The Church Body

Mike Dwyer / Executive and Men’s Pastor

Every once in a while someone will ask me, “I can read the Bible for myself, I can get great sermons on the TV and internet as well as great worship; why do I need to come to church?” Most often this type of discussion originates with a younger person. I now can explain to them the answer from personal experience.

Last November I found myself very short of breath and thought I was dealing with possible pneumonia. When I decided to visit the emergency room at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital they tested me and found that rather than suffering from pneumonia my symptoms were the result of a serious heart impairment. My ejection fraction was at only 19%. I was admitted to Gates Vascular Center at Buffalo General and on the Saturday following Thanksgiving I had open heart surgery and received six bypasses. 

The love that I received from the body of Christ throughout and following the procedure was amazing! I received numerous cards each and every day. Indeed, I looked forward to the mail every day in order to read the wonderful words of encouragement. The myriad of well wishes and prayers helped to lift me up and keep me in good spirits. Gifts of food, visitations, financial assistance and other forms of caring poured in from my church family. The men of the church even pitched in to help with snow removal. I attribute my speedy recovery to the love of my brothers and sisters in Christ. To my church!

All this is just part of the reason that people need to find and become part of a church body. How good and pleasant it is When God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133)

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you church for all you have done for me in my time of need. Blessings, I love you all.