Sneaky Sneaky

We go to a huge church here in the South. CO and I looked around last Saturday (we go to a Saturday night service to avoid the crowds) and were still overwhelmed by how many people were there. We really miss our old churches - Cape Cod Vineyard, Elevate, and the Docklands Church. There's just something about a small church that makes us feel recognized, loved, and part of something... I don't know how to describe it. Yes, the bigger churches have ways to be more involved, but often it comes quicker in smaller churches.

We've been here about a year and a half now (minus the six months in Australia), and have been going to the same church since February of last year. And we've never joined a small group because you have to be a member first. And being a member requires commitment (as well it should). But, with CO in school and the church being a 30-40 minute drive away, it was hard for us to commit to much more than weekly services.

Until now. Our upstairs neighbor told me about a Bible Study going on in our neighborhood, and that sounded good to me. Turns out it's at our church. And I signed up for it. I'm still not quite sure if I'm allowed to go. Wait - yes, I just said that! I'm not sure if I'm allowed to go to a Bible Study!! No one asked if I was a member, so maybe their requirement is for their House Groups/Small Groups/whatever they're called, but anyway, I sure felt sneaky!

Would you go in a park? Would you go in a pub?

To church that is...

I tend to like non-denominational churches. I've been to churches that have met in parks, in restaurants, in schools, in movie theaters, in an Elks building, and most recently - in a brewhouse! I think the hardest thing about moving so often is trying to find and connect with a good body of believers.

Last week, we were unsure of where we would go to church, but then I saw a sign on the way back from a "Melbourne Day" event. It advertised church in the James Squire Bar and Restaurant. I convinced dh we should go, and we did. We enjoyed it! The people were friendly and helpful, even though we were a bit late. For only being here 4 more months, this church is perfect!

Check out more at Docklands Church.

Things that make me happy on my way to work...

I am fortunate enough to be able to walk to work. Dh can take the car when he wants, and if I have errands to run, I can drop him off at school for the day. Here are a few things that make me smile along my way to the preschool.

This tree. It seems to me to be aged and wise. It sits across the street from a church. It's gnarled and beautiful.



I love this piece of litter and is one of the few things that I won't clean up...


It's Ohana punch!! I had never heard of it before, but it's made by Faygo. Just the subtle reminder of Hawaii makes me happy. Perhaps that's what Faygo was going for.


In other news, we've been to a church twice, and kind of liked it. I'm not sure if we *love* it, but we don't dislike it, and it has Saturday night services, which are really helpful for dh, who frequently has group meetings all day on Sundays. We started liking Saturday services after attending Elevate. Plus, who doesn't like being able to sleep in on Sunday morning too? Saturday has become our sabbath and our day to relax.

Surf's Up!

Good news - we went to a church we might like today. Again, we judged it based upon the music, the sermon, and not knowing more than 2 people there. I guess we know one, DH's friend from school who recommended it to us... but it still feels like we're judging something so big on so little knowledge. We'll try again next week and see how it goes :) Woohoo!

Also, does anyone have any ideas about cabins in the Gatlinburg area? We're thinking about going to the Smoky Mountains for Spring Break. Anyone want to join us? (We'll also check out the Armed Forces Vacation Club too). We'd love any advice about that area and what to do there.

Dh and I watched Surf's Up last night. Dude, that was so funny, but I'm not sure it was that funny for people who don't know surfing. There were tons of jokes I wouldn't have understood BD (Before dh). I love netflix - it keeps me busy while DH is studying and I catch up on all kinds of things. Anyone seen any good movies lately? I'll add them to my queue.

I'm super-excited about an opportunity that has come up. We're not sure if it will work out, so I'm not going to post too much about it yet... but if it works out, I'll be one super happy sheila!!

HWotD:
Hale - house, building
"hah-ley"

Keeeeep walking? (said in the French peas voice)

Hello to the reader in France.

Dh and I have been really blessed in finding churches. We loved the one he/we went to in Massachusetts. The pastor there did our premarital counseling. It really felt like our family. Then dh got restationed to Hawaii.

In Hawaii, we looked for a while and really enjoyed the Hilo Missionary Church, but wondered where the young people were. We liked it, and I joined a womens Bible study there, dh played basketball with some of the men. Then we found Elevate, HMC's church plant, and it all clicked! Dh loved the pastor and became friends with him. I loved the women of the church and became friends with them. I still listen to their sermons online.

Here, we have not found a church yet that we can agree on. We're in the middle of the stinking "Bible belt" and can't find one that seems like "home". There are churches on every block, but how do you choose one to go to? Once you do choose to visit a church/several churches, it's hard to figure out how to "judge" the church. How was the pastor's message? Did you connect? Did worship connect you with God? What was the overall "vibe" you got from it? Is it close/easy to get to? What time do they have services? Do they have programs/small groups to connect with other people?

It's strange trying to pick one. All of the churches we've been to have seemed like they're Biblically sound and trying to follow God. But where do you draw the line? What's non-negotiable? Knowing very few people in this area, we often make decisions about churches not knowing anyone there.

We really would like to find a church, and settle in/put down roots (for the rest of the year and a half or so we're here), but it's getting frustrating looking for a church. Do we keep searching for a "perfect church" or do we just choose one at random? What criteria do you use to choose a church? Does anyone have any advice?