One reason coming to church each Sunday remains important to me is because physically showing up is one way I can reach out and allow God to dwell in me. I know that worship helps me feel connected to my community, to God, and even to myself, so I make a point to block out an hour in my schedule and scurry to get all of my ducks in a row on Sunday mornings. Sometimes I have to sneak in a few minutes late. But once I’m here, I can stop. Be still. Breathe. The pew gives me the space I need to rest - my body, my mind, and my soul. There’s a reason we call it the “sanctuary” - the busyness of the world seems to pause as I sit in this space. Some days I connect deeply with the elements of worship and the people around me. Other days I just sit and let everything wash over me. But either way, I leave worship with fresh strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

We do not worship together in this space each week for the sole purpose of sending our praises and prayers up to God. We also come together to feel the movement of the Holy Spirit in the worship experience itself. Reading scripture, singing well-loved hymns, and simply being aware of the presence of God in this space are ways that God can provide us with strength, peace, and comfort. Worship is not just us offering something to God, it’s an opportunity for God to offer us something, too. May we be open each morning to receiving God’s sustaining power through our worship together.