Kids missing church for actvities?

[Truthseeker]

What is your opinion regarding missing service for events suchs a sports, school activities etc.....


Not on a regular basis but here and there.

[NorCal]

When I was growing up, I was taught that organized sports (with the world) was something we abstained from due to the spirit that was displayed.

However, I did attend (and participated) in the school Choir and Band. I did abstain from playing at the organized sporting events however. Most of the concerts were on Wednesday nights, and since it was only once a semester (twice a year) my pastor and parents did not see any harm in that.

NOTE:
As a Christian the feelings toward Organized sports is the Spirit, Language, and Attitudes in that environment. Why subject your children to that?

[Truthseeker]

When I was growing up, I was taught that organized sports (with the world) was something we abstained from due to the spirit that was displayed.

However, I did attend (and participated) in the school Choir and Band. I did abstain from playing at the organized sporting events however. Most of the concerts were on Wednesday nights, and since it was only once a semester (twice a year) my pastor and parents did not see any harm in that.

What are your thoughts on sports now? Plus where you at in Norcal?

[Digging4Truth]

No one in our church misses for sports events etc except the pastor and his kids.

Our praise team recently traveled out of state (about 3 hours drive) to sing at a service and he wasn't able to make it. His kid had a game. We've been having the special youth services on the last saturday of the month and now we have gone to the last saturday of every third month... over a year now... he has made 2... the rest... he or his kids had a game.

I'm starting to have difficulty keeping a good spirit. I cover when he's out with a game... Prayer Rally on Wednesday nights during play offs...

Ugh... I can't stand it.

[Digging4Truth]

And it's not like... when the season is over it'll get better. they are involved in EVERY sport.

[NorCal]

What are your thoughts on sports now? Plus where you at in Norcal?

Sorry, I edited my post about my thoughts on Organized Sports.

I was employed at a school district, and worked closely with the Coaches. Foul language was common out on the field, both by the Coaches and Players.

[berkeley]

And it's not like... when the season is over it'll get better. they are involved in EVERY sport.

Are you serious? (maybe you should be the pastor and he can assist lol)

[ILG]

My kids missed all the activities for church. That was a mistake.

[Digging4Truth]

Are you serious? (maybe you should be the pastor and he can assist lol)

Serious as a heart attack.

We have on service on Sundays... I like that. But I do know that the reason is because they have lots of games on Sundays.

[Truthseeker]

Sorry, I edited my post about my thoughts on Organized Sports.

I was employed at a school district, and worked closely with the Coaches. Foul language was common out on the field, both by the Coaches and Players.

So far that hasn't been a problem for us. I guess it can be argued bad language is heard in all kinds of places, school being one of them.

But to the question, you see no problem missing church for activities if not habitual?

[NorCal]

Serious as a heart attack.

We have on service on Sundays... I like that. But I do know that the reason is because they have lots of games on Sundays.

Tell him that he needs reduce his tithing reception to the amount actual hours he spends in a service (or other church duties). Might straighten him out. LOL

[Truthseeker]

My kids missed all the activities for church. That was a mistake.

OK down with 411, explain.

[Digging4Truth]

Tell him that he needs reduce his tithing reception to the amount actual hours he spends in a service (or other church duties). Might straighten him out. LOL

I haven't bothered him about it all... although...of late...it is starting to get to me. But I don't mess with him because we are having revival among the young people and he doesn't interfere.

So I'm free to minister while he yells go team.

[ILG]

OK down with 411, explain.

My husband and I gave our lives to the church and for my kids, it was church, church, church. We were the pastors, after all.

Since we pastored such small churches, our kids had no church friends. The friends they had were from school and, sometimes went to church or camp with our kids.

Since our kids did pretty much nothing but church, they had little socialization. My kids say they were raised in a cave. It's true. I can't deny it. Now, they struggle to socialize.

[NorCal]

My kids missed all the activities for church. That was a mistake.

Why do you feel that it was a mistake? Which events are you referring to?

[Truthseeker]

My husband and I gave our lives to the church and for my kids, it was church, church, church. We were the pastors, after all.

Since we pastored such small churches, our kids had no church friends. The friends they had were from school and, sometimes went to church or camp with our kids.

Since our kids did pretty much nothing but church, they had little socialization. My kids say they were raised in a cave. It's true. I can't deny it. Now, they struggle to socialize.

