There was a time when “Houses of God” occupied a central place and role in New England villages. For example, the Congregational Church in Machias is a lovely, historic building situated prominently on “Center Street.”
Today many, beautiful, old church structures still stand, but attendance testifies to their dwindling influence. Some are now defunct and have become other-use properties. Of all the states, New England holds the highest averages of non church attenders and is considered the least “religious” region of the 50 states. The reasons are speculative and most likely multifactorial: affluence, liberal education and politics, changing cultural standards, rebellion against Puritanism and legalistic theologies, and the promotion of a social gospel promoting salvation by self righteous acts.
Scripture declares that we are images of God created to exhibit His character, to honor and love Him with all our soul and strength, to honor and love each other in the way we want to be respected and loved, to lead and nurture families, and to be caretakers of creation. Unfortunately, that view and our acknowledged God-connectedness have become increasingly neglected in everyday society.
Our innate self-centeredness and willful, rebellious natures separate us from God and His divine purposes which benefit us and revere Him. If Scripture attests correctly that God is the source of all goodness, at the very core of ultimate meaning, and the purpose for our existence, then such indifference is tragic. Thankfully, God is extraordinarily generous with His grace.
Villagers may no longer listen for the call of Sunday church bells on the village green, but that callousness does not mean the need for God has been outgrown. Deep within our souls lies an uncertainty, a gnawing acknowledgment that in spite of our efforts and self-justifications we are broken and unworthy. Any denials are uneasy ones. There is a longing, a striving for redemption which is unattainable apart from God who lovingly and mercifully restores us to Himself through Christ’s redemptive work when we willingly trust Him.
God may not be at the center of our village, but He will center our lives if we turn to Him.
Sweet Words from Maine 
So true and beautiful that God is always open to us to deepen our relationship with Him! The door is always open.