As some of you may know, I am VERY impressed by churches that repent, reform or otherwise examine where they are and decide to change for the better. I have at times left our local church in disgust and deep pain over various issues and stayed away for a couple of periods. However, I am SO pleased with the giant step they have taken recently.

It was actually my request and suggestion almost a year ago, which shows you how slowly the wheels of change turn. I simply requested that I be granted my personal desire to have wine for communion rather than Tom Welch's invention, grape juice. I did not want to impose that on anyone else, but just asked that my faith be accepted. Well, long story short, I was resoundingly told no, even though about half the congregation also wanted the same.

Surprise, surprise to me! In my absense a long time elder of the church, who is decidedly against any form of alcohol himself, had visited his son's church, where the choice of both was given. He still thinks that alcohol is too dangerous and a very bad thing, but actually suggested that the local church consider the faith of others and provide both.

Wow! One small step of reformation and the church did not fall apart. In fact, I really think that it has grown!