I went to church last Sunday. That is something I can say almost every week, but this year did not exactly begin the way I expected. I was looking forward to 2026 being a great year. Some health issues from 2025 were behind me and I expected to stride joyfully into the new year.
Instead, I ended up in the hospital on January 2 with new health issues (caused by a medication I had been taking for old health issues – ain’t modern medicine grand.) I missed being in church for the first three Sundays of the new year. But last Sunday I was back!
I appreciate that we can ‘attend’ on-line services, but church is much more than just the message, or even the message and the song service. Church is seeing the smiles on the faces of people when they see you walk through the door. It is hearing the people who usually sit in the row behind you say – “we were praying for you.” It is the strength received in the hugs.
And yes, it is the song service (hearing others raise their voices in worship with you) and the timely message (hearing the Amen’s and PTL’s echo around the room).
That’s the kind of church we all need. If you don’t have that kind of church you have two choices. You can leave and find one – or you can be the influence to turn the one you attend into that kind of church.
