Tin roof, rusted!
Category:Church sign of the week
Verily, verily I say unto thee, Tin roof, rusted!
Ok, I admit it, this week’s sign is a little obscure – but if you are of a certain age and listened to the radio you will know what it’s all about, if you have no idea I suggest you watch this (or look up b52s Love Shack on google) before reading any more.
So you’re back – that’s 4:19 secs of your life you’ll never see again but you’ve come out of it as a wiser person. (In one of two ways; either you’ll never click on another link I offer you or you now know what this blog is all about!) But if this blog does nothing else, it has put a happy tune in your head that will be going round there for quite a while – admit it, go on, your singing it to yourself right now.
So for the big news – I’m going to rename the church – THE LOVE SHACK.
Cool isn’t it? I’m so hip, trendy and with it, and the first person to point out to me that the song was released over 20 years ago will be subject to my version of excommunication. (I have literally no idea how I will back up that threat.)
THE LOVE SHACK – will be open for worship on Sunday.
But seriously, think about it – parts of the song could be written about what the church should be.
“The love shack is a little old place where we can get together.” It’s the church – read the line again… it’s what we should be all about – relationships, love, community. The church should be a place where people can get together, it should be a place packed with love – for God, for others – whoever they are.
“Love rules at the love shack,” Again, isn’t that the most spot on line to describe the church – and if we’re not a community where love rules then we are doing the most basic things wrong. Remember what Jesus said, (strategically placed Bible quote ahead), “Love The Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself.” The rule of love is, and should be, at the very heart of the church. It is central to the work, the message and the life of the church and if it isn’t we should seriously re-examine what we think the Church should be.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that not all the lyrics of Love Shack fit the Church –
“Folks lining up outside just to get down” is not a line that sums up most church buildings or church communities, but we can hope and pray that the love we spread around reaps results, and that others will see Jesus in what we do and follow in his footsteps (or should that be dance steps).
“Glitter on the highway, glitter on the front porch.” We had confetti canons at Christmas and the care taker went nuts cleaning up the mess – glitter may be going too far, even for me!
“Huggin’ and a kissin’, dancin’ and a lovin’; wearing next to nothing ’cause it’s as hot as an oven.” Is wrong on so many levels as an analogy of the church and yet (like that terrible Batman and Robin film with George Clooney ) it’s so wrong it’s almost right. Notice the word ‘almost’ there. It’s terribly important – that line is almost right. Without wishing to offend most people within our church community,Ii would like to (strongly) point out that if it gets that hot that you want to wear “next to nothing” please go and stand under the air conditioners before undressing and I promise to grant you the same courtesy. I do like the “dancin’ and a lovin'” bit though. The Church could do with more dancing and since love is what we are about, you can never have enough!
The Love Shack is a little old place where we can get together…. Welcome to Church. A place of love, acceptance, tolerance and not enough dancing.
Oh and be careful where you stand…why?
Three words…
Tin roof, rusted!