I don’t know about many of you, but I’ve always struggled a bit with the church scene in Siskiyou County. It’s not an easy subject to bring up, because we have so many friends and pastors who are dedicated to their church. I do not want to offend anyone! We’ve been to many churches here; some are good, some have issues. I guess churches are a bit like people; well, they do have people in them, so there you go.
Since we removed ourselves from the commitments of ministry at church, we’ve had the opportunity to visit lots of churches week to week. Man! Has it been fun. I’d really like to share MY perspective of what we’ve found.
The first church that I love to promote is the monthly service held at the Little Shasta Church. You probably know it better as that ‘white church with the massive steeple where everyone gets married’. Well, let me tell you something! They have a pastor out there that will blow your ‘theological’ mind! Pastor Shofner is a retired pastor and professor. His Sunday school is like sitting in seminary class. The guy is absolutely brilliant!
The small congregation meets the first Sunday of every month. Sunday school at 9:30, church service at 10:30. No child care, so you have to control your children the old fashioned way - with the stern look and whispered threats of being ‘taken out’. (just kiddin’) And go potty before you leave if you really have issues with porta-pottys.(Not kidding)
I just can’t recommend it highly enough. It is the church I most look forward to. I mean when that first Sunday is about to roll around we both go, “Yea! First Sunday comin’ up! Woo hoo!” and pass around high fives. Seriously, who gets that excited about going to church?! Ok ok, hold back the comments. I know YOU’RE that excited about YOUR church. Alright alright already, relax.
Now the church service is a little bit liturgical and traditional and there is a distinct difference between Shafner’s ‘teaching’ and his ‘preaching’. Both are good, but different. They could probably use an organist or pianist or guitarist. The tape recorder worship is kind of charming though;) So if you only go to the service you are really missing out on the full package. Make a morning of it and go to Sunday school and stay for the service.
If you’ve never been out there before, for goodness sakes, bring your camera. It is the most picturesque church in Northern California. And the countryside is so pretty. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, make an afternoon of it too. Continue on the road and visit the old cemetery and ‘boot fence’ before heading home. Read more about that in a previous post here: Little Shasta Road Trip
Hey! Guess what? First Sunday comin’ up! Woo! slap slap!
Maybe we’ll see you there.
