THE GOSPEL MESSAGE
 
    Volume 40 Number 11                                                                                     July 1998
Editor and Publisher - Thomas W. Woody

A T T E N T I O N ! ! !
F. Wilford Landes


There will be no Sunday evening nor Wednesday evening services in the future. This decision was reached by the elders last week, when many of you voted against the services. All those who were not present, voted against the services. Although these services will be missed by many of the older members and also cause the community to look askance at us, it seems to be the desire of many of the congregation.


There are, of course, some favorable reasons for doing this: (1) There will be a saving in the utilities and in the wear on the pews and carpeting; (2) The elders and some of the other members will not feel an obligation to attend, and (3) it will be easier to watch TV, visit with family and friends, and engage in various recreations without a nagging conscience.


Of course, the above was written "tongue-in-cheek," but is there any truth in it? If you do not attend the evening services, are you not in reality voting against them?


What are the values of these services? Are they worthy of attendance?


  1. As Christians we live among many people who are not Christian. Our association with worldly people in work, in school and the community is unavoidable. But we need Christian association as much as possible to counteract the influence of the world. Especially is this true of our children. The evening services do this.


  2. We need as much Bible knowledge as we can gain. These services increase our exposure to this learning. If the services aren't as informative or stimulating as they should be, perhaps you could speak to the elders about it and offer to assist in improving them. Your preparedness is vital to how much you gain.


  3. The example of the church to the community. By our attendance we demonstrate our belief in the value of Christ and His church to us. When the church meets, and we are not present, we show that this service is unimportant.


  4. The example of parents to their children. All of the above reasons are apparent to them. They often see this, if we do not.


If the elders were to ask for a vote on this matter, how would you vote? Would you vote to discontinue the services? or would you vote to retain them, and then not attend? How have you been voting?



~ (This was written a number of years ago; date not available)



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