Turtles in Church

Most Churches have large screens on the stage to show Hymn lyrics, Bible verses or sermon illustrations that are used to visually enhance the worship experience.

At Bar Church The Sand Bar has a large flat screen television most used to broadcast football games for the patrons. During worship, it displays a running montage of nature scenes, mostly nautical in nature, because we're on a island.

This passed Sunday, I'm preaching away and can't help but notice that every eye in the Bar is focused directly at me.

"I am really rocking these Bible verses," I tell myself, picking up the intensity.

Just as I kick it up a notch, everyone's eyes divert to other things ... the beer or coffee they're drinking ... their phones ... people strolling by through the large glass windows.

Finishing, the band launches into the final Hymn ... "Knocking on Heaven's Door" ... and everyone sings along as worship comes to an end.

Greeting people while packing up the sound system and instruments, Jaime Lawrimore says, "Rev, I couldn't get my camera out fast enough to get a picture of the two Loggerhead Turtles making love on the screen above your head during the sermon. That was great!"

"What?"

"Sure enough," her husband and Bar Church founder Gordon Hill agrees, "Two Turtles doing it right above your head."

"It was a good sermon though," Jamie quickly adds.

"Oh well," I mutter.

You don't get this kind of stuff in most worship services but you do at Bar Church.