Letter to the Editor

Belly up to the Bible

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Johnny Walker

Dear Editor,

I am thankful for the small-town churches that are not caught up in the “let’s close the church door” syndrome.

In my vocation as an auctioneer, I have had the responsibility to see nine churches be offered at public auction. At the last one, as I stood counting the accumulating dollars, I was halted by a man who said, “If I buy this church, will you preach here?”

“I’ll give you five years,” I replied.

So here we are, nine years later still preaching. We are the church who doesn’t use “Suds in the Sanctuary” as quoted in our local paper referring to those breweries finding homes in vacant churches. We do, however, use crackers and grape juice to honor the Lord’s Supper. And yet, sing songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Jesus Loves Me”. Also, our candles are lit every Sunday to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit.

We don’t pass the plate making people obligated to give. Rather, there is a giving station for a humble giving of the “widows’ mite”. Our front pew is a an alter for the repentant heart seeking comfort and forgiveness. For those who have a same old spot to sit, we see the loyal and faithful. We’re not much about production, bells and whistles. We’re just meeting together retelling the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

You can count on the Bible being preached and hearts being reached in our little hometown church. We pray for the sick and visit the members, share potlucks together the last Sunday of the month.

Our church name just says West First Chapel. We want you to know where to come. The doors never have closed through Covid and such. The greeters are present to welcome anyone.

In our little church, we still have funerals the old-fashioned way with tears and memories, knowing God’s plan for life after death.

Folks, we can have our place as we belly up to the bible in this global time. We’re seeing prophecy being fulfilled each day. Be reminded of great songs like “Just As I Am” and “There’s Power in the Blood”. It’s not long until we celebrate Easter and the resurrection story. Songs like “Up from the Grave He Arose”.

Be encouraged about the churches retaining original purpose of praise.

So who am I to be so bold? I am the man standing in the shadow of the Cross. Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow. See you Sunday as we both “belly up to the Bible”.