This past Sunday was my first “in-person” corporate worship service since February. And it was glorious—but not for the reasons you might expect. We were out of town for our twin grandsons’ baptism, so we weren’t in our home church and didn’t know many people. I was preoccupied with a wiggly three year old and two about-to-be-baptized one year olds, so I ended up listening to the sermon and taking communion from the narthex.

Some of you might be thinking, that doesn’t sound glorious at all. In fact, after watching services online for the past six months, you might be thinking that church in your family room, still in your pajamas, sipping coffee and eating breakfast is a fair trade for the Sunday morning described above. In this month’s feature article, Megan Hill asks (and answers) a question many of you might be asking: “When I can get (almost) all the goods of worship in my living room, why show up on Sunday?”

Others of you may be frustrated that your church isn’t offering in-person worship services yet. It’s important to remember that every context is different and our church leaders are attempting to lead with all the wisdom and care they have. Now is a great time to pray for your church leaders, speak kindly to and about them, and seek to support their work.

Here’s what I do know—even the most glorious corporate worship service is just a shadow of what is to come. There will be a day where there will be no distractions, no COVID, no disagreements . . . just united, corporate worship of our worthy King. And it will be truly glorious.

Much love,