Showing up in the Rain

I was looking through a book catalog recently, and there was a title "What Pastors Want Congregations to Know." I did not order the book but the title intrigued me and I began to wonder what chapter I might write. Let's see, there is the one on "putting it back where you found it" or the "quiet during the prelude would be good" but then it started raining. And it was still raining on Sunday morning and then it hit me! That would be my chapter: "Showing Up in the Rain." What many may not know, is that in the wee hours of a Sunday morning, I begin thinking and praying about who might be at church that day. About the service and whatever elements I am responsible for, and that God would be glorified at the end of the day. And when it rains, (or snows) those prayers change a little, because I know there are some that won't be there that day because of the weather.

I would never want anyone to be in danger, and I know well that it is a long walk to our front door - so I understand not coming - but I do wish for those who could make it - to come and be part of the gathered body inspite of the weather.

When I teach Confirmation, I always tell the students that when they come to church, it affirms my faith as well as theirs. It says that we all thought it was more important to come to church than to stay at home and that God was worth the effort that day.

So on this particular weekend of rain - I was very blessed by the dear people who showed up. The Octogenarians who braved the rain drops to come and worship - if affirmed my faith - and God was indeed glorified as a result!