07/10/2026
Tuesday, I attended the funeral of a friend (Susie Crowder) who left us unexpectedly and far too soon. In the time between her death and the funeral, her sister found this letter on her personal tablet written before her death. You see, Susie had been physically unable to attend Church for the last few years and this letter describes the pain of not being able to so.
I ask you, in memory of Susie, to read and consider the content of this letter which is shared with family permission.
“Saturday evenings are sometimes a bit melancholy for me. Why? Because I know Sunday is coming and I will once again miss being physically present in the church sanctuary (worship center, or whatever you happen to call it). Fortunately, I am blessed to have a church that has live streaming so I can watch online. Yet, my heart breaks just a bit from not being surrounded by the voices singing praise, not sitting in the choir, not shaking the hands of old friends or new to welcome them, and not speaking with pastors in person. Then there's the children...not seeing the families with one little, two, or eight, not watching (and hearing 😊) the elementary children make their way to children's worship, not hearing the infant make their presence known while the sermon goes along. Of course, these are all signs of a growing church and I love to hear the children. And the after church. You know, the standing around for a few minutes catching up with those you've not seen all week, making plans to join others for lunch, or holding that new baby.
I am so very fortunate to be able to hear the service and learn from the sermon, and worship on my own but nothing can replace being in the church building seated in the pew. Right now, I can't physically be there but hopefully someday again.
Now I'm not one to think that everyone must act in a certain manner or think the way I do because we all have freedom of choice and have to make our own decisions. (We listen and we do not judge). That said, I often wonder if you don't attend a church worship service, what's stopping you? Seriously, what's keeping you from darkening the doors? I never thought I'd be in a place where I couldn't go and at least sit through a service (it's pain that keeps me from being there, I've not been kidnapped or anything😉). I just hope and pray you'll decide now to attend worship. And I promise if you go expecting to meet Jesus there...you will.
Send a message to learn more
