An “oldie but goodie” from the great modern Christian thinker and author Thom S. Rainer.

1. “We were out of peanut butter.” Of course, no one can worship without their peanut butter fix.

2. “My kids take naps during that time.” Bring them to church anyway; they can nap during the service with the choir.

3. “Gas prices are too high.” Didn’t I see you at Bonefish Grill the other day?

4. “We had bacon for breakfast, and we smell of it.” Bacon aroma is always welcome at our church.

5. “The pastor stays in the Bible too much.” I’ve noticed that too. Just who does he think he is?

6. “We got burned out at church and have been taking a break the past seven years.” I think you broke the world’s record for length of time to cool down.

7. “I’m waiting until I get my life together.” This last one is mine; I needed a good Bible number for this list.

          We will never have our lives “together”. These are not reasons, they are excuses. I get that coming back after a long time away is difficult. The longer you find “reasons” to stay away, the harder it is. Of course, I am talking about those who certainly CAN come, but CHOOSE not to. We need this, even now in a post-modern age. ESPECIALLY now. Here is the opposite list – reasons TO attend church:

1. You can still wear a mask if you are concerned about catching something. Take the sacrament back to your seat. Sit as distant as possible. Come in and leave by a side door. We’ll even let you slip out after communion. Trust me: you will be glad you summoned the courage to come.

2. It’s only an hour, if “not having enough time” is a concern. You DO have time to come to God’s house and be in communion with God’s people.

3. We have many people ready to assist you if mobility is a concern.

4. We at JOY! are a judgment-free zone. Being smiled at is one of the best contributors to mental health. Maybe that was two in one.

5. Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. Maybe your neighbor or friend attends here, and you never knew it. Trust me; I’ve seen it happen here at JOY!

7. You will feel God’s unconditional love. Because seven is a perfect Biblical number.

Pastor Art