Hope in the Heartland

Keeping warm in church

By Larry Timm

Pastor, Peabody Bible Church

Since the weather is getting cold, here are some New Year’s pointers for keeping warm in church.

• Rush to the front of the church and avoid the draft in the back.
• Invite friends and neighbors and sit 12 per row of pews.
• Fuss and fume when the preacher says something you don’t like.
• Wear thermal underwear — in the appropriate liturgical colors.
• Wait for an unfamiliar song then watch the sparks fly.
• Let the Holy Spirit fill you and warm your soul (and your church).

I’m going to shimmy out on the proverbial limb and say that the last one mentioned above is the best one. When a congregation of people who genuinely care about one another gathers, the Holy Spirit is there. Genuine fellowship is taking place. “Warm” welcomes are extended.

God’s Spirit is given to each believer. One of the tasks of the Holy Spirit is to knit us together with other believers. God helps us help each other. The “church” is not a building but a gathering of believers.

I encourage you to come back to the gathering and make a new start to begin a new year. We both miss out when you are not here.