posted November 09, 2002 11:58 PM
I dont attend church anymore because I dont like being looked down upon if my views are different from the church. I have my faith and I teach my children about God in my own way.
posted November 10, 2002 07:38 PM
I was born and raised without Religion..allowed to choose my own spiritual Path in life...My husband and I feel the same should be with our children, and we would never take them nor send them to church. We are Pagans, we follow a nature based spirituality that celebrates the Earth as the Divine..We as adults attend monthly services which honor the spirits of nature, and the seasonal cycles.
posted December 05, 2002 03:56 AM
Interesting question..
I do not attend church.. I'm agnostic. However, my children are free to believe as they choose.. My 7 yr old attends church on Sundays with a relative because she enjoys it. She understands that it is "Faith" and that she has the right to believe however she wants. My parents did not attend church but allowed me to attend with relatives also.. something I always appreciated. As a teen and adult I was able to study and learn of the different beliefs.
So no, not much role here.
[This message has been edited by WAHMof2 (edited December 05, 2002).]
posted December 11, 2002 10:10 AM
I am so sorry to hear the post about feeling like you were looked down on at church!!
We do attend a non-denominational church every Sunday. And we are leaders for our Awanas, Cubby group on Wednesday nights.
I grew up in a church that I felt "looked" upon others in that way. So, when my husband and I started looking for a church, it had to be one where the people were loving and kind. We have been attending our church for about 5 years now.
I do have a very strong belief in God. I also believe that we, as people, have the right to choose what we believe. The Bible even says that we have free choice!
If you truly do not want to attend a church, don't let others put you down for that. If you do, keep searching. There are wonderful, loving congregations out there!!
I grew up as a Baptist, and my husband did not go to church.
posted December 12, 2002 05:51 AM
I grew up Catholic. My mother is Catholic. My father is a non-practicing Jew. He believes in Jesus :-) But he's still a Jew. He's never been to church as long as I've been alive. I was made to go to church until I wa 18 and I was allowed to not go. I've not been back since. I didn't like being Catholic. Too much rules and stuff that from what I saw no one really paid attention. They were all just going through the motions. I am spiritual and do go to a weekly meeting and meet with others who think like I do to discuss different spiritual works. I'm not sure what to call what I believe. I believe a mix of a whole lot of different things from Pagan to Christian. I'll teach my children what I believe and they can make up their own minds if they want to be something else. And I'm not making them wait till 18 to be able to choose like I had to.
Kaleolani
Oh yeah my husband really didn't go to church when he was a kid. He was baptist and converted to Catholicism. He's been going to the meetings with me when he's available.
posted January 08, 2003 12:23 AM
We do not attend a Christian church. We are friends of a Coven. We have get togethers every week and try to attend 99% of them. Our children are raised the way the want to be raised. We have 3 boys. 1 of which is a Wiccan) the other is a christian. The youngest is still to young to choose as he is unable to talk ;-)
With our beliefs and the way we think we have been denied access to christian churches. I feel that if a religion is going ot turn you away then you dont need them in the first place.
------------------ We shall be free! So have a little faith and hold on cause, WE SHALL BE FREE!!!" My how the times have changed! but look how far we have yet to go! The Burning times may be long gone by now, but are we not still burning? WE SHALL BE FREE!
posted January 08, 2003 08:06 AM
I go to church but not as regularly as I used to. I still belong to the same religion that I grew up with and was baptised into. My husband is a convert to my religion but doesn't go and for years I went alone. I got tired of doing that. I guess if I was a better Christian that would not stop me from going. It had no effect on me staying home with my children when they were growing up (they are both over 21 now). I just felt it was the best thing to do for them.
Deborah
------------------ Editor - Prime of Her Life.com - www.primeofherlife.com Home, Family, Work, Style and Fun for Women in the Prime of Their Lives
[This message has been edited by PrimeDeborah (edited January 08, 2003).]
posted January 10, 2003 07:39 PM
I go to church nearly every Sunday, along with my husband and our son who still lives with us.
My adult son attends occasionally with his new bride. She's a Foursquare Gospel Preacher's Kid! He was agnostic from the age of 16 until 21 when he got involved with her.
We raised the kids in the Disciples of Christ church from the time they were 5 and 2. We have since changed to a United Methodist church, due to some unpleasant politics at our old place.
I was raised by a Christian mom and a dad who I realized was most likely an atheist when I grew up. We didn't go to church. I started going in high school.
