What I miss most about my church community

[cally]

I miss the community events when someone was sick and we would all help clean the house and yard. Someone had a crisis and folks would provide meals. Someone would call me and I would provide a dinner at the homeless shelter. I was constantly asked to help and I did. I want that again.

I left my church after 9/11 when my pastor gave a sermon that the answer was to send missionaries to the middle east. Supposedly there was a separate service of mourning on 9/12 but we were not told about it. I had pressured my kids to go to church which they did not want to do since we knew it would include the God Bless America stuff and too much pseudo patriotism. We went and had to hear about how teaching the 'heathens' Christianity would solve the world's problems.

I've found a church where I now feel at home but it is a long drive from home. I miss the sense of community and caring I once had.

[Mrs. Venation]

1. May I Suggest

that you visit an Episcopal church nearby? We tend to be more involved in community outreach ministry than evangelical churches, and I have never heard any jingoistic God Bless America sermonizing. Many Episcopal churches are more contemporary in our theology, accepting everyone as God's precious creation. There are some conservative, homo-hating Episcopalians, but I pray for them and for their leaders to see the wondrous light of God's love.

[Tardisian]

2. So sorry...

You felt you had to leave your own parish...what about your secular community, though (neighbors who may or may not belong to that same parish, women's shelters, animal shelters, ect.)? You can find some of the same sort of communal feeling outside of any parish, and there are many things that need to be done outside any church.
Having said that, I do remember the parish I was in, as a teen; we used to have socials and car wash days, and all sorts of activities for folks to get involved with. With time, however, many of the parishoners moved away (it's not like olden times, where you might live in the same neighborhood your entire life), and the younger people of the neighborhood weren't so involved, partially because there were fewer programs geared to them.
There are always ways to make yourself feel part of a larger group...volunteer work is a good way to start. I'm sure you've got lots of talents, though you might not think so yourself! :) Anyway, I hope you find what you're looking for, whether it's far from home or close by.
Bless you.

[cally]

3. Thanks

I do have other communities. I posted this because of Trog's post. I have helped many clean their houses. Much good is done by church communities. I now belong to a very liberal church community but it is far from my house. I miss the neighborhood closeness. I grew up in a very tight knit, liberal, church community. Many of the members are still my parent's closest friends. Our families spent many nights together and many vacations. I knew that any of them were on my side as a teen.

[demosincebirth]

4. Many Catholic and main stream Protestant churches are moderate and you

don't feel like you're in there with Pat Robertson or Jerry F. I've never heard any political sermons or talk about which way you should vote.

[realisticphish]

7. yeah, my lutheran church

is extremely non-political; but when it does creep in, its pretty moderate, if not liberal (at least sermon-wise, dunno about the people)

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. Good friends can do exactly the same thing...without pushing

their own twisted ideas and values upon you. Good friends have come and watched my kids, visited me in the hospital, made and brought food over etc...Now that's my kind of religion.

Make some new friends! :hi:

[realisticphish]

6. theres nothing wrong with going to another church

if your beliefs are the same "twisted ideas and values"! i know friends can do the same thing, but if you're a christian, than what's wrong with going to church?

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. Totally misunderstood me. I'm a Catholic. But if this person is looking

for the same "feel good, help thy neighbor" attitude, they don't necessarily have to find it in a church...I haven't. The "twisted ideals and values" I spoke of are the ones which cally seemed to find in her old church. Better now??? Gosh sometimes I wish we could all speak, then these things wouldn't happen.

:hi:

[realisticphish]

9. man, im sorry

im just kind of primed from the recent religion wars. i completely understand you now :dunce: i agree, its way easier to convey meaning when you can actually talk to each other

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. No problem. I understand your point. Most times we would all

have to write dissertations to get our full meaning across and I am super guilty of short sentences that can get me in trouble. ;)

Have a great day!:hi: