Recently I read an article in a magazine about a woman who for five years has survived stage IV cancer and is thriving. The article said
"Just four days before undergoing a life-or-death surgery to remove the cancer that has spread to her lungs, Edith is doing one of her very favorite things. She attends a 7:30 a.m. service at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, down the street from her home north of San Diego. There she sits in the same place as always, next to the stained-glass window portraying Jesus in the Olive Garden."
While other religious organizations have their buildings open other than Sunday / Wednesday we lock our buildings and install security alarm systems. People unfamiliar with such systems will hesitate to enter the building out of concern of triggering the alarm.
Ira North made comments that would cause one to believe he spent time at the church building but I do not know how much. Based on his writings he did not think too much of empty buildings sitting idle.
Granted few members live close enough to make it an easy thing to stop by the building for a 7:20 a.m. service but that is another issue. For those who want to they cannot so our multi-million dollar edifice sits empty. But at least we "pray for the sick" or at least we tell God we are.
I can only imagine the comfort Edith experiences and I wonder if any of the "sick of our congregation" would consider it one of their favorite things to do. When you are dying or think you are dying it just might become one.
John Jenkins
865-803-8179 cell
Gatlinburg, TN
Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/
"Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise."
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