I have recently come to a realization that has changed the way I look at going to church.  In the past, I have always thought that going to church was something I did for myself. I would go to fill a need for fellowship, enjoy some music, and to reconnect with scripture in a meaningful way. Although these are all valid reasons to go to church, recently I have come to realize that going to church isn’t just about me.  Church is a place where I go to worship the God who made and sustains me.  It is a place where I can join fellow Christians as I praise and thank the Lord for his great presence in my life.  So I invite you, if you have had moments where you wondered why you go to church, to think about church as an opportunity for praise and worship.  It is not just about you.  It is about thanking the Lord for all of the blessings in your life and praising him for all he has done.  Put aside all of the things that get in the way and bring all your cares and worries to the altar of the Lord.  Come to the Lord just as you are.  For He is a loving God who has the power to bring peace and joy to your life in ways that nothing else can. 

Just as You Are
By Krista Longeway

All who are weary, come here to this place
Come and worship the Lord just as you are
Bring with you all of the struggles you face
For God’s loving presence is never far

Bring with you all the mistakes you have made
Bring with you all the triumphs and the strife
Bring with you all the choices that have played
A strong and meaningful part in your life

Set them all at the altar of the Lord
Let go all that weighed you down through the years
It is here that you have your hope restored
Here you are freed from your worries and fears

So come to this place to worship with me 
Come to our faithful Lord just as you are
And as you worship with me you will see
That God’s loving presence is never far