Why go to Church?

This program was offered on june 24th 2023 at st. paul’s church, newburyport and st. thomas’ church, taunton; and on july 15th 2023 at the cathedral church of St. paul.

We know all the excuses:

• I just need some "me" time.

• I find God in nature; I don't need church.

• Barbara Brown Taylor left church. Why shouldn't I?

• I got on fine with online church during pandemic closures, why should I return now?

The scriptures admonish us, "Do not neglect to meet together," but sometimes we don't feel like it or we find our experience in congregations challenging. Why should we go to church? What would you say to a friend who asks you why you attend?

The workshops exploring these questions were held in June and July 2023. Sessions began at 10am, and ran until around 3pm. Those gathered shared a light lunch, and also celebrated Eucharist together. 

Participants at all three venues seemed excited to attend, if a little uncertain as to what the day would entail! There was much enthusiastic discussion, with one participant commenting, ‘We don’t usually talk about Jesus like this in church!’ 

All took home with them printed materials, which are designed so they can be used for further discussion of the topic within parishes. You can find that booklet by clicking the button below.

Some reflections on the day, from Dean Amy:

It was my pleasure to spend a day with a group of friends in Christ from a variety of Episcopal congregations reflecting on the question "Why go to church?"

"Church" is not a place, but a people. The Greek word for church is "ecclesia," meaning "assembly." Sometimes, the people assemble in a church building, sometimes in a home, sometimes in a park on a riverbank. The procession begins when we leave our homes and assemble with other members of the body of Christ.

At our gathering, I offered reflections on how the sacraments center us in the great good news of who God is and, therefore, who we are. Some people offered stories of how life in Christian community had rescued them from loneliness and revealed to them their dignity and given them purpose. Some offered great questions about what to do when church doesn't live up to its calling, wounding rather than healing. Some offered huge bowls of grapes, delicious sweets, favorite prayers, extraordinary listening skills.

And so as we continued, we made manifest one of the most precious gifts of going to church: each gathering of the body of Christ is so abundant and so unique, and as we worship, converse, break bread, and care for one another, God works in us and through us. So much of this emerges in the room, as specific people in their specific bodies with their specific voices, histories, joys and concerns show up for God and one another.

I hope you know how much you​ matter to the body of Christ! And the next time you go to church, I invite you to arrive with a renewed intention of noticing and giving thanks for the myriad gifts of the people around you and wonder anew about what God might be gifting you with through them.