When we gather for worship on Sundays, most of us automatically go to “our spot.” Some like an aisle seat, others want to be near a door, many prefer the back row, a few sit up front, and one or two like the balcony. Since our auditorium seats about 600 and around 140 people are attending on average, we have plenty of space to spread out.

A few of us may have good reasons for sitting in “our spot” such as health issues, babies, or bathrooms. But most of us can adjust where we sit and gather closer together. I want to gently encourage everyone to move into the center two sections and avoid the far right and left sides. Sitting closer together offers a few practical benefits for our church.

First, when we gather closer, it creates community and togetherness in a large auditorium. It shows we know each other and we want to be known. The opposite is also true. Second, our guests sense life and unity in our church when we are near each other. Without words, where we sit can create social energy.

Most importantly, however, sitting closer together promotes vibrant congregational singing. It’s easier to sing, whether you can carry a tune or not, when you hear other people singing around you. Keith and Kristyn Getty say, “Encourage others with what you are singing, and expect to be encouraged by the fact that there are others singing with you and to you.”

So, starting this Sunday, let’s all gather closer together and find some “new spots” alongside one another. I will see you at 9:00am for discipleship classes, at 10:00am for coffee fellowship, and at 10:30am for worship. And this Sunday night at 5:00pm I hope you will join us for a tropical luau themed fellowship meal and games.

In Christ,

Pastor Nathan