Gas and Full Pews

Nobody knows yet exactly what gas rationing and the rubber shortage are going to do to churches and churchgoers. Nearly everybody agrees that these short ages have already caused changes in U.S. churchgoing habits, are due to cause more and bigger changes in the near future. Hardest hit are the rural areas, where countryfolk often have to drive miles to get to church. In cities, however, gas rationing is proving a blessing in disguise: more people, unable to use their cars, are now going to church for diversion. Some other changes noted by churchmen:

> More union services. This summer Scarsdale, N.Y. will have one at each end of town, so that no churchgoer will have far to go.

> Church and Sunday school held at the same hour, so that families will not have to drive to church twice.

> Correspondence Sunday school courses for children unable to get to church at all.

> Return of the circuit rider. Since ministers are allowed gas and tires, one preacher can visit several congregations.

> Church-leased busses to haul in a congregation. In Elizabeth, N.J. a church chartered a bus to pick up parishioners and carry them to service.

> More doubling up on the way to church. In Richmond, Va. motorists have put a sticker on their windshields: "I'm going to St. Mark's. Can I give you a lift?"

> Many a minister lamented privately that his X card has resulted in his congregation's using him as a common carrier. Complained one: "It makes me feel like an errand boy."

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