So many were gathered together that there was no more room,
not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
Mark 2:2

Thankfully, we have not quite reached the level of crowding Mark describes in the passage above. So while it is true that our auditorium gets pretty full most Sundays, there is usually enough room left to squeeze in a few more people as long as we’re all willing to make room for one another. On that note, let me encourage you to do just that. Look around to see who hasn’t found a seat yet, and when you see them, invite them to come sit with you.

But because we are often crowded, we took the step a few years ago of creating an overflow room in the fellowship hall downstairs to make room for those who could not find a seat upstairs. And really, the overflow room is there to meet two basic needs: (1) To provide additional seating on Sundays when the sanctuary is full; and (2) To give a place for parents to go with a fidgety toddler who is having trouble being still in worship. We have provided this room as a service for those who need it on a temporary basis. It was never our intent to see anyone use it as a regular alternative to participating in the gathered worship of the church upstairs. The reason for that is simple: Watching worship happen via live-stream is not the same as participating in person with the saints gathered as the church. So with that in mind, let me encourage you who find yourselves making use of the overflow room to please do the following:

  • Try to find a seat upstairs if you can at all. Ask a deacon or usher to help you. We will do our best to make room for you.
  • If you must worship downstairs, try to participate as fully as possible. Sing the songs and strive to take part as if you were present with all.
  • Respect others in the room by not talking out loud or making other distracting noises. If training children, don’t let them simply roam free.
  • Minimize the use of electric devices such as phones and tablets, which can be a distraction to you and to others around you. We have come to worship God and hear His word. Don’t let anything rob you of that.

What a privilege to gather in Christ’s name. Let’s make the most of it

Pastor S Scott Lee