DID I SAY THAT!

       I’m preaching a revival this week at Paul’s Chapel UCC Church.  The revival started Sunday night and will continue through Tuesday.  I’m doing the preaching and the church has invited a different gospel group each night to sing.  Last night a local gospel bluegrass group named “Second Chance” provided the music.  They were very good.  If you like bluegrass, you will love “Second Chance.”  After “Second Chance” finished their selections, a young lady sang a solo. 

       When it was time for me to preach I started by thanking the congregation for the opportunity to be with them, then I thanked the ones who provided special music.  I made a mental note of the young lady’s name before I stood up, but as I was starting to say something about the music I realized I had forgotten her name.  But at the last minute it came to me and I thanked her (calling her by the right name) for the wonderful solo.  At that point I also thanked the gospel group—or at least I thought I did.  Joyce told me after the service.  “Do you realize what you said?  You didn’t thank “Second Chance” but “Second Wind!” 

       Many of you know “Second Wind.”  Alan Williams and Mark Motlow are two of the band members.  But they were not playing at Paul’s Chapel on Sunday night—“Second Chance” was.  The visiting preacher, however, got up and talked about how wonderful “Second Wind” could play.

       Did I say that!    I guess I did.  I’m getting old you know—or at least that’s my excuse. 

       I’ve always had a fear of calling someone by the wrong name at a wedding or a funeral.  I’ve done hundreds of weddings and funerals through the years, but so far I’ve called people by the right name.  (As far as I know!) 

I did a wedding years ago for a fellow named Norton.   Only problem was Norton was not his real name.  His real name was Paul Lathan, but no one knew that—except his mother who insisted I call him by his given name.  So when the wedding started I announced that we were there to witness the wedding of Paul Lathan and his bride,  The congregation gasped.  They were sure I had called him by the wrong name.  Only his mother knew why Paul Lathan was getting married rather than Norton.

       So thank you “Second Chance” and thank you “Second Wind.”  You can call me Ray!