The Pastor’s Page

“Continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread 
from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of 
heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.” 
Acts 2:46-47 

Hello My Friends, 

Ever wonder to yourself, why come to church when I can watch the service online in my pajamas? Or 
even why watch it online when I can sit quietly, read scripture, and pray at home? Or why not go for a 
walk in the woods and have quiet time where I feel close to God?  
These are all good questions that ultimately come down to the larger question of why is it important to 
come to church? 

I often hear from folks that the quietness of the woods is their church. A time where they feel close to 
God. I am not here to argue that it is not the case. When we remove the hectic from our lives, the quiet 
is beautiful and much needed! For many, it meets their needs and that is good.  

Church however is different all together. At church we see each other, we reach out to one another, 
we check in with those who are struggling, we learn about ways to support others, we share in 
fellowship and pray together in community. This is not something we can do alone in the woods or in 
front of a computer screen. 

Jesus preaches about being selfless and becoming the servant of others as being the path to God. 
This humbling approach can only happen in the presence of others. Being with those that need a hug, 
need to be reassured, need to be lifted up when they are down. Supporting those who do not know 
which way to turn. Those that are lost and come to the pews in hope. We cannot do this on our own. 

This happens every week in the pews of our congregation. So, I invite you all as you come into church, 
to come in with the heart of a servant. Asking yourself, how I can help someone around me this 
morning before I leave the building. Maybe it is through teaching a class or giving a smile or sitting 
with someone who is by themselves.  

Church services involve active participation, from singing to the Lord in praise, to praying together, 
opening our hearts and minds during the readings and message, to being with one another in 
fellowship.  

I leave the church each week, filled with the Spirit…and exhausted! Let us serve the Lord, and one 
another, during our church gatherings and make them truly come alive for ourselves and everyone 
around us!   

With much love,

-Pastor Brian