*****I do apologize, but this is a text heavy post*****
I have a feeling that this post may turn into a series of posts.
I grew up in a Lutheran church. The same Lutheran church; from my baptism in 1986 till my college graduation in 2007. That's a long time! I did go to youth group at a Baptist church in high school and also spent time with the Baptist Student Union in college. I think through these experiences I began to realize that I don't need to be tied to a denomination. I'd much prefer to focus on Jesus, grace, and love.
After graduation I spent a year doing mission work through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and a program they have called Global Mission. I was placed with another young woman from Minnesota in a small town called Buxton, in the heart of the Peak District in England. I spent my time working a women's refuge and a local church. The church was part of the Salt and Light Ministries and was super small. Pretty much everything about this little church was a challenge for me. The entire year I spent in England was a challenge for me.
I grew up in a Lutheran church. The same Lutheran church; from my baptism in 1986 till my college graduation in 2007. That's a long time! I did go to youth group at a Baptist church in high school and also spent time with the Baptist Student Union in college. I think through these experiences I began to realize that I don't need to be tied to a denomination. I'd much prefer to focus on Jesus, grace, and love.
After graduation I spent a year doing mission work through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and a program they have called Global Mission. I was placed with another young woman from Minnesota in a small town called Buxton, in the heart of the Peak District in England. I spent my time working a women's refuge and a local church. The church was part of the Salt and Light Ministries and was super small. Pretty much everything about this little church was a challenge for me. The entire year I spent in England was a challenge for me.
I returned to the States with some major issues with 'church'. My relationship with God was definitely strengthened, but my relationship with 'church' had been injured. I returned to the Lutheran church I grew up in. It was great to see old friends but I soon realized it wasn't feeding me spiritually.
When I moved to 'The Heart of the Desert' with Husband after getting married I was really looking forward to having a larger selection for a church home. We attended the in-laws church a few times. It is also the church the Husband attended before we got married--occasionally. But...I just wasn't 'feeling' it.
When we visited England in May, we were able to return to the church that I had worked for 2 years earlier. It was such an amazing experience. The message delivered was great. The worship was beautiful. And all the hurt that I had experienced two years earlier seemed to disappear. And for the first time in a long time it felt like I had a church home--too bad it's only 5261.86 miles away.
Recently, God has really been placing a need to find a church home on my heart--one that's a little closer to home. I did some Google research and found a Lutheran church that I wanted to visit. But unfortunately it was approximately 25 miles from our house. Lucky for me, Husband drove us over there early one Sunday morning. I liked it...but I don't know. I don't have this overwhelming desire to return.
And it's just so frustrating!!! Am I just being too picky? I suppose from here I'll do some more Google research and try again. And maybe I'll be back with another update in finding a church home.
When I moved to 'The Heart of the Desert' with Husband after getting married I was really looking forward to having a larger selection for a church home. We attended the in-laws church a few times. It is also the church the Husband attended before we got married--occasionally. But...I just wasn't 'feeling' it.
When we visited England in May, we were able to return to the church that I had worked for 2 years earlier. It was such an amazing experience. The message delivered was great. The worship was beautiful. And all the hurt that I had experienced two years earlier seemed to disappear. And for the first time in a long time it felt like I had a church home--too bad it's only 5261.86 miles away.
Recently, God has really been placing a need to find a church home on my heart--one that's a little closer to home. I did some Google research and found a Lutheran church that I wanted to visit. But unfortunately it was approximately 25 miles from our house. Lucky for me, Husband drove us over there early one Sunday morning. I liked it...but I don't know. I don't have this overwhelming desire to return.
And it's just so frustrating!!! Am I just being too picky? I suppose from here I'll do some more Google research and try again. And maybe I'll be back with another update in finding a church home.
I am having that exact same struggle. I grew up in the Baptist church but don't really have a desire to be a part of that necessarily. It's hard to find your place in the world of churches...but you will. :) I found you through Shell and am your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from PYHO. Church 'shopping' can be so hard. I fear I'm going to have to be doing this soon. I grew up in church and it was really hard to find one I loved as an adult that was a fit for the whole family. We finally did in 2006, but now things are changing there, and I'm just not sure how they will pan out. I feel for you. I am praying you guys find a place you can call home! If I can suggest something...google Women's Bible Studies in your area. That might help you find somewhere.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and your encouragement. It truly means a lot. I'll be updating our 'hunting process' and you're more than welcome to come to learn about our progress!
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