The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive here at Calvary on Tuesday, July 10 from Noon-6 p.m. Many of you have volunteered in the past by giving blood, helping to register people and helping people after they give blood.

Once again, we are asking for your help to make this blood drive a success. I know some of you cannot donate blood but can you help in other areas? There is a critical shortage of blood types due to low turn outs.

Remember by donating or volunteering you could be a life saver to someone whose life hangs in the balance. It is also a wonderful witness of Christ love as we remember the blood Christ gave on our behalf to save us. If you can help, there is a sign up sheet in both foyers. If you can volunteer time see Evelyn.

Thank you. Pastor Matt

Pastor’s Thoughts for July 2012-What am I Chasing?

Have you heard of the dog that chased a freight train and when he caught it, he didn’t know what to do with it?

I guess he had a good time while he was on the run, but al his efforts ended in disappointment. It would have been a story with a different ending had he gone after a cat or a rabbit but he spent all his energy chasing an iron horse that couldn’t reward him with a single juicy bone.

It is a good thing for us to take stock of life now and then and to ask ourselves, What am I chasing? What are the objectives of my life? I keep wondering whether that dog took a good look before he took off after that train. Maybe his blood hound nature made him chase it because it moved, he probably didn’t stop to ask whether or not the effort was worthwhile.

I am afraid that too many lives are being spent pursuing unworthy things. Having nothing to show for all our efforts when it’s all said and done. (Life is over). Only as we “set our affections on the things above” can we be certain that when this life is over, we have not been “chasing freight trains.”

There is also a story of a missionary in china who was more familiar with things Chinese than any other man at that time. Because of this an oil company sought his services. He was offered a large salary. When he refused the salary was doubled and then doubled again. Each time he refused and finally he was told just to name the amount and set his own salary. In reply, he said, “The salary you first offered was large enough. It is not your salary that is too small; it is your job. I have a bigger job than the world can even offer.” I hope we all feel the same way. “If ye then been risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… set you affections on things above, not on things on earth.” Only what’s done for Christ will last! What are you chasing? What are your priorities in 2012? Why not pursue something (things of God) that will last?