October 20, 2010
Changes in Church, Part II
Last week we began an article on changes in the church. We touched on the facts that people still long for the truth and people still long for grace and love. This is the conclusion of the article.
People still long for holistic life.
Americans are growing increasingly tired of compartmentalized lives. We perform different roles such as: parent, employee, student, coach, volunteer, friend, counselor. We’re TOO busy! So the thought of adding one more component to our lives—a faith represented mainly by another hour of commitment at a church on Sunday—isn’t attractive at all.
A spirituality that provides a holistic way to order our lives offers a solution to this dilemma. Today, people are searching for a way to center their lives on something bigger that defines who we are and what we do. They want a faith that doesn’t only address important “spiritual” needs, but also the physical, emotional, relational and financial areas of our lives. It’s holistic and all encompassing—making sense of who we are and everything we do. Can we offer that?
People still long for purpose.
Deep down, people want to know our lives matter. We want to make a difference. Every person asks the question: “What am I here for?” Americans' quest for spirituality is largely driven by a desire for real meaning and purpose. We at West Main believe that only God can fulfill that longing! We seek creative and effective ways of communicating and demonstrating this.
A new generation is rising to the challenge! A changing world needs the Lord, but is seeking him differently. Are we willing to address the core needs and seek them in different ways if called to? I believe our changing world marks a great opportunity for us! If the next generation of leaders can rise up and meet these longings with God’s word, we could prove every pollster wrong! I don’t care what the culture says; God’s word is mighty. The Gospel will always take root and God’s people will always make a difference. Let’s be part of something big and special!
– Pannell
Does Church Attendance Mean Anything? (Part Four)
In some of the sociological and economic research conducted on church attendance, there is reference made to the "U" shape model of church attendance. In brief, the U-shape reflects data on church attendance over the average churchgoer’s lifetime. Typically, attendance starts high in a person’s younger years, and then as careers and/or families are formed (marriage, children, etc.) attendance dips, and then usually around age fifty, attendance rises back up, with a slight dip in an individual’s latter years due to failing health. While there are always exceptions and qualifications to the norm, I would say personally, the U-shape pattern of church attendance generally holds true.
What is at least one potential implication that we might draw about the U-shape pattern of church attendance? One implication is that we need to be mindful and aware of the forces that might interfere with our faith development that church attendance may reflect. For instance, what do we do as a congregation to help young people especially concerning their career choices and the potential impact those choices may have on their faith? Are we having the right discussions and asking the right questions about the kind of impact the type of work and work schedules they choose can have on their faith?
It seems to me many local congregations fall short in being creative in the opportunities they provide growing families. Often throughout the years, I have heard families with young toddlers speak of how difficult it is for them to attend, say a Wednesday night Bible study or Sunday night study, because of the effect such late evening events have on their young children. Now I recognize that we sometimes can just make excuses, or not seek to be disciplined, but the issue of when and what time we schedule church-related events is not without value. In other words, if we can provide better and more conducive times for various members to study and/or fellowship given their circumstances, then should we not seek to provide them as a congregation?
Let me share one personal account to illustrate some of the struggles today facing young people about church attendance. I have a dear friend of mine who recently shared with me his current struggle in church attendance. He is a young man, faithful, godly, and well versed in Scripture. He is also married with a young child. Recently, my friend finished college, and was blessed with a wonderful career opportunity. However, like many newly hired individuals, he was given the least desirable work schedule. He is working over sixty hours a week and primarily in the evenings. He shared with me how the only time he has to spend with his family is Sunday evening. My friend would prefer not to attend Sunday evening service, as he would like to rest before having to start his grueling workweek, and spend quality time with his wife and child. The problem is the congregation where he attends has hinted, and not so hinted, that not to attend Sunday evening is questionable. The result is he ends up feeling guilty if he does not attend, and guilty for not spending the kind of time he thinks is more beneficial for his growing family. In short, my friend is at the bottom of the U-shape pattern. What is he to do?
I guess one thing I am trying to get at in this article centers on how the contemporary church can help its maturing members get past the bottom of the U-shape attendance pattern. Speaking critically, but lovingly, we cannot afford to just let brothers and sisters "tough it out" by themselves, or offer no assistance to encourage their faith development. We should all be mindful of where we are in our attendance at church. Yet the better question might be, "Where is the local congregation itself when brothers and sisters are sloping down the U-shape of attendance?"
– Terry
FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE
West Main will be holding a series of seminars on how to Fire Proof Your Marriage. This is an interactive seminar and requires Daily Prayer and Bible Study. There will be a Bible study, games and snacks for the children on the Wednesdays that we meet. Please contact Gerry Flock or the church office to register.
November 6, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
SESSION TWO - HE FIRST LOVED US
November 10, 6-8:00 p.m.
SESSION THREE - LOVE FOR A LIFETIME
November 17, 6-8:00 p.m.
SESSION FOUR - BREAKING FREE
December 1, 6-8:00 p.m.
SESSION FIVE - FORGIVENESS
December 8, 6-8:00 p.m.
SESSION SIX - A BETTER WAY OF LOVING
December 15, 6-8:00 p.m.
Come Celebrate the Harvest
Come listen to the sounds of the Old Time Fiddlers. Please bring your favorite autumn potluck dish and wear something that’ll make you feel like ropin’ the nearest cow. Kids, bring a carved pumpkin. There’ll be a candy giveaway. Cost is $5.00 per family.
Date: Saturday, October 23 - Time: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Place: At the home of John and Charlotte Winters
***P.S. Please bring 1-2 cans of food for the Christmas Baskets. Trade your cans in for some goodies .... Yeaaaa!!
Prayer Requests
Larry and Lynn Albright request your prayers for good test results for their grandson, Cooper, who will be coming home from New York later this week ... For the friend of Brian and Jessie Pannell, Dusharme, as she recovers from surgery and prepares for chemo ... Eva Loy Knight for her continued recovery from surgery ... For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
Anniversary Sunday and Potluck Luncheon
Our anniversary is scheduled for November 14. Invite your friends and former members to come celebrate sixty years with us.
Harvest Craft Fair: Calling all crafters -- now is the time to get all of your craft creations together and ready to sell. We will be holding a Craft Fair at West Main on November 19 & 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call Debra Burchett for booth space or more info.
Trunk N Treat is coming up on Sunday, October 31, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. See Stephen or Diane Liles for more information and to sign up.
Baby Blanket Tying Party -- Come join us for a Baby Blanket Tying Party on Tuesday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. These blankets will be given out to the pediatric unit at RVMC during the holiday season. Please bring your scissors when you come to help. For more information, contact Wyndee Thomas.
Memorial Service:
At this time, a date has not been set for the memorial service for Barbara Garlitz. We hope to have a service some time in November and will let you know when that date has been set. Thank you so much for your cards and prayers following my mother’s passing. We love you all,
Teresa and Loren Bostwick and family
Deacons and Ministry Leaders Meeting on Monday , November 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. All leaders are encouraged to attend.
Calendar of Events
October 23: Harvest Party at the Winters’ Home from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
October 26: Baby Blanket Tying Party; FSR; 6:30 p.m.
October 31: Trunk N Treat; Parking Lot; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
November 1: Deacons and Leaders Mtg; FSR 7:00 p.m.
November 14: Anniversary Sunday and Potluck Luncheon
November 19-20: Harvest Craft Fair; Bldg.; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
