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This church is within walking distance from our house.
All of the churches we've visited are beautiful.
Most, hold so much history, and it is apparent that great effort has gone into preserving the history in each one. Tin ceilings, arched passageways, ornate stained glass, wooden pews, creaky hardwood.
We are a Christian family.
We understand the importance of attending church.
That's why we've been on a mission.
Our mission?
To find a good Bible believing church with and strong youth department.
Our church search has not been an easy one.
We've had a surprisingly difficult time trying to find a good fit for our family.
Through it we've learned, one of the most
important parts of church, is worshiping with those that you feel closest to.
Fellowship with those whom we feel most comfortable with.
Here in Mathews, we've found it difficult to make that connection.
There have been some who've been happy to reach out, attempt to pull us in, make us feel comfortable. Make us feel less like outsiders.
We really appreciate that.
But somehow we've still find it hard to really sync with any one congregation.
Sadly, most of the Baptist churches we've visited consist mainly of elderly folks.
While it was a blessing to experience each one of those churches, as parents we have to focus on the opportunities for our child to learn and grow in God's word.
I felt saddened leaving each one, thinking about the day when those churches will close the doors for the last time, having no new generation to carry on for them.
While it was a blessing to experience each one of those churches, as parents we have to focus on the opportunities for our child to learn and grow in God's word.
I felt saddened leaving each one, thinking about the day when those churches will close the doors for the last time, having no new generation to carry on for them.
While we're Southern Baptist by birth, we haven't let that limit us in our search.
We've visited the Methodists, Episcopalians, and Catholics.
Though the services were beautiful, we found ourselves lost in the motions,
never fully understanding, therefore never fully appreciating the process.
In the end we've decided, we deeply, deeply, miss Dwight Baptist Church.
Dwight Baptist is the church I grew up in.
There were a few years that I broke away during my parent's divorce and for a short time after, while trying to establish my independence, but Dwight Baptist will always feel like home to me. Chuck and I were not only comfortable there, but we learned so much, thus strengthening our faith and our family. Plus it's nice to know you can leak a few of your worries to one of your aunts and rest assured the whole congregation will have you on their prayer list by nightfall.
(Thankfully, one can be an out-of-towner and still be on the Dwight prayer list.)
We didn't make it to Dwight every time the doors were open,
but now, being so far from home, wish we had.
We have found one Methodist Church here in Virginia that we are going to try to insert ourselves into. Though the services were beautiful, we found ourselves lost in the motions,
never fully understanding, therefore never fully appreciating the process.
In the end we've decided, we deeply, deeply, miss Dwight Baptist Church.
Dwight Baptist is the church I grew up in.
There were a few years that I broke away during my parent's divorce and for a short time after, while trying to establish my independence, but Dwight Baptist will always feel like home to me. Chuck and I were not only comfortable there, but we learned so much, thus strengthening our faith and our family. Plus it's nice to know you can leak a few of your worries to one of your aunts and rest assured the whole congregation will have you on their prayer list by nightfall.
(Thankfully, one can be an out-of-towner and still be on the Dwight prayer list.)
We didn't make it to Dwight every time the doors were open,
but now, being so far from home, wish we had.
There is however, one downside to settling on one church.
I can no longer wear the same dress every, single, Sunday.
I can no longer wear the same dress every, single, Sunday.
Every. Sunday.
It's ok.
No one knows.
It's ok.
No one knows.
That church IS beautiful! Ironically, I recently also took a photo of a church around the corner from my house:
ReplyDeletehttp://instagr.am/p/JX2_cLlA0k/
I understand the need to belong to a good church that's the right fit for you and your family. I'm on a similar mission myself and I haven't found much luck either. (Like you, the connection just isn't there) I hope we both have better luck soon, but I'm sure we will. We just have to keep trying. :)
Hi, new to your blog.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog just by random chance. This post caught my interest. Have you tried visiting a LDS (mormon) church? Great youth programs, welcoming congregation that you would feel a part of, strong support system, christian beliefs.
You are welcome to stop by my blog if you want to know more about the church I attend.
Have a good day!