Church: Why Bother?

I remember reading a comment somewhere in Blogsville recently in which the writer stated he didn't miss church. I guess he'd become disillusioned with organized religion. He's not alone. Church enrolment and membership has been in steady decline over the past few decades. My church - The United Church of Canada - has begun an advertising campaign in hopes of enticing new members and growing our congregations. It's called "Emerging Spirit" and ads can be found in many Canadian magazines. The ads invite the curious to visit a website called Wondercafe and engage in lively discussion on a number of current issues - Gay marriage, parenthood, sex, etc.

Why do I go to church, Ms Journal? Why do I miss it when my job requires me to work on Sunday morning? In a word, community.

Church and the people there offer me a sense of belonging to something larger than myself. My biological family is supportive and caring, yes, but my friends at church offer an extended family that is often more readily accessible. My church friends live here in Mimico, in my own neighbourhood. They know me. They suffer when I suffer. They've been aware of my struggles at work and many ask how I'm doing. Some phone to chat. And last week, after I'd missed a couple of Sundays, the members of a committee to which I belong sent me a card.

"Just believe ..." was the message on the front. Inside, it said, "When the stress and strain of Life seem too much to bear, remember God loves you -- and so do we."

They all signed it and included personal good wishes.

"May you find comfort in knowing we are all there for you." Diane

"Dale, You have the memory of the Love and support of the healing circle in every cell of your body. Draw it close around you whenever you feel the need of Love and comfort. May the Divine Mystery light your path." Charlotte

"Thinking of you and praying for you and your loved ones." Mary

"Thinking about you. Take care." Joan

"Praying for you, Dale. God bless." Shirl

"Dale, remember you are a beloved child of God. May you feel the loving arms of the Divine embracing your Spirit today and every day." Deb

I held the card and breathed deeply for a minute or so while tears coursed down my cheeks. They're thinking of me, Ms J. They care about me. They want me to be happy. And I want the same for them. All of them, not just the ones who sent the card.

This is why I go to church. And this is why I miss it so when I don't go.

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