The Little White Church on the Corner

In my ministry, I have occasion to travel around a bit. Recently, I had need to go to Cherry Valley as business called me to a church there. It was a beautiful white church on the corner, in the midst of the town with its steeple pointing heavenward to draw our eyes to God. Inside I was greeted by a warm and gracious brother pastor in the ministry who shared with me a tour, and the history of this church which has stood on that ground for over sixty years, staying steadfast to God, Family and Community.

Poway has its share of little white churches though not all white, not all little and not all on the corner as I reflect upon our own church, Mount Olive Lutheran Church and Preschool, We’re beige, we’re medium sized, and we sit smack in the middle of the block. But or over fifty years our roof has drawn the eyes heavenward to point to God and the cross declares the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What an important part of our heritage and our history have these churches been, when the generations before ours would sacrifice to build a home for family and community and for Christ! These churches would serve as meeting places, community events, fellowship dinners and places to help the needy. The centrality of God in their lives was never in question as these churches were a testimony in themselves to the faith that defined rural America.

Our church, as many others, stands unchanged over time. But our community around us has changed. No longer the tallest buildings in the community, our churches have given way to business, banks, recreation, and shopping. Set back from the busy roads, people drive by not noticing, not seeing, perhaps not caring about what these churches have meant to so many. Our lights still shine, though pale in comparison to the myriad of lights down the street, but the light of Christ is still and always the most glorious. Can the little white churches still draw those in need to their doors? Do they still have a place in the heart of the community? They do if the church that is the people of Christ step out into the community and let their compassion, love, grace, and mercy show to our communities around us, for the centrality of God in our communities is still the heart that is rural America.

Rev. Bill Baker Adapted from a piece he wrote, originally published in Yucaipa News Mirror.