Where Is The Church?
Stories
Note: This was originally published in 2006.
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Signs" by David O. Bales
Sermon Starters: "Would We Recognize Him?" by Terry Cain
"Where Is The Church?" by Terry Cain
What's Up This Week
The stories for this week's texts are by David Bales and Terry Cain. Luke is a reminder that we do not know when the Son of God will return, so we must always be prepared. We must be good stewards every day of our lives: loving our neighbors, helping our neighbors, praying for our neighbors. Thank God every day.
A Story to Live By
Signs
By David O. Bales
Luke 21:25-36
"Cres. I've got to talk to you," was all that could be heard over this new-fangled marvel of human ingenuity named the "telephone." Connections were poor in Winnemucca, Nevada, in 1915. Alice couldn't even raise Central Exchange to be reconnected. But Alice heard clearly enough, "Cres. I've got to talk to you." Even if Alice hadn't recognized the tinny voice, she knew who it was. No matter that her last name had been Venneman for twenty-three years, the former Alice Creswell was always "Cres" to Peg Reed.
"I'm going over to Peg's," Alice yelled to Ernest. "Sounds like she's upset."
"Want a ride?" Ernest said, sticking his head into the hall from the den. "The car's working. Paper said ash is bad for the lungs."
"I'll wear my hat and tie a scarf around my face. I'll be okay."
Outside Alice encountered a dark, gray world. The late May air appeared to be snowing, but it wasn't cold; even the moon was obscured by the blinding clouds of ash. She occasionally blinked an ash from her eye as she walked along anticipating Peg's anxiety. Lately Peg was more nervous than usual. It's probably the ash. But, if Peg didn't have something to worry about, she'd actively seek it.
In high school Alice and Peg were neighbors in the small, tough frontier town. Alice and Peg clung together as much in mutual defense as in affection. But twelve years ago Peg took an acute turn when she was rounded up by an end of the world group. Since then Peg lost the ability to plan or organize her life, which had never been easy for her. She usually had a job, but never made much money. If she didn't live with her elderly father to care for him, she couldn't survive financially.
At the Reeds' house, the porch's floor was dusted with ash as with a light snowfall. Alice stepped under its roof, shook like a dog, and snapped her scarf clean. She shook out her hair as she knocked on the door.
"Cres," Peg opened the door with wide eyes. "Get in here."
"What's up, Peg?" Alice asked as she stepped in, still brushing herself off.
"It's the end," Peg said. "I figured it out." She grabbed Alice's hands excitedly in her own. "The war in Europe. Mount Lassen erupting. It's been a year of both."
"The end?"
"The end of the world, Cres. It's gotta' be. Nothing like this before."
"I thought you were off that. I thought those folks left town when the world didn't end."
Peg spoke louder, "Bishop and Mrs. Hyde were close to being right. When you calculate two thousand years, to be off by only a dozen is pretty close."
Alice slapped some ash off her knee. "How's Mr. Reed?"
"He's good tonight," Peg said. "He's sitting at the window watching the ash come down like snow. He lit a fire in the fireplace. Said it matched the mood."
"Let's hear what he thinks," Alice said.
Mr. Reed was seated in a large chair. "Daddy, Cres is here," Peg said.
He replaced a book in the bookcase next to him and said, "Hi Alice." He'd taught Alice science in high school. "What you think of this hard snow?"
"We'll see if Ernest gets his Model T stuck in it as quickly as he gets it stuck in real snow," Alice said.
Mr. Reed laughed. He pointed out the window. "Pretty exciting, isn't it? The old earth spitting up like a baby?"
"Daddy," Peg said, "it's more than that." She spoke slower and lowered her head slightly, "I think they're signs of the end of the world." Mr. Reed frowned and she spoke quieter, as if answering him, "You know -- the moon and stars darkened and the war all across Europe."
Mr. Reed and Alice looked at one another. They'd dealt with Peg's worries before. "What about you, Alice?" He asked with the tone of prepping a student for a text. "You think the world's ending?"
"Well," Alice said, "I don't know --"
"The world's always ending, and always beginning," Mr. Reed said. "Volcanoes have burst forth for millennia. If they don't crush the land with lava or mud flows, like old Mount Lassen's trying to do, they give us a lot of sand to sweep off Winnemucca's roofs. And the spring grass," he motioned out the window to their dark yard, "that's coated tonight with ash will push up and grow green tomorrow."
"That's just nature, Daddy," Peg said. "I think God's gonna end it."
