Church

So I joined the church today - although I was baptized at 17, this is the first time I've ever officially been a member of an official church. It was kind of a last-minute decision (literally - I made up my mind and called the pastor at noon on Friday, just as the bulletins were going to press - but got my name in the program) and wrote my confession of faith at 10 p.m. on Saturday night. Here it is:

When I was five years old, an older friend led me in a prayer to ask Jesus into my heart. When I was fourteen, I recommitted my life to Christ and I was baptized at seventeen by a visiting minister at the mission in Peru where we lived. I understood then that as I continued to grow up, I needed to periodically reorient my spiritual life along with my growing understanding and knowledge. In college I found myself working through a number of questions and doubts as my simple understanding of God and life and faith was continually challenged. As a young adult I felt strong and secure in a deepening spiritual life.

About 12 years ago, a series of painful tragedies in the lives of my loved ones derailed that sense of security, and for a long time I have felt adrift and without anchor as my beliefs were pared down to a bare core. Today, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and freedom in my faith. I am prepared to affirm the doctrines of this fellowship, and to commit to walking in the light with you all as together we seek to know God more fully, and to live out his love and justice in this world.

It's kind of funny, since I've been attending this church now for almost 10 years, ever since we moved to the Valley, and have served on I think 3 different committees. I was worship leader one time and helped serve Communion once as well. Terry has been a member since high school, and Valerie was dedicated here when she was 3 months old. We're planning to dedicate the new baby here before we leave for Albania (oh, I haven't posted about that yet, have I? I'll have to do that soon). I didn't want to be the only person in my family who didn't formally "belong" I guess!

There was a nice potluck after the service and all the new members (8 of us) got a potted plant and didn't have to bring anything, which was nice :-).