PEA RIDGE — Well it’s that time of year again and Easter is upon us. Many pastors are getting ready for another remembrance and celebration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, nearly 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. A high point in the Christian year, Easter, much like Christmas, has a way of bringing many folks who do not typically attend worship services to attend one. There are many reasons for this, but instead of pondering a list, let’s focus on some good pointers if you haven’t been to church for awhile.
For starters, if you feel compelled to get new clothes, don’t go off and buy something that you’ll never wear again. This is true especially for the many families struggling to make ends meet and their kids really don’t need another tie to get played with and lost. Think practical.
Jesus always did and leads us to do the same.
When it comes to picking a place to attend, you’re better off going with someone you know or what you might be familiar with.
Comfort does help the Easter morning jitters. If you’ve grown up singing hymns your whole life, you just might not connect well with a full out praise band. Or if the band is what you’re used to, a liturgical organ lead service might shock you.
Focus on God’s Word, not the style. We all know that Easter morning, and most Sunday mornings, are the most difficult to move around in. It seems to be true that if you wake up Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m., then Sunday should include the extra hour per day you earned.
That would mean you don’t get out of bed until 1 p.m.
or so. If this is you - sorry.
Christians from the earliest time would meet at sunrisebecause they saw creation attesting to the rising of the Son of God from the dead.
Though tempting, don’t do it and make a special morning of it. Take your time and don’t rush. Most churches offer later services for you. Let your kids be kids. Children can smell your fear and dread of attending church. It isn’t supposed to hurt to be at church. If it does, say something or find a place where you can be yourself, in so far as it is pleasing to God of course. Reverence for God and His Word is great and well to be learned, but don’t fear the social environment at church. (But if the Christians at church are getting in the way of Jesus, tell them “shame of you.” You can tell them I said for you to and they can be mad at me instead!) If you must, call and talk to the pastor before you attend soyou get a handle on what to expect.
Lastly, remember why you are there. God loved you so much that He would give His only Son, Jesus Christ, for you. You remember Psalm 23 and John 3:16, right? Enjoy the time of fellowship and soaking in God’s Word. You need Jesus. When you leave, if you consider doing it again the next Sunday, I promise you are not crazy, just spiritually hungry and being fed.
Bless you - Christ Jesus is risen!
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Editor’s note: Neil Vanderbush is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at P.O. Box 555, Pea Ridge, AR 72751, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Church, Pages 2 on 03/28/2012