Friday, March 22, 2013
Lent begins March 13th
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21). Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs, an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving. The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others. The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Be with us each Sunday during these 40 days before Easter.
Between now and Easter, see you in church . . .
Thursday, March 21, 2013
8 Years Cancer Free!
No signs of cancer.
"There is nothing for us to talk about," he said.
"See you next year."
"YES!", I said.
8 years ago I wrote these words for our church folks -- and it has since been passed on and on -- I don't know where.
You might like to read it. Please let me know if you pass it on.
"Cancer," he said.
"You have cancer."
Sobering words, for sure.
I knew he was talking about the cancer that kills more men each year, save one.
I knew that over 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
I also knew that an estimated two million American men are currently living with prostate cancer.
So, the doctor had my full attention.
Thus began three weeks of whirlwind research and consultations and tests.
Fortunately, all doctors concurred that for my age, and my particular circumstance, the cancer needed to be treated aggressively.
Our research revealed that some surgeons were reporting great outcomes using laproscopic techniques. However, only a few surgeons in the Philadelphia were trained in these procedures and few were actually doing the surgery on a regular basis.
As luck would have it, the most experienced surgeon in laproscopic prostatectomies worked out of Bryn Mawr -- alongside the urologist I have seeing for some 20 years!
Not only had he done more laproscpic surgeries than any other area urologist, but he had documented phenomenal success with positive outcomes. And, he is the first -- and currently, only -- one to use the very latest tool: a robot called DaVinci. And, Lankenau Hospital is the only hospital in the Philadelphia area to have this futuristic machine in use.
I knew from my research that confidence in the medical team was one of the most predictors of positive outcomes. I had that.
I also knew that an even greater predictor of positive outcomes was my involvement with the faith group that is Christ Presbyterian Church.
In recent years I have been collecting scientific studies that confirm what I have observed -- and long suspected -- members of faith groups heal quicker, have less pain, and experience better surgical outcomes than those that aren't.
In fact, research confirms that being a member of a church is a better predictor of positive surgical outcomes than the disease itself, the location of the disease, or, even family history.
The prayers and expressions of concern by so many in the church, in other churches throughout the Presbytery, and in other contexts as well, worked with the skill and dedication of the surgeon and the medical team to help secure the most positive of all outcomes.
Not only has my recovery gone very well -- my hospitalization was only about 24 hours and I have had very little pain or other side effects -- but, tests show that the cancer seems to have confined to the prostate and they got it all!
By all accounts, I am now cancer free!
Sadly, over 30,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
This is the cancer that kills more men each year, save one.
It is estimated that some two million American men are currently living with prostate cancer.
And this is a cancer that can be beat with early detection and treatment.
It would behoove all men to get checked today.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The US Has A Spending Problem Alright
I think it has been nearly three years now that I have been saying this.
It is always good to see someone else do a much more articulate rendering of the issue.
It is downright scarey to me to see this anti-Christian objectivism of Ayn Rand's novels of 50-70 years ago get played in real time today.
I wish there were louder voices speaking to this issue.
Folks need to know about the real "war on religion" going on in our country.
Are we our brothers' keeper?
Ayn Rand says "NO!"
Jesus says "YES!"
Jesus' message was counter to the culture in which he lived.
Jesus' message is so counter to the culture in which we live today.
All over the country people were elected and sent to Washington for the sole purpose of obstructing, disabling and dismantling the Federal Government.
(Sure, I'll a swear a pledge to uphold the Constitution and all that, but I'll keep by fingers crossed.)
I am not an adherent to conspiracy theories.
But, this is no theory.
We are seeing this play out in reality, affecting the lives of so many real live people - folks you know, folks you are related to.
And, the thing is, we are better than this.
Until now, we have recognized certain common values.
Over time we have observed and learned that certain things can only be supplied by the federal government.
And, until now, we have been willing to pay for it.
But, now the Randites control the message.
Now, all the talk is how to restrain spending, and how to cut spending - thereby starving the beast.
