52 Reasons to Love the Church #52- Why YOU Love the Church

I can’t think of a better way to finish out this series! I loved reading all of these reasons, and I hope you do, too!

Michele Wheat– There are STRONG women in the church to guide, carry, and love you through EVERY season of life! There is not a thing you will walk through that someone hasn’t been there ahead of you. Every age group holds wisdom and comfort.

Betty Preble– I love the Lord’s church because it teaches the pure gospel of Christ.

Cori Fuller-I love how singing bonds us together. I love knowing that nearly wherever we go, and all over the world, there are others striving to serve and know God, too. I love the way we take care of each other in times of need.

Kristy Woodall– Sometimes we may feel that God is not within reach in that He can’t comfort you in the way we often desire comfort. The hug. But the church meets that need. The love of your church family is the physical manifestation of God’s love for you! That is why our assembling together creates heaven on earth.

Kristina Odom– My husband has been a full time minister for 27 1/2 years. We have been blessed to have spent those years with some of the best people. We have seen many things, been a part of many things, laughed at many things, loved many things, and have endured many things. God’s church is filled with people who love, who care, who lift each other up, who humble us, who root for each other, who are always willing to help or serve or just share a smile. I love that God designed His church to be a family. I love the bonds that are formed within that family. I love watching the love we have for each other grow. It’s a beautiful thing. I love my church family. I love my family.

Kelsey Taylor– I love the church because I know that wherever I go, I will always have family there. That’s exactly what the church is—a family. I attend a congregation where most of us aren’t locals, but we’ve all been planted here in one way or another. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness how deeply connected we are, especially since many of us don’t have our actual families nearby. The church has become our true family—supporting, loving, and walking alongside us through our brokenness and joys alike. I am so thankful for this community and the way it reflects God’s love in such tangible ways.

Maurey Best- Too many seasons I love the church. One is the laughter with my sisters in Christ. There is nothing like it.

Steve Bookout- I think while the church is made up of people from all walks of life, they are mostly people all trying to be good people. Good neighbors, etc. You find people who are in friendly, familial type relationships that wouldn’t have anything to do with each other outside of Christ. I know we can all point to exceptions, but the church just seems to me to be a more loving, friendly, unified environment than what you find anywhere in the world. That happiness is seen in marriages, families, and friendships. I enjoy being around God’s people.

Ashley McGuire- One reason I’m thankful for the Lord’s church is because of the prayers said on my behalf and encouragement from my brothers and sisters. Fighting a battle with depression is utterly exhausting. There are days that I am filled with despair, but I find comfort and hope in knowing that the Lord’s church will lift me up in prayer.

Amanda Key– When I finally opened up and shared my sorrow and asked for prayers to grow our family – the church surrounded me with love and encouragement the entire time until we adopted our son. Another reason I love the church is because you always have family where ever you go!

Kari Armstrong-Fish– I love the Lord’s church because they comfort me. They help me and encourage me. They love me. I am so thankful! God is so good!

Chelsea Robinson– I love the church because we’ll be together for all of eternity!

Vickie March– We love the Church because Jesus died for it and for every single person on this planet.

Krista Cook– I love the Lord’s Church because you are always at home – whether with your local family or your extended family. Also because of ALL the connections – someone always knows someone you know.

Jim Harrison– He made a plan to make a place for me in His kingdom before the world was formed.

Donna Sapp– Because everybody there loves God & is striving to be more like him each day!

Barbara Barnes– Loving others to show your love for God.

Stella Ziebell– I love the Church because we are all a part of God’s family.

Telah Wrenn– I love the Lord’s church for the glimpse of heaven it gives me.

Julie Gibb– One of the things I love most about the Lord’s church is how extensive the family is. When we travel, we always find some connection to other friends or places or something at every congregation we visit no matter how far from home we are.

Peggy Stone– We are God’s saved people.

Janet Brent– I love our church because of their desire to see people come to know Christ as well as their willingness to pray for others!!!

Carla Schaadt– I love how even though you don’t personally know the people when you are a visitor at another congregation you ALWAYS ( or should) feel as if you are around people you’ve known for years because of the connection of all being one body for Christ.

Rob Moorey– When you love someone, truly love them, you love what they love. Jesus loved the Church so much he died for it. If I love Jesus, how can I not love the Church as much as he does?

Pat England– To hear an instructional lesson to draw me closer to God.

Melinda Netherton– Showing God’s Love , working together.

Sylvia Sanchez-Strive to be Christ like.

Rachel Robertson– The genuine love and compassion in the church is one the most beautiful things I’ve seen.

Debby Greene– My reason is the wonderful family in the church.

Veronick Pignatelli- I love the church because no matter how near or far, we are all one big family. The love we have for eachother, how we care for one another, how we can rely on eachother in ways nothing in the world can offer us. What Jesus said in Matthew 6:33-34 is the meaning of being in peace, when we are united with our brethren. This is how God takes care of us. Everything we need is in the body, and it is a beautiful place to be.

