The Heart Matters

Xenia Christian Center will pay 25 cents of the price of every gallon of gas. In an attempt to attract people to their Easter Sunday service this church, a discount will be given at a local convenience mart to those who attend the Easter service. Perhaps this is an attempt to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the community with a fill up fuel – fuel for both the auto and the soul that is.

I am curious why this church is promoting their Easter service – perhaps competing with the other local denominations which so readily fill up with those bi-annual pilgrims – pilgrims who make a dutiful journey to God’s House for the High Holy Days of Easter and Christmas. Or perhaps the church shoppers will be out in full force and the pastor is hoping to snag a few strays.

Whatever the reason for this gimmick – I wonder what the results will be. Will the parking lot be full of crazy deal shoppers – like those victims of Black Friday who flock to the malls in order to get one of the few “door busters” available?  Will people drive recklessly in order to get their spot in the parking lot? Will families bring multiple cars in order to get multiple vouchers? Will deal seekers be turned away as the church exceeds the fire codes? How long do you have to stay in order to earn your coupon?  Will there be a gallon limit?

Many images come to mind as I envision the mayhem and chaos of Easter morning at this Christian Center. Easter bonnets will fly in the air as mothers scramble for position. Orchids may be crushed in the rush for the door. Will a bouncer guard the door and only let the chosen into the service?  Will you be locked in until the benediction? Will this contribute to the growth of the church?  Will someone receive Christ and gain an eternal relationship with their creator?

I guess with diminishing attendance and coffers, many churches are desperately seeking seekers. Or are they?

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Do not call me, Barack!

It was the night before the primaries and all through the house
the phones were a-ringing, I sneered at my spouse.
I slammed the phone down for I now I do fear,
That casting a vote, I now must not dare.

I don’t know about you but I am tired so tired of the phone ringing; I suppose it is my fault – I participate in nearly every election. To vote is a privilege I cherish and honor.

Usually I labor over the issues considering each candidates platform – I delve into the meat of the issues. I always believed that each vote matters.

Well tomorrow will be different - very different. I will still vote – but the decision process has changed. I will cast my vote for the candidate who does not call me. 

Hilliary just called now – so she is out. Barack has called multiple times. Too bad – I kind of liked him. Even Tom Sawyer called – Is he even running? Ken Blackwell called too and I know he is not running.

So please Senator McCain, if you are there – do not call me. Oh Ralph Nader – please don’t call me either. For the love of sanity please stop calling me.

I am the only one who feels this way?

Sorry – I just needed to vent.

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Tomorrow is Tuesday and for those in the Hughes Home Church that can mean only one thing – time to gather together for mutual edification and fellowship. This Tuesday will be no different than any other. Brothers and sisters will come together seeking to welcome guests into our meeting – any guest but one.

Old Man Winter is has been crashing our Tuesday evening meetings. His arrival has cancelled one February meeting and nearly cancelled last week’s. Quick thinking and resourceful stewards found another venue for our meeting. The Lagotte’s apartment made a “nice and cozy” environment for all the “children” to gather around as Papa Hugs finished up our teaching series from the Book of Acts.

A winter weather storm advisory has been put into effect for Tuesday once again! The most unwanted guest of ‘08 is threatening to make yet another appearance. This treacherous weather threatens to dampen or even prevent our weekly gatherings.

Let us not lose hope and practice all diligence and make every effort to attend Tuesday’s meeting. Let us show this Old Man that his lame attempts will not hinder the gathering together of the church.

Also, let us pray that the system passes or dissipates so that perhaps the wanted and welcomed guest will attend our meeting.

See you Tuesday!

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