Church of the Fisherman

[pastor norm 125]

No use hiding it. I am a pastor. I am also a fisherman. I've been

a fisherman longer than I've been a Christian and I happen to think

these two activities fit well together, except (maybe) Sunday mornings.

The reasons I think these fit well are in the Good Book. Jesus looked for

fishermen and hung out with them, even though they smelled pretty bad

sometimes. He used fishing imagery more than, say, carpentry to explain

himself. He also spent a lot of time teaching from a 18' foot Lund with

side-view sonar (ok, a wooden fishing sloop with oars and nets). He's on

record as a someone who enjoys fixing shore lunches for his fishing buds.

The first churches used the sign of a fish to represent themselves

and new members had to get wet as a sign they belonged ...etc. etc.

My question is, why do so many fishermen and rugged outdoor enthusiasts

here in Canada feel so alienated from the church? Honestly, what happened?

What kind of church do you think would be more friendly and helpful to

fishermen? Can you point me to one?

All input would be appreciated and respected. If you

feel you can't repond publically, my email addy is here:

norm@prenger@shaw.ca

thanks!

[Guest fancy pants]

When I was growing up one of the priests at St. Margrets was an avid deer hunter. Didn't seem to bother many parishioners. I believe his name was Father Donnely.

[AB 98]

Norm,

They might be seem alienated to you, but they could be praticing members of another church. One that holds services outdoors....everyday, not just Sundays.

iceman

[pastor norm 125]

Sorry.. My email addy is

norm2prenger@shaw.ca

I goofed.

[uncle 19]

I wonder if Roger can add another forum for this type of post? What do you say Roger?

[Castnblast 86]

Norm,

They might be seem alienated to you, but they could be praticing members of another church. One that holds services outdoors....everyday, not just Sundays.

iceman

Amen brother....my though exactly.

In my mind, a church is a place of worship. I was married on the cliff overlooking the Sea Lion.

[Antonio 8]

Honestly, nothing political about this, but my personal opinion is its almost like ego. Man was made, God gave man the means to survive, man created means of multiplying those factors and doing much more than just eating for survival (weapons, warfare), man believes he's above god?

I'm not a religious person, but I've talked to people who hold similar views as me, and this is always the general response I get. People generally just hold church as a bargaining chip anyhow, go through life, and when times get tough, find their way to church and beg for mercy.

[uncle 19]

I just googled Jesus. With 716,000,000 results why would I go to Thunder Bay Fishing if I wanted to read about him?

[pastor norm 125]

Hey uncle.. I don't want input here in this forum

about Jesus. I really don't want to give you any

input either in that regard. I just wanted some

input as to why churches don't seem to connect well

with fishermen and other sportmen. Ever see a church

sponsor a derby?

I see more of it in the States. Not that

I'm fond of everything American, especially

religious stuff. I did find some churches

in the states that seemed pretty hospitable

towards fishermen. None in Canada. Just

wondered why.

Do you know any church here in Thunder Bay

that welcomes fishing culture? Any church

that makes people like you and me comfortable

with our particular passion? I'd love to know

about it! I think fishing lends itself to

contemplation and clearer insights as to the

meaning of life and morality. A great example

of a this can be found in the writings and

life-style of Roderick Haig-Brown.

Thanks for the input. I'm not tying to preach.

[gsambray 172]

what your looking for sounds like a great idea to start. i know there is probably a lot of politics and such involved, but did you ever think about starting your own movement? you never know there may be a bigger turn out than most people think. As for myself I rather enjoy my sunday mornings up at first like either siting out on the lake fishing or sitting in a cut all alone watching for that perfect moment. To me thats about as religeous as you can get.

[uncle 19]

This might be more suited to your query Pastor rather than general fishing.

/>http://fishingboard.thunderbayfishing.com/index.php?showforum=20

[pastor norm 125]

Thanks uncle.. but this is a topic relating to fishing, I think.

Hope that's okay.

[gauge 0]

Hey uncle.. I don't want input here in this forum

about Jesus. I really don't want to give you any

input either in that regard. I just wanted some

input as to why churches don't seem to connect well

with fishermen and other sportmen. Ever see a church

sponsor a derby?

I see more of it in the States. Not that

I'm fond of everything American, especially

religious stuff. I did find some churches

in the states that seemed pretty hospitable

towards fishermen. None in Canada. Just

wondered why.

Do you know any church here in Thunder Bay

that welcomes fishing culture? Any church

that makes people like you and me comfortable

with our particular passion? I'd love to know

about it! I think fishing lends itself to

contemplation and clearer insights as to the

meaning of life and morality. A great example

of a this can be found in the writings and

life-style of Roderick Haig-Brown.

Thanks for the input. I'm not tying to preach.

I have hunted and fished with our Pastor at church, and have even seen him giving a Sunday morning sermon in full camo during the hunting season, lol. We also have a youth group called the hunters club leaning about the outdoors and bible study. In the past they have held wild game pot lucks dinners. Also during the moose season is the only time I have seen our Pastor make light jokes of how empty the congregation is as most men are afield. I myself have use of the church hall to run the boater’s course and operator’s card exams for a small donation to the church.

So I would have to say yes to your question of is there churches that makes people like you and me comfortable with our particular passion.

Gauge

[pastor norm 125]

excellent!

[pastor norm 125]

Well... there's at least one church that seems to welcome

fishermen/sportsmen. If "gauge" would let me know which one it is

I'd love to visit! It's the whole idea of fitting outdoor

wisdom with spiritual wisdom that appeals to me and I love the

way his church made it part of the youth activities.

Sorry to distract you readers from my query, but this is something

that matters to me. Spiritual things I have learned from anglers

in this area:

1. Worship isn't only a thing that happens in a church building.

One friend put it this way: "The lake is my cathedral". Other

comments/messages above fit with that sentiment.

2. Lets keep religion out of our fish talk. Mostly because it so often

dissolves into arguments and turf wars. I get that. Fishing is

supposed to get us away from stress and the turmoil. I promise

never to bring this up again in this general forum. However, liberty

is a valuable excercise, as long as we show respect for others.

3. Perhaps there is a need for a "movement" such as gsambray said.

It would have to look very different so that it didn't slip into the

same old thing again. I'm retired with a disability. I have to

watch my energy levels. But I'm thinking.

Thank you for your patience.

Norm

(from http://quotegarden.com/fishing.html)

Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths. ~Author Unknown

My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it. ~Koos Brandt

Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary. ~Patrick F. McManus