Welcome to Church

Long before the creation of social media, Moses gave the people of Israel instructions for how to come together and behave. We need this now more than ever.

Be quiet and respectful of the people around you. Turn off your cell phone. Be aware that people are trying to read, do research, and study. No food or drink allowed.

These are the rules for a library, right?

How about this: Cheer loudly for your team, stomp your feet, and clap your hands. Take selfies and post them on social media. After you see a great play, jump to your feet and high-five the people around you. Eat and drink all you want, but try not to spill on the person in front of you.

These are the rules for a sports stadium.

You would never confuse the two, would you? If you follow the rules for a stadium in a library, you’ll be forcibly removed. If you apply the rules of a library to a stadium, people will wonder what’s wrong with you. You’ll get some dirty looks if you tell the sports fans around you to be quiet … so that you can read a book.

Physical spaces have rules. Although none of us follows them perfectly, we know the expectations....