WISE DECISIONS

I often write down snippets when I am reading a book, watching TV or when something pops in my head.  Never know when they will come in handy.  Never know when they will end up in my blog. 

The church we attend had a very special service last Sunday and will have one as equally special this Sunday.  Because we were on vacation and not there, I can only imagine the emotions involved. 

This first snippet is my own:

Hanging onto the past till you have no future

You see, there were two churches, one block apart.  Both churches were built and provided a place of worship.  Both churches hold memories.  Both churches --- saw a decline in attendance.  Leaving behind two denominations, these churches became one fellowship --- but continued to meet in both churches. 

As it became clear that maintaining two buildings was becoming a burden instead of a blessing, this congregation bravely decided that hanging onto the past till they had no future was not an option. 

The second snippet is from the book The Giver, by Lois Lowry: 

Guide the wisdom for the present by memories of the past

Memories of the past --- Memories of the past do include the weddings, the baptisms, the funerals, the fellowship …. BUT memories of the past also include why the churches were built.  The churches were built as a place to worship God.  As a place to pray with a friend.  As a place to cry and celebrate.  As a place to prepare a meal and then join in making that meal disappear.  As a place to hear and study the Word of God. 

The memory of why these churches were built is the wisdom that guided the move for the present and into the future and united members in the decision to work hard, move forward, and continue as one strong body meeting in and maintaining only one building. 

AND NOW

Beginning this coming Sunday, a special service will move the church toward tomorrow. A church united to stand in a small community as a light to those that seek.  As a home to those that believe.  As a place to worship a loving God with song and prayer and sermons and study and, every so often, worship through fellowship over a pot of really good chili.

Urbana Yoke Parish -- You done good!!!