Churches seek to serve, not coerce

I am writing in an attempt to correct a misconception that was reflected in Mrs. Wakeman's letter ("Trick or treat," Oct. 9) regarding the elimination of the trick-or-treat festivities on the square.

In her letter, Mrs. Wakeman stated that some are hesitant to take their kids to church activities for fear they will have "religion pushed on them." As a local pastor, I think I probably can speak for any church in the city when I say that such indoctrination is not the motivation for the children's activities we offer.

In a day when it seems that almost everything bears a cost or an ulterior motive, I can understand her difficulty in accepting that someone will act with no other motive than service, but at our church, serving the needs and well-being of children is paramount, whether or not we ever reach the child or family into our membership. We never try to induce a decision from a child without first including a parent in the process. I'm sure the same is true for the other churches in Lampasas and the area, or at least it should be.

In addition, I would point out that in a culture where things harmful to children are everywhere, any parent could do much worse than to engage their children in the wholesome and fulfilling activities of our churches.

I would invite skeptical parents to check us all out before assuming the worst. They might be pleasantly and gratefully surprised.

Paul Kenley

Pastor Grace Fellowship Church