This exercise was EXTREMELY easy for me. Barely 2 years ago I did know nothing about Jesus or the bible, had never been to a church for more than an occasional visit, and visited Heartland for the very first time.
What was my experience like?
I remember that Shirley Farmwald opened the door for me, and that Mary Strawsma was the first person to greet me. She took me right over to the welcome information and made sure that I knew where the resources were that I needed. I remember being REALLY nervous because the night before I had a lifechanging dream that I knew that I needed the Lord in my life. I also remember looking at the beautiful church and knowing that I was "home". I had visited HCC one other time, but hadn't been back until that day.
What's comfortable?
The physical building is comfortable. The colors are warm and inviting. The chairs are more inviting than a traditional pew and the gathering area is perfect for fellowship. Also, and most importantly, the people are good and inviting. I think our members do a great job of making people feel welcome and I hope that I make people feel as welcome as others do me.
What is uncomfortable?
My personality doesn't lend itself to feeling uncomfortable in very many situations. I have such an outgoing personality and am not easily intimidated; therefore, not too many things make me uncomfortable. I would have to say that if I were uncomfortable at all at HCC it would be when I first started with the worship team. I wasn't aware of what was expected of me with being part of a group at church and being the "newest" made me a little out of place. Other than that, I can't think of anything that makes me uncomfortable.
What makes no sense?
The main thing that comes to mind when this question is asked, is that I don't understand why Sunday school stops in the summer. I realize that people are busy and usually even more so in the summer; however, I guess I feel that learning more about the "Word" is important all year long.....not just when regular school is in session. I understand that this question is to be from the "new" person's point of view, but I had to throw that in......now to answer the question as a newby.....What makes no sense? Well, I'm visiting on a Sunday in July and there's no Sunday school after the service???? That just makes no sense to me!
How does it change my perspective when it comes to HCC and the hospitality?
Well, I wonder how I can learn more about HIM without an organized class. I am trying to figure out a way to teach myself and am trying to make it a priority to find the right people at the church to help me. As far as hospitality is concerned I don't think it effects it much because everyone is so inviting, but it is a little harder for new Christians to get the answers they are looking for in the Lord.
Now, I am going to visit a different church when I get the chance; however, HCC is still so new to me that I am not sure right now how visiting another church will affect me and my thoughts about HCC.
God Bless everyone and let me know what you think.
Welcome
Hello, and welcome to Study His Holy Word.
This blog site has been active for quite some time now, but truly was not successful the first time around. Therefore, I am trying it again, with a special group of people that are involved in the "40 Days of Prayer" Series at my church. I am recommending that the individuals in my group use this blog site to reflect upon our daily exercises, have discussions regarding each day's lesson and just share any thoughts or feelings you may have. I think this will be a wonderful way to share our information and who knows......maybe we will get some "outsiders" to join in as well. Anyway, I will post on here EVERY day what my thoughts and feelings are about the exercise, so feel free to comment all you want. I hope we find this to be a very valuable tool.
"And all God's people say.....AMEN!"
This blog site has been active for quite some time now, but truly was not successful the first time around. Therefore, I am trying it again, with a special group of people that are involved in the "40 Days of Prayer" Series at my church. I am recommending that the individuals in my group use this blog site to reflect upon our daily exercises, have discussions regarding each day's lesson and just share any thoughts or feelings you may have. I think this will be a wonderful way to share our information and who knows......maybe we will get some "outsiders" to join in as well. Anyway, I will post on here EVERY day what my thoughts and feelings are about the exercise, so feel free to comment all you want. I hope we find this to be a very valuable tool.
"And all God's people say.....AMEN!"
The girls had been asking for quite some time why we didn't attend church. I had no good answer for them. I was raised Catholic and Dan wasn't. We just never made going to church a priority. We watched the new building go up and agreed that we would visit when it was finished.
ReplyDeleteI believe it was June of 2009 when Jenna and I visited HCC for the first time. Dan and Lauren didn't know we were going. Jenna and I are the early risers in the family. What I remember the most about entering the church was how beautiful the sun was shining through the windows. It was warm and cheerful. Shirley greeted us (I think) and we sat down in back. After the service, several people said hello and then we left.
I remember being amazed at how comfortable the chairs were and wondered where the kneeling bench was. I was also surprised/confused that there was no communion served. There weren't very many people in attendance and I remember feeling like a new student entering a new school half way through the year. Almost like the lessons had been taught and the exciting things had already been experienced and everyone was on "summer vacation". Jenna asked if we could return again with Dan and Lauren but it wasn't until that winter that we gave it another try.
Jenna and I had actually "sampled" other churches that summer. One of the churches was the church Dan and I were married in. Each time, I remember the buildings being dark, not very welcoming. Someome approached us to ask us if we were new and shook our hand but after that no one spoke to us.
I liked the friendliness and the warmness and the sincerity of HCC. Everyone was welcoming but I didn't feel "ganged up on".