January 23, 2008
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
Cooking is in!
Shows on the Food Network are among the highest rated on cable television. Enrollment at culinary schools is up 28% over the past seven years, and celebrity chefs like Rachel Ray and Bobby Flay are all over the airwaves. And just yesterday, one of my favorite movies of 2007, Disney/Pixar’s Ratatouille, was nominated for an Academy Award.
For those of you who haven’t seen it, it is the story of Remy, a common rat living in France, who has a passion for fine gourmet cuisine. And, thanks to a partnership with a lowly restaurant custodian, he discovers his inner chef, and an amazing ability to prepare delectable dishes.
In one scene, Remy reunites with his street rat brother Emil, who has no appreciation for fine foods and flavors. In an effort to share his passion and enthusiasm for food, Remy shares the following exchange with Emil:
Remy: I have got to teach you about food. Close your eyes. Now, take a bite of – (hands Emil a block of fine cheese, which Emil inhales in one gulp)
Remy: NO! NO! NO! DON’T JUST HORK IT DOWN!
Emil: Too late.
Remy: Here. (hands him another bit of cheese) And chew it slowly. (Emil chews). Only think about the taste. See?
Emil: Not really.
Remy: Creamy. Salty-sweet. An oaky nuttiness. Do you detect that?
Emil: I’m detecting “nuttiness.”
Remy: (Sigh.) Close your eyes. Now taste this. (hands him a grape). Whole different thing, isn’t it? Sweet, crisp, whole different tang on the finish.
Emil: Okay.
Remy: Now, try them together. (chews)
Emil. I think I’m getting a little something there. It might be the nuttiness. Could be the tang.
Remy: Every taste in the world being combined into infinite combinations, tastes that no one has tried yet! Discoveries to be made!
Emil: I think….you lost me again…. But that was interesting!
Try as he might, Remy could not contain his passion for sharing something that had transformed his life, from a lowly street rat to a chef living up to his created potential. And even when others didn’t understand, he lived in the joy of sharing this gift with others.
YOU ARE SALT AND LIGHT
Matthew’s gospel contains a bit of a recipe itself. Sprinkle a dash of salt, add a dose of light, and “ Voila!” You get a transformed world. Jesus was very clear to his disciples, and to us, that if we want the world to experience the rich, textured, and nourishing love of God, we are the ingredients to make it happen.
Just like a lowly street rat can spread culinary appreciation to a sleepy French town, and a small dash of salt can flavor a whole meal, and a tiny flash of light can illuminate the deepest darkness, little ol’ you can make a big, big difference!
I invite you to church this Sunday, as we continue our sermon series in Matthew with a sermon titled, “A New Purpose: Can My Life Make a Difference?” Discover how your God-given talents and passions can create a feast of hope and love for those around you.
It’s great to be the church!
Magrey
The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA 51012
Ph: 712-225-3955
http://www.cherokeespumc.org
Matthew 6:13-16
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
E-mail Down
We are making some improvements to the church receptionist’s computer in the next few days, so as a result, Linzi’s e-mail and the church e-mail will be inaccessible until Monday. You can continue to send me messages at this address, but if you would like to reach Linzi, e-mail her at linz_i@hotmail.com.
Youth Mystery Dinner
For grades 7-12, join us tonight from 5-6:30pm for a Mystery Dinner this Sunday night. Come with a hungry tummy and zero expectations! What you’ll eat (and when you’ll eat it!) is anyone’s guess! The fun won’t stop until the last course is served!
Environmental Stewardship Group
The Psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is within it” (24:1). The UM Social Principles encourage faithful people to “promote a more ecologically just world.” Are you interested in becoming a better steward of God’s creation? Want to learn more about organic foods, sustainable living, reducing your energy bill, and other ways of “going green”? Then come to an introductory/exploratory meeting on Tuesday, January 29th at 7 pm in the church fellowship hall. We will share fellowship, discuss the needs of our community, and consider the ways we might care for God’s good creation. Contact Jessica deVega ( deVega@morningside.edu) with questions.
Valentines for Nursing Homes
Once again, the UMW is sponsoring a Valentines Card project for our area nursing homes. Consider donating materials (paper, scissors, glue, etc.) to make some warm, creative valentines, and even volunteer your time on February 7 at 1:30pm in the dining hall to help make them. Help spread the gift of love to these precious members of our community.
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