I think there should be more teaching/counseling regarding parenting in regards to church/standards etc...... Minsiters especially.

[Hoovie]

I think it's ok if kept to a minimum... But then, we generally only attend Sundays. We will miss at least on service later this month for a theater performance. My oldest has the lead role in the Little Princess and I am her father "Caption Crew". Our Performing Arts Council, of which I am the President, attracts many wonderful Christian families. While it's not a Christian theater, we do try to keep most events appropriate for the entire family.

I think it is vitally important that children are involved in their community. We also do soccer, softball etc.

I think it's great to be involved in the church activities, but additional community involvement allows for a more well-rounded childhood experience.

[ILG]

There is so much pressure when you are pastoring, it is hard. Even if you have a small congregation and nobody supports you or comes to visit, everybody knows what you are doing pretty much.

[berkeley]

I haven't bothered him about it all... although...of late...it is starting to get to me. But I don't mess with him because we are having revival among the young people and he doesn't interfere.

So I'm free to minister while he yells go team.

Maybe this isn't about him. Maybe it's about you. hmm

[Truthseeker]

I think it's ok if kept to a minimum... But then, we generally only attend Sundays. We will miss at least on service later this month for a theater performance. My oldest has the lead role in the Little Princess and I am her father "Caption Crew". Our Performing Arts Council, of which I am the President, attracts many wonderful Christian families. While it's not a Christian theater, we do try to keep most events appropriate for the entire family.

Goes back to habitual trends, folks miss because of trips/vacations and variuous things so why would children activites be any different, but I'm still somewhat uncomfertable it but will go a trip. Us humans are funny sometimes.

[berkeley]

My husband and I gave our lives to the church and for my kids, it was church, church, church. We were the pastors, after all.

Since we pastored such small churches, our kids had no church friends. The friends they had were from school and, sometimes went to church or camp with our kids.

Since our kids did pretty much nothing but church, they had little socialization. My kids say they were raised in a cave. It's true. I can't deny it. Now, they struggle to socialize.

how old are your children?

[Praxeas]

What is your opinion regarding missing service for events suchs a sports, school activities etc.....


Not on a regular basis but here and there.
Id only be concerned with "here and there" that it will eventually become a regularly basis

[Praxeas]

My husband and I gave our lives to the church and for my kids, it was church, church, church. We were the pastors, after all.

Since we pastored such small churches, our kids had no church friends. The friends they had were from school and, sometimes went to church or camp with our kids.

Since our kids did pretty much nothing but church, they had little socialization. My kids say they were raised in a cave. It's true. I can't deny it. Now, they struggle to socialize.
But it sounds like they did have friends at school. One does not need to miss sunday service in order to have friends or socialize

I didn't grow up in a church, but I had friends that all went to church on Sunday. They ranged from Catholics to Pentecostals. They all went to church every sunday and still had friends they socialized with.

And many of them influenced me, or tried, to go to church too.

[Truthseeker]

Maybe this isn't about him. Maybe it's about you. hmm

Huh?

[Truthseeker]

Id only be concerned with "here and there" that it will eventually become a regularly basis

Right, like missing church for trips/vacations/family affairs, shouldnt be a habitual thing.

[berkeley]

Huh?

Need I explain?

[ILG]

how old are your children?

College age.

[Truthseeker]

Need I explain?

yes you do

[ILG]

But it sounds like they did have friends at school. One does not need to miss sunday service in order to have friends or socialize

I didn't grow up in a church, but I had friends that all went to church on Sunday. They ranged from Catholics to Pentecostals. They all went to church every sunday and still had friends they socialized with.

And many of them influenced me, or tried, to go to church too.

yeah, they had friends, but not like I did when I was young. Of course, I never wanted them to be like I was when I was young. I wish there had been more balance though..

[Hoovie]

We have a family get-together about three times a year and we will miss at least one of the two Sunday services to do that.

In short, I don't think it's reasonable to teach or preach we should never miss when the doors are open.

[Digging4Truth]

We have a family get-together about three times a year and we will miss at least one of the two Sunday services to do that.

In short, I don't think it's reasonable to teach or preach we should never miss when the doors are open.

Agreed completely.

[berkeley]

We have a family get-together about three times a year and we will miss at least one of the two Sunday services to do that.

