Hosanna Cyberfline - July 26, 2007

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the August Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
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Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Again, thanks to all those who provide treats between services.
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Nita Auer has asked that students heading for college furnish the church office with their mailing addresses and contact information. Please give us your name, college/university/other, address, phone (cell or other) and email.

Click here to email this info to Nita, or use the form included in “This Week at Hosanna.”

Book Discussion

The Hosanna Book Discussion is open to everyone who enjoys reading and discussing what they have read. The next selection will be When the Lion Roars, by DiAnn Mills.

“An American female doctor, an Arab Christian man and an officer of the Sudanese people's Liberation Army must work together to find and liberate a young American girl who's been abducted into slavery by Northern Sudanese. These unlikely partners face the reality of a nation in turmoil, and the rampant hostility that exists between Christians and Muslims. When the Lion Roars addresses issues of prejudice, and the injustices inflicted upon Southern Sudanese citizens by those of the North Country . Redemptive resolutions reveal the heart of God toward all people. This exciting adventure also will educate readers about a current international situation right out of today's headlines.”

The Book Discussion will meet at Hosanna Saturday, September 8, at 6 PM. Those who wish can continue the discussion at a local restaurant following the meeting at church. Note: Ms. Mills will be present at the discussion: The following message was passed on to me by Nancy Agafitei from the book’s author:

I'd be honored to be a guest at your book club on Saturday, September 8th at 6:00. I will be at the Champions Barnes and Noble earlier that afternoon to sign the sequel to When the Lion Roars. That novel is entitled When the Nile Runs Red. The proceeds of that novel, as well as the one you are discussing and Lost Boy No More goes back to aid the Sudanese.

If you think any of your members would be interested in the sequel, I can bring When the Nile Runs Red. This novel was written after a November 2006 trip to Sudan .

Thank you for the invitation,
DiAnn Mills

Also, save this date: Saturday, October 13, will be the next book discussion. Hosanna Book Discussion co-founder, Sean Kottke, will be visiting from Michigan. The title will be announced later.
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EverBlest Choir Concert at Hosanna, Thursday, August 2

The EverBlest Choir, a youth ministry from Cambridge Lutheran Church, Cambridge, Minnesota, is coming to Hosanna for a concert, Thursday, August 2,@ 7 PM. See the poster in the hallway.

The grandmother of one of the choir members is providing an evening meal for the group members (25 students + 4 adult chaperones). Hosanna members have been asked to bring desserts; also a few people are needed to help set up for and serve the meal. Please let the church office know if you can help. We will also need goodies after the concert.
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Synod Mission Endowment Fund Challenges Congregations to raise $170,000 by August 31. This will raise the total to $1,000,000 by the time Synod Bishop Paul Blom leaves office.

The Mission Endowment Fund:

Provides seminary scholarships
Supports campus ministry
Supports new missions and ministries
Supports new congregations
Supports young Lutheran congregations and ministries

Make checks payable to Hosanna and mark them “Synod Mission Endowment Fund.” Thanks for your support.

Anyone interested in a week-night study group?

By request… Monday, August 20, a small group will gather to study the Bible and other subjects of interest. We will begin with a discussion on the life of Martin Luther (about 4 weeks). Other topics may include: the Life of Jesus, Paul’s missionary journeys, the cities of Revelation. More details (time and place) later. Send Dale Bargmann an email if you would like to join us. Right now 4 people have expressed interest.
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Hello from Rock Point Arizona...
Amber and CREW posted several articles with photos on the Hosanna Blog during their mission trip to the Navajo reservation in Arizona, Click here to read about their rewarding experience: http://welcometohosanna.blogspot.com/
(or click HOSANNA BLOG on the home page).
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Some repeat announcements from last week:

From the Finance Team

“Based on 1) projected 2007 third quarter income; 2) adjusted expenditures which recognize the change in our pastoral situation; and 3) our cash balance position going into the quarter, we will only be able to fund a portion of the high priority items that were established at the council meeting.”

