Is church a family?

So, I go to a very small church. I left to go to grad school and came back 4 years later to a church that was about half the size or less in population. I became pretty involved. I may not attend every week, but at least once a month, or more. I always felt like I was a bit of an outsider because I didn't grow up there. I didn't connect to their stories. I was invited to certain things, and enjoyed going out for lunch with some buddies- but didn't get invited beyond church things. I never felt fully "part."

I was on the board for 3 years and the final year was a chair, of Stewards, which means I was basically facility manager. It's a difficult position, especially for someone who works full-time and doesn't live near the church. I had to ask other people to do things... some people were willing... others it felt like pulling teeth... and some outright wouldn't help. After my last board meeting, I stopped going. Initially it was because I was busy, had a busy month. Then, lazy Sundays- it was nice to sleep in. Then I realized... I haven't been to church in 2 months and not one person has reached out to me. (I received one email that wasn't remotely about "hey we miss you... etc" and there was supposed to be follow up contact on their end, but there wasn't.

So then, I realized I haven't been to church in 3 months. We're hitting advent season, which is one of my favorite times of year at church. At this point, I don't know if I'll go back to my church or not. If I never felt "part" of it, and they haven't missed me... we shall see I suppose.

(I think this also explains one reason the church membership has decreased so much.)