Circumstances to cancel Sunday Worship Services

[fieldlily]

Would there ever be circumstances that elders could cancel Sunday Worship services? Since God has commanded us to worship on Sunday, does man have any right to cancel? I am thinking of the recent bad weather in many states. Many in town congregations cancelled services. I attend a small congregation in the country and we never cancel. Those who can make it do and we always have at least 30-50 people.

 

[Eugene]

Would there ever be circumstances that elders could cancel Sunday Worship services? Since God has commanded us to worship on Sunday, does man have any right to cancel? I am thinking of the recent bad weather in many states. Many in town congregations cancelled services. I attend a small congregation in the country and we never cancel. Those who can make it do and we always have at least 30-50 people.

Dear Sister fieldlily, there are probably more excuses to not attend the assembling of ourselves together than we think, and I especially assume the upcoming Super Bowl to be one of them. The church I attended never closed down for it, and I would have been disappointed if they did, but then that becomes a matter of conscience as we read in the following scriptures. Also note that in the present storms there went forth an edict from appointed and elected leaders to affected peoples in some towns to not get out on the streets, and that was for safety. Prayerfully your elders took such care for you also.

Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Blessings in Christ Jesus.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Since God has commanded us to worship on Sunday

Help me out. Are you referring to a scripture, or is this something we're all just supposed to know?

 

[stovebolts]

John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet dark, unto the tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb. (ASV)
We see here that Jesus rose on the first day of the week, which is one of the reasons why we worship on the first day of the week. It is a celebration of His resurrection.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight. (ASV)
We have here a Apostolic example where the church met on the first day of the week to break bread (Lord's Supper) and for a discourse, aka sermon.

I haven't seen anywhere that we are commanded to meet specifically on any particular day, but I do see our tradition of doing so.

I also see guidance in making sure that we continue to assemble.

Hebrews 10:24-25 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. (ASV)

 

[WIP]

I also don't know where in scripture it says that Sunday worship services or any worship services for that matter are required to be at a certain place at a certain time. Technically, I think we should be living our lives in constant worship. If the services at our church are canceled for one reason or another, there's nothing preventing us from having a service of our own at our homes or elsewhere and inviting others.

Our church leaders canceled our Sunday morning services a week ago Sunday because the temperature was -20 F with a -40 F wind chill. Part of the reason for it was the difficulty in heating the building. It is an old church with less than adequate insulation, no storm windows, etc. and very difficult to get warmed up on days like that. I also sometime wonder (maybe unwarranted) if the cold was an excuse. I hope not. However, I personally think it was not necessary to cancel because in the past we would hold services in the basement which was much easier to heat and is actually kept warmer for the sake of the plumbing anyway. Our congregation is older and I'm sure it was thought that few would actually attend due to the cold. But to me, if there are three or more it is worth it.

After saying all that I must admit that I did not call the congregation and invite them to my house for worship and fellowship either.

 

[lifeszero]

Would there ever be circumstances that elders could cancel Sunday Worship services? Since God has commanded us to worship on Sunday, does man have any right to cancel? I am thinking of the recent bad weather in many states. Many in town congregations cancelled services. I attend a small congregation in the country and we never cancel. Those who can make it do and we always have at least 30-50 people.

You can always take an umbrella, like Jesus said.

 

[Corn Pop]

John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet dark, unto the tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb. (ASV)
We see here that Jesus rose on the first day of the week, which is one of the reasons why we worship on the first day of the week. It is a celebration of His resurrection.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight. (ASV)
We have here a Apostolic example where the church met on the first day of the week to break bread (Lord's Supper) and for a discourse, aka sermon.

I haven't seen anywhere that we are commanded to meet specifically on any particular day, but I do see our tradition of doing so.

I also see guidance in making sure that we continue to assemble.

Hebrews 10:24-25 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. (ASV)

But my sunday would have been there saturday and there sunday would be my monday. If people want to get that technical on a church day they need at least get the correct day right. Every nation has a different time frame.

When you guys in US go church on sunday morning its monday morning here. What day was it for the apostles and when Christ was ressurected over there, your sunday thats my saturday or my sunday thats your saterday.

So for those miles away from me who believe in a sunday worship must or if they dont feel guilty, either im being decieved or your being deceived or both.

 

[for_his_glory]

Are we not to worship God everyday and always bring Him our best offerings (not just monetary) no matter where we are!
There are many who are incapable of leaving their homes due to health issues, but still have fellowship with God.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

You can always take an umbrella, like Jesus said.

Jesus didn't say "take an umbrella", Jesus is our umbrella.