One Church, One Family

 

                             Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.

My newest griefs to Thee are old;

My last transgression of Thy law,
Though wrapped in thought's most secret fold,
Thine eyes with pitying sadness saw.
H. M. KIMBALL.

I have always been that person who sticks with the same company, insurance or bank for years. If I find something I like, I am loyal to the end. I wish the same could be said in other areas of my life.

I have always craved permanency of going to one Church. I've met people who have done so for over 20 or 30 years. That is truly wonderful. Imagine all the relationships they have nurtured, explored and developed during that time. These are lifelong friends who have your back when needed. Not only do you know each other, but your children know one another and so forth. It's a true community.

Yet, I have found it to be almost impossible in this day and age to stay in one Church for that length of time. People are moving around way too much to do so. Not only are they moving to another neighborhood or town but, they're moving out of state.

Just take a look at my situation. While living in Chicago, I searched for that one Church. That alone is another story, because it is hard to find a Church that preaches to your faith. All Churches claim to be, but not all are what they say. Discernment is a wonderful gift.

When we finally did find a good one, we didn't stay for long, because we moved to Central Illinois. Here, we just followed my son, a Pastor, from one Church to another. I quickly realized that craving I held for that one Church may never happen.

There is a positive side to going from Church to Church, one gets to see how other Churches operate and we get to meet new people. I rather do enjoy that part of it. Often, people have asked me what I look for when first entering a new Church. I have found that my list is so different than what is published out there by the so-called experts.

1. How are people worshiping? Do they sing or stare aimlessly lost in their own thoughts?

2. The bulletin. I thoroughly read the bulletin or any literature the Church passes out. I want to see what the Church offers outside of Sunday.

3. Their website should list times, dates and days of all the events. I find it frustrating navigating through a website that tells me nothing. 

4. The size of the congregation does not matter to me, only the people. 

I do understand that some Churches do not have the funds or the people for elaborate bulletins or websites, but the "fanciness" does not matter as long as the data is there for others to see. Yes, I am one of those people who shows up at Church events.

I have to say, that even though I may be in a Season of going to several Churches, I do enjoy all the people I have met. I formed friendships that would not have happened otherwise. There is something to being in the place we are meant to be in during a particular time. Perhaps, we are helping someone or they are helping us through a Season. People come in and out through the doorway of our life. We will meet for a final gathering with Our Lord. Oh, the talks we will have and the memories we will share. Something to look forward to as we navigate through this life.

Have a blessed day everyone.