Yesterday morning, Pastor Walter Mitty woke up feeling something like sadness.

St. Christopher Episcopal Church at 545 S. East Ave. in Oak Park has been experiencing a challenge most churches pray for. In the last four years their membership has grown by 60 percent.

When I was a boy — I know, I know, that's how so many stories from septuagenarians begin, but I'm trying to make a point that will bring what we do on Thursday up to date.

Three months ago, I walked out of a local big box store with a bathroom scale, feeling like I was a pretty smart consumer. I had picked one out that I thought was a bargain.