My husband was agnostic until he got tired of listening to all the religious discussions at his workplace and asked me "What does your pastor say about such-and-such?" I told him to come to Sunday school with me and ask him himself. He eventually changed his mind!
Now that I'm a WAHM, I am free to do some volunteer work at my church (since I don't have little kids needing me at home.) That's great fun. I help prepare dinners we hold on Wednesday nights for some of our groups and get my Food Network fantasies back in check.
posted January 10, 2003 09:48 PM
I was saved a couple of years ago and got really involved in church and then had a disagreement with a church member and haven't really been back since.
I really want to start going again though. This may sound silly, but I am really interested in attending a church filled with all different races, classes, etc. of people.
I am black and my boyfriend is white and I have always felt more comfortable with an assortment of people than one or the other.
It's strange to me that there are a lot of churches that are predominantly black or white.
Anyway, there may be a church in my area that fits the bill, but I hate going to unfamiliar places all by my lonesome. What can I say? Anyway, one of these days I'll take the plunge.
posted January 18, 2003 01:18 PM
Yes, I go to church every Sunday that is if there is not any sickness with me or the kids. My husband does not go because he is always working. I always went when I lived with my Dad and Mom. My little boy asks alot of questions about God and Jesus. My little girl loves going to church now because she gets to play in the nursery. I had a hard time with her in the beginning but I knew she would get better with time.
posted January 20, 2003 01:18 AM
Yes, I go to church. Although now that I work at home sometimes my priorities are a little off. I just moved back to my home town and am going to the same church we went to when I was young. Everyone tells me that I don't look any different. I am trying to take that as a compliment as it's been 15 yrs since they have seen me. LOL
------------------ Become a Balanced Mom! http://www.balancedmom.com/coolideas
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posted January 24, 2003 08:00 AM
I TRY to attend Church.... I have three kids (5, 11 & 13) that I encourage to attend with me. I've been at the same Church for over 30 years. (I'm 37 and I've attended there since I was about 5 years old). I am not fulfilled here and niether are my kids. Too many hipocrites for one thing. There is just no life or excitement. But due to loyalties I can't force myself to leave?
Even tho - I married someone whos family was not liked well in the community and when I did I lost every friend I had. People in my Church even turned against me! They have since seen the side to my better half that made me fall in love with him and have opened back up to me.
I worship in my own way at home and try my best to teach my kids about the Lord. I feel really really lost and don't know what to do? (About staying at my Church that is!) Everything that I do in life including working from home is for the Lord. My kids come first so teaching them about the ways of the Lord are what is most important to me. In todays day and age I think it is important to let your kids know what "the Lord" expects of them. And that can be taught with or without a church.
My main reason for feeling that whay is becasue last summer my 2 oldest who were 10 and 12 at the time, went to an AWESOME Bible camp. My then 10 year old son came home so pumped for the Lord ~ He wanted to have a kids revival, start a childrens church and youth group! I took his ideas to my pastor and Sunday School Super, they acted like I was stepping in "THEIR" territory and nothing was ever said and done! The fire that was burning bright within my son is slowing fading no matter what I do to try to keep it lit. He did get his summer camp book in the mail yesterday and is talking about returning to the same camp this year. IF he can find a friend to go with him coz his sister is too old to attend that camp this year and since it's 400 miles south of here he doesn't want to go alone!
I guess what I'm babbling about is that I am so disappointed in what our Church offers that at this point I don't think the question should be...DO YOU ATTEND CHURCH? But instead ~ DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD?
posted January 24, 2003 12:29 PM
We don't go to church. I used to when I was a child but always felt uncomfortable. At a very young age I realized I didn't believe what was being said or what I had studied. And then I resented HAVING to go. That is why I will never let my children grow up knowing only one religion. I am also not going to let them think that athieism is the only way either. It's just my personal choice.
My husband and I have been judged for this.
I do have faith. I have faith in myself and my family.
posted January 25, 2003 11:19 PM
We are Atheists - I do allow our children to attend churches with friends/family knowledge and understanding "other people" goes a long way in life.
------------------ Laura AKA tenXmom
Computer Sortilege WEB site design, Virtual Assistant, Desktop Publishing - Computer Sortilege for all your computer needs
posted January 29, 2003 05:39 PM
I love going to church, but I hate going by myself. Unfortunately, Tom refuses to go with me. In the summertime, when my Grandparents are in town, I always go with them.
