According to Dr. Phil's dating book Church is the place where most people meet their spouses.  But statistics show there are more women then men in Church and most men are drug to Church by their wives so they are not eligible to date unless you just want an affair. 

That was another generation.  I too wonder if Church is relevant today.  Church has not changed since the days of Little House of the Prairie but society has changed.  Do we need God or Church anymore?

My church has very much changed since the days of Little House. Not all churches have. Church is only relevant to the extent that it speaks to people. I attended several that simply did not speak to me. There was no real connection, no matter how much I wanted there to be one. Then I found the one that felt like the old cliche - "going home".

It is something that takes me a step closer in my journey to feeling spiritually complete. The "sermons" are not preaching - they are explorations, challenges, treasure maps. They remind me of the best lectures from my favourite university profs - they enlighten me. It's a piece of that spiritual puzzle that I personally need. But not everyone does.

Sunday morning - in a couple of hours I'll be setting off for church.  Why?

It is a community to which I belong.

It keeps me connected with my faith and my beliefs.

It often has a study or discussion group before the service, where I can exchange ideas with others.

I love the music, and I can sing off-key and hope to blend in with the music and the voices around me.

I love the atmosphere - the stained glass windows, the order of service

I love seeing my grandson bravely and happily go up to the front with the other children for the story time, and my granddaughter happily waving from the balcony with her friends.

I love the bread-making and other outreach we are involved in.

I usually like hearing the sermon - we have good ministers and they usually have something to say.  Today it will be a guest speaker.

I like the fellowship after the service when we have coffee and sweets, socialize and keep in touch with each other.

I like hearing and reading the announcements and knowing what is going on in the church through the week.

I like belonging to the bookclub, going on the mid-winter retreat.

I have met many of my friends in church - many people that I would turn to if I needed somebody to talk to or ask for support.

It shapes my day and my week.

I really hate to miss church - I even try to attend whereever I am while on vacation.

The idea of church is still very relevant.  Whether or not your local congregation is or not may vary widely.

Bingo. I think that the important, and relevant, thing about church is sharing your spiritual beliefs and values in a community setting. However, old-fashioned liturgies, irrelevant sermon topics, bad music, lack of good Religious Education programs, and any number of other factors can reduce the value of church for the participants. For instance, I love the music at the United Church I go to, but overall I prefer the simpler, less liturgically heavy service at my UU church and the music, at least for the last couple years, has been good (not great, but good). A church that hit on both points would have me in a trice, but I haven't found it yet (at least, here in London).

That's a typo..I think Dr Phil meant "seedy bars".

If this small town had a church as vibrant as the ones Diana Butler Bass described in her book I'd be there.  This small town doesn't have such a church, only groups of friends who have worshipped together for years and years and don't appreciate changes.

The local UC has no Bible study, no Book Group, no small group events.  All the volunteering spots are filled by people who don't want to share the opportunities. New people who move to town go to church and can't get involved because no one wants to let them (in case something changes).

In an ideal world a church would be a wonderful community but in reality the ones I know are exclusive (even when they say they are welcoming).  I don't find going to church useful in any way.

Kaythecurler, That is so sad!!! I feel for you and the feelings of frustration and aloneness you must have for that Church. Those people there really need some like you to be there to remind them of what it means to be a church family.

Areogal, the Church is still relevant, but perhaps not the building is relevant. Church is to be a place of worship,community,action and hope. You can pray anywhere,be in touch with God- for God listens not only on Sunday- but to be part of a wider family,community, the Church is that place.

Don't give yet,some churches are better than others,like some stores,bamds are better than others. The one you have tried may not "touch you" but one will reach into your spirit and help you on your journey.

Keep on pryaing,God will lead you to the right place.

I think one reason to attend church is to worship together.

to gather together .

To work together.

If your church doesn't cut it for you, look around.  There might be one that does.

If the church doesn't offer bible study and outreach stuff, look around.  Or ask for it.  I can't imagine a minister, in any faith, who if asked to hold a morning or evening bible study would say no.  the church building belongs to the congregation, not the minister so i guess if he did say no then you just ask someone else and find a volunteer to lead it.

whiel we all benefit from the wisdom of a minister in bible study, there are not necessary really.

people who are part of the community find faithful community.

What about people from non-church goers?  Why would they attend? 

to find a sense of groundedness, to find a community of people making the world better,

to revisit traditions & hear new understandings

to discover some healing & wisdom & possibility in times of fear or loss or upheaval.

to hear a message of humanity & spirit that gives us hope & shares it with others

- those are my best guesses & my hopes.  I'm enjoying your thoughts too.

Hey Aerogal,

Good question! I have asked myself that too! Not being raised in the church I find I didn't need to really commit to a denomination as some do...I have belonged to several churches, when I say belonged I mean, attended regular Sunday, Women's, Bible Study and prayer services...I fellowshipped with people from the church and volunteered and help plan events...whenever we had moved out of an area I had been going, I visited several before I knew where I belonged...it was litterally walking in the doors and having a sense of home.

It's important to know that church is also what you make it. Be the change you want to see...start a group (most Pastors will delegate a leader to keep things in line and to be available answer questions) but you don't need to have Pastor approval to bake cookies and deliver them to the Hospital, Firemen and other community service people...you can make a difference! No church is perfect...it's filled with people like who are doing their best to share God's love.

Kaythecurler,

If you are a curler, you probably already have a social network of friends.  You may go so far as to pray with them that your draws stop near the button.  Especially if you play front end, you get the added benefit of some exercise while sweeping.  Let the cliques rule the local churches, and enjoy your curling.  You're better off than they are.