Another weekend at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake.

Another version of the cross by sculptor Dominic Zinanni.

This is a plain cross showing the artist’s representation of Jesus’ face.

I have posted a close-up, upon which you can click to see an enlargement.

This was United Methodist Men’s Sunday at church.

The first one I remember.

The sermon was given by David A. Adams from Nashville.

Outside of the local bishop, he is perhaps the highest ranking official of the Methodist Church to ever visit Crystal Lake. He preached at all four services.

The church is divided into a number of administrative divisions. One of the smallest is the General Commission on United Methodist Men.

Adams is its General Secretary.

His sermon was on men.

Surprise.

He talked about Cain and Abel.

About how Cain killed Able when Abel’s sacrifice to God was found more worthy by God than Cain’s.

Even though Cain was banished as punishment, God put a mark on Cain to protect him.

And gave Adam and Eve another son from whom Jesus descended.

Us, too.

The music was more manly today.

We didn’t sing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” but we didn’t sing anything that sounded like love songs either.

A men’s quartet even sang. They are, from left to right Dave Morrow, Brian Adcock, Terry Santos, Brian Morrow (see also this and this about the younger Morrow).

It’s almost as if those who put together the program had read, “Why Men Hate Church.”

And, in fact, at least one of them had.

Crystal Lake UMM President Jim Nelson said he did in introducing the program September 3, 2006. That’s the day the program was on the men’s Walk to Emmaus. Another one of which is coming up, by the way. If you are interested, email or call me.

After the service it appears that Adams’ message got through to more than just men. Here he is hugging a teenager. I recognize the one of the right as Tamara Heath, daughter of our associated pastor.