Judgement Day has come to Area Churches

Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, the medicine go down, the medicine go down....in the most delightful way. Whether or not the news was well received or not, the parishioners must face the music and dance to the "piper". The only alternative to taking the prescribed medicine, is to go somewhere else. Such important news to be mulled over on "mother's day" was I think, poor timing, but none the less, Judgement Day has come, and three out of four churches will consolidate, merging as in a marriage arrangement, like it or not.

A decision has been made, reflecting a sign of the times, and it's difficult for many to accept. This is not a new story, it's been happening everywhere else, but somehow, you never think it will happen in your town. Time will show that the Bishop, I think, wisely chose. Certainly, it was a no-brainer. The business decision, for the good of the entire church, probably had little to do with the petitions of people who carried signs asking drivers to "honk" if they agreed that their church should remain open. The church of choice was not different, but larger, and can accommodate all parishioners, including the other three churches, involved in this transaction. It was, in the end, a matter of common sense. The once majestic town with many churches has become tarnished. People of all denominations have fallen away from the responsibility of supporting their parish by their presence, and in short, even with all effort could not alter the course of the sinking ship, "the Mother Ship," which in it's magnificence, could not support itself, and must weather the adjustment in it's consolidation effort.

It's almost like building a huge house in anticipation of having a large family which grows up and leaves. Aging parents find it difficult and costly to maintain and inevitably must close shop or size down. Sometimes, you must put the property on the chopping block.

Selling out leaves a feeling of great loss. Much will need to be given up. The church family will need to sacrifice for the good of the whole. After all, how do you give up what has come to be a landmark in your town?

It's like taking one for the team. Not a good feeling, but in the end the right choice.