Since I was young, I have always been a football fan. Whether it is at the high school, college, or professional level, I love watching games. And while I enjoy watching on TV with family and friends, there really is nothing like the experience of being in the stadium. The energy, the unity, the sorrow, and joy are all so much more real when I am there in person. I do not know everyone there, but I feel unified with them. I may be able to get the result of the game online but being there is just different. There is just something special about being at the game.

The early church grasped the reality that there is power in gathering together and knew that there was something special about showing up. They broke bread and prayed together, which is almost certainly a reference to a worship service built around prayer, worship, and communion. Of course, they would have been able to pray alone and seek Jesus in their own homes, but there was a power they saw and experienced in the gathered church.

The last few years have brought unique challenges to gathering as a church. For some, health concerns continue to keep them from gathering in person. But for most of us, gathering is something we are able to do and if we want to get healthy as believers, something we must do. A friend of mine says, “It is always good news when the people of God gather together for worship.” My response to that is “yes and amen!” I hope to see you at church this weekend!

For today: Invite someone who has not been to church with you in a while to join you at church, in person, this weekend.