Church

Growing up, my family attended a local church near our home. Sunday mornings consisted of us getting dressed in church clothes, walking to church, Sunday school, and walking home. I don't remember much about going to that church other than my Mom teaching Sunday school and that there were only a few children. After awhile, we stopped attending and I don't remember missing it.

My freshman year of high school, I was invited to a different church for high school night by someone I had mutual friends with. She was going to check it out and didn't want to go alone. At first I was hesitant, but my Mom convinced me by saying "if you don't like it, you don't have to go back." That sounded reasonable to me, so I went. I loved it! Meeting friendly, welcoming people, singing, games, and just listening to Pastor Ken was wonderful; I felt a connection almost immediately.

I continued to go to that church for the next two years, until I began to feel left out by the girls that I considered my best friends and felt unwelcome. Unfortunately, I left hurt and confused as to why I was made to feel like an outcast.

When I moved down to Camarillo I attended church with some family friends, but I didn't feel a connection. That church was very stiff and rigid (not at all what I was used to) and was left feeling unfulfilled. So I stopped joining them Sunday mornings.

After my church experience in high school, I felt I was missing out by not having that connection: to God, to other believers, and just for the sweet time of worship. Fortunately I married a man who had a similar church experience as mine, going when he was younger, but not attending after, and was willing to try it again.

These past two weeks we have attended Crossroads Community Church. The first week, we were a little unsure but decided to go again this week. This week's message was just wonderful and made us realize this is the church for us. The message yesterday was about pride, hurt and forgiveness.

Pastor Ed is funny, interjects his sermon with personal stories and shows how scripture relates to our daily lives. The service starts with wonderful, uplifting music (Chris said that he needs to get used to the live band and upbeat tunes, instead of the hymns that he was accustomed to), there is some kind of joke, or funny clip that has to do with being a Christian, the sermon and then closing with more music.

I am glad that we have found a church to belong to and hopefully we will mak some personal connections and become more involved. We would love to have you join us any Sunday!

(and since I like blogs that have pictures, here is another picture from our wedding)