“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to his townspeople. At last he decided to build them a church.

No one saw the complete plans for the church until it was finished. When the people gathered, they marveled at its beauty and completeness. Then someone asked, “But where are the lamps? How will it be lighted?”

The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave to each family a lamp which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship.

“Each time you are here, the area where you are seated will be lighted,” the nobleman said. “Each time you are not here, that area will be dark.

This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God’s house will be dark. Did you know that, on the average, less than 1/3 of our members is present each Sunday for worship. Now normally that fact would inspire a pastor to say: “Why don’t you come to the church more often? You’re missing so much! There’s so much here for you if you’d only come!” But sometimes I think we preachers take the wrong approach. Rather than telling you how much you need us, I want you to know how every much we need you! Worship isn’t the same without you: your smile, your listening ear, your handshake, just your taking the trouble to be there says something that we need to hear. You may not always feel a terrific need to go to church, but you can be sure that you are always NEEDED!

Our church is a place of healing, a place to grow, a place where we can “bear one another’s burdens,” a place of light. God’s house isn’t meant for shadows. Bring your lamp and shine with us.

Grace and Peace Pastor Paul