In short, I don't think it's reasonable to teach or preach we should never miss when the doors are open.

Right, but if you're missing because you're lazy and want to spend the evening in front of the tv...

[Digging4Truth]

Right, but if you're missing because you're lazy and want to spend the evening in front of the tv...

Ahhhh...

There's always a RightBut. :)

[Hoovie]

Right, but if you're missing because you're lazy and want to spend the evening in front of the tv...

I don't do tv, but if someone really wants to do that it would be hard to stop them would it not?

[Scott Hutchinson]

People should make congregational meetings when they can ,but there are legitimate reasons for missing services .Somethings things like kids activities or other things come up.
These things are not like laying to just to lay out.
If people are faithful and they miss a service every once in a while,I don't think they have sinned.

[Digging4Truth]

I don't do tv, but if someone really wants to do that it would be hard to stop them would it not?

You haven't received the memo?

Whom you cannot stop you badger until they move on and then you can say "I knew they never had it in them".

Man... keep up Hoovie. :)

[berkeley]

I don't do tv, but if someone really wants to do that it would be hard to stop them would it not?

Don't change the topic.

[Azzan]

My husband and I gave our lives to the church and for my kids, it was church, church, church. We were the pastors, after all.

Since we pastored such small churches, our kids had no church friends. The friends they had were from school and, sometimes went to church or camp with our kids.

Since our kids did pretty much nothing but church, they had little socialization. My kids say they were raised in a cave. It's true. I can't deny it. Now, they struggle to socialize.

I can relate to this.

[Digging4Truth]

I can relate to this.

Yep... been there, done that too.

But, thankfully, we made it thus far relatively unscathed.

[The Lemon]

I'd like to think I have always tried to be courteous and objective on this forum, but I know I have not always been....plus topics like this seem to ruffle my feathers quite a bit to be honest.

People do what they want to do, and they don't do what they don't want to do. That is a fact. This subject in my own personal view, looks alot like alot of other potential pendulum swings. I think missing to much church is indeed unhealthy, I can't imagine anybody not seeing this.

On one hand, we have to define what constitutes a "gathering" in the first place. In my opinion, the issue of the attitudes, spirits, and potential language are excuses. There is plenty of that in the real world and no christian is going to escape that exposure unless they live in a compound. Team sports bring discipline, team, working together to accomplish a given goal, and the community involement is a huge plus.

There does need to be balance, but to me it is unreasonable to think that any community involvement, sports or otherwise, will never overlap church or church functions.

[Truthseeker]

I'd like to think I have always tried to be courteous and objective on this forum, but I know I have not always been....plus topics like this seem to ruffle my feathers quite a bit to be honest.

People do what they want to do, and they don't do what they don't want to do. That is a fact. This subject in my own personal view, looks alot like alot of other potential pendulum swings. I think missing to much church is indeed unhealthy, I can't imagine anybody not seeing this.

On one hand, we have to define what constitutes a "gathering" in the first place. In my opinion, the issue of the attitudes, spirits, and potential language are excuses. There is plenty of that in the real world and no christian is going to escape that exposure unless they live in a compound. Team sports bring discipline, team, working together to accomplish a given goal, and the community involement is a huge plus.

There does need to be balance, but to me it is unreasonable to think that any community involvement, sports or otherwise, will never overlap church or church functions.

So does that mean your ok with kids missing services for activities.

[RandyWayne]

When we attended the UPC we held (or at least my parents did) the "you WILL be there when the doors are open!" doctrine. Just as many others here can attest to we not only had the typical Wed night and Sunday services but we had Youth and revival after revival after revival after revival after revival..... services as well. And you never missed one! My teen years were spent building an intense hatred for church services that lasts to this day. I still am lucky if I attend (for my wifes sake) once every month -or two. I probably went 10 times throughout my 20's. Since becoming an adult I don't HAVE to listen to parents try to force me to attend.

What does this have to do with the subject? It should be self explanatory but kids and teens need to know that their church is NOT the center of their world. Christ (who is NOT the local congregation), their family, and their friends are. By forcing them to attend every single service will only empower them to leave when they are old enough to do so.

