are somewhat settled back into our home and on our regular schedule.

This past Sunday I preached once again which I had not done in a very long time. I think this was only the second service I have preached at since retiring. It went okay from my perspective.
The title was three things you need to know using Ephesians 2:1-10 as the base text. So here is the outline and also the three things:
1. You need to know how great your sin, misery and separation from God are. (Ephesians 2:1-3)
2. You need to know how you can be set free from your sin, misery and separation from God. (Ephesians 2:4-9)
3. You need to know how to thank God for such a great deliverance. (Ephesians 2:10)

Now for the astute among my readers you will recognize this as the second question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism which gives the basic outline of the catechism; sin, salvation, service. It was quite basic from a basic kind of guy.

Praying God's presence and care for each of you.