A note from Pastor Travis 01/26/23

I remember one Sunday afternoon my parents came into the living room, where I was watching TV, and told me to change my clothes because we were going to church. What? Going to church? We had just been to church that morning, why were we going back? I was feeling lazy and was really enjoying laying there, doing nothing but watching TV. So, I objected.

My mom tried to reason with me. She told me that my church friends would be there and that I would have a good time. I countered that the “Magical World of Disney” was coming on soon, and I wanted to watch it. My dad then intervened in the conversation with words for which I had no counterargument. He said, “This is not a discussion. Get off that couch and get dressed now!” I did.

I don’t remember what happened at church that night, but I do remember that I had a good time. I remember on the way home my mom saying, “Church is a habit. Sometimes it is hard to get motivated to get up and go, but it is always worth it. The more you go, the easier it is to go, and the more you appreciate going.”

Mom was right. Worship is a habit. However, worship is more than just a habit. It is a gift. Worship molds us. It shapes who we are and how we see the world. It gives us strength and direction. This is because worship isn’t a “one way street.” God meets us in worship.

I invite you to join us for worship this Sunday. If it has been a while since you joined us for worship, either in person or through livestream or MMTV, then I encourage you to restart the habit. You will find it a blessing and a gift.

I am going to end this article with a thought that was in my morning devotion late last week. “It is fitting to rejoice in the beauty and to gaze upon God’s handiwork. While others may call this a waste of time, we recognize that unless we sit in adoration of God, we will forget whom we serve and for what purpose. Worship is always our first response to God.”

Peace and Grace,

Pastor Travis