“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14–16]
“90% of life is just showing up.” [Woody Allen]
That is sort of the point of the Christian’s lifestyle. Just show up. Don’t hide in a private clique or commune. Don’t congregate or hang out only with people just like you. Put your light on the nightstand, not under the blanket.
And, in your showing up, your “good works” and authentic character (notice that Jesus assumes those of us) will be surely noticed by those who live in darkness.
Some interesting American Church data
According to Barna’s State of the Church 2025 report, for the first time in over two decades, men attend church more frequently than women. The shift began in 2022 and continues into 2024, with 30% of men attending weekly compared to 27% of women. (I wasn’t sure anyone attended church weekly anymore. 😊) This reverses a trend that had women leading attendance rates since 2000.
Weekly volunteerism in churches has surpassed pre-COVID levels. In 2024, 24% of U.S. adults reported volunteering weekly, compared to 18% in 2019. Gen Z and Millennials lead the charge, with 21% and 19% volunteering weekly, respectively. In contrast, only 9% of Boomers and 12% of seniors regularly volunteer.
The coolest thing you will watch all week
One of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world is in Cincinnati this week. And a group of fans got to meet tennis’ four biggest stars. Watch how these fans were unforgettably surprised to meet their favorite players Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner. This is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
And some encouraging baseball news
Are you watching the story of Cleveland Guardians’ relief pitcher Nic Enright? He recorded his first major league a week or so ago. What makes that such a big and encouraging deal is that Enright was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in late 2022. He is scheduled for one more round of cancer treatment later this year. “I made the decision when I was diagnosed in 2022 with Hodgkin lymphoma that I wasn’t going to let that define my life and dictate how I was going to go about my life,” Enright said. Whoa! Now that’s a role model.
Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire in Major League Baseball this past weekend. She umpired in the field for Saturday’s double-header games between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. And on Sunday Pawol called balls and strikes behind home plate. MLB is the last of the “Big 3” (sorry, hockey fans) to hire a female game official. The NBA introduced female referees in 1997 and the NFL did so in 2012.
“This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field.”
And then there are these words from Guardians’ Hall of Fame and beloved play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton about the team locker room since the gambling probe of two players (see last week’s blog): “I will say one thing. You don’t mention Clase’s or Ortiz’s name when you’re in the clubhouse talking to players. They don’t want to hear anything about it. This is a ballclub that’s rallied around each other. If it’s possible, it’s an even closer-knit group than it was. When you’re betrayed like that by teammates… Teammates don’t forget. But they also are bound and determined to not make that the story of the year. This is a ballclub that is bound and determined to dance again come October and show once again how it’s all about those 26 guys. It’s not about 1 or 2.”
The Passion of the Christ 2—The Resurrection
Still a year or so away. But here’s a moving trailer to a movie that will hopefully bring this history-changing event to life. One can hope!
Young faith and European teens
About 1,500 teenagers attended the 51st Teen Mission Meeting in Monbachtal, Germany, in the northern Black Forest. The event featured seminars and workshops alongside discussions with missionaries and worship. There were biblical challenges to follow Christ in all areas of life as well as calls to commit to serving him full time. What an encouraging turnout for the Kingdom and for the Church in this “post-Christian” continent.
For Roman Catholics, this is a “Jubilee Year” wherein millions make spiritual pilgrimages to the Vatican and designated churches throughout Italy. (Earlier this summer, I encountered two elderly Eastern European pilgrims who spoke neither English or Italian. They thought I was an official who could validate their pilgrim’s “passports.” Unfortunately, I was not and could not.) Not to be outdone by their elders, over a million teenagers made their way to a “field” outside of Rome where they were met and encouraged by Pope Leo who also held Mass for them. “Dear young people…spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith to everyone you meet,” the pope said during his sermon for the event.
A clear hope
On Sunday I quoted from the Westminster Catechism. It was a succinct statement of hope on what happens to a believer the moment they pass. Somewhat surprisingly, many have commented to me about those words which affirm that: “The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.” [Westminster Catechism #37]
“Risen Christ, when darkness overwhelms us
may your dawn beckon.
When fear paralyses us
may your touch release us.
When grief torments us
may your peace enfold us.
When memories haunt us
may your presence heal us.
When justice fails us
may your anger ignite us.
When apathy stagnates us
may your challenge renew us.
When courage leaves us
may your spirit inspire us.
When despair grips us
may your hope restore us.
And when death threatens us
may your resurrection light lead us.
Amen.”
[Annabel Shilson-Thomas]