Magi Mainly
We've renewed our journey in earnest...
We still have a church home, but we feel an increasing calling to spend Advent not only waiting for Christ, but seeking Christ in new ways.
I began our wanderings checking out a church on-line, sort of a satellite church of a MEGA-church in San Antonio which a friend attends - the mega-church that is.
A mega-church is not ever going to be our home...at least I don't feel God leading us that way. In fact, I believe God is leading us to smaller gatherings than even the tiny church we currently call home.
I thought this particular fellowship was in a distant part of town which would in truth hinder us, but as it turns out, it's right around the corner and truly focused more on home churches or groups that gather weekly and then re-gather together on Sundays to worship together.
All we did today was wander...on the internet...then a few minutes on the phone...and eventually opting to "stop by" and talk with the worship leader who happened be the only guy in the place.
It felt right...at least for now.
They've got a coffee bar...I'm just saying...
One step in our journey. We'll see where it will lead, but it was comfortable in many ways.
So this Sunday that's where I suspect our journey will take us...we may decide it's not the right step...and most certainly that we need more time.
But the season of Advent is upon us and we are wandering and waiting...to be guided by God.
I'm certain the wise men of old took some steps they were unsure of too...
In the end, whether we turn around or race forward, I know this much...God won't steer us wrong.
posted by Michael
©The Main Point by Michael Main
2 Comments
2 Comments:
I'm a little journey-shy-ish (sorry Harlan) about our Advent plans. Our church has such beautiful and prayerful Advent traditions, many of which I have been a part. This year, several new people are involved in what looks to be an even more exciting and beautiful Advent season.
Plus, nobody does Advent sermons better than RLP. He can take a scripture passage and weave it into an incredible sermon which usually sends me home with a new perspective on the passage he chose. Especially during Advent. By the way, if you haven't visited RLP's site (www.reallivepreacher.com) and checked out his Christmas story CDs, you're missing something wonderful. Check it out... no, seriously, check it out (shout out to all HomeStarRunner & Strong Bad fans).
I initially asked Michael to take down this post because of my uncertainty about seeking, searching, wandering, and waiting. My uncertainty is regarding both church and my own spiritual seeking, searching, wandering, and waiting.
Last night, I called my mom to talk about it... she is my second-best friend and probably the most godly woman on the planet. She knows how much I love Covenant and our church family. She gave me some very sage advice. My father also chimed in as he was driving, picking his teeth, drinking coffee, and driving with his knee. (Side note: They were on their way home from Danville, PA, where he officiated his own brother's funeral -- the preacher was out of town. He was able to share the gospel with his family and the packed funeral home full of my uncle's friends. He was a tortured soul, but a dear man who was loved by many and who loved his family more than they probably knew.. We believe he accepted the Lord in the last week of his life. Rest in peace, Uncle Juniorl I will miss you).
Ok, back to the subject at hand. I can chase rabbits as well as Michael ;-)
For many years, I have sung "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (a capella) on the first Sunday of Advent at Covenant. It became a tradition. I want so much to continue that tradition. Although I truly sing it from my heart and offer it to the Lord with the best of intentions, I think that if I tried to continue that tradition this year, it would be for less-than-noble reasons. I know it would still be heart felt because I truly sing in the Spirit and for the Lord and from my heart, but I would be wondering the whole time, "is this just to continue the tradition, even though people might be tired of it?" or "what are people thinking?" If I did it, I don't know what frame of mind I would be in, and I don't want to jeopardize that moment... that true and precious moment where we say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come."
Just before we drove by the church we are considering visiting, we stopped by our post office box... the only thing there was some wine I had ordered. We then called the church to find out exactly where they are... turns out, they're 3 minutes from our house. I called... the worship leader answered, as he was the only one staffing the office yesterday. We talked for a while, then we decided to drop in.
Talk about "shock & awe!" It seems almost too good to be true. Yet Michael kept giving me the "we're seeking, we're on a journey... no decisions have been made" speech. it was a good visit. It was good.
We got back in the car and I opened up the wine shipment. The first thing I saw was a folder marked, "The Journey Begins..."
I'm not much for "signs" or "omens" or anything wacko. But it did seal our decision to visit "Journey Fellowship" on this, the first Sunday of Advent.
The service starts early enough that we can probably make it to our church home in time for the service there... maybe a few minutes late... but that's OK. I want to be with my family this Sunday. My church family. So we may be doubling up on our church services this Sunday. But we are certain we will visit this mega-church outreach.
Please pray for us. Especially for me. I know I need to be brought down a few notches on the "how are they gonna do this without me?" belt. I KNOW they can do it without me.. they already are, and they're doing a fine job and glorifying God in the process. I pray for them each and every day (especially C... aka Carol if your read RLP). I want to be there to support them, not overshadow them. I want them to know that they what they are doing is good, beautiful, appropriate, right, and sweet in God's eye's, ears, etc...
Sorry for the long "comment." I know I should just restart my blogging efforts, but nobody reads my stuff. So here it is... for what it's worth.
Thank you all for your love, prayer and support.
Love,
Amy
Oddly enough, we had a discussion in our home tonight about changing churches. Michael - be sure to post about the search.
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