CHURCH NOTES

Grace United Methodist Church Grace United Methodist Church will hold a garage sale from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at the church, 1801 S. Dixieland, Rogers. All proceeds will be used for church missions. Central United Methodist Church Central United Methodist Church, 2535 W. New Hope Road, Rogers, service times are: early service at 8:15 a.m., Sunday school at 9:15 a.m., fellowship at 10:15 a.m., and traditional and contemporary services at 10:30 a.m. “Who Asked For Your Two Cents Worth?” will be the sermon topic at the 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday. On May 31 at 6 p.m., the church will be hosting a celebration banquet for Rev. Biff Averitt. This event will honor Biff and Ann Averitt and celebrate their 40 years in ministry. Biff will be retiring at the end of June. For more information, contact the church office 636-1630 or visit www.cumcrogers.com. First United Methodist Church The First United Methodist Church, 307 W. Elm St., Rogers, is presenting a lectureship series with Dr. Jay McDani - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Making Connections : Our ability to love will stand as a proof of our faithfulness to Christ

DAVID B. BENTLEY

In the days of the American Revolutionary War, there lived in Pennsylvania a Baptist pastor by the name of Peter Miller who enjoyed the friendship of General George Washington. There also dwelt in that town one Michael Wittman, an evil-minded man who did all in his power to abuse and oppose the pastor. One day, Wittman was involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to death. The old preacher started out on foot and walked the whole 70 miles to Philadelphia to plead for the man’s life. He was admitted into Washington’s presence and at once begged for the life of the traitor. Washington said, “No, Peter, I cannot grant you the life of your friend.” The preacher exclaimed, “My friend? He is the bitterest enemy I have!” Washington cried, “What? You have walked 70 miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon.” And he did. And Peter Miller took Michael Wittman from the very shadow of death back to his own home in Ephrata — no longer as an enemy, but - Wednesday, May 14, 2008