Church Shopping...
So this morning I started Church Shopping. Yes... I told you - my TOP New Year's resolution is to tighten up my relationship with my Lord! I began my search today at the Methodist Church right in my neighborhood. I am a Catholic ... but for many reasons I do not wish to attend the Catholic church in my neighborhood. I was HOPING that the Methodist church would just be a perfect fit on the first try... and that would do it. But I think this IS going to take some shopping.
I very much enjoyed the Pastor this morning. She (yes! a woman!) spoke VERY much to my heart! Well, the service, and her sermon, and the whole thing was (imagine this) about re-affirming our Baptism! HOW appropriate was THAT for my first time back to church in... um... waaaaaay too many years!? I thought it was very appropriate! And it almost brought me to tears.
But the "whole" thing didn't fit. For one thing, I DID like this Pastor - but she's leaving for 2 months. Today was her last day. And there is no "permanent" replacement -- just a lot of different lay people and a few ministers tossed in. I think right now I NEED strong spiritual guidance and someone who will BE there. The other thing was that this morning I went to the "contemporary" service -- because I have a friend who goes to that service. But honestly, the music did NOT speak to me! I really think when it comes to church, I may be more of a traditional girl!
Now I would like to TRY the traditional service at this church -- but we have the whole Pastor thing going on. So... my friend suggested I try the Baptist church up on the corner ... but ... um... I've BEEN to Baptist services before... and... no. NOT to offend the Baptists - because the services that I've been to have been VERY well attended and quite lively! But just not what I'M looking for! So, then Debbie suggested the Episcopal church up near Curves. And across the street from that one is a Lutheran church, I believe. (not really sure on that!) Sooo... I guess I'm going to try a few of these. And if I don't find the "perfect fit" at any of them, then I'll head a little further up the road and try out the Catholic church in the next Parish! But I really would like to stay within my neighborhood...
The one thing that I've learned is that going back to church at 49 1/2 is a lot different than just going to church at 25! Back then I just went to "the" church and accepted whatever was offered! Now I'm actually in search of a "certain something" ... and it HAS to be RIGHT! And so I'll shop. And God will lead me to the right one -- and I'm sure that He will send me messages from EACH one -- as He did today!
Labels: Churchy Stuff
posted by Melli at
12:37 PM
20 comment(s):
Melli,
I am also in the "find a church" mode for the first time in 20 years!! DH has been a full time United Methodist pastor until this month when he became a full time church consultant. SOOOO I know where you are coming from. Let me suggest something to you..as crazy as it sounds. Yes, talk around and ask people what church they attend...but do a little web search as well. You'd be surprised at what you might find and it might save you some of the frustration of going each week only to be let down.
Let me also say that it sounds like THIS WEEK you were right where you needed to be--even though that may not be a long term fit. Is the pastor this morning taking a leave? Maybe you'll find yourself back there at the end of two months.
Ask yourself some questions about dress, music, time, setting, then go looking for a place that will fulfill your needs and make you feel at home while challenging you. I'm praying that when you DO find one, it will fit like a glove and you'll be SO comfortable there!!
:-) Susan
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 2:09 PM
You know what Melli? I'm right there with ya, honey!!
I've been doing some Church Shopping too for much the same reasons...now I am a Baptist in a predominately Lutheran community...I'm used to the Baptists being predominate as in the South where I'm from...anyhow I attended a Baptist church a couple of Sunday's back and their pastor had just left them even though he was still listed on their internet site...and like you, I need some strong and steady guidance...tell you what...let's pray for one another that we each find just the right spot..
(((hugs)))
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 2:48 PM
Good for you, Melli. Geez I am going to miss this blog!!!!!!
;)
By
MaR, at
1/14/2007 3:20 PM
Good for you for looking for the one that is right for you. it is important that you know what it is you are looking for and it really seems that you do.
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 3:49 PM
Melli,
Left you a comment on the board.
Nice post!
Hugz!
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 5:24 PM
Seek God and he will lead to the church that will work for you. Since I am Methodist, I am a little partial but I understand your feeling about needing a minister who will be there.
I will be praying for you as you look!
By
Jane, at
1/14/2007 6:14 PM
You know-- I think it takes time to know where you want to be.. regardless of what religion you are- you have to be comfy there. I wish you well in you hunt!! :)
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 10:29 PM
HI Melli
I am sure God will lead you to a church that will be good for you and where you will feel happy
Blessings for a wonderful week ahead
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 10:49 PM
Good luck Melli, I hope you find what you are looking for.
By
Anonymous, at
1/14/2007 11:12 PM
I am slowly finding my way back to God too...maybe it has something to do with 50+? Hubby started back at the Catholic church a couple of months ago...but, I am NOT ready to go to this church...weird thing is, I carry my rosary in my purse...I got this rosary at my Confirmation and I still love it....and I even try and say one every night...usually though, I fall asleep on my Ambien...so I guess I really am not saying much of it?...I pray you and I both find that special "place" where we will just KNOW it's where we need to be ! I add you to my prayers alwasy sweetie..
By
PowersTwinB, at
1/14/2007 11:20 PM
Putting in a good word for the Church of Christ here...they're real traditional and conservative...just like me ;)
Love you!
