[AlbionGirl]

When a sheep disappears from the fold, a good shepherd will at least look for it.

I think those days are long gone, at least in larger Churches. Large Churches are impersonal, no matter what, IMO. Small Churches are best, both for Pastor and Congregation.

One knows for sure that one's Church knows he or she is 'gone' when the contribution envelopes stop coming.

[PAR35]

I think those days are long gone, at least in larger Churches.

Yes, but I don't think you can streach 70 smiling faces into be a 'large' church. That should be about 20 families (perhaps twice that if it is a dying congregation of older folks, which would be even more reason to keep track of folks.)