Chairs

Chairs

17 July 2024

Chairs.

Some chairs don’t enjoy the best reputations.

Time-out Chairs.  Although my parents spanked me when called for growing up, the time-out chair was their go-to disciplinary method.  There was nothing worse than sitting on the dining room chair knowing my friends were playing outside.   I shudder to think how much time little Fritz spent on that prison chair reflecting on his behavior.

Chairs Forbidden.    On Monday, Ethan Miller and all our National Youth Gathering kids sent us a group photo with a statue of Rosa Parks.  Stopping in Alabama on their way to New Orleans, they were reminded of a time when many American chairs and seats were sadly restricted.   How many blacks had to give up their seats on buses or trains in deference to whites?  How many talented women never sat in board room or office chairs because only men enjoyed seats at the table?

Musical Chairs.   A classic birthday party game cranks up the music while kids walk around a circle of seats.  But remember the problem?   Since the game-master ensures one less chair than participant, when the music stops and all must sit, one unlucky player doesn’t get a seat.  They’re “out”!

In contrast to these three downers, let me lift you up with a chair worth cheering!  Fantastic news rolled into Peachtree City yesterday morning.  Our brand-new worship chairs!   All the way from one of our nation’s top worship furnishings centers in Pennsylvania, a robust COS crew unloaded and positioned these wonderful chairs in our renovated sanctuary.  (Thank you team!)

Yes, these chairs are delightful because of their top craftmanship.  Yes, these chairs are very comfortable because after a congregation-wide “sit-test” we splurged for extra seat padding in the cushion.   Yes, these chairs are beautiful because our designer, Leslie Klein, coordinated the blue seat cushions to flow with the center aisle blue tile lines

In addition to all these fine attributes, however, our new chairs are truly special because they are Jesus’ chairs.   These chairs are not restrictive time-out chairs on which people will feel condemned.  But chairs upon which weary folks can sit and experience God’s grace.   These chairs are not exclusive chairs, available to only those with the right bank balances, colors, genders or sexualities.  But chairs open for all people.  These chairs won’t be restricted on a first come-first serve basis.   But chairs which offer the Lord’s abundance and inclusion.   And if more worshipers show up than chairs available, we’ll order more!

So let us rejoice!

Special Note:   If you haven’t read or heard yet, the plan is to celebrate the completion of the Sanctuary Renewal Project in August and resume our typical morning worship schedule Sunday, August 18.

• 8:30 and 11:00 AM traditional services in renovated sanctuary
• 9:45 AM (remember we switch FROM the interim 9:30 time slot) contemporary service

Ready to cheer for the chairs with you,

P Fritz

God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2.6

Questions for Reflection:

1. Where do you like to sit in worship services and why?
2. Where and what are some of your favorite chairs in life?
3. Are you emotionally OK if someone sits in a chair for which you were hoping?  ☺
4. Where and how does Jesus sit with you throughout your week?