View from the Pew:  

This is a difficult subject to address without coming across as hypocritical, but that’s never stopped me before.  

Seriously, that’s the risk I take in writing this material each month, putting myself in the position of having to live up to my own advice or encouragement. I’m talking about church attendance. I’m sensitive to that subject for a couple of reasons: I often count the attendance among ushering duties and I’m attuned to sports where the size of the crowd is considered important, both for the sake of sustaining the business and backing the team. 

The same applies to Zion in many ways. Not only does attendance show support for the congregation’s operation, but it creates a shared experience. Sure, there’s something to be said for personal reflection, but my favorite memories involve big gatherings that

create a celebratory atmosphere. While recognizing that Easter and Christmas Eve are tough to duplicate on a weekly basis, that should be the goal. 

Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of “not neglecting to meet together.” That was vital to the early church, and is no less important now. On Sundays when there’s a decision to be made about coming to church or not, I always like to think of Zion members such Margaret George or the late Art Teece and Ron Platzke, who would make every effort to be in the building, if at all possible.

                      -Kurt Kragthorpe