Steeples In The Sky

Joel's country church where he was baptized, confirmed, ordained

As seen from the farm he grew up on

When we travel the back roads to Joel's family farm his brother owns, we are able to see his country church long before we approach the road it is on.  The steeple raises high in the sky, proclaiming God's glory, declaring...."Here we are.....come and worship!"

It always makes us smile as we first lay eyes on Joel's home church, Aastad Lutheran.  His brother and their family still go there, living on the original family farm just a quarter mile away.  There are 17 Dahlens buried in the graveyard next to the church, with more to come including us.  Generations of believers.  So grateful.

Many congregations today worship in a warehouse or place of business.  There is no altar, no cross and no stained glass windows.  Often, no windows at all!  Pastors, ordained or not, dress in ripped jeans, untucked shirts and tennies or shoes worn without socks.  No clerical collars, suits, pastoral robes in sight. Quite a bit has changed over the 60 years I have been going to churches to worship!

As they age, cathedrals and vertical steeples are slowly being replaced across the land.  I realize it is not the building that makes up a congregation, but I will always have a love for the church we chanted about as kids............"This is the church.......this is the steeple.....open up the doors and see all the people." 

Joel has served many a country church, often 2-3 churches under his leadership at one time.  We have fond memories of good times in those churches in Montana, Minnesota, and Iowa.  I remember the sometimes aging beauty of the buildings with their "fingers" pointing to God!

Sadly many of the country churches cannot fill their pews any longer for any number of reasons.  But their unique beauty and tall steeples will always point our eyes skyward to Heaven.  They will always make me smile and give thanks for the faithful..........and for God's faithfulness to His people.