When Bad Weather Interferes with Church Services

Every once in a while, winter storms or bad road conditions force us to cancel Sunday morning services. We almost made it through January, but a storm forecast for Saturday and Sunday has caused us to cancel services on January 25th. That sure beats January of last year, when three out of four Sundays were canceled!

We love to get to together to worship God, but sometimes it may be dangerous for people to get to the church. When this happens, we communicate the decision through our Facebook group, the snow closing list on WYMT-TV, through a text chain, and by calling each other. Even if you don't get an official notification, take note of road conditions and make the safe choice.

But that doesn't mean it isn't Sunday, the day we set aside for our Lord. If you miss coming to worship with the FCC congregation, you can still observe the holiness of the Lord's day.

Sunday is for worship. Begin the day with a prayer of worship and thanksgiving. Maybe sing a song of praise. If you don't know the words by heart, you can sing along with music from your record collection or the internet. A search for "worship music" or "gospel song" will bring up old favorites you haven't heard in a while or new music that will fill your heart.

Sunday is for prayer. Sure, you pray every day, but if you use the hour you'd normally spent at FCC to go deep into communication with God, you'll reap the blessings of that time well.

Sunday is for learning. If you already read a chapter of the Bible every day, this Sunday can be the day you do two chapters, or even more. Don't be in a hurry, though. Take the time to ponder what's important about the piece you are reading, because if it wasn't important, it wouldn't be there. Look up words that aren't clear. Seek out commentary from theologians about that topic. Check out FCC's YouTube channel for previous sermons you might have missed, or want to hear again. Many of them are also available with scripture and study guides right here.

Sunday is for fellowship. Involve the people you live with in an alternate day of worship. Share what you are doing with our Facebook group. Call someone just to brighten their day. Call your neighbors to see if they're okay. Call your family and tell them you love them.

You can surely think of other ways to use this day for God, even if you're stuck at home due to weather. If all this leaves you feeling inspired, write down how it affected you. Or you could write down a story or your testimony to share with others right her on the website!

See you next week!