Rebecca Dixon- We are the church. Available 24/7 everyday. When we meet on first day of week, as the church, to partake, remember and give thanks, we communicate with people who nourish our life with lessons, love, and laughter.

Debbie Hawthorne- The church is my way of life, my family, my friends, my companions, my confidantes because we are all of “like precious faith”.

Deanna Myers- No matter where in tge world you go, if you are a part of the Lord’s church, you have family.

Bonnie McCoy– I love the church because we worship God His way and we share that precious faith.

Bobbie Goodnight– I love the church because it is God’s family and it instructs us in His Word how to worship God, how to get to Heaven, how to remain faithful, how to live a Christian life, and how to improve each and every day of our lives.

Donna Faughn– I love the church because Jesus built it. He is the chief cornerstone. It will never fall because “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” We live in a fallen world surrounded by sin, but Christ and His faithful followers will live on forever.

Nataliya Parakhin– Church is the Kingdom that will never be overpowered by any other and will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Looking at the war events in our homeland for more than 11 years I have deep appreciation of belonging to such place.

Brenda Mask– The Church of Christ is the Family of God, where we come together to worship God and study and learn what He wants for our life and glorify Him wherever we go to bring others to Him. Our prayer and mission should be His prayer and mission. John 1.

Beth Cook– I love the church because of our Savior. And I love the church because I am NEVER EVER alone being a part of God’s family.

Cathy Turner– I recently heard of a non-church member describing the church by saying, “Those people never let anyone suffer alone.” That’s one of the things that I love about God’s family.

Lila Wiley– The desire to see people get saved! To hear the true meaning of God’s word! To encourage me to keep going and try to be a light for Jesus and a blessing to others!

Joyce Utzman– Sometimes friends and even family members can let me down. There are times we disappointed them, but our God will never leave or forsake us, even when we fail Him, like the prodigal son, He is there to welcome us home. God is love.

Sonja Caton– I love the church because it is God’s chosen vessel to save mankind. By sending Jesus to redeem man from sin God then sent His Church for us to cling to until Christ returns to take us home.

Sandra Aleshire– I love the church because when you move from another state you’re immediately invited in and it doesn’t take long to feel at home.

Vivian Grise– Chains of love holding us together.

Beth Brown– We live several states away from our children and get to see them once a year. When our daughter’s house had roof damage from a hurricane, she was at home with 4 children. Her husband was deployed. Her dad was too far away to come and check on it. One of the men from her church family came out to see about it. As a mother of little ones, she sure didn’t need to get on a ladder and check her roof. Her brother in Christ knows all the insurance adjusters and repair folks in the area. He was able to be a skilled advisor and make sure she was dealing with reputable people. Our other daughter went through a tough time for a year or so. Her elders and their wives were so good to check on her daily and make sure she was safe, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They were her family when we were too far away to physically check on her every day. When God’s family functions as God designed it, it is a special blessing to the adult children and to their parents who loving and praying from far away.

Julie Pitts– Because the Church that Jesus established was about loving us enough to correct us when we are wrong, give us peace through times of grief and sorrow, and teach me to store God’s Word in my heart so I might not sin against Him. It’s a love story that has continued for centuries. It is free for everyone we just have to abide in His Love and show Him we honor Him by living by His commandments.

David Malley-Garza– One reason I love the Lord’s church is because no one takes care of you better than the Lord’s people do.

Retha Naylor– They are my family.

Rita McGuire– I love the church because I know I have family anywhere I go. In our travels when we attend a congregation, no matter where it is, I know we are among believers and usually we will come across someone who knows someone we know. I love having this kinship. God is SO good.

Julie Gibb– It’s amazing and it’s wonderful. We have so much support in Rochester, Minnesota, when we go to Mayo Clinic. Getting to stay in the hands of compassion house that is operated by the Rochester Church of Christ is amazing!!!

AMEN AND AMEN

By Kathy Pollard

There are no longer little ones at our house for Christmas. My daughter has two children.  One of them was married in May.  The other one graduates from high school this year. My son has two children.  One just graduated from college and the other is still in college.

I miss all of the excitement of their coming with little ones that are enchanted by the tree, the other decorations, and the anticipation of Santa and all the gifts he’ll bring. Now, we can hardly get them to put their phones down long enough to open gifts.

Because the children are older, we have had to find another way to bring about that excitement. We have found it in gifting, but not in the way you might think. There are always requests for money or toys for children that might not have the joy of opening gifts, and we often participate in those opportunities. What we really like to do is find someone we know that has a need, do something for them (preferably without their knowledge), and watch their excitement. The most wonderful part of this is that they can’t repay you. That’s what I love the most.

