I know all my church members by name, and love each one of them very dearly! I care for each one of them so much that during the week, I try getting in touch through visitation, telephone calls and e-mails.
But my greatest and happiest days of the week are Fridays and Sabbaths. Then, I get to see them face to face, and have a chance of shaking their hands and share some experiences! And so, as you can imagine, I eagerly look forward to those two days!
Sad to say, there is every indication that some members don’t realize that! How come! Because there are some Fridays and/or Sabbaths that I go to church and find them not there. They miss for some not so convincing reasons that include the following:
1.Going to work
2.Went somewhere and so ran out of time
3.So tired to go anywhere
4.Went to another church
5.Forgot about it
6.Didn’t feel like going to church
7.Having way too many problems
Some, if not all, don’t even care to at least call and let us know what’s happening. And so we are left wondering!
In thinking of how best I can let them know how I feel about it, I found myself thinking of the story of Hosea and Gomer as found in the book of Hosea. Here is what I am thinking. I know that Holy Communion is coming this coming Sabbath and that I am scheduled to preach. But I was thinking of not showing up! Instead, I can go out there and get myself a job, stay home or even go to another church! And what will be my reasons of not showing up for either Friday vespers or Sabbath day!
1.Well,no one should tell me what to do!
2.I was forced by the employer to report otherwise I will loose my job.
3.I have a thousand and one bills that are just waiting to be paid
4.It’s not all that important to go to church!
5.I feel like visiting other churches
My only concern is that if I did that, many of my church members will not only be very un-happy but will condemn me right away! Some might even decide not to come to church anymore!
Well,will someone let my beloved members know that that is how I feel whenever they miss coming to church!
Just an idea!
C.Absalom N. Birai, Pastor
Maranatha SDA church
Hopkins United Methodist church
717 highway 7
Hopkins, MN 55305
P.O BOX 1296
Maple Grove, MN 55311
612-386-4608
www.themaranathasdachurch.org
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Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:55:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: Absalom Birai
Subject: Re: I have an idea!