{I write each day in Lent 2024 on the general topic of “room.” That leaves lots of room for wandering, doesn’t it?}

I wrote yesterday of my study at a suburban Richmond, Va. area church. I don’t mind naming it: Bon Air Presbyterian Church. I loved that church and its people. The church building had room for worship, study, offices, library, classrooms, music rehearsals, and four rooms for a large weekday community kindergarten. Plus, beyond the bulding was a Scout Lodge.

Some distance back on the lot was a large shed-like structure (was it metal? cinderblock?) which was home to the church’s scout troops. I was there decades ago, so forgive me if I can’t recall how many scouts participated at that time. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and Brownies and Cubs? But in addition, the church used the space for part of its youth ministry. The senior high Sunday School was there in the morning, and later that Sabbath day, the youth groups met there. To be clear, it wasn’t fancy. Not much to look at inside or out. But there was a huge fireplace for heat in the mild southern winters, and some rough carpeting to accommodate the kids who preferred the floor to the rusty folding chairs.

I can’t speak to the Scouting uses of the building, except to assume that merit badges galore were earned there, camping trips planned, and ceremonies attended. No doubt, s’mores were a staple around the firepit out front. What I do recall clearly is the church’s youth ministry: dedicated youth leaders and teachers who helped shape the spiritual lives of countless teens in that large, primitive room. This was back when youth participation was perhaps at its height, so we had lots of adult volunteers who were committed to planning curriculum and creative (we hoped) teaching activities. Apart from Sunday School, the late afternoon youth groups had a more varied diet of nurturing programs that involved building fellowship, enjoying recreation and games, singing together, and planning service projects, such as visiting a downtown shelter for people with no room to call home.

I think the Scout Lodge is gone now. It was probably worn out, having served its purpose for many years. The church later built a large gymnasium hoping to attract youth who have found other things to do with their busy lives. I don’t want to admit that “those were the good old days,” but I am truly grateful for the presence of kids who grew in spirit at the back of the church property, including my children! And I give thanks for the welcoming adult volunteers who mentored them in that room.

Funny how a room can be recalled more for its function than its design. Kind of like church itself.