Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008
From: Terry Paul Choyce
Subject: For once I'm talking this sermon, not reading it. It's up to you if you want it on the website. Love, T
To: BSUC Online
[Notes For] How Do We Fill Our Spiritual Hunger? April 13, 2008 BSUC
Reading of "May all be Fed" by John Robbins
Last week I asked Richard what going to church should be like:
Fine restaurant - dressed up, lovely atmosphere, friendly service providers, relaxed, delicious gourmet food, nice music, and you feel really good when you leave- even if the bill is big.
That's not really us at BSUC, but I guess it could be.
That got me to thinking - if we were a restaurant what kind would we be? And then I thought, that should be your decision, not mine.
options
Fast food - cheap, predictable, impersonal, reliable
Family restaurant - plain-wholesome food and lots of it, bit run down but comfortable, same people come over and over, mid-price
Buffett - lots of diversity, take what you want and leave the rest, nice atmosphere, mid-price, food is perfectly prepared but you have to serve yourself, try lots of options, and eat mostly your favourites
Trendy coffee shop - try 20 types of coffee and gorge on pastry and sweets. Not healthy, expensive for what you get, but often a social centre.
Kitchen - cheapest in price, you do the shopping, chopping, cooking, serving. You listen to the complaints from the kids. You clean up the mess and do the dishes.
Put into church terms
The fancy place has a big staff, ornate sanctuary, lots of extra activities, and you are expected to tithe -that means 10 % of your income. The theology is predictable and fairly fundamental.
Fast food church has little personal outreach and doesn't care much about you. You come and go cheaply and anonymously.
Family place needs you to participate a bit, doesn't have lots of frills and extras, fulfills your basic spiritual hunger, relies on your money and attendance, struggles to stay in business.
Buffet church has different music, readings, and unique sermons. It is intellectually and spiritually challenging and stimulating. You have to participate and your input is important. It needs you and your money.
Trendy church is all happy and positive, but not there for you when you have a problem or need real spiritual nourishment. You pay a lot for not much that is really good for you, but it may feel and look good.
You can always worship from your kitchen. You do your own prayers, readings, music, organising, and you deal with all the complaints and mess.
Churches that are totally lay lead are like a community kitchen. Lots of work and headaches, but food can be very nutritious and inexpensive.
All this is a fun way to approach the discussion of what do you need and expect from our church, and what are you willing to contribute in time and ideas, and finances.
Myself, I always prefer going to a buffet because I love lots of options and new taste sensations. This holds true for learning about different faiths and beliefs as well. My main diet may be meat, vegetables, and potatoes but I sure enjoy an occasional taco and shrimp tempura. I love experiencing new things and expanding my understanding of the world and my faith.
Following our discussion I'm passing out slips for you to vote for what kind of church you want. If we know our common goals we can better create a church where we can all be spiritually fed.
Terry "A single grateful thought is the most perfect prayer." G. Lessing
