Now, it had been made known that this would be a casual service, Called knew it would be sparsely attended, and that there would be no child care; both Spawn would be in the sanctuary. They were suitable wound up, as kids are want to be on Christmas morning. Spawn II was pretty spooled up, so I took her out and went back to one of the empty rooms to play. After a short while, one of the older members of the congregation walked in and says to me "I heard you're getting a new job." I replied, "I am." He then proceeds to tell me "You're going to have to look for one for your wife too. Your daughter is dancing in the service. She is letting your kids ruin the church." In a spectacular act of self-control I replied "Then let me go get her.", which I did.
Shortly after that, I rounded them up and left. And I'm never going back. Ever. I don't want the kids to go back either, but I'll let Called make that decision. I've related this story to her, and she seems a little more laid back about it than me. I'm furious.
These people wonder why the churches are dying. I'll tell you why, because they are killing them. They simply refuse to see that society is changing around them, and that people are looking for a church that will help them and their families be seekers on journey, not a place to be told what to think, where their kids are ignored, and where there is no room for openness and exploration.
Maybe it'll change when all these people pay the ferry man. Maybe one day it'll be a place where someone like me can be accepted. Maybe, but I won't hold my breath. Until then, the church will be an obstacle on whatever path I'm on.
Should you happen to stumble upon this post, I hope you and yours had a pleasant day, whatever your faith tradition, or lack thereof. I'm going to simmer for a while, and then work on cleaning up the debris of the day.
Peace out.
-Grey
1 comments:
UNREAL.
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