During church one Sunday morning a pastor stood up and announced that a guest was going to speak. With that an elderly man stepped into the pulpit and told this story.

He said, "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high that even the father, who was an experienced sailor, could not keep the boat upright and the two boys were swept into the sea."

Now the old man paused for a moment and made eye contact with the two teenagers in the front pew who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most painful decision of his life. To which boy would he throw the other end of the line? He had only seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of this decision was worse than the torrent of waves around him."

"As the father yelled out to his son, 'I love you, son,' he threw the line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the water. His body was never recovered."

By this time those two teenage boys were sitting straight up in the pew waiting the next words to come out of the old man's mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity and be with Jesus, but he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us."

With that the old man turned and sat down in his chair as silence filled the sanctuary. Within minutes everyone was ushered out, but the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," one of the boys said politely, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up His son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian." "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied.

Then a big smile broadened his old face, and he once again looked at the boys and said, "It isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm sitting here in front of you this morning to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You see, I was that son's friend."

Ask God how much He loves you. The answer is the Cross. Ask Jesus, "How much do You love me?" and He says, "I love you soooo much," and He stretched out His arms on the Cross and died. God has two valentines for you: His Word and the Cross. You have one valentine for God: your heart. Be sure to exchange valentines today!

The problem with these pastors is they have never been to a food court, a Wal-Mart, a shopping mall, or a three-ring circus. Perhaps they have never "surfed" the Web. We live in a culture of many choices. Like it or not, good or bad, that is reality.

Focus on these issues:

1. Some people in this busy culture have breakfast with their family during the Sunday school hour. It is important ministry time. Offer a series of classes, repeated several times during the week.
2. Listen to your radio - at least 10 different channels. Discover that various people "dance to the beat of different drums." To offer worship in different styles is to target groups for Christ. Same content, different packaging. Have you considered a country music worship service yet?
3. A 10-week membership class on Monday nights is great. Twice a year, offer the same class in a 10-hour retreat setting. Choose a weekend getaway at a resort hotel and advertise it far in advance.
4. Some people work on weekends - in increasing numbers - in this secular society. A church without a weeknight service ignores firefighters, nurses, and those who work in the retail, entertainment, travel, and lodging industries.
5. With pressures on families, why would weekends together at a cottage be non-Christian? Provide the Thursday night service.

Whether it's the way you've always done it or not, recognize we live in a world of choices. Accept that or lose people who may want to grow in Christ but do not fit into your one-size-fits-all mentality. Are you challenged by all the extra work this generates? Learn to video record everything and multiply yourself - even the preaching.

Dr. Kent Hunter (LCMS) is nationally known as the Church Doctor. You can contact him at (800) 626-8515, or visit his website at www.churchdoctor.org

Hubble telescope photos show God's miraculous creation. Take a moment to take a peek.

"Pastor Ginkel: I have been a pastor for 17 years and use your materials for all my new member classes. Recently, we have noticed how varied the background is of people transferring in from different parts of the country or just across the city to our congregation. We have decided to ask everyone who wishes to join our congregation to take our new member classes using your materials. I Have Good News For You helps put everyone 'on the same page.'" Pastor Craig Boehlke, Our Savior's Lutheran Church and School, Granada Hills, CA.

It costs $2.6 million, it's over in 30 seconds, and it may not be remembered the next morning. It's a Super Bowl commercial. Something else cost more than all the money in the world, it will never be over, and it will be remembered for all eternity. It's your salvation. "You were redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18-10).

Stats: Kelton Research reports that 65% of consumers are spending more time with a computer than with their spouse. Around 80% of young people see getting rich as a top goal in life. Researchers report that materialism cuts across all socioeconomic lines.

Elton John, musician: "From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings, and it's not really compassionate."

A secretary, when arriving at the office, discovered a dead mule on the church grounds. She immediately called the pastor to ask him what she should do. He told her to check her list of things to do as a secretary. What does it say to do in case of death? She replied, "I did step one, 'Contact the next of kin.'" Another - Mother to a little boy after a trying day, "All right, you, do anything at all you please! Now let me see you disobey that!" Oh, just one more - Q: What's the difference between a deer being chased by a hunter and a midget witch? A: One is a hunted stag and the other is a stunted hag.