We learned a valuable lesson when we started doing this. It’s fun to do it all year. There is so much hurt, sadness, and need in this world. Right now, there is a sweet lady who has just returned from the hospital after a stay due to a car accident. She lives alone and needs a variety of things from her Christian friends. There is another lady who is bedridden, and she is currently in the hospital. She has had surgery, and we do not know when she will be able to return home. Christmas time is a hard time to be alone, to be hurt, to be sick, or to be in need.

I have friends that took their Thanksgiving to go on a mission trip, Another family sent money to a missionary who is struggling just to keep their home and provide food for the family. Another family gave money to buy Christmas gifts for a needy child when the expected donations did not come in. Those are just a few of the ones I know about. It can truly be said that the joy of this Christmas season is in the giving not the getting.

It’s not too late. You can do it anytime. As a family or individual, find a need and fulfill it. The one you help will be blessed, but you will be blessed even more.

Sandra Oliver

Something made me know that he could not be well. One of my doctors is pretty old and feeble. But this day was different. He didn’t stand much. He rolled around on his little stool. He didn’t smell right as he got up in my face and examined me. His dress loafers were covered with dust.  I knew he had struggled to get dressed and be there to keep his appointments. So I asked someone in the outer office about him. “He has cancer,” she said….”He has no family and his life is very hard.” Then she went on to tell me that the office staff was having a holiday lunch together in the upcoming days and he was excited to go. “We want to cheer him up. We are even going bowling and we hope he can do it with us. We are his only family.”

So when I went back for the follow-up, I baked some bread and took some home-made jam. I put a card in there with pictures of my grandchildren and a note that gave him my personal contact info and asked him to let these children send “happy notes” to his mailbox,  just because “I could tell… you were not feeling up to par.”

When I went back, though, his staff told me that he was not there, but they would be sure he got the bag. As I conversed, the staff opened up to me once again and told me that he had called in and said he had fallen and he needed a few days to recover. His appointments would need to be postponed. But the fall turned out to be more serious. Days went by. The staff kept trying to call and check on him, but he rarely picked up. When he did, he said “Just leave me alone. I will be fine.”

At last, the upper level of office management sent the police to his apartment to check on him. Sure enough, the officers and paramedics notified back that he was being transported. “We cannot tell you where he is going, but if you call around the area hospitals, you will find him.”

All of this made me sad beyond words. This man, who has been my doctor for 21 years, was lying somewhere on the floor, for an extended period of time. Suddenly, he is finished. This man, who has always been so kind and genteel, is suddenly finished seeing patients. He is done getting together with his staff. He is somewhere in our city alone in a hospital room during the holidays and his condition is serious.

He will get my bag. He will read exactly how to be in touch with me and with our wonderful West Huntsville family. I pray he will be able to … and that he will allow us to be helpful to him, at this point. But I am not proud that I have known him for 21 years and have never known that he was without family. I never knew he had cancer. I never knew he might benefit from some goody bags and encouragement. Most importantly, I never addressed his soul. Granted, he may not have listened. But I could have spoken, even if his heart was not open. At the very least, I could have handed him a card that invited him to study the Bible with me. Did I even do that? 

My point is this, and it is directed first to my own self-absorption: There are people all around me who need the gospel. They may not know they need it and they may reject it from the start. But I may be the only conduit for the gospel for some of the people around me who are swiftly traveling to eternity. I want to be more aware of the mammoth responsibility I have to share the treasure. It’s a gospel that is big enough for the inclusion of every wiling soul I know. It is laced with the blood that is pure enough to save the vilest sinner I know. It is available only between the births and deaths of travelers on the earth. It is not up to me, whether or not people accept the biggest gift ever offered them. It’s just my privilege to verbalize to them the urgency of accepting the gift. Such a minute part to play in someone’s salvation. But am I even diligent to play my little part, in view of all He has done for me?

And do I often displace my mental motivation to mention Him in my selfish pursuit of temporal appointments, approval and acquisitions? I need to do better. I pray today that I will!

Cindy Colley

Luke 6:45 “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good…”

I adore Christmas: twinkling lights on the rooftops, ornaments made long ago by tiny hands, Christmas carols blaring, and yes, even sappy Hallmark movies.