But, folks, if we truly believe that all live is precious to us -- when one hurts, we all hurt; when one cries, we all cry; when one is wronged, we all are wronged -- then we willing provide the funds collectively to enhance life to the fullest for all.
And, the fact of the matter is,
the fact totally ignored by the Republican rhetoric,
is that the United States has the lowest tax rate of any of the other developed nations in the world.
If the United States has a spending problem, as the Speaker of the House so often states, it is that we do not spend enough!!!!
Christians all over the county need to speak up.
The President needs to stop all talk of compromise.
Affirm that our prime value is that we are our brothers' keeper.
I still believe we can have the kind of world we have been working for - the kind of world where all are valued and no one is left behind.
A world based on the visions of Jesus, not the visions of Ayn Rand.
It is always good to see someone else do a much more articulate rendering of the issue.
It is downright scarey to me to see this anti-Christian objectivism of Ayn Rand's novels of 50-70 years ago get played in real time today.
I wish there were louder voices speaking to this issue.
Folks need to know about the real "war on religion" going on in our country.
Are we our brothers' keeper?
Ayn Rand says "NO!"
Jesus says "YES!"
Jesus' message was counter to the culture in which he lived.
Jesus' message is so counter to the culture in which we live today.
All over the country people were elected and sent to Washington for the sole purpose of obstructing, disabling and dismantling the Federal Government.
(Sure, I'll a swear a pledge to uphold the Constitution and all that, but I'll keep by fingers crossed.)
I am not an adherent to conspiracy theories.
But, this is no theory.
We are seeing this play out in reality, affecting the lives of so many real live people - folks you know, folks you are related to.
And, the thing is, we are better than this.
Until now, we have recognized certain common values.
Over time we have observed and learned that certain things can only be supplied by the federal government.
And, until now, we have been willing to pay for it.
But, now the Randites control the message.
Now, all the talk is how to restrain spending, and how to cut spending - thereby starving the beast.
But, folks, if we truly believe that all live is precious to us -- when one hurts, we all hurt; when one cries, we all cry; when one is wronged, we all are wronged -- then we willing provide the funds collectively to enhance life to the fullest for all.
And, the fact of the matter is,
the fact totally ignored by the Republican rhetoric,
is that the United States has the lowest tax rate of any of the other developed nations in the world.
If the United States has a spending problem, as the Speaker of the House so often states, it is that we do not spend enough!!!!
Christians all over the county need to speak up.
The President needs to stop all talk of compromise.
Affirm that our prime value is that we are our brothers' keeper.
I still believe we can have the kind of world we have been working for - the kind of world where all are valued and no one is left behind.
A world based on the visions of Jesus, not the visions of Ayn Rand.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Remembering to Take Time to Take a Time Out
Lent begins February 13th .
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
We need Lent!
From the very earliest times, Christians took time out before Easter to reflect on their faith, cultivate it, and prepare for a most joyous celebration of Easter.
Remembering that Jesus took 40 days off to prepare for the beginning of his ministry,
the church sets aside these 40 days prior to Easter for us to get ready.
This is a time for us to explore the mysteries of the universe, looking beneath the surface – within ourselves -- examining our own motives and desires, and ascertaining exactly what our commitment is: to what, to whom, and what it means.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days.
For 40 days he lived without food or, presumably water.
For 40 days he confronted his demons.
For 40 days he prayed.
For 40 days he communed with his God.
Suffice it to say, upon completion of his 40 days in the desert, Jesus had a clearer picture of his purpose in life,
of his reason for being,
of his God-given mission.
And he embarked on his course of demonstrating the reign of love on earth.
Traditionally, the church has set aside these 40 days prior to Easter as a time for personal reflection toward discovery of our purpose and renewed commitment to our faith.
Many cultures make a lot over the fasting nature of these 40 days.
Carnival is celebrated in many parts of the world the day before Lent begins as the last chance to eat meat for 40 days!
