The View from Under the Pew

One of my favorite parts of being a pastor is being able to look at and read all sorts of books... I especially love looking at wide varieties of children's books and am ecstatic when I find a creative book about church or faith or God. In November, I picked up about 10 books like that. My favorite book from that group of wonderful books is called "The View from Under the Pew". It is a unique book indeed, written in a dog's perspective about church life. The book includes a pastor, Pastor Diane, and her seeing-eye-dog who goes with her through a week of church life. From meetings to visits to hospital calls to Sunday worship, this canine companion guides Pastor Diane and keeps her safe. It is a touching book, an out of the ordinary book, that shows us how big the church and God's kingdom can be.
In real life, I've now had 2 guide dogs in training be part of our churches. Once in Pennsylvania and also now occasionally at Cushing, these obedient, friendly, servant dogs come to worship with us. On Christmas, one sat right in the very front row. The book and these dogs raises our awareness of people who need helpful companions, people who need our care and concern in unique ways. How do we as a church reach out to all God's people with their challenges and talents, joys and hopes?