Easter, Good for the Soul?

Santa Cruz County moved into the orange tier this week, so churches can now safely hold up to 50% of capacity. That means we can fit our whole church into the sanctuary together, safely distanced and masked.

I understand that this won’t happen overnight, as everyone’s comfort level is different when it comes to large group gatherings. But—I did want to share a few articles that caught my eye this week in my newsfeed.

Why going to church during Holy Week (and beyond) is good for your mental health
Broad-based evidence demonstrates that attendance at worship services is indispensable to a happy, generous and flourishing society.

Read in USA TODAY: https://apple.news/Axd9qP3cpQGaJCXpYWdCTJA

Simply put, it is good for us to go to church! We probably all know that, but it is still encouraging to hear scientific research point to that truth. Now—if you believe and experience that to be true—why not share this experience with others in your circle of relationships?

But here’s the other side of the coin…less people than ever are connected to church.

Church membership in the U.S. has fallen below the majority for the first time in nearly a century

The Washington Post

The number of Americans who said religion was very important to them has dropped to 48 percent, a new low point in the polling since 2000. Read the full story  

If you read both of these articles there is a gap.

We know church is good for us, but we are absent more than ever. This is a disturbing trend. BUT, there is an exciting possibility going on right now. People are hungry for spiritual connection and we have a solution. Will you at least pray about who you can invite into our church community? We have an easier access through our online services and connection groups help in knowing people on a deeper level.

As we begin to experience the joy of seeing one another face-to-face, I pray we share that joy with others.