A Curious Girl: Update on churchy things

Hi folks!

Work is going well. I now have a clue of what I'm doing, which is nice. I even have a couple of friends now :) Aaand the church hunting continues, I went to two yesterday. In the morning I went to the hi-tech large charismatic type of church. It was a bit of a weird service because three babies were being dedicated (like a christening, but without the water) so there wasn't a proper sermon. Felt like such a 'conservative' afterwards (for some reason, this is the term people use to mean someone who places importance on the Bible. It usually seems to be people who place a lot of importance on controversial topics, eg. not allowing homosexuality, rather than people who are obsessed with loving their enemies and giving up all their possessions and helping the poor). Apparently they usually do have a sermon, so I'll go back next week to find out what they're like. They also have small groups and seem to have community action projects and things going on (the woman I spoke to about it seemed impressed that I asked) and they have good music and a good welcoming team. Afterwards I went to a shared meal that was a long way out of town, but was nice, and I met some people there. I seem to keep meeting teachers these days, and asking them if they'd recommend being a teacher. The current score is this:

No - 5

Yes - 1

Depends - 1

Don't know - 1 (was a student teacher who hadn't properly started work)

Hehe.

I'm rereading the gospels at the moment. At Soul in the City someone had a 'word' for me that I should build my foundations in rock. I was confused when she said it at first but I realised that moving here means that I had to start afresh and I should do so with God rather than without him. Then at yet another church a couple of weeks ago I realised that the full passage is "Jesus said, 'He who hears my words and obeys them is like the wise man who builds his house upon the rock' ". And I found it amazing that it hadn't occurred to me before. I've been so frustrated picking through obscure epistles in various churches and finally figured that the best thing to do was to read the Bible myself! Back to basics, and all that. Jesus is so great at rebuking stupid people and bigots. It makes me happy :)

I do feel like for the first time in ages that I'm actually a 'proper' Christian. When I was going through doubts I was embarrassed to say I was a Christian, not because I thought people would laugh at me, but because it probably would have been better off for the reputation of Christianity if I kept quiet about it. Actually, God accepts anyone who's available, even people struggling over doubts or guilt or people who don't think they can do anything, because we're still his children and it doesn't really matter how good we are, just how good he is. I'm sure once I realise this I really will be a proper Christian! :) There was a time on the last day of Soul in the City when they offer prayer for anyone who was afraid of going back home and failing. I felt astonishingly embarrassed that I'd had to go up for prayer nearly ever single day, but just knew God wouldn't let me get away with that one. What was most amazing was that there were so many people who felt as I felt - I realised that I'm actually not alone, and not the only one who's ever felt like a failure. And the thing is, God loves me sooo much, and when he wants me to give up things it's only because he's got better things prepared for me. This is not the same as someone I heard of who sent money to a poor relative in the fervent belief that God would give him more money. It's more in the sense that we will realise we don't actually need material things to cling to.

I read a highly curious book on Saturday called "The Gospel according to Larry". 'Larry' owns only 75 possessions and will only buy something if he is selling or trading another item. Possessions frustrate me. They make me feel safe, but weak. I really envied Larry (who, part way through the book, abandoned sixty two of his possessions with barely a second thought). Last night I wrote a lovely long list of many the things that I actually don't need, and then wondered why I have a room full of this junk. And why I have a room.

Yesterday evening I went along to an Anglican church. After the morning, the small service with its quiet, reflective atmosphere, was a welcome change, and there was a sermon! Yay! Based on a Gospel passage! Double Yay! Usually I hate creeds and reciting things and I'm not too fond of ye olde hymns, but the hymns were good and the creed and magnificat suddenly seemed like the most wonderful and true statements. Hurrah. Afterwards I met some of the congregation, who were all nice, and heard a little bit about what they do as a church. They seem to have quite a lot of social action. I'm pleased, because I really can't understand why the church seems to think that loving non Christians (and people in general) is an optional extra.

I chatted to Christina last night. I love my best friend :)

Keith left on Friday. We'd met up a few times for dinner so I think I'll miss his lovely cooking... oh, and him, of course :)

In other news, green tea is good. Drink green tea.

I wish my next-door lodger would be in a bit more. I tidied my bedroom so I could ask her in for tea. I even bought milk despite the fact that I've been drinking nothing but green tea (which doesn't need milk). She's really nice but she's always out and my house is so quiet (especially since the landlord's away).

I've been wondering whether I should get a modem. I get paid on Friday (woohoo!) and I had planned on getting one right away, but now I'm wondering if I should wait another month and see how I do on real pay. I also want to be responsible with my money!

Mum, in Mau (or Mao, or Mou or whatever!) ideally one person knows the rules and no one else does. The aim is to get rid of your cards but you get a new card every time you fail to follow the rules. It's rather like twos and fours in a fascist dictatorship. Once you've worked out the rules, whoever wins a game can add a new rule to the next round. It's fun :)

Anyway, *hugs* everyone. Hope you're all ok.

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