A Message From Randy
August 30, 2022
Do you remember those long…loooonnnnggg days in the middle of the Covid pandemic when we left our homes only on matters of necessity and we “participated” in worship by way of Zoom or live-streamed services? Do you remember saying over and over again: “I can’t wait to _______ again!” We all can fill in that blank with so many activities we missed, depending on our particular interests and passions.
I’m willing to bet that, if you are reading this, one of the “can’t wait” statements you uttered frequently is “I can’t wait to get back to church!” And now, we are back…or are we?
“But isn’t attendance on Sunday morning trending up?” you say. The answer is “yes”—and that indeed a wonderful thing. But there is a phenomenon associated with Covid that I have noticed and other pastors as well: Folks are returning to the primary Sunday services, but not so much for other church-related events. There seems to be reluctance to reengage in activities such as Sunday School, Bible Studies, theological discussions and other events that deepen our knowledge of, and appreciation for, our Holy Scripture.
I find this concerning. It concerns me because Sunday worship service is a crucial part of our faith journeys—but it is only a part. I firmly believe that we are intended by God to engage in the study and discussion of Scripture and theology. This exchange of ideas and beliefs, even when and perhaps especially when, there are differing opinions helps us mature spiritually. Just as exercising our muscles makes them grow stronger, “exercising” our faith makes it grow stronger.
Beginning the week of September 11, Nativity will offer a number of opportunities to exercise and grow our faith:
- That Sunday we will offer three Adult Sunday School classes. These are lay-led classes, and the leaders are outstanding. Adult Sunday School will run from 9:15-10:00. A description of each of the classes and where they meet is found below this Message;
- Before and after the Adult Ed classes, there will be coffee in the Parish Hall. This provides a time of fellowship and informal discussion;
- On Tuesday, September 13, we will kick-off our Nativity Ladies’ Study Group in the Parlor. The group will begin by working its way through The book Bible Women: All their Words and Why They Matter by Lindsay Hardin Freeman;
- On Wednesday, September 14, after a week off, our Wednesday Evening Discussion and Diner will resume at 6:00PM in the Parish Hall.
It is my prayer that you will take advantage of one or more of these great opportunities.
God’s Peace,
Randy+
