“Hi, my name is Mark, and I have a confession to make. I am addicted to Coke (Coca-Cola, that is!). I grew up drinking Coca Cola and it’s still my “beverage of choice.” If you’ve been in my office or to our home you’ve noticed several Coca Cola items: commemorative bottles, Coke glasses, mini Coke machine, cooler-style radio, coasters, knives, openers… you get the idea. Why the interest? Simple. I got bored stopping at antique stores as a young boy with my family with nothing to do, so I started collecting small Coke items on my limited budget. Over the years others have added to my collection. I have visited several Coca Cola Museums including the one in Atlanta, Georgia, where you can watch old Coke commercials, view antiques and drink Coke from all over the world! Do you know Coca Cola doesn’t taste the same everywhere? They change their formula, according to people’s native preferred tastes.

It wasn’t until later that I learned that Coke is a “Methodist” drink. Did you know that? Asa Candler purchased the rights to the formula in 1891 and made his fortune with Coca Cola. He later helped fund Emory University and The Candler School of Theology in Atlanta – one of our United Methodist Seminaries. What you might not know is that Asa Candler was also an alcoholic. One day when he was half drunk, he ordered his chauffer to drive him home. Along the way, God seemed to say to him, “Surrender yourself.” When he got home he told his wife about it and they got down on their knees and prayed, putting his life, business and money in God’s hands. From that moment, Asa Candler never touched another drop of liquor. He made it his policy to give an incredible 75% of all he made to God and he went on to say, “I hope to give all I own to the cause of God before I die.” His life was radically transformed and blessed and he became a blessing for others. That’s what the Church is all about – transformed lives. Has your life been transformed by the love of Jesus? It surely can be. He is the real thing!

See you this Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. When I came to First Church, I was so pleased to find the Coke machine right outside my office door! Thanks.

P.S.S. Be sure to wear red, white or blue this Sunday as we celebrate Veteran’s Day!