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God is Greater Than … My Fear

Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” – Mark 4:40

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.

Researchers report that 40 years ago, the greatest fears of grade school children were: 1) Animals, 2) Being in a dark room, 3) High places, 4) Strangers, 5) Loud noises.
Today, kids are afraid of: 1) Divorce, 2) Nuclear war, 3) Cancer, 4) Pollution, 5) Being mugged.

I’ve been thinking …
about my best ‘meeting’ this week. Between services last
Sunday I met a new attender, who heard about this church in a random conversation at the library with some Wellington Square people. That led to a visit to our church, which could develop to become a connection to a faith home. HURRAY. Every congregation needs that kind of welcoming attitude radiating out from their members. Bill Hybels says “the normal attrition rate for most churches is about 10% each year. That means you can be doing everything flawlessly — awe-inspiring worship; joyfully serving the hurting and poor; growing people up in faith and knowledge — and yet because of death, moves, career change, you’ll still lose ten out of every hundred attenders each year.” By that measure, Wellington Square loses about 80 people each year. There will always be room for you to bring a friend or neigbour, and Jesus’ team needs you to invite them. Something else worth noting: attendance patterns are changing across Canada.
A generation ago, regular members would normally be in church 3 or 4 times each month, and only missed if they were sick. The norm is different now — more travel, cottages, kids’ sports, shift work and shopping mean that if many get there once or twice a month they feel they’re regular. That is true for more than mainline-protestants like us. A national leader of ‘conservative-evangelical’ churches told me this week their statistics show an average of 3 out of 7 weeks’ attendance. That means people hear only part of a sermon series, they miss being part of programs and events, and the energy and support slips.
All that to say —— I love it when you’re here! Thanks for coming; your presence makes a difference; you are missed. So please come every Sunday you can — and bring a friend! With love, ORVILLE

Wellington Square United Church

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