Day Five: Church

Gratitude Journal: Church

Thank You, God, for Church! Maybe I have to say it on a Sunday. Maybe I have to say it as a pastor. But I’m pretty sure I’d say it no matter what—I love church. I almost have to keep it that broad because the moment I think I’ve found the greatest thing about church, God surprises me with something new.

And church always surprises me. I can show up looking forward to one thing, yet the thing that impacts me the most is never what I expected. Even on the days I don’t feel like going (yes, that happens to pastors too), I always leave grateful that I went. God shows up. The Holy Spirit speaks. That’s always true—it’s me who sometimes needs the reminder. What really happens is that God cracks open my thick skull or breaks through the layers of my bad attitude to remind me of His goodness.

So here are a few things about church that I am often grateful for—things that might be easy to overlook but are a huge part of the experience:

• The Conversations. The ones before church, after church, or in the hallways. Sometimes, those little moments of connection are exactly what I need to feel like I belong. I assume there are some pretty good conversations in the middle of church too—some whispered, some jotted down on a bulletin.

• The Music. It always speaks to me at some point. And honestly, sometimes the most powerful moment is simply the prelude. I’m running a million different directions, my mind is full of things to remember, and then—music. It’s like God saying, “Take a deep breath. You’re here. We’re in this together.” Music often helps me settle into the right emotional space for worship.

• Joys and Concerns. I’m always humbled when people trust the congregation enough to share what’s on their hearts. There’s something powerful about praying together.

• Scripture. Even if I’ve read it multiple times during the week, hearing someone else read it out loud somehow makes it new again.

• The Sermon. Ha! Rarely do I think, Wow, that was a great sermon! (I’m too busy worrying about it.) Sometimes, I’m amazed at how far the Holy Spirit leads me from my original sermon plans. But honestly, the sermon I truly receive often comes in the honest conversations after church.

• The People. Watching folks linger after worship, talk, and head to Sunday school—it’s another reminder that God shows up in community.

• The Children’s Sermon. Do I need to say anything else?

• The Unexpected Little Things. The way light shines through the stained glass that day. How incredible the kids are during children’s moments. The way a simple moment of stillness reminds me why I love this place.

  
  

So yes, God—thank You for church. Not just because I have to say it, but because I mean it.

Music Devotional by Rev. Derek Weber

“Rise Up” by Andra Day 

Rescue me. Perhaps Jesus said it during his temptation in the wilderness. Certainly, the psalmist says it over and again in many ways. We call out to God to rescue us today, sometimes with a certainty that God will answer and other times out of desperation, hoping God will listen when it seems no one else will. As you listen to Andra Day’s “Rise Up,” let the words wash over you as a prayer and as an answer to prayer, and consider: “Where in your life are you calling out for rescue, and how might God be calling you to reach out in love to rescue your neighbor?”

If you are interested in knowing what other songs will be shared, a playlist has been put together for inspiration, meditation, and reflection through Lent. Click here to see the full playlist.