Your February freebie is an eight lesson Bible study by Pastor Don entitled, The Many Wonders of Heaven. How is it being received? Read on. "Dear Brother Don, we had 60 people at the first session of The Many Wonders of Heaven. Great turn out and great discussion. Took us three sessions to complete the first lesson. The Lord be praised! Had to order more books and now ordering a third time." - Rev. Terry E. Hoese, Messiah Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Mi. It sells for $6.50 and is a February freebie for you. Just email us with your address and ask for #147.

"There Is A Redeemer" by Melody Green is very moving and so appropriate any time of year and especially during Lent. The first verse:

There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God's own Son, Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One. Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son; And leaving Your Spirit 'til the work on earth is done.

Three Questions for You

1. In just a few words, what parts of our Newsletter do you find to be the most beneficial and/or enjoyable? Just email us. Share any suggested topics. Thank you.
2. If you have some neat thing in your church, a worship service, ministry, etc., that you would be willing to share with us, please send it.
3. If you have a church email newsletter, please place us on your mailing list. Thanks again.

And then there's God's definition of love. Why not read it again. You know where it is - 1 Corinthians 13.

Before mailing the "We Miss You" card consider some planning with pastor, elders, or church council.

Every inactive member should receive this card. There should be follow-up a week or two after the mailing. The pastor or elder should phone or visit the missing families. A visit is more effective. It makes an enormous difference when people really believe that their church (pastor and people) truly loves them and cares for them.

Sometimes a sponsor or sponsoring couple (alive in Jesus and caring) might be preferred for the important follow-up. They could sign the "We Miss You" card before it is mailed. A group of sponsors could be assembled for this work. They should receive some special training for this significant task from the pastor.

In most cases non-attending members need more than just a return to church for a few Sundays. In many cases their faith needs significant renewal through an adult class like I Have Good News For You, and we encourage you to consider this.

The apostle encourages us, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).

He borrowed a room on the way to the tomb, The Passover lamb to eat.
They borrowed a cave for Him a grave; They borrowed the winding sheet.
But the crown that He wore And the cross that He bore,
They were His very own.

The thorns on His head were worn in my stead. For me the Savior died.
For the guilt of my sin, the nails drove in When Him they crucified.
Though the crown alone and cross were His own, By right they were mine instead.
For me He died and was crucified; For me it was that He bled.

Thank You, Jesus! Ash Wednesday is February 21. Be sure you send a special reminder to your people and prospects to attend your worship service. Link to a model letter of invitation in Microsoft Word. Feel free to use part or all of it.

Listen to what God says in His Word: "Even when I am old and gray, I declare your marvelous deeds... I will tell them to the next generation" (Ps. 71:18; 48:13).

To receive the quarterly newsletter, "Engaging The Aging," please email Rev. Walter Schoedel.

The following was written by Rev. H. B. London, Jr. in The Pastor's Weekly Briefing, February 11, 2005.

I know many of you will not celebrate Valentine's Day as such, but the day does bring into focus the importance of those we love and who love us. I'm not real big on valentines, but I am a huge fan of my wife, Beverly, and I want her to know it. But sometimes there is a language barrier. Do you know what I mean? Consider the following (just having some fun) - when your wife says:

"FINE" - This is a word women use to end an argument when they are right, and you should not say anything more.

"NOTHING" - This is the calm before the storm. This means "something" and you should be on your toes. Discussions that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine."

"WE NEED TO TALK" - What that means is that as a husband you probably will not be saying anything for a long time.

"OH, GO AHEAD" - This one is tricky. It may be a dare, not really permission.

"JUST 5 MINUTES MORE" - If she's getting dressed, this could mean "I'll be down in 30 minutes."

"THANKS" - If you are thanked, do not question or faint. Just say "You're welcome."

Hey, colleague, make a big deal out of the 14th. Express your love genuinely. "Husbands, love your wives" (Col. 3:19).