So Far...

As promised, I will relate my experiences with various churches in the local area. I have decided against wearing outlandish disguises in order to see how I am received. I do not wish to be disruptive to anyone's worship services. Instead, I dress in my cowboy boots, nicest jeans and a dressy jacket. (Most women up here wear slacks to church because it's so cold)

So far in my northern experience, we have visited a Seventh-Day Adventist church with about 16-18 members. (We're not exactly hip on the whole church thing right now as we are feeling disillusioned about how the whole firing incident was handled.) However, we thought we'd give it a chance. The handshakes were half-hearted, the service was okay, some missionaries sharing about their successes in the field. No Potluck, no invites home. Maybe they will warm up?? (The friends we're staying with had shared a little bit about our dire situation with this church before we arrived so they could pray for us.) Not sure if they are completely disgusted by us or absolutely incapable of reaching out to hurting people. I was not my usual friendly, socialite self- I was curious how they would act toward us. I'll be the first to admit we are broken people. Nobody took an interest in us or asked us anything- not even "so where are you from?" This Sat. night, we attended their game-night social. I'll admit I was a bit in the dumps and felt out of place, but Jay played the guitar for their vespers. Not one person talked to me- except the friends we came with and some of the teens. Okay- can take a hint people. Ended up playing games with the youngsters and had a pretty good time anyway. Only the host said goodbye as the evening closed. Can't help but wonder why this is?

I was so disturbed by the blah welcome we received from our own, the very next day I visited a Baptist church. Enjoyed an awesome sermon about the hours leading up to the Cross and had one of the most meaningful communion services ever. The handshakes were warm & though I deliberately sat in the back, people made their way over to greet me and introduce themselves. After service I was heartily invited to attend their potluck, but had to decline as I needed to get back to my family. An oriental woman gave me a big hug and said she hoped I would come back again and bring my family.

This weekend, I walked 2 blocks to the local Methodist church. Could hear the church bell tolling most of the morning. Arrived in time for Sunday School which was a lively discussion about how to apply our faith without forcing ourselves on others. Nice. They had a 15 min. interval for coffee, tea, breakfast-style finger foods and socializing. 3 women immediately came up to introduce themselves- 2 older and one my age who turned out to be the Pastor's wife. She invited me over for lunch. The sermon was really good. They are doing a series on 'A Difficult Jesus'. In other words, the Pastor is bringing to light some quotes or stories from Jesus that are often hard to understand or are misinterpreted. Excellent! Today, the sermon was from Mark 7- about the time Jesus said to the Syro-phonician woman, "It's unlawful to feed the children's food to dogs". To which she replies, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs from under the Master's table". She showed great faith and was rewarded. In the chapter just before this, the Pharisees refused to receive Jesus as Messiah over the issue of unwashed hands, while this poor "heathen" women with a demon-posessed daughter was willing to eat crumbs off the floor. WOW- what faith! Great message. I took advantage of the offer for lunch and enjoyed a wonderful chicken dinner and discussion with the Pastor and his wife. They had prayer with me & hugged me before I left. I am weaker than I have ever felt in my life and feel very alone. They ministered to me and I'm very grateful. :o)

Bottom line? People go where they feel wanted and where they can connect with a Savior strong enough to cover their sins. Desperate people are often created through unethical treatment, then regarded with such indifference by many who claim to be God's representatives. I understand why Jesus wept for Jerusalem. He longed for them with such tender-pity. He saw their works-oriented, uncompassionate treatment of the wounded. Good intentions, factual theology without love = nothing. Legalism is a human problem. Christ saw the religious people of His time were well-meaning but missing the mark. God, it's so sad...