By
Anonymous, at
1/15/2007 12:39 AM
You are lucky to have at least choices ! Here in Europe, there are only two religions. Protestants and Catholics. And that's it. No, Baptists, or others, except the Jehova witnesses, but these I think are not really for you. Belgium is catholic and if I say that I am protestant, then they look at me as if I were ET. Germany is half and half, protestant in the north and catholics in the south. Southern countries like Italy, France, Spain, Portugal etc. are catholic with their pope. Holland and the Scandinavian countries are mostly protestant. In Belgium only few people go to church, because they think church and believing in god are two different things. If they are in trouble they prefer to go to a therapist without religion. Anyway nobody never talks about religion, god or whatever, I even don't know who is what or if he goes to church. Nobody would never say "God bless you" not even in the UK. That's typical american. So, and now I have to write my monday post. Good luck with your church investigations !
By
Anonymous, at
1/15/2007 2:38 AM
I wish you lots of good luck in your quest Melli...and I'm sure you will know when it IS right...
I think it is admirable and I applaud you!
By
OldLady Of The Hills, at
1/15/2007 3:11 AM
I wish you well in your search. For me there are two things that keep me at the Catholic church.
We have a fairly large parish and wonderfully active lay community. But that's not the reason, as I expect every church is like that.
Since our parish is fairly large, we have a pastor and an assistant pastor and a deacon, plus we have visiting priests who are studying in our city and they get assigned to our parish, plus we get one-time only visiting priests. I love the variety of homilies that we get as a result. I feel as if each one speaks to me.
The second reason is the body and blood of Christ. As Catholics, we believe that the actual body and blood becomes present in the consecrated eucharist during mass. I often wonder why do I want to eat the actual body and blood of Christ? Sounds cannibalistic doesn't it? But I feel that I need that nourishment and it keeps my faith strong. I am a Eucharist Minister for that reason.
Oh there are lots of things I don't agree with about the Catholic church ~ celibate priests, no women priests but I don't let that disallusion me. I try to look at the positive side of these longheld traditions to soften my heart about it, until such time that things may change. I won't hold my breath that it will be in my lifetime! LOL
A priest with a family and the regular daily struggles of this may find it difficult to live the devotion his chosen vocation calls for.
The Catholic Church places very great importance on the Virgin Mary, and in doing so, honours women, probably more so than designating them to a stewardship / priestly role. It's almost as if by not allowing women to the priesthood, it is honouring them more (I don't want to use the words - it is beneath them, but I will to illustrate my point). That is th sense that I get, anyways.
Anyways, my dear, sorry to go on. I just wanted to say more than just "Good luck with that" and seemed to get rather verbose. There are many things to consider and probably the drive should be the least important thing.
I sincerely hope that you find what suits you!
All the best~!
ICL
By
Irish Church Lady :), at
1/15/2007 8:42 AM
Hi Melli! Glad to hear you are searching. It can be difficult trying to find the "right" church. Just remember...there are no perfect churches because they are full of imperfect people. You can have a relationship with God outside of church and if you seek His will, He will guide you.
Blessings to you.
By
Anonymous, at
1/15/2007 9:18 AM
Thanks so much for your comment on my comment, lol !
You know the religion system in the States is completely different. In fact all protestants and catholic immigrants took their religion with them the way they saw it and were used to and then created all kind of sub religions. When I first visited my aunt in Madison/Wisc. I had never seen so many religions in my whole life. Lutherians this and that, calvinists this and that, baptists, etc etc. not to count all the different catholics. Poor god, how can he find his way through all this. You also have the choice here in Europe of course, I could go in at least 5 different churches only in Waterloo and look for the right priest. Even as a protestant in this catholic country there are churches, but they don't have different names. They are protestant or catholic churches. In America one religion is based on St. Matthiew, the other on Peter, the third I don't know who of the disciples, but at the end it comes all to the same result we are christians. And I also noticed when I started reading blogs, I immidiately saw who was American or who was not. If you pay attention than 95 % of american bloggers are mentioning god all the time, even only for saying "god bless" and one percent from other countries in the whole world never mention any religion,or the word god or Jesus or the holy Mary (if she was holy). It's just part of the language and I am sure the majority of the people don't even realize when they say "with the help of the lord I cleaned my living room today" !
By
Anonymous, at
1/15/2007 9:51 AM
If you came to our church (Lutheran) you could try 11 different services in 3 locations and 4 worship styles. Even we members get confused and need a score card. The #1 thing to look for is committed believers. Great music and sermons don't mean much if no one follows Jesus.
By
Norma, at
1/15/2007 3:49 PM
Melli. Kathy and I just read your blog and say AMEN to you!! Keep shopping. There is the RIGHT church just for you and God will DIRECT you to that perfect church!! Prayer is the first thing and I am sure you are doing that!! Sure wish that you were here!! Sandy
By
Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess, at
1/15/2007 4:25 PM
Melli -- God will lead you to the right church. Keep looking.
By
Anonymous, at
1/15/2007 8:36 PM
I miss Church. It is a HAVE TO that I work on Sundays. I can definitely see you in a Baptist church - I'm shocked it isn't for you. Keep shopping around. I finally ended up in a non-denomin. church and it was the most comforting place that made you keep focusing inward. I learned to stop the blame game for the most part. I could talk for hours about this. I can't wait to read more about your journey.
By
Penrick, at
1/16/2007 7:38 PM
Post a comment
<< Home