Do you remember the lyrics from old television shows?
Some of them seem to stay in our minds even years after the show has been taken off the air.
Do you remember any of these?
        “Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale. A tale of a fateful ship…”
        “They’re creepy and they’re kooky. Mysterious and spooky…”
        “Love is all around, no need to waste it. You can never tell, why don’t you take it. You’re gonna make it after all…”

How about this one?
        “If you like to talk to tomatoes. If a squash can make you smile. If you like to waltz with potatoes, up and down the produce aisle…”

But I think the lyrics that I remember most say:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.
And they’re always glad you came.
You want to go where people know, that people are all the same.
You want to go where everybody knows your name.

That’s the familiar lyrics to the TV show “Cheers”. I’m sure that you remember the show and the familiar characters. Sam, Coach, Diane, Clara, Cliff and of course, NORM! Other characters were introduced as the show progressed while old and familiar ones moved on.

Now let’s be honest, this is not necessarily a wholesome family TV show and some of the characters lifestyles were somewhat less than model citizens. But Cheers was popular because we could easily relate to the people there. No matter which character you related to the best, they all shared a special bond because it was a place where “everybody knows your name”.

But just for the moment, don’t picture Norm on a bar stool, picture Norm in a church pew. That’s what Rosedale is all about: Rosedale is a group of people who don’t have it all together. We’ve all got problems and face life’s uncertainties – but as a family of believers, we do it together. We are not afraid to discuss our fears, inadequacies, and experiences with each other. That’s when we get real about life and its challenges. There are times when we come together and celebrate joyous occasions, and we gather to support each other when the going gets rough. We are a family of believers who truly care about each other. We never have all the answers, but it is during those times that we turn to our faith in a Living God who does. A God of all comfort who hurts alongside of us.

You see, Rosedale is bigger than people like you and me. Rosedale is about pointing others to the one true God who has all the answers during the good times and the not so good times. He’s the God of the highest mountain and He’s the God of the deepest valley. And that’s where a personal relationship with God makes a real difference. Yes, we still struggle, but we also know that God provides an indescribable peace that passes all understanding. It’s not about a religion, it’s all about a relationship with a God who truly cares.

If you are searching for that kind of peace — for a church family where everybody knows your name, then join us at Rosedale this Sunday.
I think you’ll discover that we’re a place where you (and we) are always glad you came.