The list shows the following high priority items which “will not be funded at this time, and thus no commitments or expenditures should be incurred for these items.”
$ 600 Faith Chests, Milestone ministries
$ 150 Altar Guild expenses
$ 477 Office supplies
$ 410 Postage
$ 7,200 Benevolence (includes one month in arrears)
$ 120 Cleaning supplies
$ 1,050 Lawn maintenance (mowing)

What can you do about it?
1) Keep your commitments to our work current, in spite of the summer “slump.”
2) Consider paying ahead on your commitments if possible. One of our members has already made such a contribution, or we would be in an even more difficult position.
3) If you are so called, you can make a designated special contribution to cover all or part of any of these areas.
4) Pray for the ministry done at Hosanna, and for guidance for the Council who must make difficult financial choices.
You can contribute online to the work of Hosanna at:
https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/specialwebapp.vps?appid=40a27221f816144b21e9f2e0d81891b8a68820b814b79fc6caf83c6a4fcf06b22f288aa4a34fa442a76b20a4eb1041b0acf115796ad0b2543498c95cb883c814
SERVANT OF THE MONTH
Have you ever noticed something that someone has done around Hosanna and you would like to have them recognized for what they have done? Now you have a way. The Lay Leadership Team is starting something new to help recognize the great leaders we have at Hosanna. It is the “Servant of the Month” award. All you have to do is fill out the Servant of the Month Nomination Form and return it to the Lay Leadership Team Folder in the Workroom or give it to Chad Greer. The Nomination Forms can be found online at:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/FORMS/Servant_of_the_Month_nomination_form.pdf
Or, just click the FormsDocuments link on the home page; also look in the folder labeled “Servant of the Month Nomination Form” in the FORMS SECTION of the Workroom. If you have any questions about this new way to recognize one of our GREAT VOLUNTEERS, please feel free to contact Chad Greer, Lay Leadership Team Leader.
______________________________________________________________
Yard Teams…
The lawn at Hosanna has to be mowed once a week from April to December, and twice a month from January to March, in order to keep our grounds well-maintained (a total of 46 mowings per year). As you know, the majority of our very faithful mowers at Hosanna reached a “certain age” and asked to be replaced. When younger volunteers did not step forward to help, the decision had to be made to hire a commercial mowing service for the first time. Currently, this service costs $150 per mow, plus $15 extra to cover extra gasoline costs. The remaining Hosanna mowers have been consolidated into fewer teams that mow once every eight weeks. Even with this reduced workload, Hosanna mowers are still in short supply. Costs will increase if we have to turn every mowing over to commercial mowers. Needless to say, commercial care represents a significant increase in the maintenance expenses at Hosanna.
In addition to this, the Property Team has reported that we also cannot get volunteers to tend the barked beds. The commercial service charges an extra $50 once a month (or $600/year) to take care of the beds.
We now face some difficult decisions. To save at least some money, the Property Team has recommended removing some of the trees and other plants in the barked beds and replacing them with grass that can more simply be mowed within the current mowing fees. They have red-flagged the plants that they suggest be removed. Before this work is done, I ask you to walk around the perimeter of the church and review what is suggested and give me your feedback.
We can preserve some of these plants, but only if the congregation steps forward with 1) volunteer time and sweat, and/or 2) contributions to support the designated mowing and weeding fund. It simply is not acceptable to let our grounds be poorly maintained. We must be good stewards of our property, and understand the message that the appearance of our church gives to visitors
Nancy Agafitei , Stewardship Team Leader
Email Robert Dejmal to have your name added to one of the four Yard Teams.
Nancy Agafitei, Stewardship Team Leader

Finally, a note about the “information” survey included in This Week at Hosanna the past two weeks: It was never my intention to eliminate any of the pieces of information sent out from Hosanna. It was simply a way to find out what types of information should be included in each publication. I will continue to keep everyone informed by whatever means possible, be it printed or electronic. The Hotline will be sent every month. This Week at Hosanna will be available to everyone attending worship and online, this Cyberline will be sent out every Friday (and posted to the Blog) and will be the primary means of sending emergency notification. Those who need to be notified by phone, because of not having internet access, will be called. The office needs to know who they are (there aren’t many; right now we have 4 people on the list). Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

A Little Humor

"There will be a meeting of the Board immediately after the service," announced the pastor. After the close of the service, a group gathered at the back of the auditorium for the announced meeting, including a visitor who had never attended their church before. "My friend," asked the pastor, did you understand that this is a meeting of the Board?" "Yes," said thevisitor, "and after that sermon, I'm about as bored as you can get!"

