To say that this church means a lot to me is an understatement. Oh, if you only knew how much I have vested in this endeavor. Our very first meeting was held at my house with folks I had spent months chatting with...hoping that they might see the value in bringing this church to Knappa. Thankfully, we now have a committed few who are faithful to be there. A committed few.
Last Sunday, as I was sitting in the pew with my husband and kids I could hardly focus beyond my thoughts. I didn't even sing in worship, and I half-listened to the message. My mind was wandering in the valley of anger, worry, and discontent. "Why aren't there more people here?" "Is our church going to fizzle?" "Why don't people make church a priority anymore?"....and on and on. I knew I needed to change my attitude, but the discontent continued to stew. I was tired of trying to be a cheerleader for the church, tired of hoping friends would show up, and tired of being one of the committed few.
The pastor's message was coming to a close and he caught my attention with something he's said many times before..."church isn't a social club." And he went on to talk about how church is a safe haven for the lost, and how it's our job as Christians to seek and save the lost. It's that simple! So often I get sidetracked into thinking that church is for "me." When really, "I" am the church! I don't go to church to be served...I go to serve others. We all make excuses for not going to church...too tired, need a family day, got a sports commitment...or the biggest one..."I'm already a Christian and I don't need church." Well, I've got news for you...the church needs YOU!
Pastor Tony really made me think about this, and I wish I could just repeat exactly what he said. It's nothing that I hadn't heard before, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. The church needs its Christians to do what they are all called to do. What kind of an impression are we making if the "lost" come to church to find that none of its Christians are there? Do you think those people will ever want to come to that church again? The "lost" are looking to us (the church) to be an encouragement in a discouraging world. That is our job!
It isn't about me. Believe it or not, I actually tell myself this every Sunday (especially on the days I have nursery duty!)...but last Sunday my mind was in a fog, and I was having a hard time getting beyond "myself." It was odd timing, as my kids didn't rattle on a handful of complaints that morning about having to sit in service. We don't have a children's ministry beyond childcare for kindergarten and under. The fact that we don't have a kid's program is also a sore spot for many. For some people, they don't come to church because there is no children's ministry. I understand...having kids in service can be difficult. I was raised going to church every Sunday, and I spent many many Sundays "suffering" through church during times when children's ministry wasn't available. Guess what? I survived! And though I feel bad that my kids don't enjoy a dynamic service geared just for them, I know that (if anything) they will always remember watching their parents worship the Lord through singing, studying, and communion. It's a good thing.
That brings me to my last thought. Communion. Growing up, taking communion was a very serious act. We were asked not to partake until we understood the meaning, and were able to partake thoughtfully. Unfortunately, many folks see it merely as a "religious" act and allow their kids to partake even when they don't know what it means. Our church takes communion every Sunday, and every Sunday my kids take it as well. Of course, I have spoken to them about communion and they understand. However, kids will be kids, and it's hard to tell sometimes if they are only eager do what everyone else is doing. Well, last Sunday, after the pastor had my attention with those last few minutes of his message, we moved on to communion. I was already prayerfully preparing to receive communion and not paying attention to my surroundings. Usually, the rustle of my kids next to me is enough for me to open my eyes and notice that the bread and the juice are being passed to our row. This time was different. My eyes were open as Synnove and I were handed the tray, but Soren's hands weren't reaching on the other side of me. I glanced over to see him with his eyes closed and bowed head rested on his folded hands...and his lips were silently moving in prayer. I grabbed his juice and bread for him and silently wept in thanksgiving to God for showing me, yet again, the reason I'm blessed to be one of the committed few...
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25)
