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Posted on October 27, 2004 ...

Our church received a lot of attention last Thursday and Friday as we hosted the local health department’s flu shot clinic. With national news of a smaller supply of vaccine, interest was phenomenal. Our office began receiving telephone calls right after the event was announced in the local media. Thursday morning I arrived at the church at 7:15 a.m. to find our sanctuary filled with people and dozens more lined up outside. Several “early birds” had arrived before 4:30 a.m.!

My admiration goes out to our own Eloise Waters and her staff at the health department for the efficient way they managed the process. By my estimation they administered 150 to 200 shots per hour! The local police maintained an almost overwhelming traffic situation. David Godfrey voluntarily spent hours escorting groups from our sanctuary into the annex, where the vaccinations were given. Our staff made themselves available to assist in any way necessary. And Larry Sharo, as is his nature, went far above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate everyone.

As I strolled through the sanctuary, every guest was quite patient and gracious. Perhaps this was due partly to the fact that I promised, as long as they behaved, I would neither preach nor take up an offering! Although, several friends suggested I should take advantage of this “captive audience” and give them a good sermon! While I did not have a “flu shot sermon” readily available, I did start to think about what I COULD say if I did preach those days:

Friends, you are here today to receive a vaccine because you MIGHT get the flu. But let me tell you about a disease you already possess. It is called SIN. While catching the flu is potentially lethal to your body, SIN is definitely deadly to your eternal soul. Fortunately there is a vaccine called GRACE. But let me warn you. GRACE is expensive! Today $17.00 will buy you a flu shot. But no one here has the means to pay for GRACE. The GOOD NEWS is that you do not have to afford it yourself. On Calvary’s Cross, Jesus gave His life to pay the price in full. And there is no shortage in the supply of GRACE. There is enough for everyone. It can be yours if you will receive it. A syringe is used to inject flu medication into you. The Bible says we receive GRACE through FAITH in Jesus Christ. Go to Dr. Jesus, the Great Physician, trust in His death on the cross as the cure for your sin, and be eternally healed. (That’ll preach!) See you Sunday