For me, being retired and left to my own devices, I could see way too much hunting, fishing, trapping and golf. I think it's important to get some balance in my life by attending church, and serving there and in the community, thinking a little less about me and more about others. I hope it helps me live a more Christlike life or at least be a more tolerable person to be around. I haven't missed a Sunday for I don't know how long. I really enjoy going.

Say a prayer while out fishing.

Church was good fishermen to fishers of men.

Church is where others go to judge each other!
More " gossip" goes on after church than a bar. And I'm a Christian!
I get WAY more God in the outdoors than I do ( did) going to church.

After wading in over my hip boots a couple times last winter, I wish I had a trapping partner who could walk on water.

God is omnipresent, meaning that He is everywhere at once.
I am always somewhere.
Therefore, He is always with me wherever I am.
I have been to too many bad churches (my opinion). They have gotten in the way of my faith.
The best bumper sticker I have ever seen read, "Lord, save me from your followers." I have found, from time to time, that I can relate to that sentiment

Yesterday a friend came in from Germany via Qatar. I haven't seen him in years. Took him fishing with his kids. It was a ball. Yes it was Pentecost and "should" I spend time celebrating God, yes. And so I did. I don't like missing Mass however, I know God wants me to be with him and yesterday I surly was.

it's true, that every church I've even been in, is full of Sinners.

I'm just one more...trying to improve my life.

Well while y'all are out fishing and such I'll be doing my best to plant a seed at VBS this week. Y'all enjoy and hope y'all catch a mess.

Sometimes yes. Those are the wrong churches to be at. They are not all like that.

I like what Sprung& Rusty said.

Sunday morning worship service is usually the best part of the week for me. What could be better than gathering with my family to worship my king, redeemer, brother, and savior?

This week we sang the hymn, "O Worship the King" which has lyrics based on Psalm 104. If you know the God described in this Psalm, there could be nothing better than joining with His people to worship Him. Just think about the millions of people all across the globe that join together on the Lord's Day to worship him together. It's thrilling to be part of that.


O worship the King,
all glorious above!
O gratefully sing
his power and his love!
Our shield and defender,
the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor,
and girded with praise.

O tell of his might!
O sing of his grace!
Whose robe is the light,
whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath
the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path
on the wings of the storm.

The earth, with its store
of wonders untold,
Almighty, thy power
hath founded of old,
hath ‘stablished it fast
by a changeless decree,
and round it hath cast,
like a mantle, the sea.

Thy bountiful care,
what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air;
it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills,
it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills
in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust,
and feeble as frail,
in thee do we trust,
nor find thee to fail;
thy mercies, how tender!
How firm to the end!
Our Maker, Defender,
Redeemer, and Friend!

O measureless Might,
ineffable Love,
while angels delight
to worship thee above,
the humbler creation,
though feeble their lays,
with true adoration
shall all sing thy praise.

I grew up in the Pentecostal AG. Bethel Assembly of God.

Left for College in 84' and have tried to find another "Bethel" ...Its just not there anymore ...
I've become too Jaded- seeing the hymnals retired for wordy screen songs sung by "Praise" cheerleaders.

fire and brimstone preaching is gone... No real reverence for the Altar and pulpit.. 501c3 worship.

I'd Love to find an Old Time Bible Church ...Gospel Tab.

Alas.... I believe I can't get past the Changes allowed in what Services once were.

....but without Church every week " its a slow fade"

"Amazing Grace was a new song at one time."

lol

If you can look long enough you can find a church that makes you feel part of the community. But typically it is a long look.
There are a great many benefits to be found belonging to a good church community. Churches serve a most useful purpose.
Finding a good one is important though.

Good luck to all
Blessings

I have never been on a boat or in the woods on a river or lake and thought " I wish I was in church now " but that may just be me.

Dear Lord! Give me a Bounty of Fur. Instead of $ take the meat: Feed the Homeless!

I have never ever wanted to be in a church either. Church always seems like some sort of punishment to me.

Keith

After reading I can see we are truly blessed to have found the small church we attend.

I don't recall ever being in the woods or fishing and said, "I wish I was in church" but there have been times when I have said, "I wish my church family was here." lol

So in secret you want to get folks out of church ...... ??