Arches de Triomphe

I have one of those love/hate relationships with McDonalds. In part because I’m stubborn enough that I don’t like to feel as if I’m being bullied into a situation. Children who aren’t old enough to read can recognize the golden arches and start pointing their parents towards them. When our sons were young, McDonalds had started introducing the playgrounds on site, Chicken McNuggets, and Happy Meals. There was no question where they wanted to eat when given the choice! They saw fun and toys! I saw kids eager to eat, a possible struggle over when to leave, and sweet convenience. One of the things I admire about McDonalds is how quickly they move people in the drive-thru lanes. If someone tries to boycott the system by special ordering, then of course the sandwich will be made to order, but they ask that sticky cog to pull ahead so that the other well-trained customers can pull up and receive their orders as soon as possible. It’s a very well-timed process with a high standard of implementation. I find myself comparing other drive-thru waits to McDonalds when I feel I’ve been waiting too long for fast food. Hello! Fast food!! Although I may have mixed emotions about the restaurant, they do offer some wonderful charitable gifts such as the Ronald McDonald Houses which allow families to stay near the hospital where their critically ill child is receiving treatment and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles taking health care to neighborhoods.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, Our congregation does so many things so well. We are blessed. Some processes are well practiced and have stood the test of generations, while some methods are revised and critiqued for possible changes. It is a struggle to know when our ideas might border on the edge of awkward impulse and when we are living in the realm of unbridled dreams and visions. We dream that the children will point to the cross on the church and direct their parents to turn in. We hope that the parents will see the church as a home that offers fellowship, nurture and growth for their families. Let us hold our church to a high standard whose focus is the triumph of your kingdom and one that can be used as a gauge for vitality. Let our congregation be known for our united acts of love and for gifts of gratitude to the community in response to the grace in our lives. Let us create an arch of joined hands to welcome the Beloved. Amen