Creede Community Church
My other church family
One of the essays in my book is called, "Just To Sit and Cry and Not Be Bothered." It's an essay about the city of Creede, Colorado and a church in that town that means a lot to me. Until last summer, I used to sit in the back pew once a year and enjoy not being in charge of anything. Most years I would cry through the whole service. This year I met the pastor and decided to join. I was accepted in September as an associate member.
That's right, I'm the pastor of one church and now an associate member of another. At my San Antonio church I am the shepherd of the flock, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer. I am the shepherd because I have been called by my community to that ministry. At my Creede church I am simply one of the members. I can only attend once or twice a year, but it's my church. It's where I go to be fed in ways that are impossible for me at Covenant.
To be honest, the whole associate member thing is largely symbolic. But even if my Creede church is far away, it's nice knowing that there is a place I can go where I am just one of the sheep.
Now part of being a faithful member of a church means offering something of yourself to the church family. Church is not about sitting in pews and watching other people do and say things. You should offer something of yourself to your spiritual community.
You might know that I design websites. I've mentioned it once or twice. It's one of the ways I make a living while being the pastor of a smaller congregation. This summer I found out that my church in Creede did not have a website.
They do now.
It's not a very fancy website, but that fits because we at CCC are not fancy people. It's simple, and that does fit because we are a simple people. I hope it is beautiful in a simple kind of way that reflects the beauty of our mountain church.
Hey, if you're ever passing through Creede, stop in and give us a yell. (There's a map on the website!) Chances are I won't be there, but you'll enjoy it anyway. My pastor's name is Clairnel. If you stop by someday or send email, tell her I said hello and that I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Creede this summer.
The New Creede Community Church Website
rlp
8:13:07 PM 
|
