The CHURCH...it has meant a lot to America!

This is an article that was written by my Great Grandpa Errol (my mom's father's father) on March 9, 1949. Since the scan of the article did not come out clearly, I will include below the text of the article.

"The Church on the corner or the steeple we may see in the distance verifies a life lived and stands as evidence in any given community that there are those who sense the power and influence of the Master's teachings. Are you one who senses this influence and shares in it, or are you engrossed in individual enterprises and find little time or need of the church? Is your life dominated by materialistic, selfish, and egotistical motives or are you concerned about the misfortunes and joys of others? The church can fulfill the same purpose for each of us that a governor does to an engine-the church can help regulate lives and relieve the strain of modern living and afford the opportunity to take inventory and to evaluate the moral and spiritual values and the purpose of living.

You say you are not interested: Would you want to live in a community where the Church was not present? Do you accept your share of the responsibility for the Church's support and maintenance? Some give of their time, others give their financial support-there are many ways you may serve. Do you, like some, stay away because you judge yourself better than some who affiliate with the church, who have made positive commitments and perhaps errors?

The church's influence is determined by the going and coming of those who frequent its doors and the leavening influence of many inspired lives as they radiate out in any community. To some the church may mean the difference between being a beast or a human being, between hating and loving, between being a burden and a useful citizen of society. The church is a monument to the faith of a community in the way of life as taught by the Great Teacher and Example, Jesus.

By Errol G. Myers, Trustee, Friends Memorial Church"

I thought that it was really interesting that my Great Grandpa assumes that the church makes an impact in its surrounding community and culture. That is not the norm for today's American church. Oh how our churches today need to do the same. America needs churches that will make huge ripples in their communities, their cities, and our nation like we've had in the past. I believe that the American church needs to step out again in faith to form the cultural centers of American communities. How does the church do this? By serving others unconditionally in our nation's cities and communities. Perhaps, when the church starts transforming the culture, we will see a culture that involves radical repentance and awakening in our nation. Who knows what God has in store for the churches in America. But, I think the church has a bright future!