"A CHANCE MEETING"

This Sunday worshiping at The Church of the Red Rocks will be "A Chance Meeting." "What are the chances that we will meet Jesus in church this Sunday," asks Rev. George Ault, the pastor of the church.  "This is not a question most are likely to ask when going to worship."

Using Jesus' story of "The Great Judgment," in which humanity is divided into sheep and goats, Ault points out that both the sheep and the goats were surprised by this separation event.  The sheep were rewarded for their lives.  The goats were punished.  The key to the separation was noted by who did good for those in need, and who did not.

"What is fascinating about this story is that both the sheep and the goats asked the same question of the King of the judgment," says Ault.  "They both asked, 'When did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or in prison?'  And the answer was the same for both the sheep and the goats:  'When you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.'"   Ault observes that chances meetings with the Divine are the most powerful, and perhaps the only kind we will ever have.

"The most inspiring moments of life usually occur in serendipitous encounters when we least expect them," he explains.  "My best lessons of life and my best sermon illustrations are those I have stumbled over.  It is almost as if God is trying to get my attention by bringing me face to face with the Christ in the form of an extraordinary human being.

"'A Chance Meeting' gives each of us an opportunity to see God up close and personal.  Then it is our choice to perceive or ignore.  Perceiving enables us to grow.  Ignoring, we may just continue to sit around and pick blackberries."

The church's Handbell Choir, under the direction of Wilma Draves, will present "Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings."  Additionally, the church vocal choir will sing a special anthem for the morning worship.  Dr. Ryan Holder is the Director of Music, and Suzanne Moore is the accompanist.   A Time for Young Christians will also be held in the Sanctuary during the 10:30 am worship service.  The front pews are reserved for the children and their teachers.  Childcare for pre-schoolers and infants, and a Sunday School class for the older children and youth, is available after the Young Christian's sermon.