Worship - Why do you or do not attend worship?

Having a little fun with our blog this week. There will be a gift card given to the person who gets the most questions correct. To participate simply comment below. The value of the gift card will be equal to the number of individual comments posted. Gift card location will be chosen by the winner.

1.     St. Luke’s has how many people in its database?
a.     400     b. 2000           c. 1400            d. 1000           e. 750
 
2.     St. Luke’s has how many households in its database?
a.     150     b. 350             c. 550              d. 750            e. 950
 
3.     St. Luke’s had how many individuals attended Worship last year based on Welcome Cards?
a.     70       b. 170             c. 270              d. 370             e. 1,070
 
4.     St. Luke’s had how many people attend monthly last year based on Welcome Cards?
a.     60       b. 120             c. 180              d. 240             e. 300
 
5.     One (nonstaff) St. Luke’s member attended the most worships totaling?
a.      72      b. 78               c. 85                d. 89               e. 114

Bonus Question: Who was the member who attended the most worships?
(Post your answers in the Comments below…)

Along with your guesses, would love to hear your answer to “Why do you or do not attend worship?” If you would prefer to privately, please email me: rob@stlukesbloomington.org
What is going on with worship in the United States?

John DeRose, May 16, 2023 on NPR reported in the The importance of religion in the lives of Americans is shrinking

“Participation in houses of worship continues to decline, according to the study. 28% of respondents said they "seldom" attend religious services, and 29% of respondents said they "never" attend religious services. A decade ago, those figures were 22% and 21%, respectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have influenced a larger trend. In 2019, 19% of Americans said they attended a religious service once a week. That percentage has now dropped to 16% attending weekly and 13% saying they attend "a few times a year." You can read the entire article here. [Stats from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).]

Recently a Funeral Director shared with me that most churches have less than half of the number of people attending worship weekly then they did prior to the pandemic. I am grateful to announce St. Luke’s worship has rebounded since the pandemic. In fact, we will be having another “Interested in St. Luke’s Lunch” early this Fall.

Along with worship, we look forward to starting Wednesday Night Live on September 20. It includes a community meal at 5:30 PM and education for all ages from 6-7 pm. (Preschoolers and parents gathering ends at 6:30 PM).

One more question, from the article above: “Despite the downward trends in overall church attendance, PRRI found that those still going are happy. 82% say they're optimistic about the future of their church.”

Are you optimistic about the future of St. Luke’s?

Look forward to hearing from you.
Ongoing prayers and blessings, Rob

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