A Letter to our Pastor, from a Faithful Member

Dear Pastor,

You often stress attendance at worship as being very important for a Christian. I totally agree with you, but I think a person has a right to miss a service now and then. I have looked at our own attendance over the last year and I think that every year a person ought to be excused from church for the following reasons and the number of times indicated.

Christmas Holidays (the Sunday before & after are so busy) 2
New Years (sorry but the party just lasted too long) 1
Easter (we get away for the holidays) 2
July 4th (we spend the weekend with family) 1
Labor Day (I really needed a break) 1
Memorial Day (we visit kin folk) 1
School closing (the kids needed a break) 1
School reopens (the kids want one last fling) 1
Family reunions (mine & wife’s) 2
Sleep late (sorry but we stayed up too long on Saturday night) 5
Deaths in family 2
Anniversary (we went on a second honeymoon) 1
Sickness (there were two per family member-when one is sick, no one can come) 8
Business trip (what can I do – my work expects it) 1
Vacation (two weeks every year) 2
Bad weather (ice, snow, rain, drizzle, clouds) 4
Ball games (we need to keep up with sports) 6
Races (don’t judge me) 2
Unexpected company (we couldn’t just leave them) 2
Time changes (Daylight saving in spring & fall) 2
Personal Business (the Super Bowl, etc) 3

Pastor, that leaves two Sundays per year. So, you can count on us to be in church on the 4th Sunday in February and the 1st Sunday in August unless we are providentially hindered.

Sincerely,
A Faithful Member