RickPage

Helpless I have what can best be described as a "hideout,"an establishment in town where I can sit, drink coffee (it is a coffee shop), study and write.  Normally, it is my safe place as my office can sometimes seem more like Grand Central Station.  This morning it was not my safe place.  As I entered a woman sat at the counter, saw me and motioned for me to sit down next to her.  Used to having people recognize me before I recognize them, it took a few paces for me to realize I did not know this woman.  One or two more paces and it was very obvious this woman was clearly disturbed.  Too late, as by this time I had arrived at my "spot."  Funny how we are such creatures of habit, like church folk have their favorite spots in church service, I have a favorite spot.  The unfortunate aspect to my "spot" this day was that it was next to the counter at which my new friend sat.  I went around the counter and placed my order with my favorite b...

Beautiful A young woman in our congregation posted, "I just want to say that I love my church family. You are amazing," on her social media account shortly after services this morning.  I've been thinking about them quite a bit lately and I would have to agree.  The young woman in question has a father suffering from stage 4 cancer - he also happens to be one of our elders.  As this congregation pours out love to her and her family, it is no wonder she has come to such a conclusion.  I am amazed, because their family is not the only family in this small congregation facing a major health crisis.  In each situation, they have responded with phenomenal outpourings of love. As a preacher, it is encouraging to hear such compliments about one's church.  But then, that made me think how incongruous part of that statement is with reality.  Consider how often we say something like, "my church."  As minister I serve - a congregation entrusted to m...