everyday church part 1 (the story)

Here are some stories of faithfulness for you:

My family had a rough time finding a church. In fact, they have been having a rough time, as this entire summer has consisted of visiting different churches every week. It did not take long for me to fall into the habit of sitting in the backseat of the car grumbling about how it's been six months and can't we just pick someplace and stay there? Losing 100% of my spiritual community would be hard enough even with a band-aid to stick on myself temporarily. But a few weeks ago, finally, we visited a church in the next town over and decided to come back. And then decided to come back again. And I was (and am) overjoyed.

Another story: KCal gave me a copy of Everyday Church at the end of the school year. I had no time to read it then, so I packed it away. After pretty near demolishing my summer reading list, this week I began to peruse my own bookshelf for books I owned but hadn't read yet... And that one jumped out. So I read it. Finished it Saturday. Thought it was amazing.

Where these things intersect? Last Sunday was our third week visiting this church as a family. Afterwards we went to their monthly 'find out about our church' meeting. One of the pastors sat us down and told us about the way they structure life at the church, specifically discipleship. And I was having major déjà vu, because as he was explaining the structure and functionality of the 'growth groups' that make up the church, it sounded kind of like he was quoting Chester & Timmis. When I asked him, he confirmed this suspicion.

We found like the only church in Ohio following the Everyday Church model*. Okay, maybe not only, but it's still cool. Especially considering the timing.


Other semi-related stories of faithfulness:

Gospel community? Only 99% lost. I found out a few weeks ago that one of my friends, who hasn't shared my geographical location for over a year, lives in the town-next-door! How. amazing.

I dropped my English major, officially, and I feel so much peace. Except that somehow I am still moved by other people's expressed hurt/disappointment. Sigh. Humanity. Anyway, after thinking and praying about this for about 4 months, I am convinced that it's right, and LOOK AT ME GUYS I'm learning to discern Value from Apparent Usefulness.

          (as if an English major were ever apparently useful...)



*Notes on What I Mean By This Ambiguity tomorrow