July 6, 2010 Newsletter
Pastor John to Become First ATM Clergyman
My generation has gotten to the point that we like to tell about how much better things were during our era. We Baby Boomers are generally criticized for being privileged, ne'er-do-wells who haven't worked hard, saved enough, and believe if you weren't into the 60's you missed out on the good life.
I am here to say that in my case that is true. The kind people who raised me weathered the Great Depression and some pretty big wars. Dad was a WWII B-17 pilot with several decorations and a 13 month stay in Stalag Luft 1 to show for his labors.
Me? I was thrilled to discover I could remember my ATM pin number at Arvest this morning. Being able to drive up to a machine, insert a plastic card, punch in my pin (which by the way is ****) and get cash money...well that is too wonderful for words. If the bank allowed the ATM machine to date their customers, I would be in love!
Anyway, I asked myself what I might learn from the ATM experience. Why do I like it so much and how might that apply to the church? Answer: Convienience. Then it hit me. ATM could also stand for Any Time Minister. Hear me out before you conclude that I have lost it.
I could go to a town with no church and open up an office for those who wanted religion to be more convenient. They could come by, punch in a code that would tell me who they were and their spiritual history, and I could talk to them while they were in the privacy of their car. I could pray as they sat in the confidential confines of their sedan or in the open air of their ragtop singing Here I am Lord.
If there is a point to this, here it is: Church is not always convenient. Not everyone prefers 9:30 a.m. Sunday school lets out when other churches are ending, and it puts us in the mddle of the busy noon lunch. To worship, serve as a deacon or an elder, to teach, to work on a committee, attend a picnic, and sing in the choir...they aren't convenient. The ATM is not much of a relationship, though it is convenient. At church we confess the goodness of having a relationship with Jesus Christ and with a community of fellow believers.
As I move on, I am looking for the energy and inspiration to put into the next call. My prayer is that Dave's arrival is a time everone renews his/her dedication to Christ and the Church.
For the glory of the God who made our salvation possible, and dare I say "convenient", I remain your interim pastor for the remainder of July.
John Conley
please click on the link below to view the entire newsletter in color,