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The pews are waiting, the invitation is sent

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
These are simple and straightforward words from the Constitution of the United States of America. They are not an interpretation of such, not a summary and not paraphrased.
Do you see anywhere in this paragraph where it says our Constitution prohibits religion in America? Do you see anywhere in this paragraph where it says that all signs or symbols of religious affiliation must be hidden from the publicís view?
I donít.
There is much controversy today about public displays of such things as the 10 Commandments, crosses, nativity scenes and the mention of religion in schools and other public places.
So afraid are some people to talk about their religion and convictions that they will claim no affiliation rather than be politically incorrect.
And thatís all it amounts to, so-called political correctness.
I belong to an evangelical religion, the word ìevangelizeî meaning, according to Mr. Webster, ìto preach the gospel to,î to convert to Christianity,î to preach the gospel.î And that comes from the root word ìevangel,î meaning bringing good news.
As evangelical Christians our duty is to spread the word of God and preach to others, whether it be by mouth, by writing or by example.
We are not to sit back and quietly practice our religion, hiding our symbols, such as crosses worn around our necks, or to mind our own business. Our business is to share the love of God.
Do I want to shove my religion down someoneís throat, as they say? No, but I do want to share the hope and joy I find in my faith in the hopes that others will find that same joy.
I write this because I join the North Branch ministerium in inviting you all to visit a church this Sunday, designated by the group of pastors as ìGo To Church Sunday.î
All theyíre asking for is one hour of your time this weekend (unless of course you should happen to stay for coffee hour fellowship, where that occurs). There will still be plenty of time for watching ball games, family gatherings, fall yardwork and afternoon naps.
You have a choice of churches in the area, stop by one of your choosing and see what the church families already know - itís a nice place to be on Sunday ... and all week long.
In these houses of worship you will find people who care about each other, about the community, about the country and the world. These people are not perfect, if youíre thinking that, thatís not why they are there. But they know that there will be others in the congregation to share their joys and sorrows, to offer prayer and comfort, and accept them for their imperfections.
If you are new to the area, check out the extensive church schedule on our Religion page. If you used to go to church, but havenít crossed the threshold in years, well, welcome back. Your pew awaits you. Maybe, just maybe, there is someone in a church near you who can help you find the peace and happiness you need in your busy, hectic and often lonely life.
The choice is yours, go to church or not. No one will be standing there with a gun forcing you to go, thatís one guarantee. But donít let anyone tell you our government prohibits talk of religion, or that it was founded on the premise that we canít practice our religions in public or anywhere else. As I read it, thatís another guaranteed freedom.
And by the way, October is Clergy Appreciation Month and Sunday, Oct. 12, is set aside to honor those men and women who serve us daily in our times of joy and happiness, and in our times of illness and grief. The job is endless, the pay isnít so great, the thanks come few and far between for these very special people.
So, while youíre visiting your church this Sunday or any Sunday in October, be sure to let your pastor know how much he or she is appreciated.

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