In this country Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans on “fat Tuesday” – the day before the 40 day fast begins.
Today, we see these 40 days as an opportunity to attend to the parts of our lives that we often neglect. We are challenged to open ourselves in new ways to the Spirit’s transforming power.
Because Presbyterians rebelled against all things Catholic, Lent was never celebrated in most Presbyterian churches until recent years. But, Lent is such a rich time.
It is an excellent opportunity for us to really focus on things that matter.
Lent is meant to remind us that
the days are getting longer –
Spring is right around the corner. Signs of life are preparing to bud right in front of our eyes.
And, we need to prepare ourselves to see these signs!
We need Lent!
Lent encourages us to look within ourselves to see how we have confused popular cultural values with Christian faith.
Through a sustained focus on the life and ministry of Jesus, Lent can help us resist the pressures of this culture.
Lent can remind us that we are called to continue his ministry: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (John 20:21).
Consequently, Lent prepares us for an Easter that is more than bunnies and eggs,
an Easter that begins a whole new reality – a whole new world.
From the beginning, part and parcel of the Lenten observance has been alms giving.
The purpose of fasting is not so much a bodily discipline as it is a sharing discipline. Becoming aware of the needs of others, and responding to them with generous gifts of our time and talents and money are particularly transforming.
During this season we will be emphasizing our One Great Hour of Sharing as a concrete way of self-sacrifice for the needs of others.
The discipline of a daily gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing jar is a concrete way of focusing our thoughts on our individual purpose for living.
It becomes an expression of the faith we proclaim.
We will dedicate these special offerings on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
For Us Christians, Thanksgiving is Really Thanks-living
Greeting each day with thanks for another chance to live and to love is a very Christian thing to do.
The days are shorter, the nights are longer.
The autumnal sun dances through the colored leaves –
it’s as though God had this in mind all summer long.
It is right, and quite natural, for us to feel a certain thankfulness for all the blessings that come our way – especially at this time of year.
Thanksgiving is one of the most universal of holidays.
And, as you may have heard me say before, it may also be one of the most Christian.
Locked behind cell doors, Paul admonished his new Christian followers to be thankful in all things.
For us Christians, thanksgiving is a calling.
It is an attribute of the life we seek to live.
It is a definition of a way of seeing ourselves in relation to our God who created us, redeems us, and sustains us through the trials and tribulations that have a way of showing up on our life-journey.
Notice, the Ten Commandments do not start with “Thou shalt not...”
But, rather with, “I am the Lord God, who brought you out of Egypt, therefore . . .”
The entire Mosaic Law is to be followed as an act of thanksgiving.
The basic understanding is that because God is God and enables marvelous things to happen and continues to be involved in my life and in the world around me,
therefore, I can do nothing other than live in gratitude.
We Christians live in thanksgiving for what God has done and continues to do for us.
For us, thanksgiving is really thanks-living.
The Psalmist could sing: This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Greeting each day with thanks for another chance to live and to love is a very Christian thing to do.
There is a story told about a devout king who became disturbed by the ingratitude of his royal court.
He prepared a large banquet for them.
And when the guests were seated and the sumptuous feast brought out, a beggar appeared dressed in rags and smelling of sewer.
They watched as the brazen fellow walked right up to the table and literally pigged out.
Stuffing turkey legs in his pockets, and eating handfuls of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
It happened so quickly, and yet it seemed in slow motion.
And the tramp was gone.
The quests were furious.
They asked permission from their host to pursue the man and tear him from limb to limb for his brazenness and ingratitude.
And then the King said,
“That beggar has done to an earthly king only what each of you do to God.
You sit here, day after day, eating until you are satisfied.
Then you walk away without recognizing God,
or without even expressing one word of thanks to Him.”
It is not without merit that many writers refer to ingratitude as the most basest of sins.
Even Shakespeare could write:
I hate ingratitude more than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or taint of vice.
Thanksgiving reminds us of how much we owe to forces outside of ourselves.
