APOSTOLIC News

Hampton – March 10, 2010.  A sign at a Hampton church is causing outrage for some in the community.

The flashing sign at Freedom Life Church on Tide Mill Lane refers to “Desperate Sex Lives” in promotion of a bible study.

Some parents are concerned because the church is located across the street from an elementary school. They say children should not be exposed to those messages.

The lead pastor at the church says he isn’t after publicity or going after shock value. He says the church is just trying to help couples have good healthy relationships in their marriage.

There’s a lot of traffic on Tide Mill lane in Hampton. And if your timing is right as you pass by Freedom Life Church, you can’t miss the message about this week’s bible study.

For about 4 seconds in the rotation, “Desperate Sex Lives” lights up the screen, right across the street from Burbank Elementary School.

“It’s too close to the school to have that up there,” said parent Sherida Dixon.

John Whytsell also believes the message is not appropriate for children.

“I don’t think that’s something I want my kids exposed to on the streets, going to school or what have you.”

Steve Sparks, an Apostolic member of Poquoson Apostolic Church, doesn’t have children, but he says he’s seen the sign while passing by every day the past few weeks, and he says it bothers him.

“It reminds me of an X-rated movie, the way it sounds, you know ‘desperate sex lives.’ I don’t see anything biblical in that title,”  said Sparks.

The church’s founding pastor says Desperate Sex Lives is a prepackaged series of sermons on love, dating and a healthy marriage.

“The problem we feel, for far too long, the church has been far too quiet about the subject of sex and how it impacts relationships, marriages, and how it impacts sex before marriage,” said Rev. Freddie Villarreal.

But some parents say it’s not a subject they’re ready to discuss with their kids if the title catches their eye.

“She can definitely read, and I’m not sure what I’d say, oh my goodness,” said Dixon.

The school hasn’t gotten any complaints from parents, and the church has reportedly received only one.

This is the last weekend for the sermon, which is a word play on the title of “Desperate Housewives.”

The next series of sermons is called “Outrageous Contagious Joy.”

CNN