There is No Excuse—is There?

In the United States 100 million people don’t go to church at all. It is predicted that in 2050 ten percent will attend! This is a scary statistic. I believe that many of the problems that America is currently experiencing flow from a nation that is ignoring or overlooking the importance of God. Many believe in God, but are increasingly devaluing the importance of His church. The church was God’s idea not man’s invention.

If you have been listening to what I have been saying or writing recently, you will recognize a theme. I have been reminding the people of Hannaford about the importance of being faithful in church. This has very little to do with the fact that I pastor the church. It would appear to some that I am just trying to keep the church building full. I would enjoy that; however, it goes beyond that.

To have a healthy church, you need healthy Christians. It is virtually impossible for a person to be spiritually healthy without the constant benefits that a church offers. I am concerned about spiritual health.

When you look through the Bible, you should notice a familiar theme in the New Testament. The book of Romans was written to the church in Rome. Galatians was written to the churches in Galicia. I & II Corinthians were written to the church in Corinth. Ephesians was written to the church in Ephesus. Philippians was written to the church in Philippi.

You get the idea. A good portion of the New Testament was written to churches. There must have been a reason for that or God would not have spent so much of the Bible talking about the institution of the church.

Why is the church so important? The church matters to God...
• because it is made up of people that matter to God.
• because it is the earthly manifestation of His presence.
• because it is a crucial part of His plan for this world.
• because it is His place for us to grow and mature in our faith.

The church is the place designed by God for His people to grow together in their faith. We need each other.

With two church services on Sunday and one on Thursday night, there are very few reasons why everyone cannot attend church on a weekly basis this summer. It is important for you and for the church.

I also want to remind you that the prospective worship pastor and his wife, Michael & Heather, will be in the Thursday night services and both Sunday Services. Also bring your father; we have a gift for him.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor