Why meet as a church? 

This is worth asking because we’ve all got quite used to church online. 

For some of us this suits our temperament.  For some it’s easier on our health.  We may even have been getting more out of a service when there are fewer distractions.  So why return to meeting in person?

Here are three reasons:

1) Church means gathering (from the word Ekklesia = “to gather”).  The story of the Bible is of God gathering scattered people.  Because of sin, Adam and Eve are sent from the garden, and the people at Babel are sent over the whole world.  The exile later in the OT is a scattering.  But Jesus said “when I am lifted up I will gather all people to myself.”  His saving death would bring us together.  So the Bible ends with a gathering of people of all nations.  God wants us to gather in person because that is why he saved us.  To be family, to show off his power, and to express love for those God has loved. 

2) Church is for God's glory.  We do gather for our own good - we need others to show us, pray with us, sing to us, speak to us face to face about God’s goodness and love. (Hebrews 3.13 says we can’t be left spiritually on our own for a day!)  And we do gather for the good of others.  I want to be there for their encouragement, to pray for them.  And us being away from church does spiritually affect others – even in intangible ways.  But above all we gather for God’s glory.  He’s so worthy that we’ll happily put up with not singing, and wearing face masks, and the social distancing.  Believers round the world have put up with far worse.  
 
3) Church has been good!  We’ve really found that.  Sure it’s not as good as it was and will be.  But we’re finding real opportunities to express our love for Jesus, our joy in him, our togetherness.  Testimonies have been a great addition.  Children’s songs with actions or shakers are encouraging.  If you have other ideas we’d welcome them. 

We quite understand that some of us are feeling deeply anxious.  Others we know have become too frail to attend and we’re committed to supporting you.  But for the rest of us - do come!  Personally I’d suggest that if you’re vaccinated don’t wait until the all clear in June.  There is a spiritual benefit in coming despite the restrictions - because it underlines that we do it for the Lord.