Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

“The Beverly Hillbillies Go To Church"

”Uncle Jed, can I help take up the offerin’?” said Jethro Bodine.

Jed Clampett responded, “Why, I reckon you can Jethro but what’s an offerin’?”

Just before summer we do something a little different for one worship service. The idea is to have fun, eat together and encourage visitors. Last year, we had a beach party complete with “Beach Boys” music and surfing. Most showed up in beach clothes and entered a sanctuary full of beach balls, umbrellas and even sand. People still talk about that service. What would we do this year to top it?

“An offering is when you pass the hat and everybody fills it with money. This church is puttin’ up a new building out front so they need lots of money.”

“Well, how much do they need, Jethro?”

“A million dollars, Uncle Jed.”

Upon entering the sanctuary, you knew this Sunday would be different. The bulletin cover displayed the cast of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Then as you turned the page you read: “Howdy folks! Ya’ll are welcome to sit a spell and hear this message of God’s love. We’re glad you folks came today and we’ll be hopin’ to see you right regular.” The Beverly Hillbillies? What is this? Have we lost our minds?

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“Jethro, why can’t we just give them a million dollars? No, let’s make it two million so they can feed the preacher and help some poor folks too,” said Jed Clampett.

Mr. Drysdale leaps from his seat and shouts: “Now see here Mr. Clampett, you can’t go giving my money… (Pauses and smiles.) I mean your money to every charity that comes along.”

The Ringin’ and Grinnin’ bell choir was dressed hillbilly style. With an enthusiastic “yahoo ya’ll,” they played, “Coming Round the Mountain,” the theme from “Davy Crockett” and the old gospel favorite “I’ll Fly Away” all done with bells, railroad whistles and kazoos. Then, the lights dimmed and the all-too familiar song began, “Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed, a poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed…” On the big screen you could see the opening of the famous television show.

Jed said, “You’ve got a point Mr. Drysdale but don’t you think we ought to give something?”

“Well of course,” said Mr. Drysdale. “A dollar should be enough maybe two or you can do what I do.” For a moment, Mr. Drysdale looks at Jed then he turns and smiles at the congregation. “You can throw your money in the air and whatever stays up, give to God. What comes down stays in my bank.”

“Mr. Drysdale, that sounds like a great idea.” Jed throws up a pile of money which not only hangs in the air but seems to form itself into the shape of a cross. There is a long pause while everyone stares at the floating cross of money. “Well, doggy! I do believe we’ just seen a miracle,” said Jed.

“…so they loaded up their truck and they moved to Beverly… Hills that is: swimming pools, movie stars.” As the music faded, Jed Clampett appeared and said: “I want to thank you for invitin’ me and my family to Lynchburg, Virginia to talk about God and share our faith. Next week, you will begin ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ Bible study which uses our television show to teach lessons from ‘The Good Book.’”

“I don’t believe it!” Drysdale stomps off, shouting: “Miss Hathaway, where are you?”

“Jethro,” said Jed Clampett. “I think the Lord has spoken.” Both men solemnly remove their hats and hand them to the surprised ushers. “Let’s pass the hat and take up an offerin’.”

To read Beverly Hillbillies Go to Church Part 2: Click Here.

To read the message of last years "Beach Party Service" click here.

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Last modified June 11, 2002.

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