The church ceiling won't cave in, and lighting won't strike.
But if you do make a rare church appearance on Easter Sunday tomorrow, don't forget to turn off your cell phone. It might feel like God's wrath - or sense of humor - when your "Sex and the City" ringtone draws the attention of the entire congregation.
In Christian circles, Easter marks the highest day of the church year and often inspires the fallen-away faithful to try again.
Church regulars have affectionally dubbed the returnees "C&E;'s" - the Christmas and Easter crowd. Whatever the reason for the absence, ministers have this to say, "Welcome back."
"It's a homing device," said the Rev. Mary Scott Wagner of St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Marblehead, fresh off a Good Friday service. "I think there is something that calls us home."
Despite the potential for pangs of guilt, Wagner offered that neither she nor other ministers take attendance. She also goes out of her way to explain what book to use and when to kneel and stand.
"It's OK," she said. "I really think it's wonderful when people feel an urge to be at church."
Leave your worries behind, said the Rev. Travis Fleming of Calvary Baptist in Peabody.
"Well, I mean, welcome back," he said. "Don't stay away so long."
The Rev. Jeffrey Barz-Snell of First Church in Salem said he welcomes both new and familiar faces on Easter morn. He's always glad to see the faithful come through the door.
"We meet here every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.," he tells them. "That usually gets a chuckle."
No one is there to judge anyone for missing church, Barz-Snell said.
"My job, in some ways, is to give people a reason to come to church on a weekly basis," the Unitarian minister said. "I'm convinced that people are spiritual sieves. We leak out. We need our cups filled from time to time."
Be not afraid
If you do cross the threshold of a church for the first time in ages, it's probably a good idea to be prepared.
The atmosphere is welcoming on Easter.
"And don't be afraid if people come up and talk to you," Fleming said.
Perhaps, you've marked your calendar, but don't forget to double-check service times, Fleming said. Most churches have Web sites with up-to-the-day notices. Churches often have sunrise service on Easter, far earlier than the usual weekly gatherings.
But if you do make a rare church appearance on Easter Sunday tomorrow, don't forget to turn off your cell phone. It might feel like God's wrath - or sense of humor - when your "Sex and the City" ringtone draws the attention of the entire congregation.
In Christian circles, Easter marks the highest day of the church year and often inspires the fallen-away faithful to try again.
Church regulars have affectionally dubbed the returnees "C&E;'s" - the Christmas and Easter crowd. Whatever the reason for the absence, ministers have this to say, "Welcome back."
"It's a homing device," said the Rev. Mary Scott Wagner of St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Marblehead, fresh off a Good Friday service. "I think there is something that calls us home."
Despite the potential for pangs of guilt, Wagner offered that neither she nor other ministers take attendance. She also goes out of her way to explain what book to use and when to kneel and stand.
"It's OK," she said. "I really think it's wonderful when people feel an urge to be at church."
Leave your worries behind, said the Rev. Travis Fleming of Calvary Baptist in Peabody.
"Well, I mean, welcome back," he said. "Don't stay away so long."
The Rev. Jeffrey Barz-Snell of First Church in Salem said he welcomes both new and familiar faces on Easter morn. He's always glad to see the faithful come through the door.
"We meet here every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.," he tells them. "That usually gets a chuckle."
No one is there to judge anyone for missing church, Barz-Snell said.
"My job, in some ways, is to give people a reason to come to church on a weekly basis," the Unitarian minister said. "I'm convinced that people are spiritual sieves. We leak out. We need our cups filled from time to time."
Be not afraid
If you do cross the threshold of a church for the first time in ages, it's probably a good idea to be prepared.
The atmosphere is welcoming on Easter.
"And don't be afraid if people come up and talk to you," Fleming said.
Perhaps, you've marked your calendar, but don't forget to double-check service times, Fleming said. Most churches have Web sites with up-to-the-day notices. Churches often have sunrise service on Easter, far earlier than the usual weekly gatherings.
Most churches also have a guide to follow if you need pointers on what to say or when to stand. It helps to keep watch of what others are doing, the Baptist minister said.
Barz-Snell also said churchgoers shouldn't be afraid to sing.
"The Bible says, 'Make a joyful noise.' Not necessarily one that's in tune," he said.
To get a decent seat, remember to arrive early on Easter, Barz-Snell said. Dress up for the occasion, he said. Not one for absolutes, Barz-Snell said "probably no blue jeans."
"It's Easter," he said. "But I'd much rather have people there in jeans than not."
If you do have an awkward cell phone moment, pray your minister takes it all in stride.
Wagner said a cell phone went off during one of the solemnest moments of the liturgy. The hip-swaying salsa ringtone left her with only one response.
"I just had to say 'OlÉ,'" she said.
She went about the service unfettered.
Tips for the out-of-practice churchgoer
* Check service times.
* Arrive early.
* Dress up. Easter isn't everyday.
* Turn off cell phones.
* Ask questions if you're unsure.
* Find a bulletin, program or missalette to help follow the service order.
* Don't be afraid to sing.
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