Maddy loves Sunday school. I think it's really good for her because we don't get out a lot and she needs that chance to interact with other kids her age.
It's funny, when I go to church, everything else in my life falls into place; but when I don't go, everything seems to fall apart. I am happier and more successful when I attend services on a regular basis.
------------------ Sara R. Haystead Avon Independent Sales Representative, e-Representative E-mail: shaystead@avon.net Online: www.youravon.com/shaystead Passcode: gorgeous Phone: 614-801-1647 Monday-Saturday 10a.m.-10p.m. EST
posted January 30, 2003 02:35 PM
We would like to go more than we do. My husband works nights and that makes it hard - plus we have more kids than what can fit in the car! But we all love it and look forward to going regularly. We do listen to sermons online, though.
------------------ °º¤ø¤º°¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`° Suzanne Clark Help Wanted - calligraphers needed! CalligraphyOnline.com suz@calligraphyonline.com °º¤ø¤º°¤º°`°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°
posted January 31, 2003 12:09 AM
YES!!! Church is a very big part of my life! My husband, two children and myself are active in our local Baptist Church.
I sing in the adult choir, as well as teach choir to 1st graders!. Both my daughter (6) and son (4) sing in the children's choir and are very involved in our AWANA'S program.
I have a very personal relationship with Jesus, and although I feel like I can be close to Him when I'm home, it is so good to go to church and learn more about the Bible, spend time in group worship and fellowship with other Christians.
Thanks for asking!! :-)
------------------ Have FUN, Make MONEY,and TRAVEL MORE! http://gettingpaidtovacation.com
posted February 04, 2003 05:49 PM
I went to church with my mom as a kid. I went to church for a while after getting married but didn't share most of their beliefs. I think church is wonderful for those who believe. I consider myself to be agnostic. Frankly, I get more spiritual insight from watching Oprah and reading books and living a fruitful and caring life, than I ever did from church.
posted February 26, 2003 11:08 PM
Yes. I am a member of a Southern Baptist church and have been I guess every since I was born. I do not attend the same church because I now live in a different state.
I could not have gotten as far as I have with this business if I didn't put God first. He has to be first in everything if we are to succeed. My success is attributed only to God and my faith.
------------------ Cyndi L. McConnell Watkins Independent Associate # 339303
posted February 27, 2003 03:37 PM
No, my wife and I do not go to church right now. I was raised Roman Catholic and my wife was raised Southern Baptist. We really don't believe in organized religion but, we surely do believe in God and that Jesus Christ is our saviour. Once our daughter gets old enough, she is only 3 months old now, I really think we should start attending church regularly because we both agree that it instilled very imporatant core values in us and a sense of positive morality. When our daughter, and any other children we may have, get older, they will be free to choose whatever form of worship they wish whether it be in a church or not.
------------------ Steve Proud Daddy of Lizzie Moderator - Telecommuting Moms
posted May 25, 2003 11:27 AM
I was raised in a Church of God - there are two different branches of those - the branch I was raised in was a very conservative, plain - type Church of God, not the liberal one.
Nowadays we attend church part of the time. We are Sabbatarians in that we worship on the Sabbath Day - the seventh day, SATURDAY. If we don't have worship service and if we don't have Bible Study, then we try our best to just REST, and refrain from talking about or doing any business or unnecessary work on the Sabbath. We are non-denominational - we meet and worship with others who are also Sabbatarians (sabbath keepers) such as Messianic Jews, and 7th Day Adventists.
I've been told there are other branches that observe the Sabbath - such as the 7th Day Church of God, and the 7th Day Baptists - we don't have those churches around here - this is a small town with a small population - so we are happy with just meeting with others on the Sabbath, no matter what their particular denomination. Sometimes we have meeting at the local Adventist church. Sometimes we have meeting in our home or others' homes.
How any of that effects or impacts on working at home, I'm not sure. I know that we have lots of people who expect us to do business on Saturday - for instance, people sometimes get upset if we don't respond to their emails about an ebay item on a Saturday- but usually that's not a problem for folks to wait one day. We don't usually ship packages on Saturday and have pretty much gone to shipping only on Monday through Friday - and it's not hurt us any to do that - it's kind of nice not having to worry about the boxes going out on weekends.