It behooves us to take an inventory of our blessings and offer up thanks in all things.
This year, expand your thanksgiving thoughts to thoughts about thanks-living.
The days are shorter, the nights are longer.
The autumnal sun dances through the colored leaves –
it’s as though God had this in mind all summer long.
It is right, and quite natural, for us to feel a certain thankfulness for all the blessings that come our way – especially at this time of year.
Thanksgiving is one of the most universal of holidays.
And, as you may have heard me say before, it may also be one of the most Christian.
Locked behind cell doors, Paul admonished his new Christian followers to be thankful in all things.
For us Christians, thanksgiving is a calling.
It is an attribute of the life we seek to live.
It is a definition of a way of seeing ourselves in relation to our God who created us, redeems us, and sustains us through the trials and tribulations that have a way of showing up on our life-journey.
Notice, the Ten Commandments do not start with “Thou shalt not...”
But, rather with, “I am the Lord God, who brought you out of Egypt, therefore . . .”
The entire Mosaic Law is to be followed as an act of thanksgiving.
The basic understanding is that because God is God and enables marvelous things to happen and continues to be involved in my life and in the world around me,
therefore, I can do nothing other than live in gratitude.
We Christians live in thanksgiving for what God has done and continues to do for us.
For us, thanksgiving is really thanks-living.
The Psalmist could sing: This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Greeting each day with thanks for another chance to live and to love is a very Christian thing to do.
There is a story told about a devout king who became disturbed by the ingratitude of his royal court.
He prepared a large banquet for them.
And when the guests were seated and the sumptuous feast brought out, a beggar appeared dressed in rags and smelling of sewer.
They watched as the brazen fellow walked right up to the table and literally pigged out.
Stuffing turkey legs in his pockets, and eating handfuls of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
It happened so quickly, and yet it seemed in slow motion.
And the tramp was gone.
The quests were furious.
They asked permission from their host to pursue the man and tear him from limb to limb for his brazenness and ingratitude.
And then the King said,
“That beggar has done to an earthly king only what each of you do to God.
You sit here, day after day, eating until you are satisfied.
Then you walk away without recognizing God,
or without even expressing one word of thanks to Him.”
It is not without merit that many writers refer to ingratitude as the most basest of sins.
Even Shakespeare could write:
I hate ingratitude more than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, or taint of vice.
Thanksgiving reminds us of how much we owe to forces outside of ourselves.
It behooves us to take an inventory of our blessings and offer up thanks in all things.
This year, expand your thanksgiving thoughts to thoughts about thanks-living.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Seeing Summertime as Sabbathtime
Do you remember the song?
Summertime... and the livin’ is easy...
Sometimes I think if we didn’t have summertime, we would have to invent it!
It seems to be basic to our human nature to need a time of relative quietude –
a time of slowing down a bit more than usual –
a time of reflection –
a time of contemplation –
a time of getting back in touch with the things that really matter –
a time of prayer –
a time of seeking joy –
a time of pausing —
a time of refreshment —
a time of re-creation.
The Bible seems to ordain that we need a time set aside for these things.
The fourth commandment speaks to the need for religiously observing a periodic day of rest. Other passages speak of the need for sabbaticals and times of jubilee.
For many of us, Summertime has become Sabbath-time:
a time for respite, a time for rest,
a time for relaxation, a time for restoration,
a time for rejuvenation, a time for refreshment,
a time for recess, a time for recovery,
a time for renewal, a time for revival,
a time for restoration, a time for rebirth,
a time for recovery, a time for reawakening,
a time for recuperation, a time for resurrection.
Yes, summertime can be all of these things.
Time seems to slow down in the summer.
(Perhaps, it’s the heat and humidity, but I think it’s more than that.)
Nature has a way of forcing sabbaticals on us.
As if God is reminding us that all moments are precious:
the roses need to be smelled,
the breeze needs to be felt,
the rain needs to be celebrated, the fruits need to be savored,
the relationships need to be cultivated,
the children need to be befriended,
and laughter needs to resound all around.
