I, for one, miss the old church pews. Those time worn vestiges of an earlier age firmly bolted to sanctuary floors. Sadly, modern church sanctuaries resemble movie theaters. Cushioned seats that neatly recline spaced to ensure that the faithful are appropriately separated. Make no mistake, wooden pews can be exceedingly uncomfortable. Given a long-winded preacher or an organist intent on singing all 18 verses of the original Charles Wesley Hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” the experience can be quite discomforting. Perhaps God’s Spirit was sending us a message in those hard wooden pews. Church is not about sitting down and listening. It is about leaving the pew to witness and proclaim the Good News. In those uncomfortable pews, disciples were nurtured, and prepared to be sent forth. Today, we rest in our comfortable chairs; we need to rediscover that “pew mentality.” Now that is genuinely Good News. Blessings, Pastor Tom Matthew 28:16-20 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Comments are closed.
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October 2022
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