The Church

This weekend I have the opportunity to participate in an historic event in our community. The church I attended for many years is celebrating it's 50th anniversary. Quite a milestone for any organization or marriage or just about anything, but this weekend is their day in the spotlight.

If you are reading this as a Christian, then you know that the church is not a group of buildings, but is the body of believers that have banded together to worship and to re-charge the batteries. It is also that body going out from the building into the community to use the knowledge in the head moved to the heart to show God's love and compassion to everyone.

As I sat and listened to 3 of the former pastors speak Friday night, they spoke of the commitment of the church members to do the things necessary to make sure that when people were in need there was someone there to help. My mind was taken back to a time that compassion and God's love was poured out on my family. I have told this story many times because it is representative of what we all should be about. Now I will take time to share that with you.

Back in 1992 I lost my job. It was sudden and we were not completely prepared for such an occurrence. To make a long story as short as possible, these are the events that occurred:

• An older couple called and wanted a list of what our children wanted for Christmas. She bought nearly everything.
• Checks came in the mail from people we didn't even think knew us. For 6 months we never missed a bill or meal.

But my most fun story to tell is; At that time we usually had a live Christmas tree. Even though we really should not spend the money to get one, my wife and I decided that it was important for us to be as normal as we could be. So we got in the minivan and headed out to look for a tree. We got about 3 miles from home and realized that we had forgotten the check book So, we turned around and headed back to the house to get it. As we rounded the corner of the driveway into the carport, there stood a tree with a few gifts for my wife and I to give each other.

That is the "Church". That is Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, MS. I have been gone about 12 years now serving a church as a music director. I have carried with me those un-forgettable events and will for a lifetime.