Some time ago I believe I saw “The Church” at its best.

As I was arriving at the first of two preaching assignments, my front axle exploded.

Some beefy guys from the church pushed me into the parking lot. Someone then drove me to my second assignment.

After it was done, I was driven back to the first church. It just so happened that they were setting up for Vacation Bible school.

I had a cheeseburger with them while I was waiting for the tow truck. God bless the Lutherans in the Beaver Meadows and Audenreid area!

People still confuse the meaning of “The Church.”

It refers to the people of God, literally “called out” from the world for mission and ministry.

Many years ago, I heard the story of a pastor, who was wearing a clerical collar on an airplane. (Kills ticks and fleas for six months,) The woman seated next to him struck up a conversation. Soon he found himself giving pastoral advice for which the lady was greatly appreciative.

He then suggested that she talk to her pastor. “I don’t go to church, it’s full of hypocrites.” To which the pastor thought of responding, “Well, there is always room for one more.”

Believe you me, over the years I’ve heard every excuse for people not coming to church, but THAT ONE may be based on a misunderstanding.

If it is not just a smoke screen for laziness, or loving someone or something thing more than Jesus, it could be based on failure to realize just who the Christian is.

Martin Luther, the reformer would give us a great definition. He defined the Christian as “Simul Justus et Peccator,” simultaneously saint and sinner. (Remember Mick Jagger’s “Every cop’s a criminal and all the sinners’ saints? Doo doo, doo doo”)

Every Christian has been saved by the promise of his or her baptism in Jesus and indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. However, we must deal with the devil daily.

Every Christian has been called “a walking war.”

People seem to forget this. I will admit that there have been some folk in church that have just frankly turned me off. I must admit that I’ve probably done the same.

In any group of folks there will be people with whom you disagree.

I pray for those who have had bad experiences. But I’m the type of fellow that will go to a restaurant a second time, if my first experience wasn’t the greatest.

Faith wise, God has given Hazel a second chance in Christ’s forgiveness. Who am I not to give someone or something God has given me? Anybody could have had a bad day. Oscar Wilde once said, “Every saint has a past and every sinner a future.”

Still, those who play the hypocrite card are missing out on a lot of good things the church can offer. “Oh, I can stay home and watch Rev. Aardvark on the TV!” Will Rev. Aardvark do your funeral or be there when you have a problem? Staying away also cuts you off from inspired preaching, thrilling hymnody, support of Christian friends, and the blessed Eucharist.

I will never forget the story of a young fellow who got tired of going to church. “I just don’t get anything out of it!” His mother wisely took a colander down from the shelf and ran water through it. As the water flowed through the holes in the device, the boy exclaimed, “See that’s how I feel when I go to church. Nothing sticks.” Then his mom replied, “Yes, but look how clean it is.”

Hopefully the worship experience is a place where you can drop your burdens at the feet of the Lord, and be inspired to go forth renewed and reinvigorated. It is a place to orient yourself for life in this world and the next. In a world becoming more and more isolated, it can give you sense of belonging. Sparks that fly free of the fire usually cool and die.

Yes, there will always be folk you don’t agree with. But in a time when folk turn up their noses at you if the disagree with you, The Church can provide a refuge.

The Church is also a place where you can put your gifts to work. I will never forget how a wheelchair bound young man in one of my former congregations was put to work with a telephone ministry, making appointments and providing encouragement to folk in a volunteer home care organization.

Given up the church habit? It might be time for you to consider worshipping again and finding meaningful work as you praise the Lord, in the words of the old hymn, “With hearts and hands and voices.”

A signboard once proclaimed. “CHCH, What’s missing? UR!”

You may not find yourself being pushed in a car with a broken axle, but you may find healing for a broken heart and help others stranded along life’s road side. See you Sunday!