Why Church?
Have you ever slept in on a Sunday morning? It’s really great. It is sometimes nice to have those relaxing mornings, where you have time to make pancakes and just hang out in your pajamas. And, sometimes, sleeping in is just plain awesome!
But, do you know what else is awesome? The church! And, do you know why the church is awesome? Because it is the only organization in the world that is all about Jesus!
Jesus is Awesome!
Jesus is the One who gives this world life and hope. Jesus is the One who is all about peace and reconcilliation. Jesus cares about the poor, the sick, and the outcast. In Jesus, we don’t see condemnation; we see compassion and inclusion. In Jesus, we see that God's love is real. In Jesus, we see an authentic depth and concern for the lives of every single person on this planet. In Jesus, we see a love that not only connects with the world's suffering, but also a love that is powerful enough to overcome any darkness.
Although the church is not perfect, it is pretty awesome to be part of an organization whose sole purpose is to share the unending love of Jesus.
The Blessings of Christian Community
Not only is the church awesome because it is the only organization in the world that is all about Jesus, but it is also awesome because it brings us into a community of authentic relationships built upon Christ. The church is at its best when people are real with one another. The friendships we make through the church are incredible. At church, we share some of the greatest moments of our lives. Your church family sticks with you in the good times and in the bad. Your church family is with you and celebrates with you when your child is born. And, if your child isn’t doing well and has to spend time in the hospital, your church family is also with you.
As you grow and mature, church is place where you are surrounded with love. The church is there to continually remind children that they are valued and that they matter and that they are important because they are a gift of God. As teenagers the church provides safe relationships. The church can break down cliques that are so prevalent at school. At church, you can be yourself. At church, you can be accepted for who you are. Many teenagers have shared about how racists their school is, but when they come to church they have friends who are Asian, and Latino, and African American – and they all get along and support one another.
When you fall in love, the church is there to celebrate with you, and to support you through all the ups and downs of marriage. When you start your career, the church is there to remind you that there is more to life than your job. And, when you face tragedy, the church will hold your hand and walk with you through the darkness. (And, sometimes they will bring you lots of casseroles to fill your fridge.) When you are in the hospital, church members might come and visit and bring some flowers or games to cheer you up. If you are going through a crisis, there may be church members who offer to do your laundry or mow your grass. If you are new to town, and your family is out of state, and you don't have any close friends in the area, a loving church can make all the difference in the world.
Purpose in Christ
Someone once said, “There are two great days in your life: the day you are born and the day you discover why.” At Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, you will be challenged to discover who you are and what it means to participate in the love of God. You will be challenged to serve others, to pray, to give, to learn, and to grow. Gathering here as a community every Sunday, reminds us that there is so much more to life than our own little world that we concoct for ourselves. Gathering here every Sunday reminds us of the resurrection hope – that God’s love is stronger than darkness and death. Gathering here every Sunday reminds us that God is good and that there really is meaning and purpose to it all. And, most importantly, the Church helps us to experience and participate in the amazing and awesome love of Jesus Christ.