Why does the church exist?  I don't think there is just one answer.  I think, no, I know that the church exists for a multitude of reasons.  Here are just seven reasons to ponder Why the church does exist?

First, the church exists for sacraments.  As an ordained minister, one of my responsibilities is the handling of the two sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.

Second, the church exists for proclamation of the word.  We proclaim the word of God in reading of the Scriptures, in preaching, and in various forms of art including singing of good news.

Third, the church exists for fellowship.  In all the various gatherings of the church, we feed who we are as individuals and as a congregation in that gathering.

Fourth, the church exists for mission.  Looking beyond ourselves to share the good news, doing acts of compassion and bringing about justice gives the church vision for channeling God's love given to us.

Fifth, the church exists for educating.  Growing in the Christian faith is a life-long journey which includes learning and sharing that knowledge with new generations of God's children.

Sixth, the church exists for extending pastoral care.  Confronting a crisis, needing guidance when perplexed, or sensing the "touch of the church" when hospitalized demonstrate God's presence among us.

Seventh, the church exists primarily for God and God's people.  God desires our presence and our worship.  Our worship focuses our attention on giving God glory and honor, which is pleasing to God, and our opportunity as God's creatures to commune with our Creator.

Now the fun part of this Pastor's Corner.  On the first two Sundays in April, we will share in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.  On the Third Sunday (Easter Sunday) and fourth Sunday in April, we will share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Each Sunday we will proclaim the word in readings from the Scriptures, colorful paraments, music and preaching.  Each Sunday we will gather as God's people and share times of fellowship in various settings in the church.  We will be looking beyond ourselves in mission with receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, the Maundy Thursday offering (for Back Bay Mission and United Church Homes), the Jamaican Mission Work Trip offerings and the beginning of the Blanket Sunday offerings (see related      article).  In April we will continue educating people of all ages.  While I could wish that no one would be sick, hospitalized, in need of counseling or funeral services, that would be wishful thinking.  My guess is that pastoral care will be extended to several members or their families   during April.  The Creator will be waiting on us to worship God for who God is and all that God desires us to become.  In April, we will be witnesses of the resurrection and why the church exists in our very midst.

Your partner in ministry,

Bill

The Rev. Dr. William R. Nirote