IT'S BIZARRE!

Every Church needs one major event each month. It doesn't have to be a worshipping event. It may be social, musical, educational or a charitable effort. But with one major event a month there's a chance of getting all members working together. Two or three events can split the active force which makes for unhealthy competition.

Judging from the postbag for my column in the Chronicle, it's clear that the one major event in November is the annual Christmas Fair! This gets everyone involved. They work together as if the future of the Church depends on its financial outcome. Perhaps it does.

More than any other Church matter, I get dozens of letters saying, "Please mention our Christmas Fair." I welcome the letters and try to include them all. But I think, is the Church not doing anything else they'd like people to know about? Does the Vicar never say anything from the pulpit which deserves a wider airing? Is there nothing you'd like to get off your chest? Maybe not, so come November and everything stops for the Bazaar and the working party produces the result of its year's work. That's when Santa Claus sits in his Grotto with his little workers (his subordinate clauses?) and the Church Hall is converted into a mini-casino. Even when the Church denounces the Lottery there'll always be room for the Tombola, the Wheel of Fortune, a lucky Bottle Stall and the Giant Hamper Draw. And why not? This is the Church Fair!

I know a man who met his future wife at a Christmas Fair and you can't say fairer than that. But afterwards, when they ask you, "Was it a success?" just remember not to look at the financial balance sheet for your answer. Look for the social success. Were friendships renewed? Were feuds ended? Did the event promote understanding and did the Church grow as a family? That's a far more lasting balance sheet than simply totting up the cash.