Friday's thoughts

Last week Rod Wilmoth died. He was a good friend, a wonderful preacher, and a great church leader.
This story came from his book How United Methodists Share Our Faith

"The concert was in the city's baseball stadium, and unfortunately, because of a schedule mix up, a slow-pitch softball game was taking place on an adjoining field. The audience sitting in the stands could see the game going on, and, worse yet, they could hear everything over the public address system. The first part of the concert was a disaster. The soothing sounds of Respighi's "The Pines of Rome" were interspersed with "The next batter for Schultz's Bar is Billy Ray." That would be followed by loud voices shouting, "Give 'er a ride, Billy Ray.!" The symphony players were unnerved and misplayed some sections of the work, and the regular conductor was visibly struggling simply to keep control.
The orchestra finally struggled to intermission, wondering if any of the crowd would return for the second part of the concert. The fame of the visiting Maestro Lehrer was such, however, that the stands were indeed full. Maestro Lehrer was introduced and mounted the podium to conduct the Sibelius tone-poem 'Finlandia'.
Just at that moment someone hit a home run over the fence and the softball crowd went wild. The Maestro merely waited until the noise subsided and then smiled at the orchestra, He raised his baton and began 'Finlandia.' A magical change came over the whole scene. His commanding presence pulled the individual orchestra members together into one ensemble, a focused fellowship. The momentum increased: the orchestra outdid itself; the Maestro was in total control, and as the great composition reached its climax, members of the orchestra heard Lehrer shouting, 'Das ist der Geist! Das ist der Geist! (That;s the spirit! That's the spirit!).'
When the performance reached its vibrant conclusion, the people jumped to their feet with thunderous applause. At that moment something wonderful happened. The softball players had stopped their game to listen to the majestic music, and when it was over, they too stood to their feet and clapped.'

Then Rod Wilmoth adds these words, "This is a powerful parable for our time. If we are faithful in telling the story and sharing our faith, the world will stop to listen."

I write this in tribute to a good friend, Rod Wilmoth.

Thanks for the memories.

If you would like to add your memories or responses write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net or click on the box below and others can see your response.


Charles Schuster

Sermon this Sunday:
"The Faith of a Fanatic"