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You, Me, and the Church

When I was a young boy, growing up in Philadelphia, my parents took me each Sunday to a quaint little church.  Bickley Memorial Methodist Church,  only about   2 miles from our row house, was located in a much more upscale neighborhood. Oak Lane, aptly named for its tree-lined streets,  was graced with stately mansions and provided an enchanting setting for our congregation.
This church was filled with loving, caring congregants who paid a whole lot of attention to us youngsters.  They were non-judgmental, warm and loving adults who accepted us and made it a point to encourage each child.   Typically, various members would chat with me, asking, “How is school?  What are your favorite subjects?  What do you think you’d like to be when you grow up? ”  And, as kids, we loved all the fellowship events, each accompanied by delicious food.
As the years passed, and we grew out of adolescence, my buddies and I gradually began to detach ourselves from the congregation that had always nurtured us,  and from the faith that had always sustained us.  When I went to college, I was aware of the fact that I had largely separated myself from my roots.
As the years passed, and we grew out of adolescence, my buddies and I gradually began to detach ourselves from the congregation that had always nurtured us,  and from the faith that had always sustained us.  When I went to college, I was aware of the fact that I had largely separated myself from my roots.
At first ,  I had lost my faith in God.  About a year or two later, I lost my faith in people.  Finally, by my senior year, I had given up on me.  I recognized that, for better or worse, I was part of the tribe and just as self-centered as all the people around me. 
Now I had nothing or no one to believe in.  I had to return to the proverbial drawing board.  I began by asking myself, “Where are the most decent,  honest, authentic, and nicest people I have ever known?   Where have I ever personally experienced love and acceptance? ”     And the answer, unsurprisingly, was Church!
My second question for myself was, “What then makes these people different?”    And the obvious answer was Jesus!   After my deconstructing, I earnestly began re-constructing.  Once again I came to believe in God, others, and myself.
So, all your church dinners are much more than simply social events.  Your Sunday Schools, picnics, VBS, yard sales, etc., are more than meets the eye.  They are drawing us closer to Jesus.  That’s a privilege and an opportunity for any church.

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Shine Like the Stars

Available for Pre-Order.  Each of us has been given a gift: our life. Someday we must return it to its rightful owner. We are free to use this gift in any way we choose: to glorify God or to glorify ourself. St. Paul used his to glorify God and, in so doing, found the secret of joy. decided to write a devotional commentary on his letter to the fledgling Christian community in Philippi. They too were discovering the secret of genuine joy. I am hoping that the same faith which dazzled them will do the same for you, and that the same joy which filled their hearts will fill yours. Get ready to shine like stars.

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