So Mich....

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Dichotomy Girl

It could be worse...you could live in a tiny podunk town that's also in the middle of the bible belt (as I do)

LOL! So that would be worse because????

[ILG]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

I think it is a good idea to visit on different occasions and times, and don't become too regular until you have made your decision.

Yes, I completely agree with this!

I think for most people, the basic need for having a church to belong to goes beyond spirituality, and at the heart of the need for church is really is the desire for companionship, friendship, and a social outlet. (Don't get me wrong, I believe that we should be part of a group of people because we want to worship the Lord... ) but primarily what I have seen in most churches, is that people stay in that church because of the companionship, friendships, and relationships that they have built. Just my experience, for the most part, and this stretches into any "church" group in general.

Yes, I think you are right about this. It is hard to build relationships and church is a good opportunity for that. It can be hard to build relationships on the job and around here, the next best place is the bar! LOL!

I think it feels good to know you will have a place for your funeral to be. or a place where someone can get married etc.

So, I agree there are reasons for church outside of the spiritual aspect.

For now, our family is content to be part of a home fellowship, and it has been wonderful. I'm not saying that we would never be part of a formal church group setting again, but where we are now, we are thankful for the sweet fellowship and communion we have. We live in a pretty isolated area, and feel blessed for the fellowship that we have.

Well, for me, I think it is completely a personal choice to go to church or not go or have church at home or whatever. So if you like that and are happy with it, I think that sounds great!

[Dichotomy Girl]

Originally Posted by ILG

LOL! So that would be worse because????

Oh, because there are tons of churches, but 99% of them are super conservative. Even the denominations that tend to be thought of as more liberal or progressive up north, tend to be conservative down here (Episcopalian and Methodist for example)

[Dichotomy Girl]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

One thing I have found in visiting churches when you live in a small podunk town... is that your face is not forgotten, and the next time you show up at the grocery store, someone (probably) is going to recognize you and say... hey! when are you coming back, lol. Of course they mean well. Problem is... it is really hard to get a feel for a church just by visiting once or twice. I think it is a good idea to visit on different occasions and times, and don't become too regular until you have made your decision.

I think for most people, the basic need for having a church to belong to goes beyond spirituality, and at the heart of the need for church is really is the desire for companionship, friendship, and a social outlet. (Don't get me wrong, I believe that we should be part of a group of people because we want to worship the Lord... ) but primarily what I have seen in most churches, is that people stay in that church because of the companionship, friendships, and relationships that they have built. Just my experience, for the most part, and this stretches into any "church" group in general.

For now, our family is content to be part of a home fellowship, and it has been wonderful. I'm not saying that we would never be part of a formal church group setting again, but where we are now, we are thankful for the sweet fellowship and communion we have. We live in a pretty isolated area, and feel blessed for the fellowship that we have.

I wish both of you well in your search for a place to fill the needs in your heart!

I was actually considering having maybe 4 or more different churches that I could alternate between. It seems to be the only solution that I can come up with. I wouldn't mind attending something a bit pentecostal occasionally, but hubby would never let me bring our Daughter, she really likes the sunday school at the non-denominational one, but Hubby isn't really thrilled with that one either. If I could find a Unitarian hubby would probably attend occasionally with us...

Maybe it's the Dichotomy Girl in me....I want to be all denominations, LOL

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Dichotomy Girl

Oh, because there are tons of churches, but 99% of them are super conservative. Even the denominations that tend to be thought of as more liberal or progressive up north, tend to be conservative down here (Episcopalian and Methodist for example)

I see. I lived in the Bible belt for a long time but I was UPC then.

[Dichotomy Girl]

Originally Posted by ILG

I see. I lived in the Bible belt for a long time but I was UPC then.

And many of the very liberal don't exist in my area at all. I can't remember the town you live in, though I think I have the general idea.

