We Gather Together

Welcome to the heart of summer. The temperatures are starting to sky rocket, and the humidity is joining in the fun. We might all be missing the rain soon enough as the ground turns dry and plants need more water from the hose. But, we will not soon forget the rains that brought devastation to a once drought stricken areas. All the while, we start the list of summer vacations. The travel to visit family, find locations where the temperature might be a little cooler and a place where we can relax. There is something about summer that just puts us in a different mindset.  With thick air and hot temperatures, we just seem to slow down a little bit. We also put our minds in a different way of thinking.

In this summer mentality, I was caught by a comment from a fellow clergy member. He stated for an upcoming meeting that he was as “lukewarm parishioner who plays golf.” Of course, he was being comedic and sarcastic. Yet, it caused me to pause. Are we willing to put aside attending church of an event that is more “enjoyable” that worship? Well, yes. This is what church decline, attendance and research tells me. Most individuals today do not see attending a worship service as essential or important. This leads me and others to ask the question, “Why attend church at all?”

This is not a new problem for the 21^st century. The early church faced a similar situation. In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author states, ^“not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)” People we no longer attending gatherings this early. Jesus had just walked on the earth a few years prior. There might have been first hand witnesses to Jesus ministry still around. This is nothing new, but the author of Hebrews provides the answer to why we gather.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, . . (Hebrews 10: 23-24 NIV)

The goal of gathering in community is to spur on each other in the faith. We encourage, strengthen and comfort those we gather with. It is in the community we use and find our spiritual gifts. In the Presbyterian Tradition, the community calls us to action. At the time of Hebrews, they were worried that tomorrow would be the return of Christ. Should we not have the same concern? The signs of the time seem to point us closer and closer to the day of judgement. We need the courage and hope that is offered in the fellowship community.