I have been asked to speak at a banquet for a local church who is planning to build a new educational wing, fellowship hall, and kitchen. Just a few years ago, they built a beautiful sanctuary. This is not one of those high charged mega-churches. They are just a medium sized Presbyterian church in a suburb of the city in which I live. I think they are making a courageous statement against the cynicism of our world. They knew I liked to bring humor into what I say. These are the opening words of what I plan to say:
So, as I understand it, you are planning to build a kitchen, education space and fellowship hall.
Earlier you built a beautiful worship space, so I guess that means that for Presbyterians, after God, we focus on our stomach, our head, and each other.
I think that is about right.
We are living in a very anxious age.
Politics, economics, and terrorism seem to dominate the news.
With our current batch of scared politicians, greedy wall streeters, and crazy people who walk into theaters and shoot people, it’s no wonder that people are anxious.
Yet here you are having the audacity to say that God, our daily bread, thinking straight and sharing with our neighbors is worth investing in.
Such a bold, some would say insane act, might move you from having the reputation of being part of the “Frozen Chosen” to being part of the “Sizzling Saints who Savor the Succulent, Social, and Sensible Good News in our World.
I mean think about it:
Unlike many in this world who are guided by their emotions and believe the most scandalous conspiracy charges available on the internet,
You are daring to say, “You know it’s worth sitting down for some tea and crumpets, in the presence of God and neighbor, and thinking about what’s going on in light of our faith.
You complete these renovations and pretty soon people might begin thinking that you love God and your neighbor as well as yourself.
How’s that for a strong challenge to our narcissistic age where each of us thinks we are the center of the universe and everyone else is out to get us?
