Pastor's Message
“As You Travel Ask Us” was a popular advertising slogan. . At a time before cell phones and GPS systems, gas stations were the hub of communities. “I’m looking for Mayfair Road,” I asked. “Keep going down the road you’re on until you come to a faded blue water tower and turn right.” It was a different time in life. “Fill ‘er up,” I told the gas station attendant. “What do you want,” he asked “regular” I answered. It was the time of full-service pumps. Checking the oil and washing the windows was standard service.
Today we expect fast food and self-service. There’s no conversation at the local “fast food” restaurant and even less at the express shop for the oil change. A small screen tells us when to turn right and “Google” answers all our questions.
Unfortunately, we’re missing something at that gas station. Oh, there’s no doubt everything is more efficient, and I must admit my windows aren’t any worse. But I remember driving up one day to the pump and Max came out to give me some “full service.” “Did you go to that funeral this morning” he asked. “Yes I did, so what did you think of the service?” Max smiled and said, “It was good, but I didn’t remember that the guy was as nice as the preacher made him sound.” At the “Corner Gas Station” you got life “just the way it is!”
We need somewhere to go today where we can still get “full service,” and churches offer a complete package. Recently I married a young couple and it was particularly meaningful because I had baptized the groom, and watched him mature, be confirmed and grow to assume his own responsibilities. What a pleasure to watch people move through life’s changes!
The pace of life demands a different set of rules but somewhere we still need a place to go where the principle still applies: “As You Travel Ask Us.” Church holds that special honor today. Holidays bring us to different corners of the world and yet when we enter God’s Church there’s that special recognition that says “Welcome Home!”
Church brings our community together on Sunday morning. From grandchildren to grandparents and from young people to moms and dads, church meets us at life’s intersections. Whether feeling lonely and out of sorts to moments when we’re ready to celebrate, church gives us that opportunity to come out for some full service and personal attention. Hearing God’s Word we get filled up and ready to go so that we can receive His Spirit and get re-energized.
Today the internet brings us together into a global village. All the more reason to remember: “As You Travel Ask Us.” Feel free to phone or email your questions and comments. We can’t roll the calendar back but we can use what we have to move with the times. Perhaps we may even discover another community that’s just like “the good old days.”
God Bless You,
|