Mr. Reed leaned back in his chair. Alice knew that he hadn't agreed with Bishop and Mrs. Hyde, but he'd been kind to them, and Peg had been faithful to him. Even though she'd worshiped in the bishop's Tabernacle, she'd walked her father to the Methodist church for worship every Sunday and arranged for someone to accompany him home.
"Honey," he said to Peg. The world's gonna end some day. But people who predict when are always wrong. God will come up with a new world, or kingdom, or whatever God wants to call it. But God's not gonna abandon us. Keep your head up and live for God no matter what."
Peg seemed ready to cry. Mr. Reed reached over and patted her hand. "It looks bad around the world tonight, but there's been worse. Time will probably come when things seem worse than 1915. Stand tall and live for God, and let's see what tomorrow brings." He smiled at Peg and Alice, raising and lowering his shoulders, meaning class was dismissed.
Alice and Peg drank tea in the kitchen until Peg seemed calm enough for Alice to leave. She walked home through a particularly heavy ash fall. In the past she hadn't thought much about the world ending. She brushed ash from her hat and tried to walk with her head high as she prayed that Mr. Reed was right.
David O. Bales has been a Presbyterian minister for 30 years. Recently retired as the pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Ontario, Oregon, he is also a freelance writer and editor for Stephen Ministries and Tebunah Ministries. His sermons and articles have appeared in Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching Great Texts, and Interpretation, and he is the author of Gospel Subplots: Story Sermons of God's Grace (CSS). Bales is a graduate of the University of Portland and San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Sermon Starters
Would We Recognize Him?
By Terry Cain
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."
-- Jeremiah 33:14-16
The only topic of conversation in town nowadays was that Jeb Cook was coming back. He hadn't been home to his native community for fifty years, and now he was coming home for his fiftieth high school reunion. Jeb, or Mr. Cook as the town citizens felt the need to call him, had become a great success since leaving high school and his hometown half a century earlier. He was CEO of a very large company and a millionaire. He had earned "Man of the Year" and other honors from various organizations during those fifty years. He had articles published by him and about him in papers, magazines, and journals. And now he was returning and everyone was excited. As the town's most successful person, he was considered a hero.
* * *
Ronnie was going down the street dragging his red wagon behind him as it scraped along on three wheels and one wheeless axel. Old Man Lee noticed Ronnie and his broken wagon as Ronnie passed by on the sidewalk where Old Man Lee was working in his yard. Lee called out to Ronnie, one of his favorite neighborhood kids, "Got a problem, Ronnie?"
"A wheel came off my wagon," he answered. The wheel was lying in the wagon bed.
"Bring it around to the garage and we'll see what we can do with it." Lee knew that Ronnie used his wagon everyday on his paper route, and that Ronnie's mom was a single parent who couldn't afford to have the wagon fixed. She barely made enough money to keep food on the table for the family. Ronnie didn't even get to keep his paper route money, but used it to supplement the household income.
"Won't it be wonderful when Mr. Cook comes to town?" Ronnie volunteered.
"Yes, it will," replied Old Man Lee. The wagon was soon repaired and Ronnie was happily on his way again.
* * *
All the while Old Man Lee was sitting in the chair the nurse kept up a running conversation of praise for Jeb Cook and his successful life. "Maybe he will do something for the town when he comes to his fiftieth class reunion," she offered.
"Let's hope so," said Mr. Lee as he got out of the chair and rolled down his sleeve.
"Today was your 148th blood donation, Mr. Lee. How many gallons does that make?" the nurse inquired.
"Eighteen and a half, I believe." The nurse expressed wonder and Old Man Lee said, "It just means I've been around a long time." As Old Man Lee left the blood bank, the nurse returned to the excitement surrounding Mr. Cook's coming.
* * *
About two weeks later Old Man Lee was concluding his business at the county court house and the clerk was finishing a litany in honor of Jeb Cook. "I wonder what Mr. Cook will do for our community when he comes? Some folks are saying he might build us a library or pay for the remodeling of our school cafeteria."
Old Man Lee commented, "That would be wonderful."
The clerk said to Old Man Lee as he left, "Deeding this land over to the city for an athletic field is so very generous of you, Mr. Lee. And your gift last year paid for most of our new water system."
"No big deal," said Old Man Lee.
