I guess it's better than not saying anything, but it really is an implied criticism, it's about what they are NOT saying.
We miss you at the meetings *loser*.
We miss you at the meetings *what the hell is wrong with you?*.
We miss you at the meetings *get your act together, then we can be friends again*.
I briefly attended a liberal church. It was interesting that those who were sick or feeling down were greatly missed and talked about at every service, they would arrange for dinner to be supplied or a visit. There wasn't a hint of any judgment for them missing services, just concern. I thought, well this is what normal people do, it's a support system, which is what church should be.