Amen Jim, and Amen again. The Pre-1975 era I remember best as I was baptized at our local distrct convention in Portland, Oregon, in 1971, at 14. I was pulled out of HS after my sophomore year to go into the ministry full time, in 1973. In 1975 I found a husband (I hated F/T ministry) and got married..... my personal armageddon began then with the horrid congregation I moved into, the shunning because of the family I married into, and later the severe spousal abuse.
And I remember the 8-day assemblies - one in Vanc. BC in 69 especially, as it was during the first moonwalk. My knees got burnt sitting in the sun.
But I do remember the fun times had. The congregational picnics, and one especially where we were playing a game of flag football and I caught a pass (though forced outta bounds) and my dad was amazed that I had any clue on football, let alone the finesse with which I caught the ball.
I remember thinking the elder arrangement was a good thing, even though I liked our PO. I grew up with his daughter.
Swim parties, rollerskate parties, and group "dating" with the gang I grew up with.
Learning sign language and translating during meetings, and talking with friends who knew how to sign during assemblies.
Working the concession stands serving hotdogs and hamburgers.
Going around with my dad delivering bags of groceries during a show storm.
Remembering my dad calling up bro. Tom who owned a heating oil company and ordering a full tank for so-and-so and to bill him.
What I couldnt understand was why that baptist woman who took in foster children and fed any child in her neighborhood was going to die at armageddon. That and other "doubts" remained with me until I discovered that the "worldly" were no different than I am.
Amen, again.
