Friends in the Lord,
It was three years ago at this time that the governor closed all the churches – along with schools, businesses, and other activities – because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision had a profound impact of the lives of Michiganders and on the life of our churches at its effects still linger.
During the shutdown, Immanuel Lutheran was richly blessed by an amazing level of giving. We were able to reach people through the internet and soon we were able to welcome people back to in-person worship. Still, our overall worship attendance has not returned to anywhere near the levels it was before the pandemic. We’re not alone in this for the pandemic simply accelerated a longer-term trend of declining church attendance.
That is very worrisome. As one pastor put it, online worship is like looking at a video of a fire; you can see it, but you’re missing the heat. There is no substitute for gathering with other Christians in God’s presence to receive the gifts of grace through Word and sacrament. And for many, they’re not even looking at the video of the fire. Weekly worship strengthens us for the trials we face in this life. Remember, Satan will use anything to weaken our faith and draw us away from God. So our defense must be built on the solid rock of Christ.
For us, this means that the focus of our lives ought to be the worship of our Lord, the receiving of His good gifts, and the service our neighbor with love and charity.
So how do we do that? Well, here are some suggestions for you.
- Aid one of our less mobile members to attend church at least once per month.
- Invite one person to come with you to worship, especially a family member who has stopped coming in the past.
- Serve the church, volunteer to usher, to be on Altar Guild, to help for funerals, to mow, sweep, or whatever needs to be done around our physical building
- Fellowship – Families get together. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Take advantage of the marvelous time when we get together to break bread and speak to one another.
- Attend Bible study on Sunday morning. We will begin, shortly, studying the issue of suffering in our world and what we do about it. If Sunday morning doesn’t work for Bible study, ask me to start a study at a time better suited to you.
The last two are vitally important for you. This is an exciting time to be a member of Christ’s church. America has been called one of the largest mission fields in the world. Not only because of the tremendous immigration to our country, but because of the increasing number of people who simply identify as non-religious. Therefore, each day it is more likely that you will meet someone who has virtually no knowledge of Jesus Christ or His work.
St. Peter encourages to be prepared at all times to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, and do it with gentleness and respect. And you prepare by devoting yourself to God’s Word.
Pastor Michael
Immanuel Lutheran Church 