Friday's Here

Perhaps it’s the “coming down from the mountain” letdown, or perhaps it’s an offset to an “over commitment” of time, or perhaps it’s hoping to take advantage of typical beautiful spring weather, but for some reason churches experience an especially low attendance on the Sunday after Easter. It’s not just our church, but a noticeable trend through all denominations. I could be included so easily as a statistic. I’m leaving with #1 son tonight to so that we can tour a college campus in San Marcos tomorrow. Who wouldn’t want to spend extra time in the hill country of Texas in the spring? And it’s as much economic pulls that are bringing us back after one night as the call to commitments on Sunday. Last Sunday, Anne told of a service that Tony Campolo helped lead worship and after he finished with what he considered one of his finest sermons, the pastor said as much. But then the pastor said he would show Tony how it’s really done, almost like a street poetry slam. Tony was anxious to hear the response. The pastor got up and for over an hour used the same tag line with increasing power and conviction: “Friday’s here, but Sunday’s a comin!” By the end the congregation was worked into frenzy in anticipation of Sunday morning.

My prayer for the congregation?

Gracious God, You are the one whom we worship and adore. Let us return, over and over to you, not just on special occasions, or time of need, for “Friday’s here, but Sunday’s a comin!” Replenish our souls after weeks of concentrated study and contemplation, for “Friday’s here, but Sunday’s a comin!” Let Easter be an appetizer of things to expect throughout the year and not the finale of a high holy day. We can make each day holy by looking for miracles and sacrifices. Yes, “Friday’s here, but Sunday is a comin!” Let us be called to worship! Amen.