Church is getting difficult

[John G.]

I am attending the same church I have attended for the past 28 years however things are starting to get more difficult for me.
Before, I had no problem sitting in the pews, now they have become a torture for my back.
Before, I hardly missed a word of my minister's sermon. Now, I am sometimes hard-pressed to follow what preachers say even with a microphone.
Before, I had no problem following the words of hymns on the screen. Now, my eyes start burning trying to read from that same screen.
Before, I enjoyed singing our hymns. Now, my voice breaks and my mouth goes dry and I can no longer carry a tune.

Is this the way it's going to be from now on?
Am I alone in this experience?

 

[Michie]

I do not know how old you are but it sounds like aging issues. If you mention it to your pastor or deacon they may be able to accommodate you more comfortably.

 

[Rescued One]

I'm sorry. I can't attend church either!

 

[Richard T]

I am attending the same church I have attended for the past 28 years however things are starting to get more difficult for me.
Before, I had no problem sitting in the pews, now they have become a torture for my back.
Before, I hardly missed a word of my minister's sermon. Now, I am sometimes hard-pressed to follow what preachers say even with a microphone.
Before, I had no problem following the words of hymns on the screen. Now, my eyes start burning trying to read from that same screen.
Before, I enjoyed singing our hymns. Now, my voice breaks and my mouth goes dry and I can no longer carry a tune.

Is this the way it's going to be from now on?
Am I alone in this experience?

I think the key is that you are going to have to dial back your expectations in the physical while trying to increase them in the spiritual realm. "Let the weak say they are strong" comes to mind. I pray things do not become intolerable for you, that you can overcome and find the spiritual side of things to lift you up even more. Here is a scripture that helps. God bless!

Isaiah 40
"He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

 

[rebornfree]

I am attending the same church I have attended for the past 28 years however things are starting to get more difficult for me.
Before, I had no problem sitting in the pews, now they have become a torture for my back.
Before, I hardly missed a word of my minister's sermon. Now, I am sometimes hard-pressed to follow what preachers say even with a microphone.
Before, I had no problem following the words of hymns on the screen. Now, my eyes start burning trying to read from that same screen.
Before, I enjoyed singing our hymns. Now, my voice breaks and my mouth goes dry and I can no longer carry a tune.

Is this the way it's going to be from now on?
Am I alone in this experience?

If your mouth is dry could you carry a bottle of water with you? I have one which I sip during the service and no-one seems to mind. (It's probably easier for me being female though, as I carry it in my handbag!) Also do you need a hearing aid and/or new glasses? Pews must be uncomfortable. It's a pity your Church doesn't have chairs. I agree with others who say that things could probably be made more comfortable for you. I hope they are.

 

[rebornfree]

I'm sorry. I can't attend church either!

Are you able to do it online Rescued One?

 

[Rescued One]

Are you able to do it online Rescued On?

Sometimes I hunt for online preaching.

 

[John G.]

If your mouth is dry could you carry a bottle of water with you? I have one which I sip during the service and no-one seems to mind. (It's probably easier for me being female though, as I carry it in my handbag!) Also do you need a hearing aid and/or new glasses?

I carry Halls throat drops with me and pop a couple during the service. They help some, but not a lot, with singing the hymns.
I got my eyes tested and changed glasses last month but it didn't make a difference.

The thing is, I knew people who attended church well into their nineties and here I am, two decades younger than that, and I'm having problems!