Of course, you don’t need me to tell you what you need.
I pray that this time will be of great benefit to you:
Do something you would just not think of doing at some other time.
Take time to smell the roses.
Write a note.
Make a call.
Get in touch with the Creator of time itself.
Do something special for someone.
Remember your church —
and your brothers and sisters in the faith here.
Sabbath times are holy times.
And, summer times are holy times —
if we remember to put first things first.
Putting first things first means to affirm the words of the Psalmist:
This is the day the Lord has made... rejoice and be glad!
My prayer is that you will find holy times this summer as you take advantage of the days given to you.
Remember to take it easy.
Remember to just slow down.
Remember to keep a Sabbath.
Remember who has given you this day.
Remember who has placed you where you are.
Remember who has given you the people you are with.
Remember whose you are.
Remember who you are.
Use your time this summer to rejuvenate.
And let us, together, gather with new resolve to help God use this church to further the Kingdom of God on earth.
Pray for one another and rejoice in the moments you have.
Summertime... and the livin’ is easy...
Sometimes I think if we didn’t have summertime, we would have to invent it!
It seems to be basic to our human nature to need a time of relative quietude –
a time of slowing down a bit more than usual –
a time of reflection –
a time of contemplation –
a time of getting back in touch with the things that really matter –
a time of prayer –
a time of seeking joy –
a time of pausing —
a time of refreshment —
a time of re-creation.
The Bible seems to ordain that we need a time set aside for these things.
The fourth commandment speaks to the need for religiously observing a periodic day of rest. Other passages speak of the need for sabbaticals and times of jubilee.
For many of us, Summertime has become Sabbath-time:
a time for respite, a time for rest,
a time for relaxation, a time for restoration,
a time for rejuvenation, a time for refreshment,
a time for recess, a time for recovery,
a time for renewal, a time for revival,
a time for restoration, a time for rebirth,
a time for recovery, a time for reawakening,
a time for recuperation, a time for resurrection.
Yes, summertime can be all of these things.
Time seems to slow down in the summer.
(Perhaps, it’s the heat and humidity, but I think it’s more than that.)
Nature has a way of forcing sabbaticals on us.
As if God is reminding us that all moments are precious:
the roses need to be smelled,
the breeze needs to be felt,
the rain needs to be celebrated, the fruits need to be savored,
the relationships need to be cultivated,
the children need to be befriended,
and laughter needs to resound all around.
Of course, you don’t need me to tell you what you need.
I pray that this time will be of great benefit to you:
Do something you would just not think of doing at some other time.
Take time to smell the roses.
Write a note.
Make a call.
Get in touch with the Creator of time itself.
Do something special for someone.
Remember your church —
and your brothers and sisters in the faith here.
Sabbath times are holy times.
And, summer times are holy times —
if we remember to put first things first.
Putting first things first means to affirm the words of the Psalmist:
This is the day the Lord has made... rejoice and be glad!
My prayer is that you will find holy times this summer as you take advantage of the days given to you.
Remember to take it easy.
Remember to just slow down.
Remember to keep a Sabbath.
Remember who has given you this day.
Remember who has placed you where you are.
Remember who has given you the people you are with.
Remember whose you are.
Remember who you are.
Use your time this summer to rejuvenate.
And let us, together, gather with new resolve to help God use this church to further the Kingdom of God on earth.
Pray for one another and rejoice in the moments you have.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Have you ever wondered why you should be in church on Sunday?
Every so often, I like to ask the question:
Have you ever wondered exactly why you should be in church on Sunday?
Of course, there are various reasons that people have given over the years, and scientific evidence even now supports many of them.
There are actually physical and mental health benefits for worshiping regularly.
Many recent studies have confirmed what most of us see on a regular basis:
folks that go to church every Sunday are healthier and live longer than those that don’t.
And, when they are ill, they tend to heal quicker and have an easier time of it than those that don’t.
