Do you ever wonder where everybody is on Sunday morning when your church has numerous empty seats? A passage from Matthew 18:20 comes to mind: “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Sunday worship: a necessity for some, a chore for others. Suppose you got up this morning knowing you had a scheduled doctor’s appointment and simply decided you didn’t need to go. And what if you were responsible for taking the kids to school, and you changed your mind and didn’t follow through? Now, I know what you’re thinking…Things come up… I was up late Saturday night… I had a stressful week…. The excuses are endless. So, how about this: Did you know that every Christian has a standing appointment to meet Almighty God every Sunday at the church of their choice? Have you ever thought of Sunday worship that way? Every Sunday, with no excuses made, Jesus looks forward to your visit, which should bring a smile to your heart.

Every Christian needs Christian fellowship. On Sunday morning, we engage in communion with our God and our fellow Christians, and spiritual communion is heaped upon us like a gentle rain from heaven.

Every Sunday, we have a standing appointment with the God of the Universe. Our God has things to tell us, and we are humbled to be in His Presence. Sometimes we come with heavy hearts, yet, we leave with hearts full of joy and fulfillment. So don’t miss your next appointment!

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.