Over the years it has been my blessing to know a lot of really fine pastors. I have known a lot of stinkers, too, but there are some good ones out there. Right now, there is a lot of e-mailing going back and forth about what each of us is doing during this time. Or, what we are not doing. The approaches are varied and interesting. Technology has emerged to this point and is allowing churches to remain connected.

         Yet, there are many churches that are disconnected, and it doesn’t seem to be a big deal.

         In addition to talking to pastors, I have had conversations with people in pews. I am not seeking these conversations out, they are coming to me. There are churches out there who have the capability to do what we are doing here at Urbana Yoke Parish, and even do more of it and do it better, but who are not doing anything. They are not getting messages out; they are not giving their congregation the opportunity to stay connected and they are not offering any help to their people. I have come away from these e-mails feeling depressed.

         And then it came to me the other night; if you do not have a message to bring, why worry about bringing a message?

         Over the years, we visited a lot of churches while on vacation. Marsha liked to go to churches that were interesting in their design and building style. The photographer coming out. We walked into several churches that would be considered unique, but which presented a bland and watered down message. One such church, inspiring on the outside, contained about 20 people within and featured a study on mother earth and our responsibility to her. Another church we went to, an imposing brick structure, looked like the people on the inside were already (18 years ago) practicing social distancing. Huge sanctuary. The only people sitting close to one another were husbands and wives. There were no children, just gray haired folks. No one spoke to us. The pastor walked in just in time to speak and then left the building while one of the men prayed to close.

You may not be aware that there are more churches out there with no message than there are churches with a real message, but it is true. If a church doesn’t have a real message, why bother putting whatever message they have out there? Just let everyone take a break from the monotony of church.

But, for those churches with a message of hope, of salvation, of victory, they have a message that is critical to get out. Those churches are compelled to get the message out, whatever the difficulty or the cost.

Our church here in Urbana, Indiana, is not a social club that we can turn on and off. Certainly, we have our fellowship and we have our social time. But we are first and foremost a place that is a sanctuary, a place that puts forth the Word of God and a place that has a Message! And most important, the desire to continue putting the message out.

It is a tiny drop in the bucket of Christianity. But it is our drop and it is our desire. We have a message! Take the opportunity to interact with others during this period shut down. Call people and check on them. Let Christian and non-Christian alike know they are being prayed for. Go beyond your comfort zone.

What a time this is, what an opportunity and a privilege. We can bring the Message in spite of it all! I shared this with someone this morning, I share it with you. The words to Send the Light!

There's a call comes ringing over the restless wave,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
There are souls to rescue there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!

We have heard the Macedonian call today,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
And a golden offering at the cross we lay,
Send the light! Send the light!

Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
And a Christlike spirit everywhere be found,
Send the light! Send the light!

Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore! 

         You may feel that your light is just a candle against the blackness of the universe, but it is just the candle that the Lord wants to use today.