Around this time, I begin to hear people lament about how summer is over and how quick it seemed to leave. It is with a bit of sadness that we say goodbye to summer. Summer, it seems, is a time to go places, try new things, and find time to relax. Now we are back to work, schedules, and getting ready for Christmas (Yes…I said it…Christmas is on its way!).
However, there are some good things about the end of summer. For me, it means, that those that have been away on vacations or trips find their way back to church. I look forward to gathering with those of North Judson United Methodist Church and worshiping together. I look forward to having the Choir back, seeing the dancers, hearing the kids sing, and meeting with the Youth Group. It’s not that we take the summer off from church, it’s just that summer gives us opportunities that the rest of the year doesn’t. Some worship at other churches while they were away (My family attended Virginia Beach UMC while we were away), but it is good when we can join once again to worship God and connect with each other.
I write all that to say…I look forward to worshiping with you!
I know of two reasons why worshiping together is important. One is that you need the church. We might not always think so, but we do need the church. The church is not a building, of course, but the people of God gathering. I know I need the church. I need to be encouraged, embraced, challenged, confronted, forgiven, accepted (with all my problems and brokenness), and loved. I have discovered that living the life of faith with others in a church community helps me live that life of faith and become more like Jesus. After all, there are no lone ranger Christians. We were created to be together. When we try to do the life of faith on our own, our faith begins to crumble. I look forward to being with you.
