Sundays

We have started attending a Lutheran church in our city. Recommended by friends. We all enjoy it. A contemporary service with upbeat, sing-along-able Christian music. Communion every other week (which we don't participate in 'cuz we aren't officially members of the church, yet). The boys enjoy it and attend service with us.

I like that the boys 'need' faith and are seeking it out. They suggested we start attending - they have attended with their friends on Sundays after sleepovers. The church is very welcoming and we feel very lucky to have found it. It is traditional without being stifling or stuffy. I don't feel compelled to wear a dress. I do 'dress up' a bit - but the boys wear what they choose - jeans and collared shirts are completely fine and they fit right in with all the other kids in attendance. Jim doesn't have to (nor does he) wear a tie. It's comfortable. And not too, too long. The service itself last just slightly over an hour. Like a Catholic mass. Short and sweet. We enjoy the sermons and both Jim and I have commented to each other how we listen and we 'get it'. Not like when you're a kid and going and you can't really understand it - possibly 'cuz you don't have a lot of life experience to relate the preaching to. But now, we listen and we get it. And we always leave feeling a bit more 'connected' to life and each other and faith.

We haven't been lately since we've been out of town so much after Dad's death. But we're all hoping to go this weekend - we're looking forward to it, even. Personally, I think the kids are most looking forward to the donuts and mochas after the service in the social hall. But I think they also look forward to some quiet time to contemplate God and life and faith. And I look forward to all four of us at the same place at the same time, which doesn't happen a lot lately.