I have been asked by ordination boards, by other pastors, by new church SPRC’s, and by my own children these oddly wonderful, illuminating, and baffling questions: How many people come to worship services? Is it a rich church? Can I wear what I want, or do I need to dress up? Can I participate in the choir? Do you have a choir? Will the people there like me? What if I bring a friend and they aren’t like them, can they still come? Have more people come to church since you have been there? What do you do with your personal time – do you take time for you? How many lay speakers do you have? Is God present in your church?
Of the above listed questions (I could have gone on for days…) the last question is the only one that makes my heart smile with joy. For me, it does matter how many people attend church in person especially after COVID made it so comfortable to stay home. God created us to be in worship together. Wealth is wonderful when it is used to create comfort, lift up the lowly, and bring joy to not only the recipient, but also the world. Richness is also not one valued in dollar signs, but in Spiritual gifts of kindness, empathy, generosity, and open hearts to love one another.
Wear what brings you comfort because when you feel accepted as God made you, you bring more to the table for God and for each other. Especially when you are accepted as you come to the table. Come and sing. Lift up every voice and be heard with love, joy, and thankfulness. Not everyone will like you, sweet child of God, but do you know who always will when you come to the table as you are? God. And we will do all that we can to lift you up!
Sometimes more people come, sometimes they do not. Often this is not a reflection solely on the pastor, but on the church as a welcoming spirit. Have you reached out and asked your friends or neighbors to come to church this week? I do take personal time. I spend it with my dogs and my child. And with books or television shows….and a whole lot of prayer.
We don’t have enough lay speakers. 😊 We never will. If you feel called to be one or to be a more active member in the church (liturgist or committee or whatever the Lord places on your heart..please come!)
Yes. God is with us. All of us.
Blessings,
Pastor Amber
