Dear Southern Gables Friends,

You can always tell who the genuine sports fan is. Against all odds, sound logic, and even medical advice, they will be at the game. They will change schedules, brave the weather, and drive long distances to get in on the action or to play in the game.

Southern Gables Church is filled with sports fans. Our church is filled with fans of the Rockies, the Broncos, and the Nuggets. Right now, we are all speculating on who will prevail- the Giants or the Rockies?

A true sports fan does not need to make excuses for why he missed a game. He is so committed, yes even addicted, that there is no possible way to miss the action! Well, just imagine if a true sports fan were to use the same excuses that some folks use for skipping church. Here is how it would sound:

• "Every time I go to a game, they want money."
• "The people aren't friendly and no one greets me."
• "The seats are hard and uncomfortable."
• "The game always goes into overtime."
• "Some of the fans are hypocrites and only come to see their friends."
• "I don't want to force my kids to go. I want them to choose the sport they like."
• "The coach said something I disagree with."
• "I don't know many people there."
• "I have to rest up for work on Monday."
• "Somebody offended me at the last game."
• "I don't like some of the players on the team."
• "My relatives are coming for the weekend."
• "I have to mow the lawn and do some laundry."
• "I need a break from sports to get my head clear."
• "My parents took me to too many games when I was a kid."
• "I don't want my kids to go to too many games so they get embittered."
• "They always sing the same old songs like "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
• "There are too many meetings on the mound and on the sidelines."
• "I feel I know more than the coach."

They sound pretty ridiculous, don't they? And yet this is the very same list of reasons that some people use to stay home from a Sunday worship experience. Frankly, these excuses don't hold water.

Folks, genuine "fans" of the Almighty will not miss church. Christ-followers are passionately committed to a regular time with God and His people.

Here is what I know about worship. It is just the thing you need to keep you going and growing in your faith. Your ability to handle the hassles and disappointments of life can be sharpened by a Sunday morning "pep talk" from a coach. The roar of the crowd, the suspense of what God might do next, and the rousing fight songs of faith will encourage you. You will learn how to play the game of faith with skill and so will your kids so that life and eternity are played with joy. The warm fellowship of an Adult Community will give you a support group of friends to rely on when things may not be going so well. Besides all this, you will honor God and deepen a relationship with Him that will change everything forever.

Hebrews 10:25 says: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing …"

In Psalm 122:1, the psalmist said: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."

Psalm 138: 2 says: "I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name."

So, let's commit ourselves and our families to regular worship! Let's not miss unless it is something so important God would understand. Let's intensify our hearts and lives to follow God!

This Sunday, I will continue our series "Psalms for Your Summer" with a look at one of the most beloved and God-inspired songs of David, Psalm 27. My message is entitled "The Fear Factor." Bring a friend, a neighbor, a relative, or someone from work.

This Sunday is the annual SGC Picnic! We will begin serving lunch at 11:30, after second service. We encourage you to invite a guest to enjoy this special time.

So, I hope to see every one of you this Sunday for worship! Bring a smile, a Bible, and an open mind to let God talk to you. After service I will "meet you at the back door" and shake your hand. See you this Sunday for worship! Remember, we have two worship choices for you:

• 9:00 AM Worship — praise, worship, and songs of the faith
• 10:30 AM Worship — songs of the faith, praise and worship

I love being your pastor!

Pastor Mark Platt

mplatt@sgc.org