Rarely does a month go by that I don’t run into someone out and about who has not been to church for awhile. There always seems to be a good enough reason not to come to church—it’s the only time for the family to relax together, or there is something else happening that morning, or it’s just a good time to sleep in. And yet these are often people who grew up at Church on the Hill who admit that they realize that church would be good for their souls.
Why come to church? It’s a good question for all of us to ask. It certainly would be easier to just watch church on TV or have that 2nd cup of coffee and do the cross word puzzle. From a consumers point of view it doesn’t make much sense.
And that’s the point. Church is not about getting something. Church is just as likely to challenge you as comfort you. What the community of faith that is church offers is what all of us are seeking—true intimacy with God and with one another. Sometimes that requires the hard work of transcending “me” in favor of “we”.
In these last six months I have seen this church grow more into “we”. In worship during May six lay caregivers were installed to visit members and friends of the church. The outreach group raised $2000 for local needs in Lenox and Pittsfield.
The Finance Committee came up with new ideas for planned giving so that we can ensure our future. Weekly prayer group, weekly Bible Study and Sunday worship have all been lively and spirit-filled! We have a church that is learning more how to be disciples of Jesus Christ and enjoying it!
When we come to church we affirm our kinship with one another in God and through God. We assert the power of love made manifest in one another. We live that love in the way we care for others in the church and in the community. We love and are loved.
Why come to church? Because we want to be in this holy time together to experience that love and to praise God, sing and pray. We experience that intimacy with God and one another each week. Then we are strengthened and sent out ready to share this abundant life. Come and join us!
Pastor Natalie
