August, 1988

In one fashion or another, I have been expected to be in worship virtually every Sunday since I became under the appointment of my first Bishop in Winfield, KS in August, 1988. That is a long time and it just means I am getting old!

It also means I really missed worshipping with "my" folks today.

Here are some things I am especially missing today (in no particular order):

• Open Communion...no "preferred" seating; all are on equal ground when feasting at the Lord's Table
• The faithfulness of servants that make worship happen...like musicians (both 8:15 and 10:30); ushers, greetings, Liturgists...
• The generosity of givers of their time and money  
• Sunday School teachers 
• The steady participation of folks that show up...NO MATTER WHAT!!
• High fives from the children 
• Those getting out of the "boat" of complacency and realizing that if the Kingdom is going to be built on their watch, it means sacrifice and blessing
• My preaching...before you judge me, hear me out. I love the art of preaching (I still have a lot to learn in order to prefect that art) and I missed not being in the pulpit today. Yes, I led a short informal worship service today at the 181st, but I didn't preach. 
• Leaving Church better than when I arrived

What do you miss when you miss going to Church?