[NorCal]

When we attended the UPC we held (or at least my parents did) the "you WILL be there when the doors are open!" doctrine. Just as many others here can attest to we not only had the typical Wed night and Sunday services but we had Youth and revival after revival after revival after revival after revival..... services as well. And you never missed one! My teen years were spent building an intense hatred for church services that lasts to this day. I still am lucky if I attend (for my wifes sake) once every month -or two. I probably went 10 times throughout my 20's. Since becoming an adult I don't HAVE to listen to parents try to force me to attend.

What does this have to do with the subject? It should be self explanatory but kids and teens need to know that their church is NOT the center of their world. Christ (who is NOT the local congregation), their family, and their friends are. By forcing them to attend every single service will only empower them to leave when they are old enough to do so.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

Nothing is said about going to a specific "church building" to have an "Apostolic Ho-down", but just "Where two or three are gathered together in My Name..."

Growing up we used to have Sunday Morning/Night, Monday for New Converts Class / Basic Doctrine, Tuesday was in home services, Wednesday night Bible Study, Thursday Night was Choir, Friday night Spanish Service, and Saturday was on off night. I do agree that you can get burnt out if you are "FORCED" to attend, but the Bible does say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

[kclee4jc]

Serious as a heart attack.

We have on service on Sundays... I like that. But I do know that the reason is because they have lots of games on Sundays.

That sounds to me like someone has a god other than Jesus. Last time i checked, he don't like that too well.

[Answered13]

Church comes first period! We were shock last year when our town t-ball was schedualed on Wednesdays. This was this first year that had happened. We missed all Wednesday games.

[MissBrattified]

As a general rule, we plan things around the church schedule, and around our ministerial commitments; however, there are exceptions, and only our family is qualified to identify the validity of those exceptions. We discuss things with our pastor, and if something conflicts with a prior commitment, we are courteous enough to find substitutes or reschedule one way or the other.

In my opinion, Sundays should be set aside for rest and worship. That's my personal rule, and our family rule. We don't plan any other activities on Sundays, except for when we're on family vacation. Our family doesn't miss Wednesday night classes either, except for work or school (night classes). Extra-curricular activities take the next slot on the priority list after work, school, church and family time.

Ultimately, though, how often a family attends church and how involved they are in ministry and other commitments is their decision, and really, that should be between them, their pastor and God. It's no one else's business.

[RandyWayne]

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

Nothing is said about going to a specific "church building" to have an "Apostolic Ho-down", but just "Where two or three are gathered together in My Name..."

Growing up we used to have Sunday Morning/Night, Monday for New Converts Class / Basic Doctrine, Tuesday was in home services, Wednesday night Bible Study, Thursday Night was Choir, Friday night Spanish Service, and Saturday was on off night. I do agree that you can get burnt out if you are "FORCED" to attend, but the Bible does say, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

One can assume that the words "with wisdom" should be used with that verse. A person can also "train" a young person to do something "with hate!" and create that putrid association that will never be dissolved. This is another reason that when I DO attend a service I do my best to arrive when song service is ending. I still get cold sweats when I hear certain songs being sung that I will forever associate with some of the darkest days of my life.

[Truthseeker]

Church comes first period! We were shock last year when our town t-ball was schedualed on Wednesdays. This was this first year that had happened. We missed all Wednesday games.

I understand that stance and a good one, but have you ever missed because of a trip ot vacation?

[*AQuietPlace*]

We wouldn't sign our kids up for something that meant they would miss every Sunday and/or Wednesday. But, occasionally something may come up. It's our practice to make missing church a rarity - but if it's a big event that only comes around occasionally we will.

[berkeley]

Heh. A friend and I were going to go to the beach on the day a Valentine's banquet was scheduled. We were informed that we could not miss the banquet. Regret missing the beach. There were no single girls at the banquet.

[commonsense]

I guess my "UPC saved b4 the merger parents" missed that memo.........

As a child I was in choir and other school activities. My parents always attended no matter what night it was on. They also went to PTA meeitngs and all of those wonderful conferences :icecream

My parents just felt education was important and the assorted activities that went with it.

My children were in choir, band, orchestra, plays........and of course we attended any concerts or performances:thumbsup If it happened to be a church night....then that service was missed.

[commonsense]

Balance__________it's all about balance.

My UPC pastor uncle did nothing outside of church. His children had no vacations other than church camps or conferences. If the sunday paper was purchased, he threw the comics away. etc

Everything can't be wrong____balance or my favorite "commonsense" !!!

No surprise that none of these cousins attend a UPC church today.