We know that going to church every Sunday releases stress and tension and actually enhances coping skills needed for life in today’s world.
Other studies point out how going to church every Sunday provides needed guidance for living.
A recent study at Stanford concludes that “Children [simply] will not thrive ... unless they acquire a living sense of ... faith.”
The National Commission of Children concurs that
“For many children, religion is a major force in their moral development; for some it is the chief determinant of moral behavior.”
Others go to church regularly for inspiration – to keep in touch with the holy. They find that it cultivates the soul and enhances our ability to recognize the holy when we encounter it.
Many who go to church every Sunday find strength and support for facing and living through the difficult situations life throws at us.
Others come for forgiveness or guidance for making difficult decisions.
It may surprise you to hear that Jesus never said:
Thou shalt go to church every Sunday!
He didn’t say it.
In fact, it wasn’t until after his death and resurrection that his followers began to gather every Sunday to celebrate his resurrection and share stories of their encounters with the risen Lord.
It was a celebrative occasion and folks came much as you might go to a family celebration – not out of a sense of duty or obligation but because you want to be a part of it and wouldn’t miss it for the world.
But, the very most important main reason you should be in church Sunday is what your presence does for the others present.
When you are not there, everyone in the room knows it.
Since negativity breeds negativity, the thinking goes,
“if church us not that important to them, maybe I can get along without it too.”
When you are in church, others get a sense of how important it is to you,
and they begin to feel it, too.
A visitor takes a look around the room and sees you.
Your presence is a witness to them.
(It matters not how you are dressed.
It matters not how prepared you are.
It matters not what you may have done the night before.
It matters that you are here!)
Simply put, your presence in Church gives a message others need to see and hear.
Your presence in church actually provides inspiration to others.
So, do something important this Sunday, come to church.
Have you ever wondered exactly why you should be in church on Sunday?
Of course, there are various reasons that people have given over the years, and scientific evidence even now supports many of them.
There are actually physical and mental health benefits for worshiping regularly.
Many recent studies have confirmed what most of us see on a regular basis:
folks that go to church every Sunday are healthier and live longer than those that don’t.
And, when they are ill, they tend to heal quicker and have an easier time of it than those that don’t.
We know that going to church every Sunday releases stress and tension and actually enhances coping skills needed for life in today’s world.
Other studies point out how going to church every Sunday provides needed guidance for living.
A recent study at Stanford concludes that “Children [simply] will not thrive ... unless they acquire a living sense of ... faith.”
The National Commission of Children concurs that
“For many children, religion is a major force in their moral development; for some it is the chief determinant of moral behavior.”
Others go to church regularly for inspiration – to keep in touch with the holy. They find that it cultivates the soul and enhances our ability to recognize the holy when we encounter it.
Many who go to church every Sunday find strength and support for facing and living through the difficult situations life throws at us.
Others come for forgiveness or guidance for making difficult decisions.
It may surprise you to hear that Jesus never said:
Thou shalt go to church every Sunday!
He didn’t say it.
In fact, it wasn’t until after his death and resurrection that his followers began to gather every Sunday to celebrate his resurrection and share stories of their encounters with the risen Lord.
It was a celebrative occasion and folks came much as you might go to a family celebration – not out of a sense of duty or obligation but because you want to be a part of it and wouldn’t miss it for the world.
But, the very most important main reason you should be in church Sunday is what your presence does for the others present.
When you are not there, everyone in the room knows it.
Since negativity breeds negativity, the thinking goes,
“if church us not that important to them, maybe I can get along without it too.”
When you are in church, others get a sense of how important it is to you,
and they begin to feel it, too.
A visitor takes a look around the room and sees you.
Your presence is a witness to them.
(It matters not how you are dressed.
It matters not how prepared you are.
It matters not what you may have done the night before.
It matters that you are here!)
Simply put, your presence in Church gives a message others need to see and hear.
Your presence in church actually provides inspiration to others.
So, do something important this Sunday, come to church.
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