 Second Presbyterian Church Lewis and Frederick Streets / Staunton, Virginia
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Second Presbyterian Church Lewis and Frederick Streets / Staunton, Virginia
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 Worship
Attendance
During the
October 29th Session meeting, the subject of worship attendance was
discussed. We routinely track the monthly average worship attendance
each meeting. October's average attendance was 78, off around 20
from what it ordinarily should be during this time of the year.
We know some
members are traveling, and some have had illnesses or other medical
concerns in their families. But, this does not account for all of
the attendance "shortfall."
One of the
things that has always impressed me about Second Church is the
dedication of her members. Whether it is a financial need, a need
for work to be done on the building, or some other task to
accomplish, Second's members have always stepped forward, and have
been there. But there have been some troubling indicators as of
late, beyond the worship attendance. Worship and Music sometimes
struggles to find enough ushers or lay readers to take care of
Sunday morning tasks.
Part of this
is undoubtedly the product of the busy lives we all lead. Because
our congregation trends older, we are more mobile, with members
taking trips, visiting children, and so forth. But, if you have been
less than regular at worship in recent weeks and months for no
particular reason, the Session would like to gently ask you to
reconsider that pattern.
Little did I
know that when I planned to offer a Bible study on Hebrews this fall
how contemporary it would turn out to be. Hebrews was written to a
congregation that was struggling under external pressures, including
persecution. Members felt stressed and harassed, and some were even
contemplating leaving not just the church, but the faith as well. To
these Christians, the author of Hebrews wrote:
... let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25, TNIV)What excellent encouragement for us, in the midst of the economic and other travails we are currently facing. Now more than ever, Hebrews says, is a time for the church to gather together for worship ("meeting together") and mutual encouragement! And, now is a great time to change attendance patterns and reconnect with Second Church. Thanksgiving, the Christmas season, and the New Year are straight ahead. Our times of worship together will encourage us for remaining faithful in these days, and your regular attendance will be an encouragement to all! Dan Williams Pastor |
Remaining Dates: Hebrews Bible Study November 4 Hebrews 10:1-18 -- Christ's sacrifice: once for all Hebrews 10:19-39 -- Call to Persevere November 12 -- Wednesday! Hebrews 11:1-40 -- Faith's Victors Hebrews 12:1-13 -- God's Discipline November 18 Hebrews 12:14-29 -- Warning against Refusing God Hebrews 13:1-21 -- Final Exhortations Hebrews 13:22-25 -- Conclusion |