[Hoovie]

Balance__________it's all about balance.

My UPC pastor uncle did nothing outside of church. His children had no vacations other than church camps or conferences. If the sunday paper was purchased, he threw the comics away. etc

Everything can't be wrong____balance or my favorite "commonsense" !!!

No surprise that none of these cousins attend a UPC church today.

:thumbsup:thumbsup

[soldoutochrist]

I missed tonight's service because I was given the opportunity to shadow someone at the Tampa Tribune. Since I want to be a journalist, my parents consented. It was a fantastic experience.

I have friends that wouldn't be allowed to do something like that because church is a must - no if, ands, or buts. Honestly, my parents openness and ability to be reasonable is probably the sole reason that I'll continue to attend church (albeit, not a UPC one) when I start college in the fall.

[RandyWayne]

I missed tonight's service because I was given the opportunity to shadow someone at the Tampa Tribune. Since I want to be a journalist, my parents consented. It was a fantastic experience.

I have friends that wouldn't be allowed to do something like that because church is a must - no if, ands, or buts. Honestly, my parents openness and ability to be reasonable is probably the sole reason that I'll continue to attend church (albeit, not a UPC one) when I start college in the fall.

:thumbsup

[The Lemon]

Without balance it is easy to fall on either side of this issue, and by fall I mean on either extreme side. We need each other, we need prayer, worship, and study. We need to do this collectively as well as alone on our own. Having said that, I have a good amount of experience with the four walls mentality, as I lived it for about 14yrs of my Christian life.

What I mean by that is that out side of my secular job, EVERYTHING revolved around the church calendar. this was not limited to just services, but included fund raisers, building projects, youth functions, special services/ mettings etc., etc. The truth is, there were only a FEW days of any given month were something was not scheduled; and to compound the issue further, I was ministry, so I was expected to attend most of these dates on the calendar.

There was no time to really get to know the community, grow friendships, be good neighbors etc., because our lives were wrapped up in what was going on in the church. In my opinion it was not wrapped in CHRIST, but wrapped in the local assembly, in fact, at one time I thought that my business in church was equal to my relationship to Jesus...now that is SAD!

I mean no disrespect to anyone on this forum or to anyone's pastor, but as for me, it was not until I served under a pastor that held a secular job that I began to have more of a balance. It has been my experience that career pastors can tend to live in their own world, oblivious to life outside the ministry...but again, that is just my personal experience.

To answer Truthseeker's question, yes I am fine with missing service occasionaly for commitments or activities, I don't have an issue with it as long as it is not excessive - although I suppose that is subjective - but since I abandoned my works based mentality of I need to do more to be saved, stay saved, andin the good graces of the local church, these issues don't plague my mind and spirit the way they use to...

[Truthseeker]

I missed tonight's service because I was given the opportunity to shadow someone at the Tampa Tribune. Since I want to be a journalist, my parents consented. It was a fantastic experience.

I have friends that wouldn't be allowed to do something like that because church is a must - no if, ands, or buts. Honestly, my parents openness and ability to be reasonable is probably the sole reason that I'll continue to attend church (albeit, not a UPC one) when I start college in the fall.

I think as children grow up we must start treating them as young adults if we want them to act like it. I read a book on parenting where the guy was promoting as kids become teens to give them the freedom to choose and even fail. He belief was do you want them making choices while still under your roof where you as a parent can still have an influence or do we unleash all this freedom on them when they go to college/military or move out when they have not had a chance to grow into freedom??

To me a teenager is really a young adult or at least in process of it. lets treat them like it.

[papapraiz]

I missed tonight's service because I was given the opportunity to shadow someone at the Tampa Tribune. Since I want to be a journalist, my parents consented. It was a fantastic experience.

I have friends that wouldn't be allowed to do something like that because church is a must - no if, ands, or buts. Honestly, my parents openness and ability to be reasonable is probably the sole reason that I'll continue to attend church (albeit, not a UPC one) when I start college in the fall.

Where will you go to college and what church will you attend?

[Hoovie]

Where will you go to college and what church will you attend?

That information is only dispensable at a fee of $35 and will be delivered by certified letter. :heeheehee

[Praxeas]

Balance__________it's all about balance.

My UPC pastor uncle did nothing outside of church. His children had no vacations other than church camps or conferences. If the sunday paper was purchased, he threw the comics away. etc

Everything can't be wrong____balance or my favorite "commonsense" !!!

