But there is more to it than that. The Bible refers to each of us as being part of a whole, each bit unique and important. Can you imagine a human eye telling the feet "I don't need you" or telling the lungs the same thing? Every part has a function. This is the same with all believers in Jesus. You too have a function that no one else has. We need you – don't listen to any one who says you are worthless or useless. You can read more in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

But there are still many more reasons.

We were not meant to go it alone either. Jesus said "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I'll be there too." Hebrews Chapter 10 urges us to keep meeting together "to encourage one another."

As Christians we were adopted into Jesus' family. The Bible refers to us often as brothers and sisters in Christ with a Father in heaven. Older Christians addressed their understudies as "my son in the faith", Jesus said "whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother, my sister, and my mother".

So going to church is like a family gathering where each is important and fills a unique place. You might not like your brother, but he will always be part of your family. It is also where you can teach each other, learn how this new life works, support each other through the hard times and celebrate the good times. It’s a place where you can care for one another as a properly functioning family should.

So why don't people go to church? A recent survey found the majority thought it was boring or it clashed with other activities. But those who did go were just as busy and found church sufficiently exciting to move everything else out of the way. You need to take the first bold step, find out when a meeting is on and turn up.

What can you expect? The church is not a building; it is a gathering of people who love God. So it could be in a home, a hut, a hall, a chapel or a cathedral. The formal part usually has worship (telling God how great he is and how much you love him) – usually by singing songs or hymns, some prayer (talking to God), readings from the Bible and a talk about the Christian life. There may be other rituals like remembering Jesus by eating a small bit of bread and wine, (communion) or confessing our faults and putting money in the offering. These are usually optional and if you are not comfortable you don't have to participate.

Why so many different churches? A friend of mine offered this explanation – there are lots of different restaurants, but all serve food. Some people like a traditional meal, some like Chinese, some spicy, some vegetarian, if they are not fed they will go to another. Don't be afraid to try a few churches until you find one that welcomes you. You can also ask God to lead you to the right one for you.

Get involved! There might be a Bible study where people meet to discuss what they read in the Bible, a prayer meeting where people pray for one another and their community or a youth, ladies', men's or children's group. These will help you to grow as a person and a Christian.

This week, look around your neighbourhood, find a church, attend a meeting and tell us how you went.

In Summary, when you attend church you will

• Make Friends
• Learn about God
• Grow in your Knowledge
• Grow in your Experience
• Practice your Faith
• Learn to Pray
• Learn to Share
• Receive God's Grace and Blessing