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The meaning of the words religion and church have changed so much in the last decade. Those two nouns used to convey a safe place for all people. They used to mean that you were accepted no matter what. They used to mean that all who entered those doors or that community shared the belief in God’s grace and good.
Why do those intrinsic beliefs escape those two nouns now?
I was listening to an advertisement for the app “NextDoor” the other day. The announcer said things like:
“connect with your neighbors”
“share issues that matter”
“exchange local help and advice”
“find a babysitter or someone to mow your lawn”
Aren’t those some of things that we find in a church setting? When I moved to a new town the first thing I did was find a church to help me get my bearings. I needed to find people that I could trust. People that could help me find my way in a new area. I needed a community of people.
Fast forward to this week… I read some controversy about Ellen De Generes when she sat next to someone with a differing opinion at a sporting event (side note: 50% of us usually have a different opinion at most sporting events). I am not pro- or con- on the team, the people she sat next to, her or her tweet after the game. BUT I am so sad that we are looking to the entertainment industry for words like “be nice to them anyway.” Isn’t that theme in the Bible? Didn’t St. Therese offer that prayer? Didn’t Mother Teresa share that?
So why does today’s society look to social media and entertainers for comfort, support and guidance? Churches were to be a place that offers opportunities for unconditional love, self-reflection, growth, community and outreach. And they still do...
I so would love to offer to have you visit our neighborhood. Our religous community in Scottsdale, AZ. I believe our community offers comfort, support, guidance and local events and mission work. I would love to have you meet our pastors, teachers, and families. We truly are a people for all people. We truly welcome all. We would love to be your neighbor.
Yes, you can connect with us through social media, but in person is so much more fun! #justsayin’ #bekindanyway
Why do those intrinsic beliefs escape those two nouns now?
I was listening to an advertisement for the app “NextDoor” the other day. The announcer said things like:
“connect with your neighbors”
“share issues that matter”
“exchange local help and advice”
“find a babysitter or someone to mow your lawn”
Aren’t those some of things that we find in a church setting? When I moved to a new town the first thing I did was find a church to help me get my bearings. I needed to find people that I could trust. People that could help me find my way in a new area. I needed a community of people.
Fast forward to this week… I read some controversy about Ellen De Generes when she sat next to someone with a differing opinion at a sporting event (side note: 50% of us usually have a different opinion at most sporting events). I am not pro- or con- on the team, the people she sat next to, her or her tweet after the game. BUT I am so sad that we are looking to the entertainment industry for words like “be nice to them anyway.” Isn’t that theme in the Bible? Didn’t St. Therese offer that prayer? Didn’t Mother Teresa share that?
So why does today’s society look to social media and entertainers for comfort, support and guidance? Churches were to be a place that offers opportunities for unconditional love, self-reflection, growth, community and outreach. And they still do...
I so would love to offer to have you visit our neighborhood. Our religous community in Scottsdale, AZ. I believe our community offers comfort, support, guidance and local events and mission work. I would love to have you meet our pastors, teachers, and families. We truly are a people for all people. We truly welcome all. We would love to be your neighbor.
Yes, you can connect with us through social media, but in person is so much more fun! #justsayin’ #bekindanyway
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