I am probably the only pastor I know, who looks forward more to approving next year's budget than approving the summer worship schedule.  Neither process is easy.  In fact, both include a level of prognostication with which I am not comfortable.  Nevertheless, with the budget process, at least there comes a point when the expenses and income balance and, at least for a time, we can bask in the knowledge of a job well done.  When it comes to the summer worship schedule, no matter what we decide, there is always a segment of our congregation that is not served.
 
Each year, there are those who look forward to the opportunity to worship earlier on Sunday mornings.  They offer many good reasons why the earlier time for worship is beneficial, not only for their families, but for our congregation.  There are also those who would prefer that we did not move to an earlier worship time during the summer.  They, too, offer many good and compelling reasons why it is beneficial, not only for their families, but for our congregation, to keep worship at 10:30 a.m.
 
Most years, after much discussion, we move to an earlier worship time.  This has been our practice, in part, because, by most accounts, most of our congregation prefers an earlier time for worship.  We have chosen not to change this summer because, as we have heard in our Faith & Life class recently, part of being the church means being aware of the needs of "others."
 
Personally, I prefer an earlier service during the summer. Most Sundays, I am here until after 1:00 p.m., locking up and turning out the lights.  In the summer, I get out a little earlier and have a little more time to enjoy the day.  Frankly, I think this is why most of our folks share my preference.  It is not that they want to "get church over with", but rather it gives them a larger block of time to plan family activities on a summer Sunday afternoon.  Not to mention, in the past, there has been a feeling that if some of our folks didn't have that extra hour during the summer, we might not see them in worship as often.
 
Personally, I prefer an earlier service, but this year seemed like a good year to try something new.  Many of our sisters and brothers have health issues, which require close attention to diet and medicine.  Changing their schedule can be problematic for many reasons.  This year seemed like a good time to set aside some of our personal preference for their welfare.  Add to this the fact that our worship attendance last summer was pretty poor and it raises the question, as to whether a 10:30 a.m. summer service might actually be in the best interest of our congregation.
 
While I have shared this reflection from my perspective, you will be interested to know that I think it reflects the feelings of most of our session.  Most of our session members, personally, prefer an earlier time for worship during the summer.  However, they are deferring to the recommendation of our worship committee, because they are willing to consider that this might be the mind of Christ for our life together.  Time will tell whether, or not, this was the best decision for our congregation.  However, I wanted to commend the work of our session to you.  Even in this rather mundane administrative decision, they have given us a glimpse of an important facet of the Christian life, serving others.

See you in church!

Monmouth Roseville High School