I wander back here from time to time. Here's the latest update.
My wife and I now have married daughters who are doing fantastic things in their own lives. This left us wanting to "downsize" and build a house in the country. We looked around the Jackson area and decided on Crystal Springs, MS as our place to plant.
We tried to continue to support the church we were attending that was 30 miles away. The long commute had us "doing the math" every time an event was planned. We'll have to leave the house by... then by the time we leave the event to go home it will be... then we won't get back home till...
All that was too crazy. We needed to be in a community church, but where? We looked around and really prayed about this. In my mind the church had to be really doing the work of Christ. Just meeting on Sunday isn't a church.
God stretched me again and I wandered into Crystal Springs United Methodist Church. I had no idea what to expect. I had only visited Methodist services a couple of times in my life. I knew the doctrine of the church was similar to my own and I knew they were mildly liturgical.
What we found was a group of people who love God, love each other and love outside people as well. That seemed like a home run. I actually appreciate the liturgy. It is a weekly reminder of the faith we live. The services are "quieter" than my preference. I kinda miss guitars and drums. Maybe we can resurrect the "Modern Worship" service they had at one time.
Last night we packed 10,000+ meals destined for 3rd world countries. Next week we are going to cut up storm damaged trees in an elderly man's yard. This is what the church is. Honestly, the style of worship is secondary. Without love, music is just a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
I am thankful for the path God has given me.
Peace.
My wife and I now have married daughters who are doing fantastic things in their own lives. This left us wanting to "downsize" and build a house in the country. We looked around the Jackson area and decided on Crystal Springs, MS as our place to plant.
We tried to continue to support the church we were attending that was 30 miles away. The long commute had us "doing the math" every time an event was planned. We'll have to leave the house by... then by the time we leave the event to go home it will be... then we won't get back home till...
All that was too crazy. We needed to be in a community church, but where? We looked around and really prayed about this. In my mind the church had to be really doing the work of Christ. Just meeting on Sunday isn't a church.
God stretched me again and I wandered into Crystal Springs United Methodist Church. I had no idea what to expect. I had only visited Methodist services a couple of times in my life. I knew the doctrine of the church was similar to my own and I knew they were mildly liturgical.
What we found was a group of people who love God, love each other and love outside people as well. That seemed like a home run. I actually appreciate the liturgy. It is a weekly reminder of the faith we live. The services are "quieter" than my preference. I kinda miss guitars and drums. Maybe we can resurrect the "Modern Worship" service they had at one time.
Last night we packed 10,000+ meals destined for 3rd world countries. Next week we are going to cut up storm damaged trees in an elderly man's yard. This is what the church is. Honestly, the style of worship is secondary. Without love, music is just a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
I am thankful for the path God has given me.
Peace.
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