No surprise that none of these cousins attend a UPC church today.
Sweeping Generalization alert!!!!

I met an American, he was such a jerk, therefore all Americans are jerks and we should leave America :smack

[Hoovie]

Prax. It seemed to me Commonsense was just saying the uncle had no balance in these things. I think the expected outcome should be disastrous... for these types. So, in general, imbalanced people should expect bad results in childrearing.


Having said that, I do know some Old Order Mennonites that are probably to the right of her uncle and they still manage to keep their kids in church... exceptions to everything, I guess.

[Socialite]

What is your opinion regarding missing service for events suchs a sports, school activities etc.....


Not on a regular basis but here and there.

Fine w/it.

Must teach them that they are the Church, and if they have that mentality, they will also have other ways to "assemble" together throughout their week.

On an on-going basis, I don't like it... it's one thing if they are a professional athlete, but they are just kids, and this is a wonderful season of their life to experience robust, healthy and regular community.

At the same time, they get to shine their light and let the Spirit lead them to people to disciple on their teams.

[Socialite]

Sweeping Generalization alert!!!!

I met an American, he was such a jerk, therefore all Americans are jerks and we should leave America :smack

That didn't sound like sweeping generalization to me.

[Socialite]

I think as children grow up we must start treating them as young adults if we want them to act like it. I read a book on parenting where the guy was promoting as kids become teens to give them the freedom to choose and even fail. He belief was do you want them making choices while still under your roof where you as a parent can still have an influence or do we unleash all this freedom on them when they go to college/military or move out when they have not had a chance to grow into freedom??

To me a teenager is really a young adult or at least in process of it. lets treat them like it.

Grace-based Parenting? Was that the book?

[Socialite]

Highly encourage kids getting involved in activities in their neighborhood vs. the situation where kids are doing something at their church building every night of the week -- anything to keep them away from the "outsiders."

[*AQuietPlace*]

Grace-based Parenting? Was that the book?
That book changed my life.

[Socialite]

That book changed my life.

Really???

Good to hear. Wife and I are wanting to read that... many of our friends have also spoken highly of it.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Really???

Good to hear. Wife and I are wanting to read that... many of our friends have also spoken highly of it.
With our first child, we thought that rules took care of everything. We believed very strongly in sheltering. We thought that every problem in life could be solved by creating a rule for it.

Well, boy were we wrong.

When our child hit the late teen years and hit a real rough patch, I found that book. It transformed me, my husband, our parenting... our very lives. It started me on this journey, and I've never been the same.

[Socialite]

With our first child, we thought that rules took care of everything. We believed very strongly in sheltering. We thought that every problem in life could be solved by creating a rule for it.

Well, boy were we wrong.

When our child hit the late teen years and hit a real rough patch, I found that book. It transformed me, my husband, our parenting... our very lives. It started me on this journey, and I've never been the same.

That's amazing to hear. It sounds like the wisdom of the book is soaked in God's Grace, how else would it translate to changing your heart in other areas as well?

Thanks for sharing that.

[Hoovie]

I have just ordered this book, but have not received it yet!. It was recommended by several I know. Look forward to reading it!

[*AQuietPlace*]

That's amazing to hear. It sounds like the wisdom of the book our soaked in God's Grace, how else would it translate to changing your heart in other areas as well?

Thanks for sharing that.
It is.

Our next book was Grace Awakening. :)

[Truthseeker]

Grace-based Parenting? Was that the book?

Different one, can't remember title, but have it around here somewhere.

[soldoutochrist]

Where will you go to college and what church will you attend?

The University of Florida. Leaning towards First Assembly of Gainesville.

[MrsMcD]

What is your opinion regarding missing service for events suchs a sports, school activities etc.....


Not on a regular basis but here and there.

My opinion is that it is okay to miss service for any event every now and then.

[MrsMcD]

I missed tonight's service because I was given the opportunity to shadow someone at the Tampa Tribune. Since I want to be a journalist, my parents consented. It was a fantastic experience.

I have friends that wouldn't be allowed to do something like that because church is a must - no if, ands, or buts. Honestly, my parents openness and ability to be reasonable is probably the sole reason that I'll continue to attend church (albeit, not a UPC one) when I start college in the fall.

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup