Believe It or Not?

January 7, 2010

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

Believe it or not?

That’s the phrase made famous by Robert LeRoy Ripley, the famous cartoonist who spun tales of the odd and unusual. Having given up his dreams of playing semi-professional baseball or becoming a sports columnist, he honed his skills as an artist and a story teller. Eventually, he published a nine-panel cartoon called “Champs and Chumps,” about peculiar sports around the world, including a backwards-running race and an “ice jump.” This quirky piece garnered him immediate attention, and over time his cartoons gained widespread popularity and became syndicated in 1929. He traveled extensively around the world to find new material for his pieces, and spent almost every working hour in the New York City Public Library to verify his stories.

Ripley’s tales ultimately weaved their way onto radio and television, spawning a media presence that continued long after his death in 1949. Today, there are over 50 Ripley Museums around the world (called “Odditoriums”) containing 20,000 artifacts and 20,000 photographs that he collected over the years. And if you visit one, you may hear about such stories as:

· The amazing octopus found in Japan – that has 96 tentacles!

· The high school in Beverly Hills, California that earns hundreds of thousands of dollars a year – by being built on an oil field!

· A man named John Bolton of Louisiana, Missouri, who spent 8 months building his own pick-up truck – entirely from spare parts!

· Christy Harp, of Jackson Township, Ohio, who grew a 1,725-pound pumpkin!

· Lin Rong, a recently married woman in China whose bridal gown had a train that was 1.2 miles long!

Believe it or not?

I’ll have to admit, I’m a sucker for the strange and unusual, and I made watching Jack Palance’s TV show Ripley’s Believe It or Not! appointment television every Saturday when I was a child. But I’ve since learned that none of the stories that Robert Ripley ever told could compare to those recorded by the anthologists of the four gospels.

Over the next six weeks, we’ll be hearing some astonishing tales taken from Luke, our Lectionary guide during the season of Epiphany. Buckle up and prepare to be amazed, as we hear:

· The incredible story of how Jesus turned water into wine!

· The startling things Jesus said about himself that got him rejected in his own hometown!

· The mind-blowing catch of fish that nearly broke the disciples’ nets!

· The shocking words from a man who managed to amaze Jesus!

· And the extraordinary moment on the mountain top that confounded Jesus’ closest friends!

You won’t want to miss a single exciting Sunday, as we hear these old, old stories in a new, exciting way. And watch out: you just might have your life dramatically changed as a result.

Believe it….or not?

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

Believe It or Not!
Surprising Moments with the Savior

Believe It or Not: Are You Ready to Be Amazed?
January 10, 2009
Luke 3:15-22
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)

Believe It or Not: He Turned Water Into Wine!
January 17, 2009
John 2:1-11

Believe It or Not: You Won’t Believe What He Said!
January 24, 2009
Luke 4:14-30

Believe It or Not: What a Fish Tale!
January 31, 2009
Luke 5:1-11

Believe It or Not: The Man Who Surprised Jesus
February 7, 2009
Luke 7:1-10

So Do You Believe Him or Not?
February 14, 2009
Luke 9:28-43
(Transfiguration Sunday)

ST. PAUL’S IN THE BLACK
Thank you, St. Paul’s, for all of the generous last-minute gifts at the end of 2009 that erased our operational deficit and puts us “in the black” to start the year. Thanks to your generosity, you fully funded a wonderful year of putting God’s love into action throughout our community.

As we look ahead to 2010, we are excited to report that our recent stewardship campaign produced more than 80 increases in pledges, and we are in solid shape heading into next year’s budget. The Finance Committee is also watching every expenditure to make sure that our spending is efficient and in line with our mission objectives. As we continue to make progress on the goals set forth in our long-term strategic plan, we can believe together that our future is very bright. Thank you, and rejoice!

UMW RECOGNITION SUNDAY
Join us this Sunday as the United Methodist Women share the wonderful ministries of the UMW and recognize some special folks in our congregation.

PARENTS VS. YOUTH NIGHT
Attention, families of 7-12 graders! Come to St. Paul’s this Sunday night at 5pm for an awesome time of friendly, family competition! You’ll also hear about an exciting roster of spring activities. It will be a blast!