Summer Blockbuster Sermon Series: "Larry Crowne"

This Sunday, we consider the first 'flop' of the three "Summer Blockbuster" series, "Larry Crowne," starring Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks, who also directed and co-wrote the screenplay.  (As of last count, the movie had only grossed around $36 million, a disappointment to be sure.)  The movie focuses on a man (Tom Hanks) who is fired from a box store retailer (like Wal-Mart) and enrolls in community college, where one of his professors -- in Speech class -- is Julia Roberts.

In some ways, this movie is a victim of its limited goals.  Instead of being escapist, it is true to life, in which ordinary people are struggling to find their way in challenging economic times.  Despite a great cast and a script that finds both humor and anxiety in the situation, the movie has not found an audience.

This situation, and the story of the film, are similar to the situation of the church at Ephesus, which receives one of the letters sent to seven churches in Revelation 2-3.  In terrible and oppressive times, the church is barely hanging on, but is trying to remain true to its calling.  The advice of the scriptures, and the story of "Larry Crowne" offer ideas how we might keep true to our callings in difficult times.