THIS CHURCH IS NOT FOR SALE!!!!

A traveler going down State Road may well do a double-take if they should notice a “For Sale” sign on the property between Turner and Foss Avenues.

Although the sign may reflect the decisions of The Session and The Congregation, I am concerned about what folks may read into it.

So, I want to be as clear as I know how – and I would hope you would be, as well – “This church Is NOT for sale!!!”

What The Session and The Congregation hope to do is to get out from under the overwhelming costs of owning, maintaining, and operating our huge building.

Accordingly, the “building” at 3400 State Road is being placed on the market. But, let it be clear, it is “the building” that is for sale – this church is not for sale.

The Session understands this.
All who attended the recent Congregational meetings seem to understand this.
The fundamental truth of the matter is that “the church” is not a building but the church is “the people” who gather to worship and to do the work of Christ.
And, this church is not for sale!!!

We do know there were times in the past when churches have sold out – when something other than the incarnated presence of God has taken precedence over the Christ of our faith. This is not happening here!

We all see instances on television where preachers have sold out and promulgate “feel-good” and “receive deserved riches” messages that have little or nothing to do with the Gospel that has been passed down through the ages. This is not happening here!

Christ Church in Drexel Hill, has not sold out, is not selling out, and will not sell out.

The sale of our building should provide a unique opportunity for us to re-think and re-design our ministry and purpose as a church in the days ahead.

The sale of our building lets us explore ways of being church that maybe different from our past experiences.

The sale of our building allows for the possibility of continuing life as a church – as people of God – in the days ahead.

The property is being marketed with a lease-back arrangement, giving us the opportunity to continue using a portion of the building – such as the Chapel area.
So, our “church” could continue to use a portion of this building we have been using for over 80 years.

So, that’s the plan. That’s the hope. That’s the dream.
I hope you will be a part of the new dream for Christ Church.

Meanwhile, let the word get out, this church is not for sale!!!

When A Tree Falls . . . . When A Church Closes

We are told that when a tree falls in the forest and no one is around for miles and miles, it makes no sound.
So, I want to know, when a church closes -- especially an open, welcoming, progressive congregation -- does anyone care?
It seems to me that we should.
It seems to me that we should care enough to take specific steps to ensure its continuing witness to the Presence of Christ -- all of us -- whether we are members of that particular church, or not; whether we have ever been to that particular church, or not;
whether we live in the same state, or not.
For some 20 years, now, I have had the privilege of being pastor to a congregation with an 80+ year history of ministry and witness within a first-suburban community near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
When I was interviewed in 1989, I was told that the church had funds on hand to last perhaps six months, and was asked if would consider the challenge of being pastor during that time period.
20 years later, there are funds on hand to last perhaps six months more.
During the years, our congregation has become welcoming of all -- no matter what -- and affirming of individual self worth and respect.
We use non-sexist language in our liturgy and study the latest Biblical scholarship to pass on to those in attendance.

Here I intend to share some thoughts and on-going commentary on events that affect the lives of folks we reach.