It's a little different that when I grew up - but I am more satisfied with it. It feels right to me, makes sense to me. Our day of worship is different than most....our diet is different than most......our observance of days and times is different than most - but all that we do, we do with the sincere belief that is what we are called to do - based on what we read in the Bible, not on current social practices.
Our observance of the holidays - after researching various holidays and finding the true origins and meanings of most - we no longer celebrate most of them, as most of them truly had their roots in Roman customs (or other traditions) long before they were ever dubbed "Christian". That's been a long process for us in learning and changing, but I feel much more settled about "church".
posted June 03, 2003 08:53 PM
I was raised without church. I claimed to be athiest from the age of 16 til about 28. Then I met a Christian woman who lived out her faith in ways that amazed and attracted me. We were both single moms and we both struggled with similar financial issues - but she was peaceful and trusting God to work things out - while I was frustrated and anxious.
To make a long story short, I asked her why she could be so peaceful in the face of so many problems and she shared her faith in Jesus Christ. Six months later, after many questions and struggle to understand what faith is - I accepte Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
That was eight years ago. He has changed my life. I am part of a great church, I joined the staff there almost five years ago as office manager and women's ministry leader. I can't imagine where I would be without God and my church family.
posted June 09, 2003 10:33 AM
My family and I beleive strongly in the Lord Jesus Christ. We attend a non-denominational Christian Fellowship Church. I am a ladies Sunday Schhol teacher and my 16 year old daughter teaches ages 3-8. We are a small country church but we all love eachother dearly. My God and my church are first in my life and I beleive He directs and guides me each and everyday.
I was a mess and He picked me up and now my life has been blessed by knowing my Savior! Me and my family are safe in the Master's hand.
posted July 03, 2003 07:08 PM
I go to church and I enjoy it very much. I also consider studying The Bible to be the same as Church. Because Christ said "If two or more gather in my name" in other words Christ is the Word. There are two of you.
Last year I had the worst year of my life, with one bad thing after the other. One would say how horrible.
I tell you the truth, it was the most wonderful year of my life, because I had the Love of Christ, and the Peace of mind from God the Father! This is not easy to explain, but one would know when they experience it.
posted July 05, 2003 12:50 AM
I was raised Atheist, but felt something was missing in my life. I now regularly attend my local Presbyterian church and am a youth advisor for our teen groups.
posted July 31, 2003 08:41 AM
I attend an Evangelical Free church with my husband and children. We love the contemporary music and worship style.
I am a work at home mom with small children, and I find that my personal time with God is few & far between some days, so I look forward to Sunday when I know I'll get refreshed spiritually!
------------------ LouAnn Trischler Founding Sr. Instructor, Leaving Prints http://www.lascrapper.com
posted August 16, 2003 01:13 PM
Definitely! God, church and church friends have been so important to me all of my life. But especially in 2002 when I had serious health problems for much of the year. God was there for us and church friends were really there for us, too.
They helped with my transportation to appointments with Dr.'s, OT, and PT when I was unable to drive. They helped get our kids to and from activities. They brought meals. They cleaned our house. They stayed with me when I had problems with memory and decision-making, etc., etc., etc. They didn't just helped for a day or 2 or a week. They helped for months!
I'm sorry for those who have not experienced that God, faith and church REALLY ARE connected. We personally experienced the love of people who love God!
posted August 18, 2003 12:06 AM
My husband and I are atheists, and are raising our daughter as such. When she is older(she's 2 now) we will begin teaching her about the many different beliefs of the world and let her choose a path that best suits her needs, wants, personality. We are respectful of all religions, but look at them as only individual beliefs.
------------------ :)Happy to be Kailey's mommy, and Mark's wife.
posted August 24, 2003 06:10 PM
Yes I attend with my husband, daughter, mother, father, siblings and in-laws - I am a strong believer in the Bible and am in constant study of it... whenever there is something I dont understand I dont settle for "its a biblical mystery" ... I study supporting thoughts in the Bible to find my answer. I also am very active in volunteering my time (usually about 12 a month for me, some do 70 or more!) to helping others come to a better understanding of the Bible.
posted September 01, 2003 11:50 AM
I go to church with my husband and my daughter almost every week. We go to the church that he grew up in. I'm not a huge fan of the denomination, but it is really important to him. So, we have found a church within the denomination that I really like! I like that my daughter is going to be around other kids talking about God, though.
posted September 02, 2003 05:32 PM
I go to church every Sunday (morning and night), Tuesday morning for womens bible study, and Wednesday night for family nights. We are also part of a FLOCK group (small group bible study) that meets every Friday night. This is our "date night". We have a sitter and can fellowship in GOD'S word with our close friends. Our church is a major part of my family life. Due to my husbands work he is only able to attend with us on Sunday mornings. I grew up in a Presbyterian Church (PCA) and attend one now. We love our church because of the family based worship. My three year old and two year old love there sunday school classes. This is their only "school". I am thankful every day of our church and our faith in God. We have been blessed with SO much.
