Dear Friends, Some of the most interesting things happen at church. And they're not necessarily in the bulletin. Last Sunday at the 11 o'clock service before receiving communion we were invited to pass the peace. I looked around and the closest people to me were the acolytes. I walked over

and shook their hands. One of them looked up at me and said, "Brother Davis, are you

having fun yet?" I said, "Excuse me." He repeated the question. "Are you having fun yet?" I thought for a moment and responded, "Yes, I'm having great fun!" His question surprised me. But after thinking about it, it occurred to me that this child understood something that we often miss. Worship is intended to be joyful! Teilhard de Chardin, the French philosopher and Jesuit priest once said, "The infallible proof of the presence of Christ is joy!" Wherever Jesus is there is joy. As I returned to my seat it occurred to me that this young acolyte understood something that is often missed. He knew joy. And he wanted to know that his pastor also shared his joy. I did. And I do. I hope you do too. Nehemiah 8:10 says: "The joy of the Lord is my strength." I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in the place of joy as we continue our series on the Psalms called "Heartsongs." Grace & Peace, Davis

Dr. Davis Chappell