Sunday TV or Sunday service

There is no denying it, we live in an age of convenience; we value things that give us the gift of no fuss. Take food for example, many meals are prepared in the microwave because it's quick and convenient. Almost gone are meals cooked from scratch on a daily basis. Have we sacrificed quality for convenience? Many of us would agree there is nothing like a home cooked meal, but on the other hand many wouldn't be without a microwave. 

Television can do a world of good, and churches and centers across the country have boarded the technology bandwagon as well. So why not just get up on Sunday morning, grab a cup of coffee or orange juice, stay in your PJ's, turn on the TV and see what one of the popular TV ministers has on their minds? It gets back to quality over convenience! It's not to say that some of the popular TV ministers are without a good message, many deliver fine, uplifting sermons, but there is a vitality, an essence of humanity that is missing. 

Here's a rough idea of what you might be missing by sitting in front of the TV. The feeling of acceptance just for being you. The TV doesn't care if you are there or not; miss a TV week, you are not missed. Many people tell me they come to church for their heart, like the feeling of a welcoming hug or a handshake that affirms your being. Some come for the connection, like a smile from another, a stranger or a friend, that warms the heart. Others, I know, come for the words, the message of the minister, or those from a friend that key into the needs of your heart and soul.

You may be given the chance to express that you love or appreciate someone, or that you miss them. It may be that you listen to a troubled heart. It may be the chance to perform sacred service, even sing with the choir. It may be the peace that envelops you as you sit in silence, away from this very hectic, gifted, re-gifted, commercialized time of the year. It may be the opportunity to thank and hug the minister after service, to stand beside another and sing a song of peace, or just have coffee after service with a like-minded friend.  

Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake is an accepting, caring community of real people, and we invite you to join us any Sunday at our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. service. Christmas Eve Service brings a very special light into hearts designed to love, held at 8 p.m. Turn off the TV, take a break from electronics, come together for a closer connection to God and humanity.