What church should I go to now?

by serenaj92 23 Replies latest jw friends

  • serenaj92
    serenaj92

    They all have the american flag, crosses, and symbols. So now what? If I go to the kingdom hall I will just get shunned and I do need association. My husband won't let me take my son to a church. The pastor that I have been working with says they don't worship these symbols or put them before God but my husband seems to think so. I'm torn and need your opinions.

  • patio34
    patio34

    Hi Serena,

    I don't attend a church, but I know several folks who go to the Universalist Church, which sounds to me like one that provokes thought without endoctrinating folks.

    Have you thought of some kind of support group? I attend Al-Anon because of a family member and it's very helpful. There are many groups who meet in my town for a variety of reasons of community involvement.

    Do you intend to become a JW again? Or are you open to new ideas?

    I wish you all the best.
    Pat

  • Francois
    Francois

    I think the previous poster is right. The Unitarian Universalist church doesn't use those symbols. And when you think of it, the JWs have symbols all their own: green bibles, churches with no steeples, four-door cars, time slips, insipid anti-intellectual membership, and absurd teachings.

    BTW, your husband doesn't physically OWN you or your child you know. Neither you nor your child are possessions like, say, the sofa. Go do what the hell you want and tell your husband to pound sand.

    Francois.

  • RR
    RR

    I have been studying with a group of Bible Students in my area. And I have been blessed by my studies with them. They may have a group in your area if you're interested. You can go to the Bible STudents Online site and ask [www.biblestudents.net]

    ____________________________
    I Still Believe ....

  • Skimmer
    Skimmer

    Hello serenaj92:

    My recommendation is to carefully examine your choices; be informed before making a decision.

    For myself, I chose the Roman Catholic Church, in large part because of its connectivity to the past (apostolic succession), its intellectual consistency through time, and its relevancy in action today (charitable works, education).

    A descriptive link: http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/churmenu.htm

  • AmazingProgeny
    AmazingProgeny

    Hi Serena,

    I attend a United Methodist church and I love it. Before I started looking into churches, I examined my beliefs and decided which issues were really important to me. I also got to know some people that went to different churches and whose beliefs went from very conservative to very liberal. I had some very eye-opening experiences and learned alot. Once I began to define what I believe and what is important to me then I was ready to begin searching for a church that would fit my needs and the needs of my family.

    The symbols used at churches, like the cross, are not worshipped. They are used as visible reminders of what we believe and what has been done for us in the past. I have a necklace with a cross charm. It was a birthday gift from my parents a few years ago. I wear it to remind myself of all that I believe and all the good things that have been done for me. I don't wear it constantly and I don't use it to pray.

    Before you find a church, figure out what you believe and what you need from a church. I wanted one that would accept me as I am and not expect me to believe exactly the same as everyone else. I wanted one that would be good for my kids. I wanted them to feel comfortable being with me or going to a children's class. I wanted one that would be actively involved in the community. I wanted one that would be welcoming to everyone, no matter what. I wanted a small church where we wouldn't get lost and could easily find our place.

    I love my church. It has everything I wanted. The people are wonderful. They love my children and even like it when the baby is a little noisy during church. The services are traditional and I find them soothing to my soul. The pastor, a woman, is very gentle and very good at her job.

    I hope you can find a church that feels like home to you. It is a wonderful feeling.

    AmazingProgeny

  • JT
    JT

    Skimmer says:

    "For myself, I chose the Roman Catholic Church, in large part because of its connectivity to the past (apostolic succession), its intellectual consistency through time"

    #########
    Skimmer was this meant to be tongue and cheek or were you serious about the above statement?

    james

  • Francois
    Francois

    Then, there's the First Frank Church of Wazup. Post back and I'll tell you all about it.

    Frank

  • Joseph Joachim
    Joseph Joachim

    If I go to the kingdom hall I will just get shunned and I do need association.

    What about making friends among your co-workers or something like that? I don't understand why going to church is so important for Americans.

  • joelbear
    joelbear

    go to a church that has a strong volunteer outreach program and volunteer. you will meet kind quality people and can use your "spiritual" time actually helping people.

    Joel

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