"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. And he who wins souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30

As one comes to the closure of one's life, they often wonder how fruitful they have been. Certainly children are God's blessing, and when they become Christians and community citizens, their parents may be doubly blessed. But the lesson of being fruitful speaks to the individual as well.

As Christians we influence others, some we are aware of, others we may be unaware.

Everyone has a story of how their parents, teachers, or some individual impacted their lives, but few think about how they may influence the lives of total strangers. One day I was approached by a woman whose daughter I had cared for some ten years before, and because of me, so her mother said, she had become a nurse.

Since that time in every setting, whether socially or in work, I try to remember, am I being fruitful? Can people I deal with on a casual basis recognize me as a child of God's, as well, hopefully, as those I go to church with? How fruitful will your life be, when Jesus reads from the Book of Life?

The United Methodist Women's "Ladies Tea" was an excellent event. Did you notice how the sun came out just as everyone was coming to the tea? The friendship and refreshments were outstanding.

Natalie Smith, President of UMW, gave a wonderful presentation of the "First Lady - Eve." A book of memories about significant women in the lives of members of our congregation was compiled by UMW, and distributed during the tea. The Secretary of UMW, Rev. Linda Pinson, worked very hard getting our members to share their favorite memories, and then developing this charming booklet. If you were unable to attend, be sure and pick up a copy of this booklet in the front of the sanctuary or in the church office. You will want to keep a copy for your own memories.

There are also a few copies of the Lent-2009 in the church office. This devotional, written by members of our congregation is also a "keeper," and is an inspiring documentation of the dedication and love of Christ the contributors wish to share with each of us. We owe our love and appreciation to Carolyn Bradley for her hard work in developing this publication.

Next Sunday, April 26, there will be a Hamburger Luncheon sponsored by the Youth group in recognition and appreciation of John Taylor and Terri York for their time and dedication while working with the youth group.

Sean Little, our new Youth Director is settling into his office. Ken has taken him around to meet other Youth Directors in the area, and he is getting us all excited about some of the programs he is thinking about implementing.

Be sure and come by to greet him, if you are around the church office.

As leader of the praise service and Youth Director, he is going to become a very busy young man.

Remember every Tuesday at 7 a.m. is Community Men's Prayer Breakfast, held at the Community Center.

Scholarship applications for the Cade and the Pollard scholarships are now available in the church office, with Sean Little and at the Brownsboro High School. Can you believe it is nearly time for our seniors to graduate? On Family Night, May 6th, we will be recognizing all the seniors so please make sure to come and celebrate their accomplishments.

Happy Anniversary to: Nick and Renee Jordan, and Billy and Karen O'Steen.

Happy Birthday to: Bessie Robinson, Janice Cade, Gina Magee, Barbara Ellis, Whitney McFarland, Gabe Grantham, Collin Crist, Kimber Womack, and Brinn Elise Reelfs.

Thought for the Week: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkeness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly." Luke 21:34