Our church closes down over January.
I hate that.
Many people go away.
Some go elsewhere.
Many go nowhere (church-wise I mean).
As much as we try not to fall into the last category, we often seem to.
We went while we were in Adelaide but that’s it.
No-one’s fault but our own.
But I really HATE that our church keeps insisting on closing it’s doors over the summer school holidays.
We’ve fought the tradition in the past and “won”.
Generally speaking, we might have 1 Sunday with only 1 or 2 families present. The rest we tend to have about half.
And the size our church is now, half is MORE than what having everyone there used to be.
And yet, unless we jump up and down, they continue to revert to “no church in January”. 
Not that we were here much this year. So we couldn’t really do much about it.
I’m not one to be a “stickler” for “you must go to church”…
BUT…
I do personally find it helps.
Anyway, we restart services (and Sunday School) this Sunday thankfully. My concern is that everyone is feeling quite flat at the moment.
Including me.
No church? That’s a new one for me. As far as I’m aware God doesn’t take annual leave! LOL I understand that we all get tired and worn out in ministry, but at our church we just roster people off for a break and invite guest ministers to preach. I can understand you would feel a little flat by February. Praying that your soul finds some quenching before then… xx
By: SquiggleMum on January 26, 2010
at 7:18 pm
Who is the “they”? Why don’t you organise your own gathering for the Sundays that there aren’t organised “services”? Is there a public venue you could use or alternate houses if it’s a small group of you? Could you use the church building for an informal meeting? Would the powers that be allow that?
By: wjcsydney on January 27, 2010
at 10:30 am
Our church decreases services for Jan, but we can still go. I always make myself go, but it is hard, Jan = no Kids stuff = 3 kids in pews with me = not much of the sermon to be heard.
I think Wendy has a good idea, just meet up with people for a lunch or something instead. Not the same, but may help.
Take care, glad it is back this weekend for you.
By: agrantham81 on January 27, 2010
at 2:29 pm
Hi there
just touching base to see how church is and life in general since your church should be up and running again now.. after being AWOL for a while..
Hope you are taking time for yourself..
Lynette
By: Lynette on February 4, 2010
at 4:17 pm
I don’t think it’s an active decision. I think it’s just a habit that can be broken.
There are no real “powers that be” at our church, everyone is welcome to use the building. I think the “music makers” need a break and they assume that church won’t work without them.
Certainly something that needs to be brought up again, I don’t think anyone is dead set against it (although I could be wrong!), I feel it’s more a matter of complacency. Which isn’t any better because it’s getting the same result.
I’m afraid I’m one of the one’s who doesn’t turn up in January. We are always away for the entire month, but I don’t expect church to stop just because I’m not there. Like you said, we are big enough now to be able to run no matter what is happening.
We discussed at ministry team the fact that we seem to move services around to accomodate people. We aren’t doing that anymore. We need to get our priorities sorted. And yes. By WE I mean ME!
By: Sharon on February 11, 2010
at 10:35 pm
Lightening, I can’t imagine how that must feel to not have the doors opened to you. You truly seem a wonderfully open and loving person in regards to God. I hope you have not given up on him guiding you where He wants you to go. Pray to him, if you have not find an answer which resonates in your soul.
Closing doors when many families simply aren’t there because they are travelling elsewhere makes me feel that the church you have attended is more concerned with revenue than with soothing souls. (I don’t mean to be harsh here, but I have never in my life attended a church that just was not happening…I mean one time we were travelling and looked up the church of our choice and the building was vacant…HOWEVER, it was because there was a stake conference being held. Fortunately for us, a member of that congregation “forgot” that it was stake conference but showed up at such a time that we could follow her to the other building.
Also, I attend a church where tithes and offerings do not pay clergy. That has always rested well with me because Christ and His disciples were unpaid as well.
Anyhow, I do encourage you to seek out a venue for your family. I see this blog is a bit dormant and I don’t even know if you will see my comments.
I was particular moved by your words:
“I’m not one to be a “stickler” for “you must go to church”…
BUT…
I do personally find it helps.
Anyway, we restart services (and Sunday School) this Sunday thankfully. My concern is that everyone is feeling quite flat at the moment.
Including me.”
Feeling flat happens sometimes and I’m sorry that you were not able to be filled through church attendance at the time you wrote.
I am a stickler for going to church for myself and my family (so I’m not like evil maniacal everyone is going to H if they don’t — stickler I’m of the I have found truth and I’m determined to stick with it” stickler) because it DOES help. I find when I feel flat (and sometimes I do) and there are times when I feel like I’m almost “Forcing” myself to go to church (hey, the Devil is pretty consistent in his efforts to stop folks from going), by the end of the Sacrament meeting I am filled again and marvelling at how satisfying it is to renew promises I’ve made to God. It’s important to my family. ANd the MOST important thing we have is our agency and our ability to seek out the venue that inspires us most. All you need do is ask the Lord directly, humbly, pleadingly. I am convinced that you will be guided to truth which will satisfy your soul. There is such goodness in you, and I’m sure that you have not forfeited that goodness entirely, or even if you have for a bit (hey, it happens…we are all human) ask forgiveness and THEN seek His guidance.
I wish you much success in finding truth in this life. I wish you and your family happiness and joy. <3 And by the way? I absolutely love the photograph at the top of your blog. It is beautiful.
By: Melanie on January 9, 2012
at 12:44 am