Before it we at last lie in death, our lives changed, not ended. You and I complain how much those buildings cost to maintain, but so much good happens within their walls. Of course, the work of the church spills over into private homes as well. After Sunday morning, God s people gather for more work. Your church no matter how small has a school of some sort, where the faith is passed on to the next generation, awaiting Christ s return.
Young people gather for fun and teaching.
Adults too take classes of various sorts, studying everything from the Bible to making a budget. Many parishes have a nursery or day school as well. In our congregations, people gather to pray, whether informally or in the cadences of the Daily Office. The poor are fed, clothed, counseled, and on their behalf an army of their advocates work from the churches. In those buildings, addicts take together the steps that can lead them out of bondage into new freedom.