Change – Church refuses to change a light bulb

Church Rector Rather Paul Smith refuses to change a church light bulb.

Light bulb jokes aside, why would Smith refuse to change a light bulb at the 14^th century St. Mary’s church in Cottingham, Humberside?

The ceiling at St. Mary’s is over 30 feet. New health and safety regulations require scaffolding be built to access vaulted fixtures. Because they cannot use a ladder, the price of changing the bulb will cost the church over 700 dollars.

Smith says the church simply cannot afford it.

Sometimes change is easy, other times it’s as painful as a 700 dollar light bulb.

There is a truth that is applicable to all people, all places, and all time:

Things must, and always will, change.

Here’s what the apostle Paul said about dealing with change:

“…one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 HCB

Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, wrote this:

“The Past is the textbook of tyrants…Those who are solely governed by the Past stand like Lot’s wife, crystallized in the act of looking backward, and forever incapable of looking…[ahead]” –Herman Melville, White Jacket

While we’re on the topic, here are a few religious light bulb jokes about change:

How many Charismatics does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one—since their hands are in the air anyway.

How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb?
None—God has predestined when the lights will be on.

How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten—one to change the bulb and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.

How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb?
One—but for the message of light to continue, you send in your donation today.

How many Anglicans or Catholics does it take to change a light bulb?
None—they use candles.

How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?
There is some question here. But we have it on good authority that they have appointed a committee to study the issue and will report back at their next meeting.

How many Amish folk does it take to change a light bulb?
What’s a light bulb?

How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
CHANGE???????

 

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