SPIRITUAL POSTING, November, 2018, from Rev. Bill Charles

While a steeple can be a visible help in finding the location of a church, I remember being informed that the main purpose of a steeple was theological: to point the way to God in heaven. I always liked that story. Still do. It’s visual and has the virtue of simplicity.

I once visited Port Gibson, Mississippi. On the top of the steeple of the First Presbyterian Church (Google “Port Gibson church steeple.”), is a gold leaf-covered hand with an upraised index finger. It makes quite an impression.

I learned recently that a steeple can do more than point the way to God in heaven. It can point to things on this earth. I recently saw the shadow of our own steeple pointing north to . . . well . . . not much in particular, but the slow sweep of the shadow moving from west to east as the sun moves east to west has proved to be a good reminder for me that the church needs to point to this earth along with pointing to God. Jesus engaged the world of his day, and we are called to the world of our day. There were concerns that needed addressing by the people of God then, and so it is today.

Where is the shadow of our steeple pointing us? To God, yes; and to the world God loves.

The Picture: The steeple of the Lebanon Presbyterian Church stretches out for some distance and with a high level of clarity on a sunny day. Like the hour hand of a huge clock, it’s length and direction will vary encompassing a wide swath of territory in a day’s time. Is it time to refocus our attention?

A Prayer: God, many of us need someone or something to point out to us where our attention should focus. Give a sense of gratitude for the persons and things that “wake us up” to our surroundings when our attention spans have lapsed. Help us remember that they are doing us a favor. We ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen.