Church

When I was a youth Friday evening was fun night. 

We had a group of us who got together and we would do all sorts of activities.  I still fondly remember things from Sadie Hawkins picnic baskets to Scavenger Hunts to sitting around and just talking.

Tonight Jill and I started out on a walk together. 

Friday night.  Around the block.  By the A&W.  Up a back alley.  Into the bowling alley.

We had heard balls hitting pins as we ventured up the back alley.  30 years ago we bowled in a league in the same bowling alley.  5 of us on the team.  Our bowling was terrible.  Our handicap was high. 

The final tournament arrived and we all played our best games ever.  We won the tournament, went out for coffee and split up the prize money.  Two couples and one single.

Tonight there was a group of Junior Hi’s with their pastor.  Attempting to bowl.  We yelled encouragement.  Tried to help.  Laughed. 

And as we walked home I remembered why I like Friday nights!!

OK, not quite all.

Today I went back through the church directory.  From 1984 onwards there is a parade of names.  Some I recognize – some I have trouble pronouncing!

I could note times when people moved on.  Some to another church.  Some to another town.  Some to heaven.  And some to nowhere.

I could note times when people moved in.  Some from another church.  Some from another town.  Some in need of heaven.  And some because this was better than the nowhere they were headed.

I’ve been reviewing our church history.  The statistics are merely an indication.   We are not seeing exceptional growth.  In fact, we are just trying to stabilize.

Someone asked me if I am discouraged.   I suppose my first answer would be – “Should I be?”  We are reaping a time of wind and fire.  For right now, visible flames are not to be seen.  Nor is the wind anywhere near gale strength.

So, my answer right now is, “I’m not discouraged but I am realistic.”  As with any group of people there are times that bring a new perspective on life — unfortunately we have to go through the fire and wind to get there. 

One of the slogans our denomination uses is — “We do nothing with out praying first.”  

Sometimes I wish prayer went faster!  Right now we are listening — to see where God is moving.  I sense some perspectives arising — we are the only church in our subdivision, we have a history of innovation and excellence, we have the ability to produce events well, and we have a core of people who are deeply committed to Jesus!

Just a start!!

Who would have thought?

This week our family of churches have designated a time to pray.  For people around the world.  For people in Canada.  And for people right here.

This year I have been working through the daily listings.  I had forgotten how many people I know around the world.  I had forgotten how quickly I had forgotten.  I had forgotten but now I’m remembering.

So, for those around the world — may God give to you and yours a blessing of more of Him and more for Him.

Yesterday a group of us were having lunch.

I was asked if I was going to take Monday off.  For years that has been a regular practice for preachers.  Besides, it was the beginning of the week.

Or was it?  One of the people around the table mentioned that Sunday should be the beginning of the week.  If you consider that the Sabbath is Saturday, then I guess that would be true.

I wonder what it would be like to think of Sunday as the beginning of the week?  For years I’ve always started fresh on Monday.  I have this kind of perspective that says my adrenlin gets running.  I sort through new adventures and plan for upcoming events on Monday.

But Sunday?  Not much of a day of rest!