* * *
It was July and Old Man Lee just finished cutting the last of the wheat field. He was going to be in time to shower, change clothes, and get to the community hall as the town's reception for Mr. Jeb Cook got under way. He had finished his own field and now he had finished Dale Clark's field today. Dale had suffered a heart attack a week ago and Old Man Lee had volunteered to cut his neighbor's wheat for him. "He'd do it for me," he said when he spoke to Dale's wife. Even though she was worried about her husband, she was going to stop by Mr. Cook's reception for a little while before going to the hospital. She also took some time to let Old Man Lee know how excited she was that Mr. Cook was coming to town after all this time. He was such a wonderful man and she just knew he would surely do something grand for the community.
* * *
It was September and the big event had come and gone. The town was still speculating on what Mr. Cook might be planning to do for their community. Old Man Lee was in the barber's chair getting a hair cut. The customer in the other chair asked if anyone had heard from Mr. Cook since he left in July. "Nothing yet," said one of the barbers.
Where Is The Church?
By Terry Cain
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
-- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Paul felt he could thank the church at Thessalonica for "being what a church should be." The church was an inspiration to him and he prayed that they would continue to grow in their good works.
* * *
Don and Ted met for lunch to talk over plans for the new dominoes and chess club in town. After discussing the prospects of renting the abandoned storefront on Main Street that used to be a cafe before it closed recently, their conversation turned to idle topics of interest concerning the community. Don spoke up concerning a recent event that was the talk of the town. Iris James, the new librarian, had just "come out" as a lesbian and it was rumored that the town was organizing to ask her to resign from her position. She came to town only about eight or nine months ago and had done a fantastic job as librarian. It seems that she had attended a Bible study session at her church, Second Avenue. The discussion had turned to the topic of homosexuality. After hearing some very uncomfortable comments concerning the subject from the group, Iris had tried to correct what she considered some misconceptions concerning the matter. It was during this discussion that she revealed to the group that she was lesbian. Don and Ted did not know all these details, but were aware of the general situation.
"What do you think about our new librarian, Ted? I hear she will lose her job very soon. Seems a shame as she is so good at the position."
"Well, Don, some of the members of our church are going to go to bat for her to see if she can't keep her job. She is not a member of our church; she belongs at Second Avenue. But I hear that won't be for very long either. It is rumored that some folks at Second Avenue, and maybe even the pastor, are planning to ask her to leave the church, also. Of course, our church members won't try to interfere with her relationship with Second Avenue Church, but we will try to help her keep her job. And the talk is that if we aren't successful at that, we will try hard to find her another position in town. She is a good worker, talented, so well liked and a real asset to our community."
"Well, Ted, I think your church is doing the right thing in helping her. On the other hand, the Bible has some references about homosexuality being a sin. If Second Avenue asks her to leave the church, they may have a point."
"I'm surprised to hear you say that, Don."
"I didn't say I agreed with it. In fact, if she were a member of a church I belonged to, I would not support a move to oust her."
"We won't argue about the rightness or wrongness of homosexuality, Don, but for the moment let's pretend it is a sin -- though I don't consider it as such. Stealing is a sin, lying is a sin, as is speeding on the highway. Gossiping is a sin and so is using illegal drugs. If we asked everyone who sins to leave the church, there would be no church."
"You are absolutely right, Ted. And I would imagine she will become a member of your church because of the church's support. That's one way to get new members."
"Interesting comment, Don. Actually, two families have already anticipated that possibility and have said if Iris joins our church, they will leave. But the pastor and the other members said they would welcome her. The process of people changing churches over what they think the church is all about is sorta like shaking a mixture through a sieve. The fine grain goes through the holes and the coarse grain is left behind, all separated out. It's kinda like the parable of the wheat and the tares or the new wine in old wine skins or, maybe more appropriately, the Great Feast in Luke 14:15-24."
"You may be a little harsh on Second Avenue Church in your comparisons, Ted, but I see your point and it bears meditation."
Terry Cain is a retired United Methodist pastor who served his entire ministry in eastern Nebraska, including 25 years in Lincoln. He is the author of Shaking Wolves Out of Cherry Trees and Lions and Cows Dining Together. Cain is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (B.A.), St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City (M.Div.), and San Francisco Theological Seminary (D.Min.).
**********************************************
How to Share Stories
You have good stories to share, probably more than you know: personal stories as well as stories from others that you have used over the years. If you have a story you like, whether fictional or "really happened," authored by you or a brief excerpt from a favorite book, send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here share-a-story@csspub.com and email the story to us.
**************
StoryShare, December 3, 2006, issue.
