The early returns are in and it's estimated that the TV ratings for last night's Oscar presentations were the lowest ever.

Now, I know those of you who have bothered to make it to this second sentence are most likely saying to yourself, "So what?" and you know what? You're right. This is Hollywood's big night. It is not America's big night.

I want us to think about someone who was brought to Jesus by a friend (four of them, actually):

Mark 2:2-12

We’ve talked about our need for growth as a congregation. It’s twofold: one, if we don’t grow we will disappear; two (and more importantly), Jesus commanded us to get out and make disciples (and let our light shine, be salt, etc.)

On the TV show “Alf” (remember that one? About the smart-mouthed, furry little alien?) Willy once told Alf, “Sometimes you have to grab life by the lapels and shake it.” Alf replied, “You know what you get when you shake life by the lapels, Willy? Life’s dandruff!”

Tuttle's Volume One is going to be available in March--- beat the crowd and order your copy now!

Only $15 + s/h!

Some of you are coming to the web site and trying to figure out how to order the "Tuttle's" book of cartoons that you've seen advertised in the comic strip. I have to apologize for that because I got my timing off and started advertising the book before it was ready from the printers!

It should be ready any day now. And it is slick looking! This is not just something I ran off on a copier, this is a professionally created book as good as any you'll see in any store (and, hopefully, you'll see this in some stores eventually).

It is said that, years ago--perhaps centuries--Mrs. Li's ancestors reigned an empire that took in a large part of China, most of Formosa, the northern tip of Japan and a good portion of the land we now call Idaho. They ruled with an iron hand, a set of laws as tough as steel and a memory like a sieve.

William Temple, the former archbishop of Canterbury once said, “The Church is the only organization organized primarily for the benefit of its non-members.”

OK, in three weeks we’re having our “Bring a Friend Sunday”. This is a great opportunity.

For one thing, it gives you a built in “excuse” to invite someone. Maybe you’ve invited your friend in the past, with no success. Often, that’s for two reasons:

1. Too open-ended. “I’d like for you to come to church with me sometime.”
2. Why now?