A preacher phoned the city's newspaper: "Thank you very much," said he, "for the error you made when you announced my sermon topic for last Sunday. The topic I sent you was 'What Jesus saw in a Publican.' You printed it as 'What Jesus Saw in a Republican' I had the biggest crowd of the year!"
The chairman of the pastor search committee informed the congregation: "Next Sunday our visiting preacher will be the Rev. Bill Oaks. If you would like to see the other preachers, you will find them hanging in the vestibule."
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Continue to keep Hosanna in your prayers during this time decision.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberline - July 20, 2007

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 22: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the August Hotline (printed today and mail Tuesday):
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Again, thanks to all those who provide treats between services.
________________________________________________________________
Hello from Rock Point Arizona...

Amber and CREW have been posted articles (photos too!) on the Hosanna Blog during their mission trip to the Navajo reservation in Arizona. Click here to read about their rewarding experience (it sounds like they're having a great time): http://welcometohosanna.blogspot.com (or click HOSANNA BLOG on the home page of the Hosanna website: http://www.welcometohosanna.com).
______________________________________________________________
From the Finance Team

The congregation should be aware of the following message that the Finance Team, chaired by Ed Williams, sent to all Council members on July 18.

“Based on 1) projected 2007 third quarter income; 2) adjusted expenditures which recognize the change in our pastoral situation; and 3) our cash balance position going into the quarter, we will only be able to fund a portion of the high priority items that were established at the council meeting.”
The list shows the following high priority items which “will not be funded at this time, and thus no commitments or expenditures should be incurred for these items.”
$ 600 Faith Chests, Milestone ministries
$ 150 Altar Guild expenses
$ 477 Office supplies
$ 410 Postage
$ 7,200 Benevolence (includes one month in arrears)
$ 120 Cleaning supplies
$ 1,050 Lawn maintenance (mowing)

I am sure that you agree with the Congregation Council that these are all High Priority items for doing God’s work at Hosanna.
What can you do about it?

1) Keep your commitments to our work current, in spite of the summer “slump.”
2) Consider paying ahead on your commitments if possible. One of our members has already made such a contribution, or we would be in an even more difficult position.
3) If you are so called, you can make a designated special contribution to cover all or part of any of these areas.
4) Pray for the ministry done at Hosanna, and for guidance for the Council who must make difficult financial choices.

You can contribute online to the work of Hosanna at:
https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/specialwebapp.vps?appid=40a27221f816144b21e9f2e0d81891b8a68820b814b79fc6caf83c6a4fcf06b22f288aa4a34fa442a76b20a4eb1041b0acf115796ad0b2543498c95cb883c814

SERVANT OF THE MONTH

Have you ever noticed something that someone has done around Hosanna and you would like to have them recognized for what they have done? Now you have a way. The Lay Leadership Team is starting something new to help recognize the great leaders we have at Hosanna. It is the “Servant of the Month” award. All you have to do is fill out the Servant of the Month Nomination Form and return it to the Lay Leadership Team Folder in the Workroom or give it to Chad Greer. The Nomination Forms can be found online at:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/FORMS/Servant_of_the_Month_nomination_form.pdf
Or, click the FormsDocuments link on the home page; also look in the folder labeled “Servant of the Month Nomination Form” in the FORMS SECTION of the Workroom.

If you have any questions about this new way to recognize one of our GREAT VOLUNTEERS, please feel free to contact Chad Greer, Lay Leadership Team Leader.
______________________________________________________________
Yard Teams…

The lawn at Hosanna has to be mowed once a week from April to December, and twice a month from January to March, in order to keep our grounds well-maintained (a total of 46 mowings per year). As you know, the majority of our very faithful mowers at Hosanna reached a “certain age” and asked to be replaced. When younger volunteers did not step forward to help, the decision had to be made to hire a commercial mowing service for the first time. Currently, this service costs $150 per mow, plus $15 extra to cover extra gasoline costs. The remaining Hosanna mowers have been consolidated into fewer teams that mow once every eight weeks. Even with the reduced workload, Hosanna mowers are still in short supply. Costs will increase if we have to turn every mowing over to commercial mowers. Needless to say, commercial care represents a significant increase in the maintenance expenses at Hosanna.

In addition to this, the Property Team reported that we cannot get volunteers to tend the barked beds. The commercial service charges an extra $50 a month (or $600/year) to care for the beds.