Copyright 2006 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Signs" by David O. Bales
Sermon Starters: "Would We Recognize Him?" by Terry Cain
"Where Is The Church?" by Terry Cain
What's Up This Week
The stories for this week's texts are by David Bales and Terry Cain. Luke is a reminder that we do not know when the Son of God will return, so we must always be prepared. We must be good stewards every day of our lives: loving our neighbors, helping our neighbors, praying for our neighbors. Thank God every day.
A Story to Live By
Signs
By David O. Bales
Luke 21:25-36
"Cres. I've got to talk to you," was all that could be heard over this new-fangled marvel of human ingenuity named the "telephone." Connections were poor in Winnemucca, Nevada, in 1915. Alice couldn't even raise Central Exchange to be reconnected. But Alice heard clearly enough, "Cres. I've got to talk to you." Even if Alice hadn't recognized the tinny voice, she knew who it was. No matter that her last name had been Venneman for twenty-three years, the former Alice Creswell was always "Cres" to Peg Reed.
"I'm going over to Peg's," Alice yelled to Ernest. "Sounds like she's upset."
"Want a ride?" Ernest said, sticking his head into the hall from the den. "The car's working. Paper said ash is bad for the lungs."
"I'll wear my hat and tie a scarf around my face. I'll be okay."
Outside Alice encountered a dark, gray world. The late May air appeared to be snowing, but it wasn't cold; even the moon was obscured by the blinding clouds of ash. She occasionally blinked an ash from her eye as she walked along anticipating Peg's anxiety. Lately Peg was more nervous than usual. It's probably the ash. But, if Peg didn't have something to worry about, she'd actively seek it.
In high school Alice and Peg were neighbors in the small, tough frontier town. Alice and Peg clung together as much in mutual defense as in affection. But twelve years ago Peg took an acute turn when she was rounded up by an end of the world group. Since then Peg lost the ability to plan or organize her life, which had never been easy for her. She usually had a job, but never made much money. If she didn't live with her elderly father to care for him, she couldn't survive financially.
At the Reeds' house, the porch's floor was dusted with ash as with a light snowfall. Alice stepped under its roof, shook like a dog, and snapped her scarf clean. She shook out her hair as she knocked on the door.
"Cres," Peg opened the door with wide eyes. "Get in here."
"What's up, Peg?" Alice asked as she stepped in, still brushing herself off.
"It's the end," Peg said. "I figured it out." She grabbed Alice's hands excitedly in her own. "The war in Europe. Mount Lassen erupting. It's been a year of both."
"The end?"
"The end of the world, Cres. It's gotta' be. Nothing like this before."
"I thought you were off that. I thought those folks left town when the world didn't end."
Peg spoke louder, "Bishop and Mrs. Hyde were close to being right. When you calculate two thousand years, to be off by only a dozen is pretty close."
Alice slapped some ash off her knee. "How's Mr. Reed?"
"He's good tonight," Peg said. "He's sitting at the window watching the ash come down like snow. He lit a fire in the fireplace. Said it matched the mood."
"Let's hear what he thinks," Alice said.
Mr. Reed was seated in a large chair. "Daddy, Cres is here," Peg said.
He replaced a book in the bookcase next to him and said, "Hi Alice." He'd taught Alice science in high school. "What you think of this hard snow?"
"We'll see if Ernest gets his Model T stuck in it as quickly as he gets it stuck in real snow," Alice said.
Mr. Reed laughed. He pointed out the window. "Pretty exciting, isn't it? The old earth spitting up like a baby?"
"Daddy," Peg said, "it's more than that." She spoke slower and lowered her head slightly, "I think they're signs of the end of the world." Mr. Reed frowned and she spoke quieter, as if answering him, "You know -- the moon and stars darkened and the war all across Europe."
Mr. Reed and Alice looked at one another. They'd dealt with Peg's worries before. "What about you, Alice?" He asked with the tone of prepping a student for a text. "You think the world's ending?"
"Well," Alice said, "I don't know --"
"The world's always ending, and always beginning," Mr. Reed said. "Volcanoes have burst forth for millennia. If they don't crush the land with lava or mud flows, like old Mount Lassen's trying to do, they give us a lot of sand to sweep off Winnemucca's roofs. And the spring grass," he motioned out the window to their dark yard, "that's coated tonight with ash will push up and grow green tomorrow."
"That's just nature, Daddy," Peg said. "I think God's gonna end it."
