Just like there are no perfect people, there are no perfect Churches either. But now days one certainly can find one that fits their style and personality if they take the time to attend different ones until they have found the best fit for them. And every Church needs volunteers for sure in almost any area one might have an interest in. No matter what you are looking for in a Church now days...if you look long enough you will probably find it Chrissy. Although it does sound to me like you are looking more to find out who you are now and what is your purpose for being here now...I believe going to Church can be of help in finding the answers to that.
Agree with your last sentence @Babs Hunt ....exactly right and that's where I am at this point in my life. Also, my ideal volunteer position would be one that involved children or babies so at the least I could be happy doing that if it's not too rigid of a schedule. My family will always come first.
I definitely understand that family comes first for you since you know that family comes first for me too. Many Churches though will take what you can give them...and more if you will let them. As long as you can give them a few days advance notice of when you can can't come there shouldn't be a problem with you helping them in the baby Nursery, etc. Sometimes they even need volunteers to stay with the babies, etc. while their Moms take Bible study classes, etc. during the week. Or you could possibly be a substitute in the baby class for Mother's Day Out programs. You would get paid for this and be able to say "no" when you can't substitute.
Sounds good...only time I would say no is when I am visiting my family. Didn't even consider being paid...happy to volunteer
I actually did watch some toddlers once when I was visiting my son. Their nanny was/is very involved with her church and she watched my youngest grandson who was probably 3 at the time. She had a bible study class at someone's house on a weekday. She asked my DIL if she could take my grandson there so she would be able to go....she was allowed to run errands with him...like the bank etc. Anyway, I was there and said I'd go with her and help...so I went. She went upstairs for the Bible study I went downstairs with another lady and a whole bunch of toddlers.... It was all morning so a tad too long but fun. I was a sticky mess afterwards Too bad she lives in Illinois...I liked her...about my age and had lost her husband not that long ago. She had horses and lots of properties so I don't know why she was doing the nanny job but she said she liked kids and it kept her busy. She also visited a senior living place ....she took my grandson and I went with her. That was also fun because they had some young guy from the church who played oldies on the piano... Those 80 yr olds were all dancing and having a great time....I enjoyed it also.
Once you take some steps out of your comfort zone and start getting involved in things that interest you then you will have find you will be having a lot more fun too Chrissy.
@Chrissy Cross, when judging Christian denominations, I go by what they call their clergy. Priests (Catholics, Episcopal/Anglican, and Orthodox) means they tend to emphasize the liturgy, Pastors (most Lutheran synods and some others) emphasize leading in the path of righteousness as they see it, Ministers (Methodists, Moravians, and some others) emphasize serving the people of God, and Preachers (Baptists and many more conservative denominations) emphasize teaching the word of God as they believe it. You can use those guidelines to determine the underlying philosophy of the church, but it does not necessarily apply to ALL congregations within that denomination, especially the "congregationalists", such as Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and most Baptist churches.
I had a regular dr appt this morning and Ive lost 6 lbs in about a month. I was telling the dr about my anxiety etc and she asked me if I was religious...those weren't her exact words but I told her I'm ex catholic and have been looking for churches. She told me about a Catholic one that's not too strict. I may check it out although it's not the closest church for me but I feel more comfortable in a Catholic Church than any other denomination... Unless it's non denominational. Anyway...another church to add to my list. https://csufnewman.com/newman-photos
Also it's by Fresno State so serving the college community which is a negative for me but I looked at their schedule and they seem to have some interesting classes.
Good for you Chrissy! Also, may I recommend the Tai Chi class? It’s at 5:30 but maybe you can work it in.
My daughter is aFull Time employee at 'THE BRIDGE'. I myself do not attend church, but this church is extremely popular. All my adult grand children and their children are regulars. THE BRIDGE is on Ashlan.
I have no problem with moderate Christians like my own three daughters, who don't force their faith on anyone. My problem is with those who seek to convert others by threatening them with the tortures of hell if they don't get 'saved'. Religion of that nature spoilt my childhood, we attended a pentecostal church where the hell-fire sermons were a feature Sunday after Sunday. They used to give me nightmares as a kid. Scaring children and the vulnerable in this way is very abusive and can be damaging. It should be treated like any other abuse, especially as there is no evidence whatsoever to support Biblical literalism. Of course all forms of extremism are abusive whatever the religion or philosophy, but Christianity is the one with which I am most familiar.
Welcome to Seniorsonly Club @Joy Rose. I agree with your what you have said 100%! I believe God agrees with you too. He doesn't want you forced into loving Him....His love is a priceless gift He offers you and all He wants in return is your love too.