Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We need to remember that we are God’s Children and we are called to be disciples and apostles of Christ, God’s Church. But as humans we sometimes are not as faithful as we should be. I came across this “Church Etiquette” and I would like to share it with you.
1. COME. Never miss church unless it is absolutely necessary. George Washington’s pastor said of him, “No company ever kept him from church.”
2. COME EARLY. Rushing into church the last minute is not conductive to true worship.
3. COME WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. “The church service is not a convention that a family should merely send a delegate.”
4. TAKE A PLACE TOWARD THE FRONT OF CHURCH. Leave the rear seats for those who may come late.
5. BE DEVOUT. The church is not a theater or place of amusement. You come to worship God, not to whisper, lounge or sleep. God’s house deserves our very utmost reverence.
6. HELP STRANGERS TO FIND AND FOLLOW THE SERVICE. If they have no book, share yours with them. Sing! Join in the worship! Don’t just sit!
7. ALWAYS-REMEMBER THAT STRANGERS ARE THE GUESTS OF THE CHURCH MEMBERS. Treat them with the same courtesy as you would if they should visit in your home.
8. GIVE A GOOD OFFERING TO GOD. God loveth a cheerful giver. Freely ye have received.
9. NEVER RUSH FOR THE DOOR after the benediction as though the church were on fire. Speak and be spoken to. Be congenial.
10. NEVER STAY AWAY FROM CHURCH BECAUSE THE CHURCH IS NOT PERFECT. How lonesome you would feel in a perfect church?
– Author Unknown
As God’s beloved children we come to church to worship God not because we have too. We do it to give God the praise, thanks and glory which is rightly due because of all that He has given and done for us. We do it out of joy and love.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Gary
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18