So this morning I attended the Easter morning service at Christ Community Church. I do not typically attend this church, but my older sister raved about its large campus and elaborate Easter Sunday showcase (apparently, there was real, live horse and donkey involved). My family arrived just in time to find a seat, and our attention was called to the jumbo screens (yeah, this church has two of them on both sides of the stage) where an infomercial type of advertisement was exclaiming about a Christian marriage seminar. Tickets, apparently, were only twenty dollars in advanced. After this proposition, my family and I were subjected to series of advertisements, sign up sheets, and events that take place at the church annually and only cost half the price in advanced.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, Easter is a Christian holiday in which we celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in place of the sins of the human race. It is a pretty important holiday. The premise of said holiday is pretty much the foundation of Christianity, and I was subjected to view an infomercial. My father and I were both offended at this and were upset at the fact that this church was taking this opportunity (most people attend church only two times a year and Easter is one of those times) to preach the message of sacrifice and salvation to sell tickets for some random event. Now, I am sure these seat filling events are important to the fundraising and up keep efforts of this church (that has two JUMBO SCREENS), but I am pretty sure the salvation awarded to the human race should take the spotlight at Easter Sunday service.
I felt like Easter was just an excuse to show these money raising events. I realize Easter is commericalized, but it should not be so at a Christian church. I was disappointed in my Christian brethren, and I hope some patrons walked away from the service receiving the right message.
--Nikki
First off Nikki, well said! I would “High five” you on here if I could!!! I have attended Christ Community Church a few times before, because my aunt used to go to church there. I know exactly what you mean about the whole donkey deal. It’s a little weird. I kept wondering the entire time if the donkey would poop in the middle of the room. Terrible I know! I didn’t ever have anyone come up to me and ask to donate anything at the church; however, I did feel that it was ridiculous that we had to spend $20 to get in, (quite lame if you were to ask me my opinion). It’s as if they are labeling society as a price to pay for your salvation. Not to get all “Churchly” on the subject, but that is one reason I really do respect Calvary (which is where I attend). Our Easter service was laid out that everyone could attend for free and our pastor, Robert Furrow mentioned that “Agape boxes are located around the sanctuary for your tithes and offerings, I just wanted you all to know this is just to the members who attend regularly and not for those of you visiting today, we ask nothing of you).”
ReplyDeleteI felt like that was a honorable thing to say. I can’t imagine how dreadful it is to see them just ask for money. It’s so sad to see our country and nation falling apart on the little things. I am glad though that we still have a few places that preach the word and aren’t out there to scarf down the green stuff in people’s pockets.
I like the idea of only asking regular members to donate. I wish this were the case for the service I attended.
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