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[quote=Anonymous]So I am not trying to come at this from a place of judgement and I hope that will be apparent.

I grew up in a family that took Hebrews 10:24-25 really seriously:

[quote]And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.[/quote]
(ESV)

I was taught that "meet together" was referring to being in an environment where you got the sacraments (baptism and communion if you're Protestant, all 7 I guess if you're Catholic but I'm non-Catholic so fuzzier there), heard God's Word preached, prayed with other Christians, and basically did what church does.

I also grew up learning that Sunday was a continuation of the Old Testament Sabbath, but moved to Sunday and changed somewhat by Christ's resurrection on that day.

So church was basically the anchor of the week. Everything else could go, but the Bible said go to church so we had do to that as long as we were well enough.

Honestly? Having that as a rock in the week felt freeing. So with my own family we've done the same. With little kids it was a major, massive pain at times. When we had babies we usually showed up at church only for one of us to sit in the room for families with babies - but we made the habit. We have walked kids in and out of services (for the part they were supposed to be sitting there) to keep them from being disruptive more times than I can count.

Now that my kids are a little bit older, but admittedly not yet so old that I'm wrangling recalcitrant teens, it's easier. But also it's what we do. There's not that temptation to say "we're not doing it this week."

And once we're all there? Relaxing into the liturgy (we're in a liturgical church) and hearing the whole congregation around me worshipping together might be the most restful thing I do all week. The sermons are challenging, but inspirational. Seeing that this thing - believing in Jesus - has been enough for the late 80-something who comes in to church in a wheelchair or the 60 somethings lifting their hands during singing reminds me that it's going to be enough for me too. Once we're there, now that we've made the habit, it really is the rock of my week.

So PP, if you think church is valuable or read Scripture the way I was taught, just decide it's what you do. Decide you aren't missing it unless being there would get everyone around you sick. And see if it isn't worth it.

But as said above, if you read the Bible differently or decide differently, that's 100% not for me to judge.[/quote]

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