Some folks

at River's Edge Community Church are experiencing anticipatorial withdrawal

as we count the days to a church-wide television fast, Nov. 12-19. Many

of our members already have signed commitments pledging they will keep

the one-eyed monster unplugged a full week. Some, however, are wondering

if they could survive without television.

Why fast from

television? The answer is the same as why anyone would fast from eating.

One fasts from eating in order to give oneself over more to other disciplines

like prayer, Bible Study, and self-examination. Fasts have been largely

missing from the everyday diet and lifestyle of Christians.

As we thought

about the prayer needs of our church and the needs of families to revive

the art of conversation, we decided that a fast from television would

be more significant and more impacting than even a fast from food. And

it will. Can you think of life for seven days without surfing, without

the weather report, without hearing the latest string of murders, rapes,

and robberies?

It's simple.

We're asking that individuals and families use television viewing time

to read through the Gospel of Luke, in addition to playing board games,

and perhaps hit on an intellectual conversation. Also, we're asking families

to observe a few moments of prayer, praying for their own particular needs

and the mission and purpose of the church.

After we decided

to make Nov.12-19 our Television Fast, I heard that the same week had

been designated "sweeps" week by the television industry. Meaning,

they will be broadcasting their very best and most sought after programs

that very weekhoping to increase their ratings so they can charge more

for advertising time. Oh well, whatever they air that week, we will be

able to see lateras if we could not live without the best and latest from

Hollywood and New York.

Fearing that

some folks would try to get around the television fast, we included also

videos, movies, computer gamesanything which involves a monitor or a screen.

Business and communications conducted by the world wide web are not included.

There is also the question about our seniors who are homebound and the

television serves them as neighbors and friends stopping by. We'll not

be legalistic about the fast, and only those who want to participate are

asked to sign up.

But seriously,

can you think of anything more discomforting to our lifestyle than to

unplug the television? Let me invite you and your family to join the folks

at River's Edge by turning off your television, experiencing family life

like it was a half-century ago. It will be, "I heard every word you

said, dear," rather than, "What did you say, dear?"

Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor

of River's Edge

Community Church in Fayetteville.

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