We face some difficult decisions. To save money, the Property Team has recommended removing some of the trees and other plants in the barked beds and replacing them with grass that can more simply be mowed within the current mowing fees. They have red-flagged the plants that they suggest be removed. Before this work is done, I ask you to walk around the perimeter of the church and review what is suggested and give me your feedback.

We can preserve some of these plants, but only if the congregation steps forward with 1) volunteer time and sweat, and/or 2) contributions to support the designated mowing and weeding fund. It simply is not acceptable to let our grounds be poorly maintained. We must be good stewards of our property, and understand the message that the appearance of our church gives to visitors.

Email Robert Dejmal to have your name added to one of the four Yard Teams.

Nancy Agafitei, Stewardship Team Leader

Finally, a note about the “information” survey included in This Week at Hosanna the past two weeks: It was never my intention to eliminate any of the pieces of information sent out from Hosanna. It was simply a way to find out what types of information should be included in each publication. I will continue to keep everyone informed by whatever means possible, be it printed or electronic. The Hotline will be sent every month. This Week at Hosanna will be available to everyone attending worship and online, this Cyberline will be sent out every Friday (and posted to the Blog) and will be the primary means of sending emergency notification. Those who need to be notified by phone, because of not having internet access, will be called. The office needs to know who they are (there aren’t many; right now we have 4 people on the list). Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

A Little Humor

Why Jesus Loves Children

A Sunday school teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way
to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

This is not humor, but I think it’s a good way to end this Cyberline:

Every person needs four things to make life worthwhile:

We need to love. We also need to be loved. As anthropologist Margaret Mead puts it, "One of the oldest human needs is having someone wonder where you are when you don’t come home at night."

We need to learn. And not only for a few years when we are young. We must be life-long learners who never stop growing, never cease to improve. For when we no longer grow, we stagnate. And when we stagnate, we die.

Finally, we need to leave a legacy. It is a basic desire to want our lives to count for something. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

These are four needs that must never be neglected. Live fully, love completely, learn constantly and leave something worthwhile behind. It is the path to success. And to joy.

That’s a lot, but it’s important. I hope you took to the time to read it. Continue to keep Hosanna in your prayers during this time decision.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberfline - July 13, 2007

Happy tristadecaphobia day!!!

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 15: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the July Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Again, thanks to all those who provide treats between services.

Today is the deadline for August HOTLINE articles.
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NAM Back to School Drive:

The funds for the school project have come in well. Here’s an update:

It's that time of year again! NAM's annual Back to School distribution will take place Saturday, July 28. Last year, we provided school supplies and clothing to over 2,200 children in need.
NAM is able to order the school supplies in bulk, at a substantial discount. Thus far, we have already raised over $43,000 to cover the costs of this project! To serve all the children we expect on the 28th, we need to raise $22,000 more in the coming weeks.
If you would like to help, please go to our Virtual Back to School Drive at http://www.namonline.org/site/c.ktJYJ7MNIuE/b.2768741/k.758C/Virtual_BacktoSchool_Drive.htm.
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Amy Adams Needs Babysitter
Amy Adams needs a “babysitter” every other Saturday, from 7 AM to 2 PM for a 10-year-old girl. Transportation required. Call Amy or the church office.
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Anyone interested in participating in a week-night study group?

By request… Monday, August 20, a small group will gather to study the Bible and other subjects of interest. We will begin with a discussion on the life of Martin Luther (about 4 weeks). Other topics may include: the Life of Jesus, Paul’s missionary journeys, the cities of Revelation. More details (time and place) later. Email me if interested.
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A Little Humor (something for our brothers and sisters to the west):

You Might be a United Methodist if...

…You don't take Rolaids when your heart is strangely warmed

…You know that a circuit rider is not an electrical device

… You’ve ever owned a pair of cross and flame boxer shorts

... You sit while singing "Stand up, stand up for Jesus"

... Tithing is encouraged but widely ignored

... Half the people sitting in your pew lip-sync the words to the hymns

... The word apportionment sends a chill down your spine

... You realize pluralism isn't a communicable disease

... Your pastor has a hyphenated last name

... Names like Aldersgate, Asbury, and Epworth are vaguely familiar

... You consider the monthly potluck a sacrament

... The only church camp song you know by heart is "Kum ba yah"

… You’ve ever attended an Annual Conference and actually enjoyed it

... You have an unexplained yearning to visit Wesley's Chapel in London

... Your church is named for a geographical location rather than for a saint

... You realize that VBS isn't a sexually transmitted disease

... You accept the fact that the hymn "O, for a thousand tongues to sing" has almost as many stanzas as tongues

