I try to swim every couple of days and the other day I met a neighbor at the pool. As we were getting to know each other, she began sharing with me that she had recently lost her husband. They had been married just short of 70 years. She told me how lonely she was and how empty her life was without him. So, I asked her if she went to church. She told me they had never really gone to church after they were married. She said,

“Church is only for weddings and funerals anyway.”

This conversation made me realize how vital the local church has been in my life. It is my lifeline. Connections and relationships I have formed in that setting are the most precious relationships I have. It’s a place where I have found acceptance. It’s also where I have found purpose and even where I found my husband 🙂 I have a Community in my local church.

Finding a church can be challenging, as every church is unique, so it is really important to know what you are looking for. When we made our move to Florida, it was the first time in my life I have had to search for a new church. In the past, we have moved in order to be at a particular church. It was a new experience for me. We tried several before we found a place we now call home. Here are a few aspects that were important to me and my husband (in no particular order).

• The people are welcoming and friendly. Believe it or not, some churches are not that friendly. They make you feel like an outsider and make it difficult to fit in. That is not my kind of church.
• The church is a worshipping and praying church. I have come to realize it isn’t so important the style of the songs that are sung but it is important that the music lifts up the name of Jesus and focuses on Him. We all have our preferences but don’t let those make you overlook the fact that they can change and you might even begin to like something you didn’t think you would. 🙂
• The messages that are being preached are encouraging and yet challenging and are from the Bible. I don’t want a church where the pastor speaks messages from Readers Digest. I want a church where the messages are from the Bible and full of truth and grace. I know I am a sinner but I also know there is hope for me and I need to know how to live this Christian life with effectivess and grace.
• Community is very important. I think the last few years have shown me and my family how important it is to find a community of like minded people who live locally. People who believe like you and whose values in life are the same as yours. The local church is a place to find that.

We have finally found a church we love. We hate to miss a Sunday. We know we will hear the gospel and participate in worship that brings people into the presence of Jesus. It is so encouraging to be greeted every Sunday by friendly, loving people. We feel connected and have found community and that is very important at any age.

Church isn’t only for weddings and funerals. It can be your lifeline!

Oh yes, I wanted to say a big welcome to all my new subscribers. I pray you will find encouragement to live whatever season of life you find yourself. I enjoy your comments of encouragemnt.