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Take a What to What Day?
I was reading online where someone has proclaimed a coming Sunday as a "take a gun to church day". This is of course a response to the killings in Charleston and I can't think of anything so misguided than promoting people to take guns into a sanctuary of worship.
When I was 14 years old my birthday present was a Winchester 20 gauge shotgun. My parents took it upon an employee of their company to teach me hunting and gun safety and for the next few years I spent many a cold morning sitting in water, calling ducks, and sometimes shooting them. I enjoyed hunting for a while. But as with many hobbies, I eventually realized it wasn't something I wanted to do for the rest of my life and gave up the sport. Members of this congregation hunt, members of my family hunt, some of my best friends are shooting sportsmen. All of this is to tell you that I'm not a typical "oh, I'm afraid of guns" type of person. But even as he was led away for his crucifixion Jesus told his followers, "put away your weapons" and I believe that this is appropriate today.
I'm not writing this article to start a controversial discussion on the second amendment, I'm writing this to remind us that where we worship is God's house. This is a place of hospitality and welcome, a place of peace, forgiveness, and love, but it's not a place for a weapon.
Love,
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The Sunshine Resale Shop, 5413 Bellaire Blvd., is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Proceeds from sales of donated items support the programs of Christian Community Service Center. Drop off donations of clothing and household goods and shop at the Sunshine Shop often! June 27 is their summer home sale at 50% off and if you are 55 or older, everyday is 25% off!