The title of this newsletter is also the title of a book I have been reading written by Tim Cool. Often, we forget the importance of rooms named after church members who have left their legacy and are with the Lord. We all enjoy the Frederick Room and Schum Fellowship Hall. But have you taken the time to learn who these men were and what they did for Christ at CPC?
The first time I met Bob Frederick was when I joined CPC while the church was meeting at the old Westview Elementary School. He was the Clerk of Session at that time and was a worker for the cause of Christ who never seemed to stop. In our original sanctuary, Bob would often ask for help after the Sunday evening service to assist him in changing light bulbs in our high ceiling. That was like watching a circus show! Several deacons would hold him with two ropes while he was extended on top of a 40-foot extension ladder. Bob had no fear of doing this and definitely loved his church.
As a kid, I remember watching Hank Schum on Sunday mornings before church on Channel 12. He would preach the Gospel using black-and-white drawings of New Testament events, and I was always amazed by his talent. Years passed, and I met Hank again as he helped plant CPC in East Brainerd. I remember him as a simple man with a simple message: Christ and Christ alone!
So, I recently have been wondering what we can do to continue the legacy of these men and other saints who worked hard for CPC and are now home with the Lord. How do we continue to catch the attention of visitors each Sunday who might become future leaders of our body? According to Tim Cool, author of Why Church Buildings Matter: The Story of Your Space, it takes about seven seconds, and it starts in the parking lot.
First, the parking area should say, “Welcome!” Eddie Rahm and others do a wonderful job with this as they greet folks rain or shine every Sunday.
Second, we have a helpful and wonderful group of Deacons and volunteers who assist each Lord’s Day directing folks to the sanctuary, nursery, classrooms, etc.
Lastly, we have a building that is hopefully neat, clean, and inviting.
I have volunteered to work with the Essentials Class after worship and I can attest that it is growing with potential new members. I am convinced we are doing something right by God’s grace!
So, I ask you, “How can you fill seven seconds on a Sunday morning?"
