Seven Things Concerning a Small, Rural Church I'm Thankful For

My mother's great grandfather gave the land for her family's home church. Today the small church is located way back in the woods down a dirt road. The small group of church members meet once a month for preaching.

Although no member of my family attends the church now many of us visit occaisionally. The building is basically a sanctuary. There are no Sunday School rooms, and the outhouse behind the church serves as the men's and women's restroom.

Many members of my family are buried in the graveyard. If we visit during the week when church is not in session its a very quiet and scary place, but on a Sunday when the members meet and the circuit pastor is visiting it is like being transported back in time.

So, here are seven things I'm thankful for concerning my family's home church:

1. Small country churches with hard wooden pews especially if you find a funeral home fan with Jesus on the front to keep you cool.

2. Great old hymns like I Surrender All or How Great Thou Art.

3. Dinner on the ground following the church service.

4. The older women in the congregation who are so willing to give solicited and unsolicited advice. :)

5. Sitting outside while the service is going on and listening to the singing while the leaves whistle through the trees. You can’t help but feel the Lord’s presence.

6. Knowing that several generations of your family lie in the cemetary, and you can visit them often ;

7. The old fashion sign hanging behind the pastor that provides the Sunday School report. I’ve always wanted to be the one to change the numbers each week.

Give thanks each week...join Sunday Seven.

Have a great Labor Day weekend! Don’t forget to visit The Georgia Carnival!