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Post by Jessica on Aug 16, 2010 23:23:23 GMT -5
I was born and raised Catholic. I went to church every Sunday, attended Catholic school, even went to Catholic college for 2 years. Needless to say, I know Catholicism pretty well. But now that I'm 23 years old, I feel like Catholicism is very cold. I've become very distant to Jesus when my faith used to be so strong. I've spent hours on line researching new churches around the area since I feel the need for God's presence in my life. I've listened to many of your sermons and they just make sense to me. I find myself spending more and more time on the website (which is very informative by the way!) The thing is, I'm pretty intimidated to attend one of your services. As a Catholic, it's very easy to blend in during Mass, as I said it is very cold. No one even notices if you're there or not. So attending such an involved and interpersonal service is kind of scary to me and I'm not even sure where to start. Any advice? Thank you!
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Post by savedcajungirl on Aug 17, 2010 9:55:51 GMT -5
Hey Jessica, I was so much where you were 31 years ago. I was born and raised in a very Catholic family. I loved going to mass as a child. I loved the sacredness of all that was associated with mass. However as I got older, I too started seeing the coldness of the religion I was raised in. After college, the Lord started showing me that something was definitely missing. Not knowing what to do or who to turn to, (after several very futile conversations with my priest and a nun that I was acquainted with), I bought a Bible. Jessica ALL the answers are right there. That is why you enjoy Mike's sermons so much, they are Biblical. Please, come and visit our church. There is no reason to "blend" in. However, our church is large enough that you could blend if you wanted to. I would love to share my "story" with you and the freedom and joy in knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Feel free to reply. I will be praying for you.
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Post by Mike Miller on Aug 17, 2010 10:05:32 GMT -5
Jessica, I am so thankful that you were willing to share your heart. That in itself must have been difficult.
I know that showing up at our church for the first time will be scary. But I think it will only be scary until you get here. Once you come in, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable you are. While people will likely speak to you, there won't be any pressure or manipulation from anyone. Also, we won't ask you to wear a name tag, and we won't shine a spotlight on you. Really, the people around you will be very friendly, but you won't stand out at all. We have first time visitors every Sunday, and we have Catholics in our service every Sunday. Visitors consistently comment on how warm and inviting our church is. Not only that, but many people in our church come from a Catholic background. Their stories sound much like yours.
So, since you asked for some advice, let me give you some suggestions.
First, you can just show up for our 10:30 service any Sunday. When you arrive, as you come in the door, someone will be standing there to greet you and give you a bulletin which contains some information about current events as well as the order of the worship service that day. After entering the foyer, you may go into the sanctuary and sit wherever you like. We have a main floor and a very large balcony, so you can go wherever you think you'd be most comfortable. In fact, if you arrive a little early, you can walk around and see what suits you. Now, since you've never been to a service like ours, you might wonder when to sit and stand and so forth. I remember the first time I went to a Catholic mass (it was a funeral). I was lost. People sat, knelt, stood, and repeated different things. We don't really operate like that. Basically, we usually stand when we sing and sit for the rest of the service. The worship leader will give direction. Also, we occasionally have a responsive Scripture reading, but instructions are always given. It's really easy to fit in.
Another option is to contact me ahead of time, and I can arrange to meet you and introduce you to someone your age. This way, you can sit with someone who can answer your questions along the way and kind of show you the ropes. Please know that this would be very low key and low stress.
An even further option (which is really the best, but it might seem scarier) is to come to one of our Bible studies before the worship service. We meet at 9:00, and we have several to choose from. For your first time, I would love for you to come to the one I teach. I actually teach young adults in their 20's--some married and some single. We have some ladies your age that would be really good for you to connect with. The advantage to the Bible study is that you can actually connect with some folks your age, and in the study you are free to ask questions. It's a great way to learn the Bible in a low stress environment. Then you can walk to the worship service with some folks you've just met.
Also, in case you're wondering, you may dress however you like. We will have people in dress clothes, business casual, and very casual. I usually wear business casual. The ladies in our class will usually be in dresses, pants, capris, or jeans. We're not concerned with how you look.
One more thing. If you do visit, please find me before or after the service so we can meet. I'd love to say hi and introduce you to my really great wife. And if you have any other questions, feel free to post them here or to e-mail me at mikem@fbckenner.org
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Post by Jessica on Aug 17, 2010 21:52:27 GMT -5
To savedcajungurl, thank you so much for responding and for your prayers. It's nice to know someone has been down the same road I'm going. And I'm happy that you found where you belong.
To Mike, I really appreciate your reassurance. You just taking the time out to encourage me when we've never even met is amazing. I am planning on coming this Sunday to your Bible study class.
I can't wait to meet you both and thanks again!
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Post by Mike Miller on Aug 18, 2010 8:04:47 GMT -5
That's awesome, Jessica. The Bible Study class meets in our education and admin building behind and across the street from the sanctuary, so it's a block off of Williams Blvd. You will see the main entrance to that area in about the middle of the building. I will be outside under the awning, and I'll show you the way myself. I look forward to meeting you.
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Post by savedcajungirl on Aug 18, 2010 10:25:48 GMT -5
Hey Jessica, So happy that you are taking the step to visit Mike's class. You will not be disappointed. I wish I could meet you this Sunday, but we will be doing grandparenting duty:) Hope to meet you next time. God bless you as you seek Him:)
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