------------------ Robin Vierling mitchell 3 madion 2 ruthie 4 mos baby to be
posted September 02, 2003 06:14 PM
Oh we should but we don't. We're generic Christians, no congregation, etc. Everyone else is Catholic or Babtist or whatever and we're just Christians.
posted September 04, 2003 10:55 AM
YES! Matter of fact the reason we are going to work so hard at our home-based business is so we can move closer to our church which will allow us to serve God more effectively. Additionally, financial and time freedom will give us more time to serve, helping others to find what we have. God is our partner in business. We make no decisions without first seeking his guidance. He is the best business partner you can take on.
------------------ Sheri L. Johnson SEASILVER USA Sea-Health.biz
posted September 11, 2003 03:26 PM
I have attended (joined when I was 12) the First Presbyterian Church of Dalton, GA for over 55 years!!! (Yes, I'm old! But mentally, I think I'm still 18)
From the size of this post it seems to be very important to most of us here. I was married there (divorced now) and raised my 3 children there and the man I date now is an elder in our church.
My faith in God is very important in my life! Without God in my life I would have a hard time dealing with some of my "life" problems.
My wish is that everyone here had a good relationship with God and could trust him to guide them with their family and business.
------------------ Sarah Fields The Newest Communication Tool on the Internet http://store.vmdirect.com/sf1569 Send VideoMail to Family, Friends, Customers & Downline Text Email is History...Like Black & White TV!
posted September 11, 2003 05:35 PM
I was raised Southern Baptist. We went to church every time the doors were open! I loved it.
We have recently reaffirmed our faith and are again in church. I am so thankful to be back because I miss that feeling of being around others than share our belief system. We aren't in a SB church, but we think it's going well and we hope we've found a new church home.
posted September 12, 2003 11:06 AM
I thought I had responded to this question already but I didn't. We most definately (sp?) go to church. It is the most important part of our lives. We have a saying that "some people visit church, we live church". We go about 3 days a week and we attend every church conference that we can. I was raised catholic, then my mom converted to carasmatic catholic, she then converted to Church of Crist/Assemblies of God. I started along the same path as my mom except I did not convert to carasmatic catholic and went a step further and joined the Apostolic Faith(Holy Temple Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith) with my husband (much more orthodox). For those that may be curious about the Apostolic faith we have a website www.holytemplechurch.org . I am very pleased with our faith and would not give it up for the world.
posted October 14, 2003 10:19 AM
Yes, oh yeah, we go to church, since my husband is the associate pastor, we better! I volunteer as a sunday school teacher, i run a cropping ministry (scrap-a-holic big time) run the Aca meetings and also run a performance of 50 kids, some that are members, some that aren't member. My mom was jewish, my father didn't believe in God, made for a messy household, but GOD has given me the peace i always wanted. Of my two older girls, one is happily in the ministry, believes in HIM with all her heart, and the other is still seeking for her beliefs. I believe they have to find it to treasure it.
posted October 29, 2003 07:11 AM
Yes, we attend a small Southern Baptist Church every Sunday as a family. On every other Monday, our small Ladies Group meets for Bible Study. Then on Wednesday nights, we have a prayer/Bible study for the adults and our youth group has their own Bible study at the same time. My husband does not attend on Wednesdays because he works Tuesday through Saturday from 2PM to 10:30PM. We also do a Bible Study at home.
I was raised in the Baptist and Lutheran churches, and later joined a United Church for Christ, and later than that a United Methodist Church (because there was no UCC in the area to which I moved. We were married in a UMC and that's where Matt was baptized.
However, Matt accepted Christ back in August and the 3 of us were baptized in our little Church last month. What a moment!
------------------ Katrina Wife to Bill (4/16/94) Mom to Matt (9/11/89) Loving Letters
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posted November 09, 2002 11:58 PM
