Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple

Remember this nursery rhyme? “Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple, Open the Doors and See all the People”?

I learned that rhyme at the simple country church down the road from the farm where I grew up. I have wonderful memories of that church. It had a sanctuary, Sunday school room and a tiny kitchen. I don’t think it even had running water, but it did have a lovely picture that hung behind the pulpit: Jesus knocking on the door.

One time, before I was old enough to read the hymnal, I was singing along with all my heart, when people around me began to chuckle. I had the words wrong. Whatever the song was, it wasn’t about a crowing rooster.

About that same time, a missionary came from India for a special Sunday afternoon service. For some reason, I was the only child present. The missionary put a tiny red bean in my hand. Inside it were three carved ivory elephants, smaller than sesame seeds. I still have that gift.

Each week in Sunday school, we learned a Bible story, did a craft and memorized a verse of scripture. One of our crafts was displayed in the church bookcase for years. I know, because I kept checking. At age 9, the church gave me my first Bible. I still have it.

The teachers, pastors and youth leaders from my growing up years cared about us kids. They knew our names. They spent time planning and teaching to help us build a strong foundation for life. I still find hope, peace and direction in the things I learned back then.

Many things have changed since my days in that little country church, but one thing remains the same: Children need a place where they are loved, encouraged and taught the truths that guide us through life. And so do we adults.

Today, 87 percent of Americans say they believe in God, but only about a quarter attend church regularly, according to a Gallup survey.

That’s too bad, because for all of its flaws, the church is still God’s hands and feet on earth. I’m blessed to attend church with a lot of ordinary people who have extraordinary stories about what God has done in their lives. They were blessed and now they bless others by teaching, counseling, praying for others, visiting those who are sick or in prison, building churches in other countries and so much more.

September 20 is Back to Church Sunday. Over 26,000 churches in 120 denominations have joined together to welcome people back to church. It’s a great day to bring your family to church or invite someone else to attend.

In Revelations 3: 20, Jesus states, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” For many people, that relationship begins inside the church doors.

For more information on Back to Church Sunday, check out www.BackToChurch.com.

If you want to try “Here’s the Church, Here’s the Steeple,” go to www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Church-With-Your-Fingers.

“No matter what storm you face, you need to know God loves you. He has not abandoned you.” Franklin Graham