It's not an official poll - just a place to express your opinion on an Web site. "What's the coolest thing to do on Easter Sunday?" was the question. I was more than a little shocked at the results.

My thinking was back in the 20th Century. I was still under the impression that a substantial number of Americans regarded Easter Sunday as one of the two times they would make the effort to go to church.

If this unofficial poll is a true indication of what's really going on in the hearts of 21st Century men and women, young and old, then even Easter Sunday is no longer a time for worship.

In the survey, going to church on Easter Sunday ranks less than four percentage points above eating candy and watching the tube. Less than five percentage points over collecting pink eggs. Conversely, spending time with the family was nearly twice as important as going to church.

Excuses

I've heard lots of excuses for not going to church: There are too many hypocrites there. The people aren't friendly - or they are too friendly. The music is drab and the sermons are boring. The service is geared for "old people". I've heard all that stuff before.

No one will deny that there is some truth to each of these excuses. But there is so much more to "church" than any of those excuses cover. Sooooo much more!

What you get

Someone has said that if you go to church expecting nothing, that's no doubt what you'll get.

The opposite is also true.

If you come to church expecting to talk with the Lord and to hear him speak to you in his word that is what you'll get.

If you come to say you're sorry and that you love your Savior and need him by your side, that is what you'll get.

If you come to hear him say, "I love you, I forgive you, I'm always with you," that is what you'll get.

If you come to find strength and courage to face the next seven days, then that, dear friend, is what you'll get.

Improving church

If you are feeling left out when it comes to "church," talk with your pastor. But don't just tell him what's wrong. Offer to help him make the worship experience more youth-friendly. Give him examples and specifics. Become his teammate. You'll probably find him pretty easy to work with and not at all hard to get along with!

I urge you, dear reader, don't give up on worship. You need it! And if you think you don't, then you need it more than ever. "Eating candy and watching the tube" may be a great temptation, but it won't do much for your life - not the one beyond the grave or the one here. In the long run, only Jesus can satisfy - not Ju-ju Beans or Judge Judy. Only Jesus can save.

See you in church!