ed, I really enjoyed your post about communion and making sure Jesus is central to what we're doing as a church. The post was not just thought-provoking on its own, I really enjoyed how it worked as a pairing with what I wrote today. I love it when that happens!

Gen, it's interesting that you say "...it was always my impression that the community of believers sees going to Church as part of the stimulus for making them better people..." yet you don't go to church any more. I'm curious, are those two statements connected in your mind? I guess what I'm asking, is did you sense that growth and change wasn't happening—in you or maybe in the people around you? (Seems like a reasonable conclusion and response!) Also, you're absolutely right: None of us thinks enough about why we do things. That's something most of us have in common, no matter how different our belief systems.

Cheryl, it makes me really glad to hear you talk about feeling taken care of at our church, and how that, in turn, gives you the inspiration and energy to take care of others. That's a really powerful example of being a church. I've often had a similar thought about marriage: If I know my husband is always looking out for me and my interests, I don't have to focus on advocating for myself. It frees me up to look out for others.

Sam, you're right—sometimes even when you think through it and have a sense you're going to church for a good reason, it can be hard to explain. Your distinction between a place where you *hear* the good word and a place where you practice *being* the good word is spot on. And this is purely beautiful: "...to experience life alongside those who need help. Because we all need help, don’t we?" Indeed.