Carleton United Methodist Church

PASTORS NOTES

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Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) Every so often, I receive an email with the following joke. One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed that little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The seven-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, Good morning Alex. Good morning pastor replied the young man, focused on the plaque. Pastor, what is this? Alex asked. Well son, these are all the people who have died in the service, replied the pastor. Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex's voice barely broke the silence when he asked quietly, Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45? The truth is, though, that church attendance can actually be beneficial to your longevity. According to a twelve year study conducted by Duke University (a United Methodist - related school), the risk of death is thirty percent lower among persons who attend religious services more than weekly and twenty percent lower among weekly attenders than those never attending. As related in an article in the United Methodist Men's Magazine, these conclusions support numerous previous studies, which have found that the Christian faith provides members with a positive worldview, social support, teaching about a healthy lifestyle, and uplifting and calming ritual, all of which are hypothesized to have positive health effects. The article goes on to say, Other benefits of religious participation include increased social integration and support, improved coping with stressful life events and reduced depression. These lead to health-promoting physiological effects of decreased stress hormones and nervous activation, and improved immune function. Does it get any better than that? Good physical, mental, and of course, spiritual health. Do you need any more reason to join in worship every Sunday? Here is to your health! Grace and peace, Pastor Bob