My Church Home

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” Ephesians 4:7

My church home is a network of individuals whom I have met who share with me a deep spiritual reverence and commitment born out of pain and the joy in their redemption and healing by God.  These individuals are spread across different churches and denominations and have touched my life profoundly.

I love the Episcopal church for its high mass and Christmas traditions.  It is the church home of my parents and my childhood in the sixties.  Leaving church after midnight mass on Christmas Eve in the snow and the family gathering afterward around the Christmas tree are vivid memories.  My parents were military, and their worship was reverent and traditional.

Another church that tugs at my heart is a small UCC church which serves the homeless in Belleville with a passion that belies their small congregation.  They meet in a bar and discuss how best to serve the community by raising our consciousness of about God, ethics, and others.  You can count them in the many fundraisers in the community serving others.

I also love my evangelical Methodist church that meets in small groups.  My small group is filled with individuals who are wise in spiritual matters and I am astounded by their personal stories of pain and redemption.   They great me with hugs and they miss me when I am not present.  A group of people more committed to Jesus as their personal Savior, you cannot find.

And then there is the Baptist church I attend with my former in-laws.  Pastor Randy has taught me how Bible passages govern our everyday lives as a Christian.  Every year I join Mom and Dad for the Singing Christmas tree service.

And last, but not least is the Catholic Church services led by the Jesuits with their Ignatian Spirituality.  They fill my need for a Cosmic Christ as one that is connected to our universe and all of creation.  I love the small group I meet with to discuss Spiritual Singularity and their deep concern for the environment and the oppressed.

All of these individuals and groups are my church because they serve one loving God and I am overwhelmed with their grace.