I’m thankful for my church!

I love my church. It’s a small congregation compared to the church I grew up in, and I think it’s the perfect size. The people are so friendly and welcoming.

For instance, this past Sunday after Sunday School, some sweet little old lady  tip-toed into our classroom. She told us, in an adorable accent, that if any of us didn’t have a place to stay over Thanksgiving, she and her husband were more than happy to welcome us into their home.We have a good sized college group (on Sundays there are about 15 or so of us, and we also have a thriving Thursday night Bible study). The college group bonded and grew closer together when we went on our retreat.

I also love my Sunday School teachers. I actually knew them when I was younger, as their son and I took piano from the same teacher. The wife checks role every Sunday before class starts, and she has trouble with the names of some of the new students (and I can’t blame her; sometimes there are nine freshmen girls present, and it can be hard for me to keep all of our names straight!).

Once she finishes taking role, the husband teaches the lesson. For the past few months we’ve been learning about the prophecies in the Bible and connecting them to Jesus’ fulfillment. Currently, we’re studying the prophecies about the end times. 

Every Sunday, we have donuts and kolaches– Awesome! A few weeks ago the teachers made us breakfast burritos, which was very kind of them.

The “Big Church” service is wonderful. It starts off with announcements and then we move into a time of singing. We sing about 5 songs, and then take the offering. Then our pastor preaches for the bulk of the service (which is wonderful). Lastly, we have an invitation/alter call.

The children’s ministry at my church is very awesome. As I’ve mentioned in a few of my Owls, I help with the Wednesday night children’s program. I lead the first and second graders. They are adorable, but they can also be hyper and out of control. This past Wednesday there were nine in my class. Nine. It was slightly overwhelming, but mainly I was amazed that so many of them showed up.

A month and a half ago, I officially joined this church. If you would have told me in August that I would be switching churches and leaving the church I grew up in, I would have said you were crazy. I was planning on attending a different church during collage, but I never dreamed I would join one.

The thing is, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. I know that God wants me at this church. I feel at home there and greatly at peace. I love my old church very much, and hold this church just as close to my heart.

I’ve realized since going to college, however, that all churches are on the same team; they all want to exalt the Savior, equip the saints, and evangelize the sinners.

According to my Introduction to Christian Ministries professor, “a church is a God-called fellowship of believers who believe in Jesus and are on mission for him.” So when I left my childhood church and came to a new one, I didn’t abandon one church family for another, but rather I met new people who already belonged to God’s family.

I’m so thankful for my church- the “big c” Church of all believers of God, and my “little c” church made up of local believers who gather in one particular area.

I’m thankful for the people I’ve met as a result of going to this new church. I’m thankful for the people I’ve grown up with at my old church.

I’m thankful that I have opportunities to learn about Jesus and grow closer to him.

I’m thankful that I can serve Jesus and worship him through serving. I’m thankful I can tell people about him.

I’m thankful for Jesus, and that he died for my sins and saved my life. I’m thankful that I will spend eternity with him.

And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25