“And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today.” Exodus 14: 13-14
On Easter morning, I mentioned a conversation I had with another pastor about the “post-Easter” expectations for the Christian church. That pastor said, “Dave, you know I like this late Easter because that keeps people in church longer in the year than early Easters. You know that once Easter happens church attendance drops off … way off.”
Now, that pastor may have been speaking about the particular church that he serves, but I do know that the Easter season is the high mark of church attendance until the Advent season arrives across church denominations. I have always found that the approaching summer season, especially in regions that have easily accessible retreats in nearby shore or mountain communities, is when church attendance goes down.
Of course, those of us who remain worshiping in churches away from resort areas have no way of knowing whether our friends and family members have found amazing churches for their weekend getaways, but I am sure we always hope that is the case.
I am not trying to discourage weekend shore retreats or drives up to the Poconos for the weekend, but I want all of us to consider the truth that worshiping God on Sundays is a true vacation from the pressures of the world. I want to encourage all of you to start calling worship your weekly vacation from the world. It exceeds all other vacation possibilities because you get time with friends and more importantly, focus in on God.
Yes, in the hour or two that we spend together we get to laugh!! We hear inspiring music, and we get to sing. Those who are brave enough even get to dance. There is food to share on this visit to our VACATION OASIS where the realities of the world are pushed aside.
What a great opportunity for each of us to invite friends to vacation with us … and the cost is merely whatever donation, or offering or tithe or gift, each individual chooses to share. Some of us have vacationed with friends and some have even gone on journeys with total strangers, but our Sunday Vacation opportunity is available every single week. You know coming to St. Paul’s makes you feel good, so why not include your friends and family on this vacation from the world?
If you have somehow hesitated to ask a friend to come to church with you, why not try asking them to come with you on a Sunday morning vacation from the world! You might even treat them to breakfast afterwards!
This summer don’t find reasons to skip church. Instead find inspiration to VACATION with FRIENDS at ST. PAUL’s!! I know I enjoy my VACATION escapes with all of you!!
Pastor Dave
Photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash