The Salty Dog Cafe, Church? The Salty Dog Cafe has been a favorite of our family since our first trip to Hilton Head Island many years ago. The little village in South Beach and the legend of the sailing labrador named "Jake' has grown throughout the years. It's hard to travel the Carolina's without seeing the famous Salty Dog logo on a t-shirt, ballcap, or car window. If you've never been check them out at http://www.saltydog.com/
During the summer people flock to the village of shops and restaurants located at South Beach Marina. For some it's an annual pilgrimage to a place that represents: laid back days; memories of friends and family; peace; smiles and laughter; good food and a welcome retreat from the hectic pace and events of 21st Century living. The Salty Dog isn't a place for those who don't love animals, or kids. Dogs are welcome and you might just run into a parrot/macaw that will wave to you! Naturally, kids love the atmosphere of the Salty Dog with all those photos of dogs and those crazy birds. Stay with me, this is more than a promotion for one of my beloved haunts.
The Salty Dog isn't about who you are, where you come from, how many degrees you have, how much money you make or what you drive. People from all walks of life go to the Salty Dog and everyone is welcomed. There's no pretentious air and everyone "fits".
On a recent trip to South Beach with my family during the "off season" I couldn't help but think how churches ought to be more like the Salty Dog. All people should feel welcomed. Your income, education, family background and geographic origin shouldn't matter. Laughter and smiles should be the norm and you ought to be able to reflect on some wonderful memories connected to that community. It should be a "safe place" where you can unplug from the pressures and demands of 21st Century living. It should make 21st Century living easier, not more complicated. It should be a place where everyone "fits".
The New Testament writer, Luke did not have the Salty Dog in mind when he described the New Testament Church in Acts 2:44---"All the believers were together and had everything in common." However, it's this sense of community I get when I go there with friends and family. Come to think of it, it's this sense of community I get when I gather with the Mosaic faith community: laughter, imperfect people, fond memories, unconditional acceptance and love, and a community that loves kids. If your church isn't like that perhaps you need to ask your pastoral staff and leadership to retreat to South Beach and make some observations. Better yet, re-read the second chapter of Acts.
I get to return to the Salty Dog later this month with a close friend and my parents. Notice, I didn't say "I have to go" like many of us do regarding church. I can't wait! It's a privilege and an opportunity. How much more so for the community of faith? Okay, now where's that bandanna we got for our dog.
During the summer people flock to the village of shops and restaurants located at South Beach Marina. For some it's an annual pilgrimage to a place that represents: laid back days; memories of friends and family; peace; smiles and laughter; good food and a welcome retreat from the hectic pace and events of 21st Century living. The Salty Dog isn't a place for those who don't love animals, or kids. Dogs are welcome and you might just run into a parrot/macaw that will wave to you! Naturally, kids love the atmosphere of the Salty Dog with all those photos of dogs and those crazy birds. Stay with me, this is more than a promotion for one of my beloved haunts.
The Salty Dog isn't about who you are, where you come from, how many degrees you have, how much money you make or what you drive. People from all walks of life go to the Salty Dog and everyone is welcomed. There's no pretentious air and everyone "fits".
On a recent trip to South Beach with my family during the "off season" I couldn't help but think how churches ought to be more like the Salty Dog. All people should feel welcomed. Your income, education, family background and geographic origin shouldn't matter. Laughter and smiles should be the norm and you ought to be able to reflect on some wonderful memories connected to that community. It should be a "safe place" where you can unplug from the pressures and demands of 21st Century living. It should make 21st Century living easier, not more complicated. It should be a place where everyone "fits".
The New Testament writer, Luke did not have the Salty Dog in mind when he described the New Testament Church in Acts 2:44---"All the believers were together and had everything in common." However, it's this sense of community I get when I go there with friends and family. Come to think of it, it's this sense of community I get when I gather with the Mosaic faith community: laughter, imperfect people, fond memories, unconditional acceptance and love, and a community that loves kids. If your church isn't like that perhaps you need to ask your pastoral staff and leadership to retreat to South Beach and make some observations. Better yet, re-read the second chapter of Acts.
I get to return to the Salty Dog later this month with a close friend and my parents. Notice, I didn't say "I have to go" like many of us do regarding church. I can't wait! It's a privilege and an opportunity. How much more so for the community of faith? Okay, now where's that bandanna we got for our dog.
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