So, Trey and I went to church today for the first time, and we went to a non-denominational church that is down the street. It was actually kind of fun. However it was very weird compared to the churches that I had been to in the past. There was an entire band that played the hymns. I am talking guitars, tambourines, drums, keyboard, the works. It was a little odd, but all in all it was somewhat enjoyable. I think that I will continue my search for churches in the area before I actually settle on one, but this was definitely a new experience.

I am new at this but I wanted to let you know that I respect that decision. I am a recovering catholic and now have found my solice in church. Plus it is a wonderful way for the children to heal in a positive way not bitter. Good luck with your search and I wish you well

I was raised LDS and have some problems with their beliefs (I am in no way judging, just stating my own personal feelings)..... When I go to church it is the Calvary Chapel which is non-denominational. There is a band much like the one you mentioned as well. I enjoy going there because I am not being preached at or told what I am supposed to do or believe...it is just worship. (I need to go more often)

Chruch can be a wonderul thing, but I agree you need to find the one that is right for you. My church is an Assemblies of God church and if you thought it was weird to have a band that size you would really think my church was strange. We have Piano, Drums, accustic, electric and bass guitar, keyboard and occasionally a sax player! :-) I love it though. I don't know what i would do without my church!

Trey's daddy, I think it's great that you are doing that. I believe that no matter what the parents think, children should be exposed so they can make up their own minds later.

Personally, I have mixed feelings as I am also a recovering Catholic. My daughter attends church with my mom, however, but I do not go. I have issues with 'structured religion' that I dont think are appropriate to go into but basically I feel that would be hypocritical. I would like to be able to attend such functions in a way of having beliefs but I'm a little weary about the whole thing. I can't stand when someone tries to push their beliefs on you and when churchs dont have "grey" areas in beliefs. I've been raised as you either "believe this or you are wrong." I dont know if this applies to you but those are my thoughts

I can relate to you on this. I was raised church of christ, and we have no instruments at all, it's just the church singing. So, when I went to a church with a praise team it felt weird and then I visited one with an organ and it was so different feeling. For me I found a church I really like, great people and I just really like it, but I'm about to move, so my search is going to began again.

I need some advice please. The divorce was recently finalized. My ex and I have been members of our church for almost 12 years and we are very heavily involved with our church (which I love) and the youth group she is one of the leaders for the girls group G.A.'s and I with the boys group the R.A.'s. Now I cant decide if I should try to find another church home or stay.The church is very small about 75 regular members. My wife still attends and she would never think of leaving nor would I ever ask her to. She no longer wants me in her life but she has asked me to stay an active member. I only want to do what is best for my boys which I know is to stay there. It is incredibly akward and stressful to me but she is very non-shulaunt about the matter. I still love her to a certain extent. Iguess what I should have explained she filed for divorce and asked me to leave.There has never been any cheating or abuse she just said she wanted a change in her life. She has never had to work because I have been lucky enough to own my own business which has been good over the years. Sorry I am rambeling. What Should I do? Any advice would be helpful.

I'm sorry to hear about your divorce Proud Papa. The cases like yours I really don't understand. When one partner files doesn't even really discuss it and just wants a change. I say if you want a change in your life get highlights, take up knitting, or get a puppy. Don't apologize for ranting you can do that all you want. We are here for that and it helps to get things off your chest. I say if you feel comfortable at the church and want to stay that is fine. I understand wanting to stay an active part of your kids life and that includes church if they are involved in it. However you did say it makes you feel incredibly akward and stressed, and that isn't how you should feel at church. I'm thinking it's not fair that she no longer wants you in her life and wants you to stay a member at the church. How could you ever move on and get on with your life if you have to be around her so much. Oh and on the question what should you do, I think you should take it one day at a time and do what you need to do, what you feel is best for you kids, but also for you. Just my thoughts.

Gabriel's Mom

Thank you very much for the advice. One day at a time!

yea not to bring up an old subject but im bored and no one is on. I need to get my boys in church but the problem i have is i was raised assembly of god as a preachers son (they now missionaries) i was kinda forced to go every day being that my dad was the preacher. i dont want to force my kids to go to and do something they dont want too. they a little young to have a choice right now but what age is an appropriet age to let them decide on thier own? is it right to have me start them off in a certain denomination when onthoer one might be more thier style but they too young to know. i believe in god and all but isnt this just passing on to my kids what i want them to believe since there are so many beliefs out there and you tend to folloow the one your parnts or parent takes you too.

Just take them to church Dallas, just to expose them to the kind of faith that you practice. When they grow up to be teenagers, allow them to attend other churches. And if they choose to go to that church instead of yours, then let them. But I think even at a young age your boys will appreciate going to church and meeting up with other kids their age. It will be fun to have them attend Sunday school or children's camps or fellowships... so you're not really forcing them to attend church... it's just like taking them to school... while school feeds their intellect with knowledge, church will do so for their spirit. And I believe all children will need that

I see it the same way as Dawn..I've pretty much followed the same principle...right now my son is still learning and has chosen not to follow the family denomination, and that is cool with me...i am very open minded in exploring different dominations with him...it only will expand their horizons a bit...he loves his school and he doesn't want to go back to a public system, yet he still wants to explore...i say all the more power to him..

the only problem dawn is i dont practise any faith. I go to the woods and rivers and mountains and look at what god has created and man has destroyed. the wilderness is my church and i worship her as a part of her creation

I attended a church that I felt comfortable in, however, since it's half hour away I haven't been back. I would love if they had one in town, I would then attend often. I haven't expose my children to my previous religion, as I feel that they won't allow my children to think for themselves. Hopefully in the future, they will find their path as I have (now I just got to find one closer).

This past weekend though, I went to a medidation workshop, it was wonderful and I plan to do it again. My spirit was fed.

quote:

Originally posted by Dallasblair82:
the only problem dawn is i dont practise any faith. I go to the woods and rivers and mountains and look at what god has created and man has destroyed. the wilderness is my church and i worship her as a part of her creation

well, that is a kind of faith that you practice, it's just not institutionalized. then take them to the woods once in a while and teach them about God and His creation.