Change in Sunday Worship Times

In their May meeting, following discussion, Council made the decision to change worship times for Sunday mornings to two worship services – 8:45am and 10:00am. Saturday evening worship will remain at 5:30pm. The reduction in the number of in-person worshipers, a topic heavy on my heart, trend has become increasingly evident over the last few years, and more acute in recent months. To address this, I conducted research into national trends and our patterns at Sheridan.

You can look through the research I shared with the Council at the end of this post. National worship trends across denominations have shown a decline, particularly among younger generations. The academic studies I cite explain these trends. Our reality reflects a significant concern around our worship life due to fewer attendees, exacerbated by the size of our worship space, leading to feelings of discouragement.

In contrast, our preaching, music, worship style, and themes have been well-received. However, the disconnect felt by attendees due to the lack of critical mass in worship is palpable.

Traditionally, worship has been the primary expression of faithfulness, but this is changing. Volunteerism, service, and mission are now prominent expressions of engagement within the church, especially with the expansion of youth programs and sports.

Despite these shifts, Sheridan is thriving in various ways, including substantial financial support and active participation in midweek services and youth activities. Our online worship community has also grown significantly since the pandemic, now comprising a quarter of our total worshipers.

Given these changes, I proposed to the Council that we transition to two Sunday morning worship services at 8:45 and 10am starting July 6. This decision aims to enhance the worship experience and foster a stronger sense of community in our worship space.

While this is a departure from past practices, it represents a faithful step forward for our congregation. There will be challenges ahead, such as coordinating children’s education during the later service and integrating hospitality teams. Flexibility will be key as we adapt to these changes.

On a personal note, this transition is challenging for me, having been shaped during the Church Growth Movement era. Nevertheless, this decision is about what is best for our collective community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Peace,

Greg Bouvier
Senior Pastor
Sheridan Lutheran Church

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