Mr. Reed leaned back in his chair. Alice knew that he hadn't agreed with Bishop and Mrs. Hyde, but he'd been kind to them, and Peg had been faithful to him. Even though she'd worshiped in the bishop's Tabernacle, she'd walked her father to the Methodist church for worship every Sunday and arranged for someone to accompany him home.
"Honey," he said to Peg. The world's gonna end some day. But people who predict when are always wrong. God will come up with a new world, or kingdom, or whatever God wants to call it. But God's not gonna abandon us. Keep your head up and live for God no matter what."
Peg seemed ready to cry. Mr. Reed reached over and patted her hand. "It looks bad around the world tonight, but there's been worse. Time will probably come when things seem worse than 1915. Stand tall and live for God, and let's see what tomorrow brings." He smiled at Peg and Alice, raising and lowering his shoulders, meaning class was dismissed.
Alice and Peg drank tea in the kitchen until Peg seemed calm enough for Alice to leave. She walked home through a particularly heavy ash fall. In the past she hadn't thought much about the world ending. She brushed ash from her hat and tried to walk with her head high as she prayed that Mr. Reed was right.
David O. Bales has been a Presbyterian minister for 30 years. Recently retired as the pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Ontario, Oregon, he is also a freelance writer and editor for Stephen Ministries and Tebunah Ministries. His sermons and articles have appeared in Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching Great Texts, and Interpretation, and he is the author of Gospel Subplots: Story Sermons of God's Grace (CSS). Bales is a graduate of the University of Portland and San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Sermon Starters
Would We Recognize Him?
By Terry Cain
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."
-- Jeremiah 33:14-16
The only topic of conversation in town nowadays was that Jeb Cook was coming back. He hadn't been home to his native community for fifty years, and now he was coming home for his fiftieth high school reunion. Jeb, or Mr. Cook as the town citizens felt the need to call him, had become a great success since leaving high school and his hometown half a century earlier. He was CEO of a very large company and a millionaire. He had earned "Man of the Year" and other honors from various organizations during those fifty years. He had articles published by him and about him in papers, magazines, and journals. And now he was returning and everyone was excited. As the town's most successful person, he was considered a hero.
* * *
Ronnie was going down the street dragging his red wagon behind him as it scraped along on three wheels and one wheeless axel. Old Man Lee noticed Ronnie and his broken wagon as Ronnie passed by on the sidewalk where Old Man Lee was working in his yard. Lee called out to Ronnie, one of his favorite neighborhood kids, "Got a problem, Ronnie?"
"A wheel came off my wagon," he answered. The wheel was lying in the wagon bed.
"Bring it around to the garage and we'll see what we can do with it." Lee knew that Ronnie used his wagon everyday on his paper route, and that Ronnie's mom was a single parent who couldn't afford to have the wagon fixed. She barely made enough money to keep food on the table for the family. Ronnie didn't even get to keep his paper route money, but used it to supplement the household income.
"Won't it be wonderful when Mr. Cook comes to town?" Ronnie volunteered.
"Yes, it will," replied Old Man Lee. The wagon was soon repaired and Ronnie was happily on his way again.
* * *
All the while Old Man Lee was sitting in the chair the nurse kept up a running conversation of praise for Jeb Cook and his successful life. "Maybe he will do something for the town when he comes to his fiftieth class reunion," she offered.
"Let's hope so," said Mr. Lee as he got out of the chair and rolled down his sleeve.
"Today was your 148th blood donation, Mr. Lee. How many gallons does that make?" the nurse inquired.
"Eighteen and a half, I believe." The nurse expressed wonder and Old Man Lee said, "It just means I've been around a long time." As Old Man Lee left the blood bank, the nurse returned to the excitement surrounding Mr. Cook's coming.
* * *
About two weeks later Old Man Lee was concluding his business at the county court house and the clerk was finishing a litany in honor of Jeb Cook. "I wonder what Mr. Cook will do for our community when he comes? Some folks are saying he might build us a library or pay for the remodeling of our school cafeteria."
Old Man Lee commented, "That would be wonderful."
The clerk said to Old Man Lee as he left, "Deeding this land over to the city for an athletic field is so very generous of you, Mr. Lee. And your gift last year paid for most of our new water system."
"No big deal," said Old Man Lee.
