First Church Service at 55 years Old

SouthCentral

I went to a christening at a church today, a black church. It was an incredible experience!! Women were an active part of the service, and the people were very welcoming. They even hugged new visitors. The singing and activity was VERY moving! This was very different than anything that I have experienced after 40+ years of black/or white kingdom halls. I appreciate those that invited me. I plan to go again to a black church. It was an actual spiritual experience!!!

Vanderhoven7

Glad you went to church after such a long time. Sounds like there is warmth there and people who are open to friendship. Enjoy!

Phizzy

My wife and me went to a number of Services in different denomination Churches when we first left, we were invited for a number of reasons by friends who attended those Churches.

By that time we were both atheists, and went out of respect for friends. It was noteworthy to us that a friendly welcome was given to us, though strangers, in each, and it seemed genuine and warm, whereas in a J.W K.H there was a forced friendliness and a wariness, "Who are these "worldly people" ? ".

One independent Church we went to, twice, the building had been a traditional Church of England Parish Church, but had been taken over by a group of local Christians, and was run by a wonderful guy, who was a great speaker. The content of his "Sermons" was always about practical Christian living, how we could help each other, AND the wider community, even people in need overseas.

The welcome there was the warmest we had received. It was a vibrant community of Christians, mostly families, nobody dressed up as we J.W's were expected to do back then, I was the only guy wearing a Tie ! even the Preacher had an open necked shirt, the older kids all sat together.

If we had been of a mind to join a Church, that would have been our choice. I even liked the Christian Band that sung and played, what an Atmos !

This is what the Org. seems to be aiming for, but what they will never be able to do is fake sincerity.

Beth Sarim

SouthCentral;

Its liberating isnt it?

slimboyfat

That’s good 👍

It might not be your thing, but I’ve been to over 30 denominations now to see what they’re like. Yesterday I was in a Lutheran church for the first time, not for a service though. Some churches meet on a Saturday morning such as the Seventh-day Adventists, if you feel like a change of day. They give good food in the afternoon too, vegetarian though. The Iglesia ni Cristo give good food - non vegetarian too. Most just cup of tea and a biscuit, which is more than at the KH.

jhine

Hi SouthCentral , welcome to a whole new experience. Churches are soooooo different to K Hs .

I am a member of a Church of England church and play a full part in the running of the church. I am on the PCC ( parochial church council) l do the readings and prayers once a month at our traditional sung Evensong service.

We have recently had a new LADY vicar , she's brilliant . You will get a warm , genuine welcome and no judgement.

I feel sad when people lump all religious folk together through the prism of JWism.

Jan from Tam

SouthCentral

It is great to hear so many positive experiences!! Thank u for sharing your "journey" with everyone. It really helps us to heal and have positive/productive lives!

Vanderhoven7

Here is a taste of the UK churches Jan. Worth hearing again.

https://youtu.be/PUtll3mNj5U?si=G6dnNtVa4Fk97jqV

Be blessed 🙌 😇

I quit!

Even Richard Dawkins recently referred to himself as a cultural Christian. He doesn't believe in the claims, but he is comfortable with it and seems to enjoy singing carols and participating in some Christian events.

Diogenesister

Vanderhoven7 we may not agree on much but that reduced me to tears

First Church Service at 55 years Old

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