In his name One of the three “God’s work. Our hands.” projects done by Freedom Lutheran Church, Oregon, Ill., was painting picnic tables at a nearby state park. Other projects were at city hall and at a historic train depot. Often the work of the church simply means rolling up your sleeves and getting busy. From left are Alex Schlesinger, Emily Watters, Kim Schlesinger, Laura Watters and Leah Watters. Jeff Schlesinger, Freedom Lutheran Church, Oregon, Ill., photographer
average worship attendance of fewer than 50 people in 2012. From 2002 to 2012, average weekly worship attendance dropped 28.9 percent. And from 2009 to 2012, ELCA membership decreased 14.7 percent, accord- ing to ELCA Research and Evaluation. Declining membership means doors are oſten closed
to new ideas and, even more important, energy. Church members and ministers watch as attendance decreases and enthusiasm dwindles. Karen Taylor, an associate in ministry serving St.
Timothy Lutheran Church, Lakewood, Calif., observed: “Te percentage of every-weekend worshipers is small, and it’s shrinking. Offerings are decreasing as more members retire or die. We operate with a minimal staff, and most of our employees haven’t received a raise in more than five years. Te pool of volunteers—ushers, musicians, altar guild, council and committee members, etc.—is drying up.” Many of the stalwart, faithful members who remain active are bound by a sense of tradition and duty. Some
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