Liars, Bigger Liars and Statisticians

OK, OK, I know that is not the actual quote.  What Mark Twain is actually purported to have said is "There are liars, damned liars and statisticians."  I just didn't want to write that in the title.  I first heard that quote when I was in college, taking a class on sociology and statistics.  The point was that researchers can make statistics say almost anything they want them to depending upon the questions they ask, and the way they word them.

This quote came back to me today as I was reading an article on a science blog entitled "Why Religion Make People Happier (Hint:  Not God)."   The article begins by acknowledging that people with religious faith are more satisfied with their life than nonbelievers.  I can buy that.  But I also knew from the title that there was a "however" coming.  This empirical, scientifically researched article went on to say that the reason for this has nothing to do with God, but is in fact the result of religious people having a social network within the church community.

The researchers apparently conducted a national phone survey with 3108 people.  Quoting from the article "According to the data, about 28 percent of people who attended a religious service weekly were "extremely satisfied" with their lives, compared with 19.6 percent of people who never attended services. . . People with more than 10 friends in their congregation were almost twice as satisfied with life as people with no friends in their congregation."

It seemed fairly transparent from the article that they began their research with a conviction that they were intent on supporting.  Namely, that there is really nothing to this God thing, and if Christians have higher life satisfaction than non-Christians, it is simply because they have a strong social network, good friends and a place of belonging.

While I beg to disagree with their primary conclusion, there is still a grain of truth to be gleaned from this research.  What I think this does prove is that relationships matter.  God has created us as relational beings.  We are intended to be in relationship with him, and with one another.  We are a growing church.  It is not realistic to think that we can be in relationship with everyone that is a part of this ministry.  However, we do need to be in relationship with at least a few other believers.

This is where small groups become so important.  Worship is our large corporate gathering.  It is a wonderful time to join our voices together in praise to our Lord and Savior.  However, it is in our small group that we really build relationships.  Here at St. Matts and the Rock, we offer many different small groups.  Each one is unique.  They are offered on different day, different times, and with different styles.  Some are gender based, some are mixed.  Some focus more on prayer, others on study, others on fellowship and still other on service.  Yet they all share this in common.  They are a place where relationships can be built and where brothers and sisters in Christ can love and support one another as they grow in faith together.

I believe being a part of a small group is essential to a complete Christian life.  Unlike the researches, I don't believe that this is somehow separate from our faith in God.  To the contrary, I believe it is a conduit through which God works.  If you are not currently part of a small group, I would encourage you to find one.  According to the research, you will be a happier person with a higher sense of life satisfaction!  To get started, contact the church office at 603-887-4922.  We'll help you get hooked up with a group that fits you!

Cutting Through the Christmas Hype

Dear Friends,

    Here we are, December 1^st.  We’ve made it through Thanksgiving, we got through the hype of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  Now it is time to settle in and really focus on the true meaning and purpose of this Holy season.  This has the potential to be a wonderful, blessed season.  Unfortunately, every year I see situations where individuals or families have turned it into such a stressful time that it sucks the joy right out of it.  So, I want to offer you a few suggestions to help make this a great Advent/Christmas Season.

                First, take the focus off materialism.  Particularly in a difficult economic year, it is even more important that we de-emphasize excessive gift giving.  We can do this in several ways.  Set appropriate expectations within your family in the area of gifts so that no one feels the pressure to over-do or out-do.   Absolutely do not go into debt to purchase gifts.  Only buy and give what you can reasonably afford to pay for outright.  Focus on giving to the needy rather than buy more stuff for people who already have everything they need.  This year our entire Christmas Eve offering will go towards our various local outreach efforts such as the soup kitchen, food pantry, Somebody Cares New England, and our own care ministry fund which helps hundreds of people throughout the year.  I would ask you to set aside a tithe (1/10) of whatever you would spend on Christmas gifts and entertaining to give to this offering.

                Secondly, focus on people.  It has been my experience that most people would rather have a little bit of our time and attention than to receive a fancy gift in the mail.  Take time for family and friends.  Get together with folks you haven’t seen recently.  Try to think of people you know who don’t have family in the area (or perhaps at all).  Invite them over.  And don’t get too caught up in the preparations.  It doesn’t have to be a feast.  A cup of soup with good friends, or family, is enough if the home is filled with love and joy.

                Finally, focus on Christ, the one whose birth we celebrate.  If you really want to experience the full joy of this Christmas, it must be centered in Christ.  So in the midst of the busyness, make sure you are setting aside time for worship, prayer, and personal devotional time.  Last week, we began a new four week series for Advent.   Without giving too much away, I want to tell you that the message this Sunday is VERY important.  In fact, for some of us, it may be the most important message we hear all year.  I hope to see each and every one of you in worship this Sunday.

                God Bless,

Pastor Steve