... You know that the Wesleyan Quadrilateral isn't a trick football play involving four lateral passes

... You know the difference between a "diagonal" minister and a "Diaconal" minister

... You say "trespasses" instead of "debts" in the Lord's Prayer and have no idea why

…You’d rather be branded with a hot iron than serve on the Nominating Committee

You’ve ever sipped Welch's grape juice out of a plastic shot glass during Communion

... You read over the Conference Journal with the same intensity you would read a John Grisham novel

... When the worship service lasts for more than one hour, the beeping of watch alarms drowns out the final hymn
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I think we Lutherans have some common ground with some of these items!

Until next week… Continue to pray for Hosanna during this time decision and transition.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberfline - July 6, 2007

Here is the link to the weekly news for July 8: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the July Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

First, Hosanna’s wheelchair has been located and it has been returned. Thank you.
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Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Thanks to all those who have provided treats between services. Maybe this is the start of a new tradition at Hosanna?
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IHN coordinator Nickie Brooks expresses her thanks to all those who provided food, served as hosts, set up beds, drive and prepared meals during Hosanna’s IHN week. Next rotation: September 16-23.
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Jay Beech leads us in worship at both services this Sunday

Gifted song writer and performer Jay Beech is one of the most heralded artists in the Church. Jay serves as Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, MN and has performed and led worship all over the country. The author of The Church Song (We Are the Church), his hymns can be found in Worship and Praise and With One Voice and are sung at bible camps and in congregations throughout the United States.
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Seniors (50+) Outing: Imperial Rome and IMAX This Wednesday, July 11. The District 4 bus leaves Hosanna at 8;15 AM. There is no 10 AM Bible study that day.
Pastor Bill was invited to join the group, but he stated that he will be in the office.
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I have to admit to a couple errors in the July Hotline. In the list of staff on the back page I used the term “interim” for Pastor Schwertlich. It should have been “supply pastor.” I wasn’t aware of the difference until the meeting with Bishop Blom and the Hotline was printed and prepared for mailing prior to the meeting with the Bishop. Here is a link to the Interim pastor info page on the Synod web site: http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/interim.htm

The second goof was the Mission of the Month. It should have been NAM’s Back to School drive, not Lutheran Social Services. LSS is in August. Both need our support, though. NAM is far short of its goal of raising enough money to purchase school supplies for the disadvantaged. Save all your spare change and anything else you wish to donate to this cause. More details from the NAM web site:
NAM Back to school drive
Youngsters whose clothes don't fit and who don't have pencils or paper have difficult time learning. Your contributions help Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) provide basic school supplies and clothing to children in need. With your help young people start the school year feeling good about themselves and ready to learn. Their success in school now helps them be successful later in life. Cash donations enable NAM to buy items pre-packaged by grade level, in bulk and at a discount so your donations help more children.
► NAM wants to provide school supplies for more than 2000 children. They need $65.000 and have raised only $7,000 so far.
► $20 provides school supplies for one child.
► A $35 gift supplies clothing and shoes.
► $55 provides supplies, clothing and shoes.
► 55% of Spring, 30% of Klein and 32% of Cy-Fair, and 78% of Aldine ISD children are economically disadvantaged.
Donate online or call NAM: 281-885-4605.
Here’s the link to the NAM website:
http://www.namonline.org
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Beth Chaney, head of the Altar Guild, is still seeking volunteers to prepare communion for Sunday worship.
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A Little Humor:

Abraham announced to Isaac one day that he had decided to upgrade their family computer to Windows Vista.

Isaac said, "But father, we don't have enough memory!" To which Abraham replied, "Don't worry, my son, the Lord will provide the RAM."

The Athiest and the Loch Ness Monster

An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat high into the air then opened its mouth to swallow both. As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"

The ferocious attack scene froze in place and, as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds.

"I thought you didn't believe in Me!"

"Come on God, give me a break!" the man pleaded. "Two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!"

The Atheist continued, "God, please let the Loch Ness Monster become religious."

God replied, "So be it."

The scene starts up, with the atheist falling.

The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, bless this food you have so graciously provided..."
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Pray for all those who are ailing; rejoice for those who celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Until next week…

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
dale@welcometohosanna.com