Church Thoughts

As I have grown older – ok ok, old;  I have had a lot of chance to reflect on my Christian life and church preference.   I have a lot of miscellaneous and probably unfinished thoughts on a lot of churchy things.   Fasten your seatbelts and hopefully finish reading this post.

Music,  most of todays churches use contemporary music instead of the old hymns I am used to.   I tolerate the guitars and drums as long as they are not do loud that you can’t hear the voices;  sometimes they are just too overpowering.  I do wish they would sprinkle in an old standard once in a while – I would love to sing thing like “The Old Rugged Cross” or “ In The Garden” once in a while. 

In the past people would not just say “welcome”, shake your hand and then keep walking. . . because hey there might be a football game on.    They would engage you in an actual conversation.   Maybe invite new folks to a mid week Bible study or Sunday School or church dinner.    And the older church folks would never let a newcomer stand or sit alone. 

Church folk would even hand you a religious tract booklet or also something I don’t see anymore,  a small New Testament Bible;  I still have one I was given back in 1967 when I was leaving to go to Thailand with the Air Force.  I am not saying that I always read it faithfully but it has travelled with me all over the world and I still have it and look at it once in a while – it planted the seed in Christianity in my life and I am very grateful for it. 

I remember when (60’s) the Pastor would periodically come around for a visit (usually Sunday afternoon) and maybe a meal.  That really helped to get to know everyone and not just be a face in a crowd;  plus it is nice to get to know the Pastor as a person and not just the guy who preaches.   It wouldn’t work for me in my situation as I am the only “churchy” one – but there are many folks who would benefit from it. 

In parting,  there is one thing I wish I could do is to go into the sanctuary during the week and just sit there in the quiet and think – but in todays world that just isn’t possible. . . . is it?