For many years while I served a parish and members would tell me they were going on vacation, I would jokingly ask them to bring me back a bulletin from a church signed by the pastor so I would know they attended worship. A few them actually did! They would often tell me the pastor of the church would laugh when they told him why they wanted it signed!

The truth of the matter is that I know most people don’t attend worship services when they go on vacation. I’m not sure why that is, but it is a reality. And it puzzles me.

We always made it a point to find a church to attend when we went on our family vacations. Cheryl and I did so yesterday. We had spent a week with two of our daughters and their families in central Texas. They all returned home on Friday and Saturday, but we stayed until today. Yesterday we attended a wonderful service. I always hope I will hear a powerful message and uplifting music. Yesterday’s service had wonderful music. The message of Jesus as Savior and what He did to earn our salvation was heard in the readings, the Creed, the Absolution and the singing: “Jesus Paid it All” for example. While the pastor’s sermon talked about living as children of God, it didn’t really share the Good News of what Jesus did for us on the cross and by rising from the dead. I wish he had mentioned that, but that message was heard through the rest of the service, including the Baptism of a child and the Sacrament of the Altar.

What we should remember when attending any worship service is that worship is not meant to be a spectator sport. We were there to be participants, and the service provided us the opportunity to offer our praise and thanks to God for what He has done for us and given to us. I know that Jesus was the payment for the sins of the world, including my sins. God tells me that very plainly in His Word.

1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

And His Word also tells me He provides me with everything I need for this life.

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Lord, help us all to bring your our best when we come to worship You, including our attitude. Remind us that we are worshiping you because of who You are and what You have done for us. We live in the confidence that You bought us back from sin and death and have given us forgiveness and life and salvation. That is why we gather to sing your praise. To You alone belongs and glory and power and honor and praise. Amen.