Sunday, September 7, 2008

Take 2

If I have counted correctly, I believe we have visited eight different churches since ours closed. Generally, the fall into one of three categories: we will visit again, it was OK, but nothing great, or wild horses couldn't drag us back. We have been very blessed that with one small exception, we all agree that a certain church fits into a certain category.

I don't think that what we are seeking is that outrageous in a church, but I am finding myself proven wrong. We have many things that we think would be really nice in a church - music styles etc. - but we have boiled it down to 2 essentials. They must have Christian education for everyone in the family including Tom and I. They must have a time where the family can worship together. So as I have found out this is rare. There are very few churches that have that. Most will have Sunday school during the church service. That kills both of our desires - but at least it is easy to cross churches off the list of where we want to visit. All that needs to be done is to look at the Sunday schedule.

We met with some friends from our old church on Fri. We had a cookout and celebrated Tom's birthday. When we got home, I discovered that I had left my camera at their house. So it was that mistake that settled where we were going to church this week. We went to their church - which was one on the "visit again" list so I could get my camera.

The first time we were there, they were trying something different. Today wasn't much better. They usually meet in a local high school gym. They have property on which they will eventually build but for now it is just land with a house that serves as the office. Today was their picnic and the service was to be at the property. The problem was, it was raining. They quickly moved the service to a local retirement community multi-purpose room. After the service it has quit raining and we moved back to have the picnic on the property.

So we still have not seen a "regular" service, but what we have seen still warrant another look. I just want to make sure that they are not in the habit of doing something "different" every week. I need some stability in my life and I want it from my church. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I don't' need every service to be the same, but I do want to not have to guess what we are going to be doing this week either.

I know that we will eventually find a home sooner or later - I just wish that it was sooner. I want a place that I can call home, and I haven't really found it yet.

2 comments:

Gina said...

I feel your pain!

Becky said...

Good luck finding a church, I can't even imagine!