Recently, I watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (Disclaimer: If by any small chance you have not seen it, stop now and watch it or forfeit your right to complain when I spoil the ending.) The Grinch hated everything about Christmas. As the song says, his “heart was an empty hole.” So, the Grinch lived alone on the outskirts of the Christmas-obsessed town of Whoville. In anger, the Grinch stole every symbol of Christmas from Whoville. But, to his surprise, the town celebrated without gifts, decorations, or Christmas feast. And despite it all, little Cindy Lou Who and all Whoville offered the Grinch the best Christmas gifts ever: unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. After receiving these gifts, the heart of the Grinch grew three times its size and he came to the realization, “Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

In Scripture, greedy Zacchaeus most likely lived a lonely Grinch-type life. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, stole from the people of Jericho. But in Luke 19, we find Zacchaeus attempting to fill the hole in his heart by seeking Jesus. He so desperately wanted what Jesus offered that he climbed a tree. On the day he encountered Jesus, the heart of Zacchaeus must have grown three times its size, because Jesus gifted him unconditional love, forgiveness, and mercy. And, like the Grinch, Zacchaeus came to the realization that, “Maybe a life in Christ, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Perhaps there are those who have hurt you, stolen your happiness, and closed the door on your relationship. Consider gifting them the greatest gifts of all: love, forgiveness, and mercy. Just like the Grinch and Zacchaeus, maybe their hearts will be transformed by the gifts of our Savior. And in return, you will rediscover happiness and peace.

So, for all procrastinators, while scrolling for Christmas gift ideas, try googling “the Heart of Jesus,” because what the world needs now is a bigger heart!

Father God, help us give the best gifts: love, forgiveness, and mercy. May all hearts be changed by Your love.

Blessings for the heart of Jesus,

Rita Cochrane

My new young friend, Katy Ballance, shared something about their family’s recent move from a 30-member congregation to work with a church of 350. Lucy, their almost-four-year-old daughter, looked around during the singing in worship and then, eyes wide, asked, “Daddy, is this all my family?” Katy said she and her husband, Colton, shared a meaningful look with each other before they answered, “Yes, this is our family.”

Out of the mouths of babes. I can just envision Lucy’s wonder, can’t you? First of all, kudos to Colton and Katy for their excellent parenting. They’d obviously taught their daughter about the church being God’s family, to the extent that she understood it to be her very own family! But second, what if we all emulated Lucy’s response? What if, every time we gathered together as a church, we looked around and acknowledged, “Yes, this is my family!” Seems like some beautiful things would result:

Awe. There’s a big difference between 30 and 350 and that sweet little girl was taking it all in. More friends! More adopted grandparents to love on her! More fellow Bible class kids! Whatever was going through her young mind, she was amazed at her new family. I’m so glad for the reminder. It’s easy to take things for granted. Our church family consists of the members who attend where we worship, but it is much bigger than that. There are Christians the world over. When we travel, we can find a church family to worship with. When we go overseas, we can find church family, even if they speak a different language. Whether 30 or 350, they’re our family. I hope we never lose the wonder over that!

Gratitude. God has been so good to us many times through His people. I could easily do a year’s series just on that one aspect of the church. We learn from each other, encourage each other, help each other, worship together, do life together, win souls together…God did that for us.

Ownership. Sometimes we can get caught up in the shortcomings or disappointments of fellow Christians. But taking a moment to look around and remember who they are will put them back in our hearts where they belong. They are MY family. We may not always see eye to eye on everything. We may not always treat each other perfectly. But I belong to them and they belong to me. This means I will love them. I will extend grace to them and they will for me. In addition to that, because they are MY family, I will feel protective of them and stand up for them.

Yes, Lucy, they’re all your family. Thank you for the reminder to embrace that with everything I’ve got.

By Kathy Pollard

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

2024 was stirring much chaos throughout.

The tree was lit brightly and gifts covered the floor;

Pinterest decor and charcuterie boards galore.

The children were nestled on iPads – not talking,

With mom in the kitchen, Tik Tok recipe stalking.

When up on the T.V. came word from the newsroom;

“Our world has lost its focus. Brace yourselves for doom.”

“Guard your packages! Porch Pirates on the loose.

The price of Disney has gone up through the roof.

Gasoline and groceries, you can no longer afford.

And another school shooting has left us all floored.”

But friend, take heart. Peace can reign in chaos and panic,

Our Father remains on His throne; even though our world is frantic.

All Christians must share the Good News without delay,

And tell creation, God’s love encircles us as we bow our heads to pray.

So, this season, as you prepare for jolly Christmas caroling,

And ornament swaps, and big friend-gatherings.

And all the fellowship that will take place,

Recall His great love and never lose faith.

May our Heavenly Father bless this coming year,

And may our days ahead be filled with good cheer.

For in His Word He exclaims, He has shone a Bright Light!

So, Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Christ-filled life.

Blessings of Joy and Peace in 2024,

Rita Cochrane

In morning, I awaken

And ponder o’er my way.

The people I saw yesterday

Give courage for today.

I think of conversations,

Of passages I’ve read,

Of songs that came within my night

Of rest and daily bread.

I think about the shocking

And the utterly mundane.

I think about the children ‘round.

I think of sun and rain.

I contemplate the vastness

And yet details so small.

I soak in heaven’s goodness

In mornings best of all!

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

In the morning I will direct it to You,

And I will look up. Psalm 5:3

Cindy Colley