Sundays
I have a few friends who consistently have statuses on Sundays about how much they love going to church. That's one feeling I've never had. It's great, but I don't understand it. But I'm happy for them.
posted by melilotnfosco | 12:42 PM
6 Comments:
I've not seen anyone post about that! But I suppose I have a different set of FB friends, or more likely, the FB algorithm doesn't show me everyone's.
A few times in my life I would say I did feel happy, accepted, useful, and 'at home' in church. First was in Indiana University where I became a believer at a Korean-American Methodist church where a group of peers made me feel welcome at a time when I felt so isolated. Another time/place would be in Seattle when I was part of Quest Church for the better part of a year, where again I met people my age who welcomed me to be part of their church family. I started to feel that again at the church I attended in Chicago, Park Community, where I met Dan and we joined a small group together.
I miss that sense of brother/sisterhood in a church community. Each time I got to a new church, though, it was me putting myself out there to join events and talk to people, to sign up for a small group and open myself to their friendliness, to volunteer to help with church activities and missions, and actively meet people with the intention of becoming friends.
We attend a good church here, but I haven't been active at all in the ways I used to be, and I know that is why I don't feel the same love/community that I used to. Dan and I keep saying it's because we don't have time or energy to add another thing to our weekdays or weekends (to join a small group or volunteer to help at services or events). We'll try to be more church-active when the kids are older.
Definitely a more extraverted activity. Maybe it's for the ESFJs of the world? Sorry I've missed so much on here; I just so rarely use my home computer.
Another option is to choose a really tiny church where you can't hide and it's much harder to miss you. My church would be a case in point, but obviously somewhere closer to you. :)
Did I tell you I've been considering (seriously) inviting whoever wants to join over to my house for group prayer? It would only be prayer, not a Bible study or anything, and no meal, but yeah, kinda sorta like home church. And potentially very awkward. But praying out loud just is, and doing something out of your comfort zone is, especially at first, but maybe forever. I guess I'm equipped though, because I'm used to always feeling awkward. ;)
I love that idea! (the prayer group) And yeah, by you organizing it, you get to set how it goes so yay no meal. :)
You do?? :D <3
Yes, I do. :)
I love that idea, too, Chelley! There's no planning or pressure, but would fulfil a need we all have to connect and have others praying for and with us, and for each other. It sounds great! And there is NO wrong way to pray, I've always been told. And anyway, it's your idea so you get to run the session however you want - you could say we'll just have 10 mins of silent prayer. Or have a talk about prayers and praises (! :-D ) and then have someone volunteer to do all the prayers aloud for them instead of the "popcorn prayer" or taking turns. I support this prayer group, too :)
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