Time change triggers early church crowds

Published 8:57 pm Thursday, November 3, 2011

When time changes each fall, our behaviors do not often follow.

This is usually most evident during Sunday morning church services.

During the spring, families and church members arrive too late to hear the sermon. However, in the fall, it is just the opposite.

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Plantersville First Baptist Church pastor Don Stephens said it is inevitable that when the clocks fall back, people forget to follow suit.

“It happens every time,” he said. “Somebody will show up all ready for church and we haven’t started,” he said. “They’ll show up early and wonder if we are having church that day and we have to tell them, ‘yes, but not until the time gets here.’ It happens every year.”

Unlike spring, when people miss services, Church Street United Methodist Church pastor Fred Zeigler said the fall time change can lead people to become more involved in the church.

“Occasionally, there are people who don’t attend Sunday school, only regular services,” he said. “In the fall, they will show up just in time for Sunday School and they will try it out and like it and keep coming back.”

On Nov. 6 at 2 a.m. we officially switch off Daylight Saving Time and revert to Standard Time.

Daylight Savings kicked off March 13 for an extended period of daylight saving in 2011. What used to begin on the first Sunday in April and ended the last Sunday in October has slowly been extended to make for a longer period of daylight saving each year.

Fire departments use the change over twice a year to remind everyone to use the occasion to check smoke detector batteries. It is particularly important at this time, especially in light of the upcoming holiday season. Winter and Christmas tree lights make for an extra risk of house fires during the Christmas season.

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