November Letter 2006

As the cold weather that accompanies the end of fall directs our attention toward the wintry months ahead, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight the importance of a “warm” church. Perryville Christian Church, along with many churches in the state and nation, is continually threatened with the icy attack of stagnation and complacency. Many of you are aware that ice comes from water. As the winter months drawer near, this is evident all around us. Water attended by the cold yields ice. But what is it about the cold that makes ice? Well, temperature is determined by the speed of molecules. As those molecules slow, they becomes “colder.” Thus, when water molecules are slowed by cooler external circumstances, ice forms. What we notice is this: slowing down leads to ice.

If ice is the direct result of slowing down, then boiling water must be the exact opposite. The excited molecules bouncing around incessantly create “warmth.” So then, we notice something very important: If we hope to be a “warm” and welcoming church, we must have activity. The more we slow down, the more our atmosphere becomes cold, icy, and ultimately unwelcoming. The “aura” of our church is determined by the level of excitement we find in our members. The more our “excited” members “bounce” around incessantly, the warmer and more welcoming we will not only appear, but be. We must, then, be a church filled with “excited” members who are actively seeking out a place within our Faith community. It is one thing to attend church, it is yet another to be a contributor. Be a contributor. Make this your Winter's goal.

As you begin your preparation for the seasonal activities of work and home, do not forget the importance of contributing to the church. Do not let the iciness of complacent stagnation destroy the vibrant “warmth” that our church is striving to possess. May our church be alive like our God is alive. May we be active in this community of Faith as God is active in the greater world of Faith. May our warmth find its source in the Most High God.