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Home , Betty Lynn, Mayberry, Return to Mayberry, Thelma Lou

The Gospel in – The New Housekeeper Page 1 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church

The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper 1 John 4:11

The Gospel in Mayberry – our sermon series for July. In June, it was The Gospel on Sesame Street, and beginning next week, for August, it will be The Gospel at Hogwarts. We are putting ‘our God eyes on,’ as Pastor Jan says, looking for God and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ using creative illustrations. grew up in a Christian home in Mt. Airy, , and he originally studied to be in the ministry before changing his major to music. It is little wonder to find the church and Mayberry intertwined as Griffith patterned Mayberry after his own experiences growing up in the South. When George Lindsay, who played Goober in the series, was asked what he thought of the idea using the series for a Bible class, he replied, "One of the incredible things about every single episode is that Andy insisted each show have a moral point – something good, lofty, and moral. It's a shame current shows on TV don't adopt that high road." Show writer Bill Idelson once shared his opinion of why the series enjoyed success. "You know what the secret of the show is? You know why everybody loves it? It's about man's humanity to man rather than man's inhumanity to man. He's a sheriff, the police – the symbol of oppression, brutality, and ignorance throughout the world. And here's a guy who treats his neighbors and the people on the street as if they are human beings. I think people hunger for that so much that it transcends all of culture." Mt. Airy, where Andy grew up, is only 75 miles from Mooresville. Go I-77N, take Exit 100 to Mt. Airy, and you are there. Mt. Airy has really embraced the Spirit of Mayberry, keeping it alive, The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper Page 2 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church and continuing to impact people. There’s lots to see, experience, and enjoy related to Andy and the show. For example: • Snappy’s lunch, which was mentioned on the show, where you can get their world- famous Pork Chop Sandwich. There’s also a couple of other places to eat at, named to connect with the show – Barney’s café, “The Loaded Goat.” • There’s a Floyd’s Barbershop, a replica Mayberry Courthouse, and Wally’s Service Station. • You can take a squad car tour and see Andy’s homeplace. There’s also the Andy Griffith Museum. • Every September, there’s a week-long celebration called Mayberry Days that concludes on Saturday with a parade of actors from the show, along with folks dressed up like characters on the show.

Did you know , the actress who played Barney’s love interest, , lives in Mt. Airy? Before COVID, Betty did monthly autograph signings at the Andy Griffith Museum. Of course, I had to go. On the drive home from the Los Angeles airport, there was a particular billboard along La Cienega Boulevard that always gave Betty Lynn a chuckle. “This Ain’t Mayberry!” it declared – as if she needed a reminder of that fact. Her West Hollywood home since 1950 was broken into twice last year. “That made it for me,” the 81- year-old actress says. “I just was too frightened to stay. So, I thought, I’ve got to find some place I feel safe.” When she reflected on what safe meant to her (and what “home” meant, for that matter) one place stood out. And life imitated art. The woman who played Thelma Lou on moved more than 2,100 miles to Mount Airy — Griffith’s hometown and one of the inspirations for the fictional Mayberry. The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper Page 3 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church

Betty Lynn knows this ain’t Mayberry either, because it never really existed. But she figures this picturesque town in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains is about as close to Mayberry as she’s going to get – in this life, anyway. “There’s no place like it, unless it’s heaven,” she says over a lunch of hot coffee and a hamburger with onions at a local country club. Now, let’s for our message today. Our focus Scripture is:

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

And as we love one another, remember: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. That’s a not just a phrase, but a way of thinking and living that I first heard about 25 years ago while listening to a message on the radio by John Maxwell, a former pastor, and now, Leadership expert. It was one of his “5 Things I Know About People.” It was a message that spoke to me and changed my life as I have tried to put it into practice. Apart from the sermon I heard as a child (making my confession and commitment to God), John’s message has impacted my life. You can google and listen to it. John’s book, Be All You Can Be, along with the Bible, has been an inspiration helping me to live God’s plan for my life. You may want to check it out too. Today, we conclude this sermon series by looking at the beginning, the very first episode, “The New Housekeeper,” when Aunt Bea comes to live with Opie and Andy. They and we will learn something about people (ourselves and others) and how we also ought to love one another, remembering people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper Page 4 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church

The Andy Griffith Show begins with Andy and Opie’s current housekeeper, Rose, getting married in the courthouse. Andy officiates as Justice of the Peace, and Opie isn’t happy about it. He doesn’t want Rose to leave, saying, “She taught me everything I know,” and shares that “No one cares about me.” Andy says Aunt Bea is coming, and she will be taken care of Opie, but Opie’s not convinced. Soon after, Opie and Andy have a talk. Opie declares, “I ain’t gonna love no one side’s Rose.”

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

We remember people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. I want to say, “Way to go, Rose, in your love and care for Opie!” He knows how much she cares.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

Rose is a great example for us, and makes me think and ask who is someone in my past that has loved and cared for me? How about you? Who is someone in your past that immediately comes to mind that has loved and cared for you and the difference that made in your life? A family member, friend, teacher, coach, someone in the church? Who is someone that we have loved and cared for in the past? There’s a group of folks that we have in common that we can look back and say that loved and cared for us who we didn’t even know – the folks who were led by God to start Williamson’s Chapel UMC over 100 years ago. They expressed their love for God, one The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper Page 5 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church another, this community, and they started Williamson’s Chapel at the original location further down Brawley School Road. I wonder if they had any idea how God would bless their words, deeds, love, and care. Way to go, God! Back to Mayberry. Aunt Bea arrives.

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

And we remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Opie still isn’t happy about Aunt Bea coming, but for Aunt Bea, it’s an answer to prayer as she says she got down on her knees and thanked Heaven she has somewhere to go and something to do. As we love and care for each other, let us remember that we might be the answer to someone’s prayer; they might be the answer to our prayers. Who is someone currently in our lives that is an answer to prayer who God is using to love and care for us? Who is someone we may be loving and caring for that we may be an answer to their prayer? Think of the ways God is answering prayers currently using Williamson’s Chapel to love and care for you, me, one another, our community, and world? Back to Mayberry. Andy and Opie have another talk, and Andy comes up with an idea he thinks may help Opie accept Aunt Bea.

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

And we remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper Page 6 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church

Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Aunt Bea is doing her best to speak Opie’s love language but it doesn’t seem to be making a difference. What about in my life and yours? Are we receptive to the love and care being shown and given? As we love and care for others, let us remember:

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Back to Mayberry. After returning home from their fishing trip, as Opie is getting ready for bed, they discover that Opie’s bird has left the birdcage. Aunt Bea accidently left the door open while cleaning. Opie is devastated and so is Aunt Bea. So early next morning, she decides to leave. “You need me!” Opie shares. The truth is, Aunt Bea does need Opie and Andy, and they both need Aunt Bea. They need one another to love and care for. You and I need each other to love and care for, and we need God.

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

And we remember that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. God/Jesus is our ultimate example in love and care.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your care to God, for He cares for you. The Gospel in Mayberry – The New Housekeeper Page 7 of 7 Rev. Mark Pitts, July 25, 2021 Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church

How and how much does God care for you, me, us, and all?

Romans 5:8 God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loves the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in him shall not pass away but have everlasting life.

That, friends, is the Gospel in Mayberry, at Williamson’s Chapel, for you, me, and everyone! In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Life Application Questions 1. Who has shown you God’s love and care in the past? Who is showing you God’s love and care now?

2. Who have you shown God’s love and care? Who are you showing His love and care?

3. To who will you show and share God’s love and care?