Mar 31 - "Weer Uall Gawan t' Chech"

Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
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When we lived in Florida, one of our fellow parishoners at the Chapel of St. Andrew was from New Zealand. He told us a story one time about when he was a little boy. Often, on Sunday mornings, he and his siblings would argue with their mother about having to go to church. All of the kids knew that their dad did not like going to church, so they would often appeal to him for relief. But, regardless, when the arguing would reach a fever pitch, his dad would say, "We're all going to church!" Only, he would say it with the strong Kiwi accent. (Read the title of this writing today and you will be speaking like you are from New Zealand). The whole family, including dad, would then trek off to church, mom's will in tact.

Why go to church?

A common theme of the my musings these past 30+ days has been about what God does and does not require of us. He certainly does not need us to go to church. God would still exist whether or not there were people worshiping Him in multi-million dollar cathedrals or tiny grass huts on the savannah. Many times we feel the "Sunday Morning Guilt" when we are sitting at home, working in the yard, playing golf or doing any other thing besides sitting with friends in prayer and thanksgiving at our local place of worship. Do we feel it because God is upset with us or dissapointed in some way? Not at all.

There are plenty of excuses to not attend worship services each week: busy family obligations, those annoying people who are "too churchy", a pastor/minister/priest who does not "speak" to our needs... But, all of these things exist in the world outside of church. We find ways to fit in lots of activities; there are people at work and in social settings who drive us nuts; we are at times surrounded by leaders who miss the big picture. But, think of it this way, there are lots of people in the world making counterfeit currency, but we haven't given up on using money...

Being a member of a local church is about one thing: spending time with a community of people who are believers in the power of Christ working in the world today. Spending time with people who will be available for you when you are in need, and likewise, to whom you will be available when they are in need. This does not happen overnight...or by going just one Sunday and giving up. It takes finding the right place, spending time, meeting people and knowing them.

So, this Sunday...or Saturday...or Friday...whatever day, go to church. Be with friends. Worship together. Fullfill and be fullfilled.