This expression has been an ongoing humourous statement over the last 3 years.  It seems over the last few years that there is always someone who starts their sentence with "At my other Church", and then goes on to share what their church is doing.  This always takes place in my Church.  It used to make me sad and feel as though we (Stanley) were a second team Church.  But of recent I find humor in the "At my other Church" and I no longer spin to a path of depression.  In fact I try to filter into my own conversations..."At my other Church...we have Lobster and Steak for dinner..at my other Church we go on Mission Trip to Hawaii, and it cost us zero..at my other Church we just play video games...THE WHOLE TIME....at my other Church ski trip is free...at my other Church when we graduate from HS we get the car of our choice..FREE!...at my other Church we all get new IPODS..AGAIN FREE!  I have always enjoyed the extreme..and if you know me,  you know that I NEVER embellish anything!  Has Church become a competition? Has the goal to find a Church that does all the above things?  Is the goal to compare Churches and make one of them feel inferior?  Is the goal to make Church a Community Center and never hear the stories of Jesus?  Is the goal to have Church cater to us?  Do we all have our other Church?  I don't have another Church and I don't believe that any of those things are the goals of the Church.  

In some ways I feel like Stanley has always been my Church..From Tom Sparks to Pastor Eric..From TomFord to Tanner Stevens..from Pastor Polly to Pastor Molly..From Nashville to LA..from Downtown KC to Louisville..from Ginger to Doug (Religion Guy) Edwards...from wetnwild to wetnwild...Youth Sunday to Youth Sunday....From Renew to Kavode...from Trunk and Treat to Fall Fest from Andrea Frog to Carly Cupcake..From Jason Juan to Roberto Hartfield....The names and events may change..But Stanley is still Stanley...same corner...same love for the people who enter the doors...you know what else has not not change?  Jesus....still seeking us..still loving us despite how we might change..despite how we may treat  our faith.  Stanley has continued to bring the Cross to the folks of Stanley..has been perfect...God has not asked us to be perfect..but faithful...Stanley has remained faithful to the community..and still remains on the corner....It has not left...but has remained here for the people.  

Whether you have your "Other Church" or you are hearty member of The Presbyterian Church of Stanley, what really matters is that you are listening to what God may be speaking into your life.  Are you leading with the love of Christ?  Are you seeing others through the eyes ofJesus?  Are you listening to God whispering " I love you." Mother Teresa has great quotes about wher our heart may be.

"It is not how much we do,
but how much love we put in the doing.
It is not how much we give,
but how much love we put in the giving."

"Love cannot remain by itself -- it has no meaning.

Love has to be put into action, and that action is service"

"There is a terrible hunger for love.
We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness.
We must have the courage to recognize it.
The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them.
Love them."

Whatever Church you call "My home Church" may the love of Jesus enter into your everyday life and change you.  As I was saying, at my other Church..........Blessings your way Harlan Harper