Jul. 14, 2008
Thoughts on the Methodist Church we're going to
Posted in Church
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Last week we went down the shore with our church. We've been going to a Methodist Church since December. We've had a lot of problems with other churches - with how they treat our kids or one time it was due to the fact there weren't any kids my kids' ages. My dh kept saying to think "outside of the box." And this Methodist church that's really big in our area came to mind, so we decided to try it out. I gotta admit, I don't know a whole lot about this denomination. So forgive me for my lack of knowledge and I am trying to sort my way through. We do like it there. They're very nice, they're great with the kids, very accepting of them. I don't doubt at all the fact they are a Christian church. The pastor preaches from the Bible and I do get a lot out of his sermons. He's not long-winded and keeps you focused on his message. He's very friendly too - even with newcomers. Considering the fact it's such a huge church, he still notices when someone new comes in. We went down the shore last week - it was a trip for the 4th and 5th graders (kids who are going into those grades) and their families. Rabbit rode with the children's ministry director; she had a carfull of girls her age. I think Rabbit really needed the break from us, her family and we understood. She had a great time in the car with them. (though I'm told she was very quiet, that's fine) We drove with another pastor, I'll call him Pastor D. We asked him questions, got to know him and vice versa. I liked what he had to say about being concerned about someone's "walk with Christ." He says he's not concerned with all the how you got saved, as much as the commitment to Jesus. I did admit I'm unsure about how I feel about their hiring a woman associate pastor, but it's not as big a concern for us. We need to look at the church as a whole, not get nit-picky about it. This new pastor, her daughter came to the shore as well and was a funny kid! The new pastor is very nice. I go back and forth about that issue. Pastor D told us he does believe there is a small amount of members who go there not out of commitment to Christ, but because they were raised in the Methodist church. Something you just do, almost mindlessly. I'm sure there are people like that in every denomination. Overall, we're happy with this church. But I have some questions. We are helping out with VBS for next week. I am painting these cardboard cylinders, which are to look like batteries. (the name of the VBS is Powerlab) The girls have helped paint too. My dh will type the lettering on them. I just see the children's ministry director looking tired and feel compelled to helping out and make the load easier. VBS is a lot of hard work but it's fun and worth every minute, from the preparation, to the week-long VBS, to the cleanup for every child that comes in there. I will also be helping with the craft station. I think by doing this, I can get to know the people there and more about this church, the denomination, etc. I can't say we can even commit to becoming a member here until we know what we're doing - are we staying in our area? Are we moving on? Where are we moving to?  Like I posted before, I'm pretty confused and getting frustrated. But I still think this is a good experience for us at this denomination either way. The girls need a safe place they can go and learn about Christ. I need friends. My dh needs a place to worship too. And for all I know it could be 5 years until we do move anyway.Just wanted to add, this was in no way meant to put down the Methodist church. It's very different from what I'm used to. And I get worried about the fact there are many who look at them as a "liberal" denomination, especially when I consider myself more conservative. Yet I'm not as conservative as many in the Church as a whole (I mean The Church, of born again believers). I'm more conservative as far as family values. I do dance, I love Christian rock/metal.. but I don't drink and try to be careful about what tv shows I let my kids watch, etc. kwim? |
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Jul. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
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Posted by Jul. 21, 2008 - VBS help
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