Churchly terrors
Byron asks: “Does church terrify you? Do you get shivers down your spine when you arrive each week? Do you wake up early on a Sunday morning in a cold sweat? You should.”
Reminds me of Annie Dillard’s memorable observation about church.
I read a similar comment by Dillard at the small church at which I preach when preaching through Ephesians. The paragraph was from "Holy the Firm." The sermon was about how messy community is and how God is working through silly people like us to make silly people like us into Jesus' image. The paragraph was about the difference between high and low church. Essentially saying that at a low church things are so unorganized and poorly done that we wouldn't be surprised if God blew us to bits.
The during the time when we shared our thanksgivings, an autistic guy named Ralphy got up, plugged in a stereo he brought on his tricycle, put in a mariachi CD, and sang a happy birthday song for a woman there who turned 60 earlier in the week.
I had only been at this church for a couple of weeks, so everybody thought I'd be upset. Thanks to Dillard I thought it was perfect.
Thanks, Geoff — that's a terrific anecdote!
I feel that way most Sundays; especially when my message isn't finished!
Thanks for the link Ben, and for the wonderful Dillard quote!
Thanks, Geoff — that's a terrific anecdote!
Thanks for the link Ben, and for the wonderful Dillard quote!
I feel that way most Sundays; especially when my message isn't finished!
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