Last Sunday, September 18th, I returned to church. I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but once I started it all came back to me. The sense of awe as I prepared for worship, a feeling of "wanting to get it right" for God and the people of God. Being open to the Spirit moving in and through me.
When I returned to Albuquerque last week there was a hint of autumn in the air and it felt good after the hot days in Florida. Cooler weather will soon be upon as we pack up our summer toys and clothes. I wonder what this winter will bring?
There are several changes I want to bring about in church and change can be a challenge. Nearly 80% of all churches in the United States are experiencing a decline in attendance and membership. With this sobering fact I still see churches that claim to be "good and old fashioned," "traditional," and even "worship like it use to be."
If the 21st century church does not change it will continue to decline. How can we be relevant during these challenging times? What speaks to you as a non-churchgoer or a regular churchgoer? Please send me your feedback!
For now, have a great weekend and enjoy the weather. If you are in Albuquerque, New Mexico come visit us at Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque. All are welcome!
I could not agree more regarding the need to focus on what people are finding as relevant in churches and communities. Having spent five years building a new emergent church, we have learned that people are truly waiting in the wings for a renewed relationship with God. It is my prayer that MCC becomes the emergent church we need in the world. Welcome Back Judy.
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For me, attending church is my conviction based on my committment to Christ and obedience to His Word. Hebrews 10:24-26 "And 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." I personally think its our high-tech society that has weakened people's convictions. These days people can "go" to church on the radio, tv, and internet. Yet, I think it is difficult to encourage one another from the comfort of our couches-is it not? I think it's important to encourage self-reflection so we can discover what is getting in the way of our convictions. Work? Laziness? Selfishness? All the above? Welcome back Judy. Glad to see you are continuing your blog post-sabbatical!!
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