* * *
It was July and Old Man Lee just finished cutting the last of the wheat field. He was going to be in time to shower, change clothes, and get to the community hall as the town's reception for Mr. Jeb Cook got under way. He had finished his own field and now he had finished Dale Clark's field today. Dale had suffered a heart attack a week ago and Old Man Lee had volunteered to cut his neighbor's wheat for him. "He'd do it for me," he said when he spoke to Dale's wife. Even though she was worried about her husband, she was going to stop by Mr. Cook's reception for a little while before going to the hospital. She also took some time to let Old Man Lee know how excited she was that Mr. Cook was coming to town after all this time. He was such a wonderful man and she just knew he would surely do something grand for the community.
* * *
It was September and the big event had come and gone. The town was still speculating on what Mr. Cook might be planning to do for their community. Old Man Lee was in the barber's chair getting a hair cut. The customer in the other chair asked if anyone had heard from Mr. Cook since he left in July. "Nothing yet," said one of the barbers.
Where Is The Church?
By Terry Cain
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
-- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Paul felt he could thank the church at Thessalonica for "being what a church should be." The church was an inspiration to him and he prayed that they would continue to grow in their good works.
* * *
Don and Ted met for lunch to talk over plans for the new dominoes and chess club in town. After discussing the prospects of renting the abandoned storefront on Main Street that used to be a cafe before it closed recently, their conversation turned to idle topics of interest concerning the community. Don spoke up concerning a recent event that was the talk of the town. Iris James, the new librarian, had just "come out" as a lesbian and it was rumored that the town was organizing to ask her to resign from her position. She came to town only about eight or nine months ago and had done a fantastic job as librarian. It seems that she had attended a Bible study session at her church, Second Avenue. The discussion had turned to the topic of homosexuality. After hearing some very uncomfortable comments concerning the subject from the group, Iris had tried to correct what she considered some misconceptions concerning the matter. It was during this discussion that she revealed to the group that she was lesbian. Don and Ted did not know all these details, but were aware of the general situation.
"What do you think about our new librarian, Ted? I hear she will lose her job very soon. Seems a shame as she is so good at the position."
"Well, Don, some of the members of our church are going to go to bat for her to see if she can't keep her job. She is not a member of our church; she belongs at Second Avenue. But I hear that won't be for very long either. It is rumored that some folks at Second Avenue, and maybe even the pastor, are planning to ask her to leave the church, also. Of course, our church members won't try to interfere with her relationship with Second Avenue Church, but we will try to help her keep her job. And the talk is that if we aren't successful at that, we will try hard to find her another position in town. She is a good worker, talented, so well liked and a real asset to our community."
"Well, Ted, I think your church is doing the right thing in helping her. On the other hand, the Bible has some references about homosexuality being a sin. If Second Avenue asks her to leave the church, they may have a point."
"I'm surprised to hear you say that, Don."
"I didn't say I agreed with it. In fact, if she were a member of a church I belonged to, I would not support a move to oust her."
"We won't argue about the rightness or wrongness of homosexuality, Don, but for the moment let's pretend it is a sin -- though I don't consider it as such. Stealing is a sin, lying is a sin, as is speeding on the highway. Gossiping is a sin and so is using illegal drugs. If we asked everyone who sins to leave the church, there would be no church."
"You are absolutely right, Ted. And I would imagine she will become a member of your church because of the church's support. That's one way to get new members."
"Interesting comment, Don. Actually, two families have already anticipated that possibility and have said if Iris joins our church, they will leave. But the pastor and the other members said they would welcome her. The process of people changing churches over what they think the church is all about is sorta like shaking a mixture through a sieve. The fine grain goes through the holes and the coarse grain is left behind, all separated out. It's kinda like the parable of the wheat and the tares or the new wine in old wine skins or, maybe more appropriately, the Great Feast in Luke 14:15-24."
"You may be a little harsh on Second Avenue Church in your comparisons, Ted, but I see your point and it bears meditation."
Terry Cain is a retired United Methodist pastor who served his entire ministry in eastern Nebraska, including 25 years in Lincoln. He is the author of Shaking Wolves Out of Cherry Trees and Lions and Cows Dining Together. Cain is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (B.A.), St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City (M.Div.), and San Francisco Theological Seminary (D.Min.).
**********************************************
How to Share Stories
You have good stories to share, probably more than you know: personal stories as well as stories from others that you have used over the years. If you have a story you like, whether fictional or "really happened," authored by you or a brief excerpt from a favorite book, send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here share-a-story@csspub.com and email the story to us.
**************
StoryShare, December 3, 2006, issue.
Copyright 2006 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.