I am here to talk about my church community here at Nativity. But it would probably help to compare it with what I’ve experienced before. Granted, I was young when I attended Catholic church with my aunt (who was also my Sunday school teacher), yet I still remember the feeling of impersonality (if that’s a word) and austerity. Sunday school class that was held in a separate building from the church and it was like listening to the teacher in Charlie Brown’s class – even when it was my aunt. It was so off-putting that once I didn’t have to go, I didn’t. As I got older, I also had some disagreement with beliefs and doctrine.
I don’t know if it was being older and more able to understand what was happening or the need for “that something more in my life” that brought me to Nativity (or just my sister dragging me along), . . . Or maybe this UCC church is just that much more approachable and down to earth; worship was so much more enjoyable than mass, less lofty and more relatable. I think it is sad that it took listening to a “time with the Children” for me to learn the significance of the palms on Palm Sunday! It was no longer something you just did because that’s how it was, . . . the way things seemed in my previous church.
There was also a great feeling in attending church with a founding member, my brother-in-law’s grandmother, Grace Swanson. It connected me to a history that wasn’t even mine. It was also a time in my life where I was curious about faith and beliefs, thanks to The DaVinci Code and some co-workers willing to delve into such things with me. And so was this church – we talked about it!! I attended Bible studies where alternate and “outside” sources were referenced and the Bible was explored and not just preached as an absolute. I never thought, before this, that there would be a time when I was upset if I couldn’t attend a Bible study! I wasn’t looked at as a kid or as someone who may not know enough, could not contribute to conversation or debate. Heck, they even wanted me to be on a committee after a while! And now I chair that committee and not quite sure how that happened either. Hummm, . . .
Even though I am often the youngest person at events, there is never lack of conversation or issues of concern in common. There is always a small group or committee with which I wish I could do more and conversations I wish could last forever about faith, social justice, current events, etc. For several years, I thought that I didn’t need church, but this community has become my comfort and oasis from the stress of life. For my friends who stress from school and work and long for a community of faith, I can’t stop telling them that mine is the best. I’m still working on them but thank you for being my place to learn and revive myself.
. . . Stacie
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