Over 2200 years ago, a Greek mathematician named Erastothenes conducted an experiment, aimed at estimating the size of the earth. Some people today think he was trying to prove the world was round, but that was pretty widely accepted by that time. Erastothenes was trying to see if, on the basis of two points of measurement, he could calculate exactly how big the planet is. And the fact is, he came pretty close, just a few hundred miles off of the earth’s actual circumference.

This past year, a Youtuber called Sciman Dan repeated the experiment, but with many more points of data. People all over the world took measurements on the summer solstice at their respective “solar noon” times, when the sun was calculated to be directly overhead (I sent in my own measurement just to be in on the effort). The resulting thousands of data points provided not only confirmation of the size of the earth, but they provided some stark graphic depictions of the earth’s shape.

When Jesus was resurrected, there were a handful of women who learned about it and told the others. That’s a few more data points than Erastothenes had, but still enough to do the trick. Later on, the Disciples confirmed the women’s claim, and since that time, those few data point have expanded to millions. The experiences of millions of Christ-followers now and through history, give us not only confirmation of Jesus’ reality, but a good sense of his shape, his character, his interaction with us.

We invite you to join us Sunday morning, at 9:30 a.m. for adult Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. for worship. We’re located on the corner of First and High Street in Steelville. For more information, check out our website at steelvillepresbyterian.org.