Low Sunday - Rector's Rambling for April 23, 2017

Last Week we had a fantastic celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ!  I am grateful for all the participants who helped to make such a wonderful day possible, from acolytes, choristers, ushers, and altar guild, to all the friends, family, and members who were present for worship.  The brass accompaniment was great, and the choir sounded fantastic, but nothing topped having so many people present for worship and fellowship!

If past proves provident, we will have half the people in Church today, or fewer, than we did last Sunday.  Three quarters of the choir take a week to rest their voices, and many of our guests go back to their neighborhood parishes for the regular week to week worship in which they participate.  Others, who attend worship less frequently, will go back to their regular non-attendance.

But I have something for all of us in the parish to think about.  St. John’s could be as well-attended on a “regular” Sunday as it was for Easter.  This could be accomplished if all those who consider themselves members of the parish were to attend every week.

Although some members have moved out of the area, we have enough people locally (or relatively locally) who are or were regular worshippers here, that if all made an effort to be here at least three Sundays a month, we would find the nave as full today as it was last week.

Regular attendance at worship not only helps you (receive the Grace of Communion, teaching, and fellowship), but your presence also encourages others in attendance.  The congregation also sings better when there are more people gathered.  And think of the impression a fuller church makes on a visitor!

Today this column reaches those who are here and I hope you will be here next week as well.  But for those not here, let us pray for them, that they return soon!