Have you looked into United Church of Christ? They are fairly liberal. Though they are inclusive (or gay-affirming, or however you want to phrase it), which I think is pretty cool, but I know others would have a problem with.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Dichotomy Girl

And many of the very liberal don't exist in my area at all. I can't remember the town you live in, though I think I have the general idea.

Have you looked into United Church of Christ? They are fairly liberal. Though they are inclusive (or gay-affirming, or however you want to phrase it), which I think is pretty cool, but I know others would have a problem with.

Yes, I had some co-workers talk me into going to the UCC in our area. A lot of my old co-workers go there. I went and I had a major panic attack. It was the 100th anniversary of the KJV or something and they read Acts 2 out of the KJV! And when the preacher read about them talking in tongues a couple of women were like amen! That's right! Well this really made me mad because I think they would give Pentecostals down the road. This was really before I was ready to be there and face this. My whole back and shoulders were sore after I left all day long and I, of course, didn't tell anyone how I was feeling. They wouldn't have understood any of it.

In my opinion, from what I saw, I feel like the UCC is too liberal for my taste. What I mean by this is the feeling I got from my co-workers is that it was "wrong" to be conservative. I want to go to a church that is inclusive. By this, I mean not anti-conservative. If the church includes people of all stripes, fine. But I don't want it thrown in my face. Because I believe that some people have genetic issues that cause them to have issues with gayness, I want a church that does not judge them, even if they choose a same sex relationship. But I would not want to sit under a gay pastor (my choice) and I don't want gay rooty-toot-tootin going on around me either. Some people are superior because of their conservationism and some because of their liberalism. I want to go to a church that accepts people as they are in humbleness. I want women accepted into the ministry, but I don't want to live around flaming feminism. You see what I mean? I lean conservative, but I have learned to be more open minded about others. That doesn't mean I want it shoved down my throat and made to parade around about how right I am.

So, anyway, that is my take on the UCC, my impression. I could be wrong. Have you tried one?

[Dichotomy Girl]

Originally Posted by ILG

Yes, I had some co-workers talk me into going to the UCC in our area. A lot of my old co-workers go there. I went and I had a major panic attack. It was the 100th anniversary of the KJV or something and they read Acts 2 out of the KJV! And when the preacher read about them talking in tongues a couple of women were like amen! That's right! Well this really made me mad because I think they would give Pentecostals down the road. This was really before I was ready to be there and face this. My whole back and shoulders were sore after I left all day long and I, of course, didn't tell anyone how I was feeling. They wouldn't have understood any of it.

In my opinion, from what I saw, I feel like the UCC is too liberal for my taste. What I mean by this is the feeling I got from my co-workers is that it was "wrong" to be conservative. I want to go to a church that is inclusive. By this, I mean not anti-conservative. If the church includes people of all stripes, fine. But I don't want it thrown in my face. Because I believe that some people have genetic issues that cause them to have issues with gayness, I want a church that does not judge them, even if they choose a same sex relationship. But I would not want to sit under a gay pastor (my choice) and I don't want gay rooty-toot-tootin going on around me either. Some people are superior because of their conservationism and some because of their liberalism. I want to go to a church that accepts people as they are in humbleness. I want women accepted into the ministry, but I don't want to live around flaming feminism. You see what I mean? I lean conservative, but I have learned to be more open minded about others. That doesn't mean I want it shoved down my throat and made to parade around about how right I am.

So, anyway, that is my take on the UCC, my impression. I could be wrong. Have you tried one?

No, they don't have any in my area. I'm taking this Sunday off, but I'm not sure what I will try next.....

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Dichotomy Girl

No, they don't have any in my area. I'm taking this Sunday off, but I'm not sure what I will try next.....

I'm taking this Sunday off too. Not sure what I am going to do next either. I'm taking it day by day and feel no pressure to do otherwise! It is really nice to be able to enjoy the journey.

[ILG]

Mich, how old were you when you got into the UPC and how many years were you there?