Church CLOSED for the Summer

[Timmy]

The trend in the AG is dropping Sunday PM services. Started many years ago, when there wasn't nearly as much concern over fuel prices as there is now. I think folks just lose interest in having church, church, and more church. Got better things to do with their time?

A formerly largish church I know in Austin has languished and finally folded.

One church I belonged to dropped Sunday School several years ago (as well as Sun PM). Not sure if that reflects a trend or not.

Another trend is the reduction in the use of supernatural "gifts" in services. Many AG churches you wouldn't even know were Pentecostal, on a random visit.

So. How's the UPC doing?

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Timmy

The trend in the AG is dropping Sunday PM services. Started many years ago, when there wasn't nearly as much concern over fuel prices as there is now. I think folks just lose interest in having church, church, and more church. Got better things to do with their time?

A formerly largish church I know in Austin has languished and finally folded.

One church I belonged to dropped Sunday School several years ago (as well as Sun PM). Not sure if that reflects a trend or not.

Another trend is the reduction in the use of supernatural "gifts" in services. Many AG churches you wouldn't even know were Pentecostal, on a random visit.

So. How's the UPC doing?

If prices continue to rise or stay this expensive, I think this is going to lead to major changes in how and when we do church.

Some people just can not afford the gas to come to church as often as there is church.

It seems once it was merely priorities that kept people from coming to church on a regular basis, now it seems there is a legit reason keeping them away.

It's just ironic, they used to do "other things" instead of go to church, but now they may not have choices they once did.

[Jack Shephard]

I think that most churches should discontinue Sunday evening services. Doing this but with the movement towards some sort of home groups would be good. If the evening services are cancelled or only held on special occasions but it is taugh that this time should be for family dinners and stuff then I think that every family can and will benefit from it. Personally I like having 1 service or at least 2 AM services. You can put your best foot forward for the AM service(s) and make them spectacular and not have to drag in on Sunday nights. My home church in TN would do better cancelling the AM service cause the night service is the best on to be at. But it is all up to the local assmebly, just my thoughts.