I have a few thoughts but first as a Caveat, as a Catholic (and therefore being one of the rare Christians who have religious services available every day), I have a different Theological concept of Mortal Sin as it relates to Church attendance.
1. How does he justify “Keep Holy the Sabbath Day” if he is a Sola Scriptura Christian (or did he add “except when it’s hot outside” like another fellow I heard about added “alone” to a certain passage).
2. This, I think does smack of a trend, just look at all the Catholic Parishes that have Confessions 3:45-4:00 on a Saturday (some are only by appointment) and how difficult it is to find a Catholic Parish that has traditional devotions that working people can attend (i.e. outside 9-5).
3. From and entirely secular standpoint: I work in fundraising, and one of the big things is you need to keep people “in the habit” of giving, once out of the habit it’s tough to get them back. I would assume Church works the same way whatever the Faith Tradition.
They’ll loose people that will never come back.
On the bright side, if anyone lives in the area and is lookig to recruit, get crackin’ these folks will be looking to go somewhere!
Makes me happy to be a Catholic. Even during summertime when things do slow down, there is still Sunday Mass.