Mark's Remarks 6/8

This is Laity Sunday! It’s time to celebrate the work, the vision, the ability, the energy and the spiritual sacrifice of all those in the pew.

Is there any tangible return besides the hope of salvation and eternal life?

Is there anything we receive besides a wonderful community of friends who accomplish great things for all the world?

Is there value besides the moral training you, your children and grandchildren receive for the first 18 years of life?

Is there anything else, besides knowing that God is on your side, by which you benefit as a layperson in this church? Well, if all the above isn’t enough, consider this:

Exactly how religion lengthens lifespan is not fully understood, but some research suggests that people who attend religious services are healthier than those who do not and are less likely to smoke and/or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Strong social bonds such as those formed among congregation members may help boost immune –system function, thus improving overall health.

One study, published in the May issue of the journal Demography, found that, in general, people who attend worship services one or more times each week live about eight years longer than those who never attend religious services. This report showed that people who never attend church live to about 75, while those who attend services one or more times a week live to an average age of 83.
The study, which analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey, also found that those people who never attended religious services had an 87 percent higher risk of dying from all causes during a 9-year follow-up period than those who attended services one or more times per week. **Wow, who wouldn’t want to be here?
**"Spirituality Linked to Better Health, Longer Life," www.allhealth.com.