Dan Cooper's Blog

In 1989, my friend, John Smith, was stuck at the DFW Airport.  What do you do when you are stuck at a big metropolitan airport for three hours?  Well, John went to the airport chapel.  There he found a small, plain room with fourteen Bibles, straight chairs, and a stained glass window.  There was a guest register there, too; and John began reading the entries.

Beside one name were these words: “Today is my birthday…and I am stranded here alone.”  Then, it continued, “God, help me to get home—and help them to want me.” Home should be a place where we are wanted.  Home should be where they celebrate your birthday.

I celebrated my 59th birthday on Wednesday; and it struck me that three of our church family members will see no more earthly birthdays.  Between January and March of this year, we lost these dear friends: Tanya McBride (Jan. 1), Harry DuBrink (Jan. 8) and Sue Schneider (Mar. 21). I miss them, in the here and now!

But on the other side of death’s door, there was an angelic host waiting to greet them;  and the angels sang the celestial version of “Happy Birthday.”  With great rejoicing the angels sang, “Welcome home!  Today is your birthday!” They went on and sang more, “We’ve been waiting for you!  This is where you belong.”

“There’s a home prepared, just over in the glory-land!” the song says.  You will be loved.  You will be welcomed. And they will celebrate your birthday there!

Dan the Preacherman

In the last two months we have advertized and promoted a Junior High Retreat, a Senior High Retreat, a Ladies Retreat, and a Men’s Retreat!  What’s the thing with all these retreats? Those are a lot of busy week-ends!

I know of one church that refuses to call such a gathering a “Retreat” and chooses instead to call such week-end “get-aways” an “Advance.”  Their notion is that they don’t want to “retreat” from anything, but they want to “advance” the kingdom. I am not getting wrapped up in the verbiage!

The whole idea of these Retreats/Advances is to get us away from the normal routine.  Get off to a new location, get a fresh perspective, change your routine, and take some extra time for God and people.  Jesus did this very thing…He retreated!  He withdrew! (John 6:15). Our retreats are times for growing closer to God, for spiritual nurturing, and for building deeper relationships.  Now that sounds great!

Our up-coming Camp Manatawny Men’s Retreat is May 21st and 22nd.
I’d love for us to take about 20 guys.  Remember that our young men under 18 go for free if they register by May 10th.  Also, they can golf for free during the golf outing, starting Friday morning at 9:00 AM.  See the inside of the bulletin, pickup a Men’s Retreat flyer or see me for more details. 

Let’s Retreat, 
Dan