Why Church?
This is a question that Bridge 141* has been posing to us the last few months, and some of us have answered in emails or sharing with others. We’re asking everyone to consider: What is the purpose of church? Not the purpose of worship, as worship is only one aspect of church, rather: Why are you a part of a church? Some of your responses so far have been:
- It brings people of faith together in rituals that matter and gives us a kind of spiritual anchor in the world.
- For Society, to be a witness to God's love for all... to acquaint [attendees] with Jesus and his teachings, and to provide a safe community for them to explore their spirituality.
- connections to legacy/ancestors
- to remind us there is reason to hope
- I’m being reminded of core values, being around others who share them, then acting on them
- to be able to turn around and face the world each week (and share God’s love with others)
- to be reminded Christ’s example to follow because I struggle with other people’s behavior
- community, connection, outreach
- being a disciple of Jesus
- to be among others building God’s Kin-dom/Dream on earth
- Perhaps one of these statements rings true for you, or maybe you have another understanding about the purpose of church. I hope it’s clear that I feel strongly that Church has the capacity to give life in our world in particular ways that other institutions don’t offer. We never do it perfectly, but we try and try again.
Those of us who’ve had long-time relationship with church perhaps haven’t considered this question recently—church life is simply part of who we are! Yet, in this era of church decline, it’s an important question for each of us to ponder—why does church matter at all, when God is present everywhere, when we have many opportunities for social connection, when other groups do justice better than we do…? What is the unique purpose of church, and why does it matter to you and to our world?
On Gathering In Sunday, September 8, we’d like to hear from some of you about your understanding of "why church?” If you are tentatively interested in sharing, please contact me and we can chat about it. I never know who the Spirit might nudge to share a message, yet I believe you all have experiences that might move, teach, or inspire us. You’ll have the option of sharing from the pulpit, via Zoom, or by pre-recorded video (I’m willing to help make this happen for you!).
It is a fact that First Congregational Church of Bellingham, United Church of Christ is a blessing to our members, our wider community, and the world. We make a difference in people’s lives. Recognizing the core of why that matters is part of our moving forward into God’s future. I look forward to remembering it with all of you.
In faith,
Pastor Sharon
*Unsure of what Bridge 141 is? Check out the church blog post about it here: https://www.fccb.net/blog/midweek-message-april-10-2024/
