The Road

Unless you just want to dig the Beatles again, the first 20 seconds or so will suffice

I don't really consider myself a religious person. I have faith in God and He answers my prayers often, but I see people who are, and I know the difference. I don't mean the constantly-talking about it, always-pushing it, loudly-proclaiming it type. I mean the ones who quietly just live it. They don't judge people (at least to others), they try very hard not to be negative about others, they seem to be very supportive of people, even strangers (yes, I have a couple of people in mind that I'm using as models for this bit). I want to be like that. It doesn't come naturally to me. That's why I'm thankful that I've found the church we go to now. Arlington United Methodist Church

I'll tell one story that illustrates the people at this church. Several years ago, we suddenly decided to start going back to church  (the reason is my secret, I promised God I wouldn't tell). So that Sunday we just showed up there at Arlington again after an absence of several years (I really don't know how many, 5 or 6 I think). The Associate Pastor welcomed us back from the pulpit before the service (I didn't even know she knew us), and Monica was back up there in the choir. But the point of this story: at one point during the service, an elderly lady I didn't know (or at least didn't remember) turned around and said "It's so nice to have your family back again." And that attitude is still the biggest asset this small congregation has. THERE ARE NO STRANGERS.

We've recently been working hard to start a new worship service at Arlington. We want it to appeal to people who have, for some reason, been turned off by church. Maybe they don't have time to get all dressed up. Maybe Sunday morning doesn't work for them. Maybe they don't like the "Please Stand" "Please be seated" "Please Stand" regimen of traditional services. Whatever. You've seen me post about it on Facebook. I went to the first organizational meeting for this thing back last year because I had done something similar 40 years ago (!) and thought that maybe I could help. What it's done is get me to thinking about where I stand and what I believe and such. To me, a worship service is a personal experience. It exists to provide you with a framework to lead you to a relationship with God. A road to follow, if you will.

So I would recommend The Road if you're curious. Sunday nights, simple supper at 5PM (simple but GOOD and filling), casual worship service begins about 5:45 and runs about an hour. Come as you are, childcare provided, no pressure.